University of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321Investigating the correlation of heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Pb, Co, Cd) and PM10 suspended particles in dust and assessing their health risk in Zabol cityInvestigating the correlation of heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Pb, Co, Cd) and PM10 suspended particles in dust and assessing their health risk in Zabol city122813710.22111/jneh.2024.47416.2010FAMohsenFarahiPhD. student of desert management and control, Faculty of Pasture and Watershed Management, Gorgan, IranAliMohammadian BehbahaniAssistant Professor, Department of Desert Management, Faculty of Pasture and Watershed Management, Gorgan, IranHamid RezaAsgariAssociate Professor Department of Desert Management, Faculty of Pasture and Watershed Management, Gorgan, IranRezaDahmardeh BehroozAssistant Professor, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, Zabol, IranDimitris. G.KaskaoutisAssistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, GreeceJournal Article20231209Particles in suspension represent one of the most significant pathways through which humans encounter various environmental pollutants, particularly heavy metals. This study aims to investigate the correlation between heavy elements Co, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Pb and PM<sub>10</sub> particles, as well as to assess their health risks in the city of Zabol. In this research, 60 dust samples were collected using TCR sampling devices during dust storms and winds over 120 days from late April to mid-September in Zabol. Subsequently, five elements, namely chromium, zinc, lead, cobalt, and cadmium, were analyzed using ICP-OES. Pearson correlation test was employed to examine the correlation between heavy metal concentrations in dust and the PM<sub>10</sub> particle concentrations. The statistical analysis results revealed a significant correlation between chromium and PM<sub>10</sub> concentration. The average concentration of PM<sub>10</sub> particles in Zabol shows the critical situation of this city. Furthermore, the average Ecological Risk Index (ER) for the studied heavy metals in dust samples followed the order Zn> Pb > Cd > Cr and showed a decreasing trend. On the one hand, the highest and lowest levels of non-carcinogenic risk for all heavy metals were obtained in the children age group, with values of 1.14×10<sup>-2</sup> (mg/kg) and 8.25×10<sup>-16</sup> (mg/kg), respectively. In the adult age group, the highest and lowest levels were found to be 1.23×10<sup>-3</sup> and 3.42×10<sup>-15</sup> (mg/kg) for cadmium and chromium, respectively. The average concentration of heavy metals in the dust indicated that Zabol is contaminated with heavy metals. This metal concentration can be attributed to various factors, including the extraction and transport of elements from the Hamoun dry marsh, the dispersion of PM<sub>10</sub> particles by 120-day winds from northern and northeastern regions or higher latitudes, industrial activities, urban traffic, and population densityParticles in suspension represent one of the most significant pathways through which humans encounter various environmental pollutants, particularly heavy metals. This study aims to investigate the correlation between heavy elements Co, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Pb and PM<sub>10</sub> particles, as well as to assess their health risks in the city of Zabol. In this research, 60 dust samples were collected using TCR sampling devices during dust storms and winds over 120 days from late April to mid-September in Zabol. Subsequently, five elements, namely chromium, zinc, lead, cobalt, and cadmium, were analyzed using ICP-OES. Pearson correlation test was employed to examine the correlation between heavy metal concentrations in dust and the PM<sub>10</sub> particle concentrations. The statistical analysis results revealed a significant correlation between chromium and PM<sub>10</sub> concentration. The average concentration of PM<sub>10</sub> particles in Zabol shows the critical situation of this city. Furthermore, the average Ecological Risk Index (ER) for the studied heavy metals in dust samples followed the order Zn> Pb > Cd > Cr and showed a decreasing trend. On the one hand, the highest and lowest levels of non-carcinogenic risk for all heavy metals were obtained in the children age group, with values of 1.14×10<sup>-2</sup> (mg/kg) and 8.25×10<sup>-16</sup> (mg/kg), respectively. In the adult age group, the highest and lowest levels were found to be 1.23×10<sup>-3</sup> and 3.42×10<sup>-15</sup> (mg/kg) for cadmium and chromium, respectively. The average concentration of heavy metals in the dust indicated that Zabol is contaminated with heavy metals. This metal concentration can be attributed to various factors, including the extraction and transport of elements from the Hamoun dry marsh, the dispersion of PM<sub>10</sub> particles by 120-day winds from northern and northeastern regions or higher latitudes, industrial activities, urban traffic, and population densityhttps://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_8137_65f90359b308608784b7808fc54a2b50.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321Habitat Risk Assessment of the Persian Leopard in Golestan National Park Using InVEST ModelHabitat Risk Assessment of the Persian Leopard in Golestan National Park Using InVEST Model2344913910.22111/jneh.2025.50586.2090FASedigheAbdollahiPostdoctoral fellow, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, IranMaryamMorovatiAssociate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences & Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ardakan University, P.O. Box 184, Ardakan, Iran &
Water, Energy and Environment Research Institute, Ardakan University, P.O.Box184, Ardakan, IranJournal Article20241223The Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) is a key carnivore species in Iran's ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This species faces numerous threats, including habitat destruction, poaching, declining natural prey populations, and pressure from human development. Golestan National Park, one of the leopard's key habitats, has recently been affected by human activities such as the expansion of agricultural lands, increased livestock grazing, road construction, and the growth of nearby villages. This study aims to identify and analyze sensitive habitat areas for the Persian leopard in Golestan National Park and to examine the impact of human factors on its habitat using the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model. In this research, four major human-induced threats were identified: agricultural lands, proximity to villages, livestock grazing, and roads. The results indicated that roads and access routes have the most significant negative impact on leopard habitats, with a cumulative risk percentage of 15.8% and a high consequence score (2.26). These factors are considered a major cause of habitat fragmentation, breaking up continuous habitats into isolated patches and limiting the safe movement of leopards. Furthermore, excessive livestock grazing, with a risk percentage of 12.56%, leads to vegetation degradation and reduces the food sources for the leopard’s natural prey, such as wild goats and sheep. Agricultural lands, through the destruction of natural habitats and increasing human-wildlife interaction, have serious consequences for the habitat. Meanwhile, village proximity, with a 6.41% risk, escalates human-wildlife conflicts and increases the likelihood of leopards being killed by local communities in defence of their livestock. The results of this study not only emphasize the importance of preserving natural habitats but also provide a solid foundation for developing effective management strategies and planning for the conservation of endangered species.The Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) is a key carnivore species in Iran's ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This species faces numerous threats, including habitat destruction, poaching, declining natural prey populations, and pressure from human development. Golestan National Park, one of the leopard's key habitats, has recently been affected by human activities such as the expansion of agricultural lands, increased livestock grazing, road construction, and the growth of nearby villages. This study aims to identify and analyze sensitive habitat areas for the Persian leopard in Golestan National Park and to examine the impact of human factors on its habitat using the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) model. In this research, four major human-induced threats were identified: agricultural lands, proximity to villages, livestock grazing, and roads. The results indicated that roads and access routes have the most significant negative impact on leopard habitats, with a cumulative risk percentage of 15.8% and a high consequence score (2.26). These factors are considered a major cause of habitat fragmentation, breaking up continuous habitats into isolated patches and limiting the safe movement of leopards. Furthermore, excessive livestock grazing, with a risk percentage of 12.56%, leads to vegetation degradation and reduces the food sources for the leopard’s natural prey, such as wild goats and sheep. Agricultural lands, through the destruction of natural habitats and increasing human-wildlife interaction, have serious consequences for the habitat. Meanwhile, village proximity, with a 6.41% risk, escalates human-wildlife conflicts and increases the likelihood of leopards being killed by local communities in defence of their livestock. The results of this study not only emphasize the importance of preserving natural habitats but also provide a solid foundation for developing effective management strategies and planning for the conservation of endangered species.https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9139_5faabc790ff104ec579521bc5d5e0dda.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321Meta-analysis of studies on resilience to flood risk in Iran and the worldMeta-analysis of studies on resilience to flood risk in Iran and the world4572910410.22111/jneh.2025.50593.2092FAMahdiehFarvardinMaster of Urban Planning, Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, IranZeinabAdeliAssistant Professor of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, IranMalihehBababkhaniAssistant Professor of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, IranJournal Article20241223Research on resilience has been underway for more than three decades but has not yet been widely implemented in various fields. Disagreements in defining resilience arise from differences in perspectives on ecological and social systems and methodological methods. The present study attempts to take a step towards clarifying the dimensions of this concept, criteria, approach, scale of intervention and its applications against flood risk by meta-analyzing and systematically formulating the studies that have been conducted so far in this field. In this regard, a database of studies was formed and finally249articles were selected and analyzed by screening them. The structure of the articles, including methodology, proposed criteria, scale of study and models used in them, was analyzed, so that through this, the studies could be categorized and the differences and similarities between the studies conducted in the world and Iran could be determined. The results show that: Regarding the scale of research, in Iranian studies, the city scale(28 percent)and the village scale(19 percent)have accounted for the largest volume of studies, and in world studies, the scale of the urban river basin (30 percent)has accounted for the largest volume of studies. In the methodology related to flood resilience articles, all three quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches were observed. The difference is that in the methodology of Iranian studies(66 percent), most of the studies conducted were conducted with a quantitative method and in world studies, the qualitative method (46 percent). According to the searches conducted, studies on flood resilience in the world have been conducted in connection with other approaches such as smart management, provision of welfare facilities, urban infrastructure planning, green infrastructure, and social and economic issues. However, in Iran, most of these studies have focused on improving the resilience of residents in line with natural hazard risk management. The policies and issues raised therein are constantly being reviewed and evaluated, but issues such as air quality, smart management, welfare facilities, and biodiversity have not yet been addressed. This demonstrates the importance of increasing research on flood resilience in other areas of Iran.Research on resilience has been underway for more than three decades but has not yet been widely implemented in various fields. Disagreements in defining resilience arise from differences in perspectives on ecological and social systems and methodological methods. The present study attempts to take a step towards clarifying the dimensions of this concept, criteria, approach, scale of intervention and its applications against flood risk by meta-analyzing and systematically formulating the studies that have been conducted so far in this field. In this regard, a database of studies was formed and finally249articles were selected and analyzed by screening them. The structure of the articles, including methodology, proposed criteria, scale of study and models used in them, was analyzed, so that through this, the studies could be categorized and the differences and similarities between the studies conducted in the world and Iran could be determined. The results show that: Regarding the scale of research, in Iranian studies, the city scale(28 percent)and the village scale(19 percent)have accounted for the largest volume of studies, and in world studies, the scale of the urban river basin (30 percent)has accounted for the largest volume of studies. In the methodology related to flood resilience articles, all three quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches were observed. The difference is that in the methodology of Iranian studies(66 percent), most of the studies conducted were conducted with a quantitative method and in world studies, the qualitative method (46 percent). According to the searches conducted, studies on flood resilience in the world have been conducted in connection with other approaches such as smart management, provision of welfare facilities, urban infrastructure planning, green infrastructure, and social and economic issues. However, in Iran, most of these studies have focused on improving the resilience of residents in line with natural hazard risk management. The policies and issues raised therein are constantly being reviewed and evaluated, but issues such as air quality, smart management, welfare facilities, and biodiversity have not yet been addressed. This demonstrates the importance of increasing research on flood resilience in other areas of Iran.https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9104_ccd3a816e93f8b2f2e84a343d5860e49.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321Using Numerical Modeling to Evaluate the Potential of Groundwater Pollution Resulting from Artificial Recharge with Treated WastewaterUsing Numerical Modeling to Evaluate the Potential of Groundwater Pollution Resulting from Artificial Recharge with Treated Wastewater7390917310.22111/jneh.2025.50877.2097FAVahabAmiriAssociate Professor of Hydrogeology, Department of Geology, Yazd University, IranNassimSohrabiPhD in Hydrogeology, Yazd Regional Water Authority, IranJournal Article20250120Drought, overexploitation of groundwater resources, and a lack of proper management of water resources have caused irreparable damage to groundwater resources. Therefore, appropriate management decisions to compensate for the reduction in groundwater storage are inevitable. In recent years, the use of treated wastewater for the artificial recharge of aquifers has been considered. In this study, the simulation of groundwater resources of the Damaneh-Daran aquifer using the MODFLOW model and the modeling of artificial recharge using treated wastewater using the MT3DMS and MODPATH tools were considered. Several locations with different single-, dual-, and pond scenarios for implementing artificial recharge were evaluated based on the lowest cost, the closest distance to the treatment plant, the farthest distance from residential areas and drinking and agricultural wells, and the distance from the input of quality streams recharging the aquifer in the northern and northwestern parts of the region. The results of the simulation of the pollution spread pattern using the MODPATH model show that regardless of the injection site, the treated wastewater flow can contaminate significant parts of the water resources in its path because of the topographic conditions of the area, general groundwater flow path, and hydraulic had caused by artificial recharge at the injection sites. The results of the artificial recharge model using the single- and dual-well models show that the pollutant movement is towards the southwest of the aquifer. In addition, up to 15 years after the start of the leak, the maximum pollutant movement reached approximately 1850 m from the injection site. The results of the MT3DMS model also show that after 500, 5000, 10000, and 14000 days from the start of the leak, 5, 15, 20, and 26 production wells were affected by the pollution plume, respectively.Drought, overexploitation of groundwater resources, and a lack of proper management of water resources have caused irreparable damage to groundwater resources. Therefore, appropriate management decisions to compensate for the reduction in groundwater storage are inevitable. In recent years, the use of treated wastewater for the artificial recharge of aquifers has been considered. In this study, the simulation of groundwater resources of the Damaneh-Daran aquifer using the MODFLOW model and the modeling of artificial recharge using treated wastewater using the MT3DMS and MODPATH tools were considered. Several locations with different single-, dual-, and pond scenarios for implementing artificial recharge were evaluated based on the lowest cost, the closest distance to the treatment plant, the farthest distance from residential areas and drinking and agricultural wells, and the distance from the input of quality streams recharging the aquifer in the northern and northwestern parts of the region. The results of the simulation of the pollution spread pattern using the MODPATH model show that regardless of the injection site, the treated wastewater flow can contaminate significant parts of the water resources in its path because of the topographic conditions of the area, general groundwater flow path, and hydraulic had caused by artificial recharge at the injection sites. The results of the artificial recharge model using the single- and dual-well models show that the pollutant movement is towards the southwest of the aquifer. In addition, up to 15 years after the start of the leak, the maximum pollutant movement reached approximately 1850 m from the injection site. The results of the MT3DMS model also show that after 500, 5000, 10000, and 14000 days from the start of the leak, 5, 15, 20, and 26 production wells were affected by the pollution plume, respectively.https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9173_2d0d365a4dc4a44dce4da287af374154.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321Assessment of the Socio-Environmental Effects of the Wet Waste Processing Station Using Simpson's Representation Matrices and Rapid AssessmentAssessment of the Socio-Environmental Effects of the Wet Waste Processing Station Using Simpson's Representation Matrices and Rapid Assessment91116948710.22111/jneh.2025.50905.2099FAEhsanKhaliliMaster's Graduate, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranMohammadsaberBaghkhanipourPhD. Graduate, Department of Planning and Designing the Environment, Environmental Sciences Research Institute (ESRI), Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, IranSeyed HosseinHosseiniMSc. Student, Department of Education, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranFarzadMehrjoAssistant Professor, Department of Water Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Kashmar Higher Education Institute, Kashmar, IranJournal Article20250124Waste management resulting from human activities and its socio-environmental effects has been a worldwide challenge in recent years. One of the options for processing wet waste is the compost production from it, which has had positive and negative economic, environmental, and social consequences. This study aimed to determine the social and environmental effects of the Pahneh-e-Jahad compost station in District 19 of Tehran Municipality and the corrective measures to mitigate its negative effects using the rapid impact assessment matrix along with the Simpson impact representation method. To collect information, interviews, document studies, and field visits were used. Then, the identified socio-environmental effects were examined qualitatively using the Simpson representation matrix method and quantitatively using the rapid assessment matrix method. Results of the evaluation of the categories in physical-chemical components were -293, socio-cultural 181, biological-ecological -24, and economic and operational +200. Among the matrix impact categories, the most positive outcomes were economic-operational effects, and the most negative and destructive outcomes were physical-chemical effects. Based on the rapid assessment matrix, the overall station score was -298. Based on the results of the RIAM matrix and scoping, the negative effects of the station prevail over its positive effects. This means that the existence of the studied station under current conditions has had destructive effects on the environment and local community. The compost station is not environmentally sustainable and will ultimately lead to social problems. Therefore, the continuation of the study station is socio-environmental unacceptable and will result in destructive environmental and social damage in the not-so-distant future. It is recommended to modify the waste management process by adopting an active aeration system equipped with a filtration unit to further minimise odour emissions. Additionally, relocating the station to a more suitable site, distant from residential and agricultural zones, is advised to mitigate potential environmental and social impacts.Waste management resulting from human activities and its socio-environmental effects has been a worldwide challenge in recent years. One of the options for processing wet waste is the compost production from it, which has had positive and negative economic, environmental, and social consequences. This study aimed to determine the social and environmental effects of the Pahneh-e-Jahad compost station in District 19 of Tehran Municipality and the corrective measures to mitigate its negative effects using the rapid impact assessment matrix along with the Simpson impact representation method. To collect information, interviews, document studies, and field visits were used. Then, the identified socio-environmental effects were examined qualitatively using the Simpson representation matrix method and quantitatively using the rapid assessment matrix method. Results of the evaluation of the categories in physical-chemical components were -293, socio-cultural 181, biological-ecological -24, and economic and operational +200. Among the matrix impact categories, the most positive outcomes were economic-operational effects, and the most negative and destructive outcomes were physical-chemical effects. Based on the rapid assessment matrix, the overall station score was -298. Based on the results of the RIAM matrix and scoping, the negative effects of the station prevail over its positive effects. This means that the existence of the studied station under current conditions has had destructive effects on the environment and local community. The compost station is not environmentally sustainable and will ultimately lead to social problems. Therefore, the continuation of the study station is socio-environmental unacceptable and will result in destructive environmental and social damage in the not-so-distant future. It is recommended to modify the waste management process by adopting an active aeration system equipped with a filtration unit to further minimise odour emissions. Additionally, relocating the station to a more suitable site, distant from residential and agricultural zones, is advised to mitigate potential environmental and social impacts.https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9487_b1cb639ff36ef0e665459779448dedc5.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321The Impact of Extreme Temperature and Precipitation on Dust Storm Trends in Southeastern IranThe Impact of Extreme Temperature and Precipitation on Dust Storm Trends in Southeastern Iran117132907110.22111/jneh.2025.50917.2100FAMaedeNasryPhD in Desert Management and Control, Combat to Desertification Department, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, IranMohammadRahimiProfessor, Combat to Desertification Department, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, IranFereshtehTarighatM.Sc. in Remote Sensing, Iranian Space Research Institute, Tehran, IranHadiJaliliAssistant Professor, Iranian Space Research Institute, Tehran, IranAliakbarDamavandiAssistant Professor, Agricultural Education and Extension Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, IranJournal Article20250125This study investigated the impact of extreme temperature and precipitation indices on the trend of dusty days in southeastern Iran. Extreme temperature and precipitation indices were selected based on local requirements and climatic characteristics of the study region, resulting in a total of eight precipitation indices (Rx1, Rx5, SDII, R10mm, CDD, CWD, and PRCPTOT) and six temperature indices (SU25, TXx, TXn, TX90p, WSDI, and DTR). These indices were derived using daily temperature and precipitation data from stations in the research area over 21 years, from 2000 to 2020, processed using the RClimDex software. A multilayer perceptron neural network was employed to assess the influence and importance of these temperature and precipitation indices on the trend of dusty days in south-eastern Iran. Additionally, the Mann-Kendall test and linear regression were used to analyze the trends in the investigated variables. The results revealed a significant decrease in the pattern of dusty days at the Rudan, Saravan, Iranshahr, Zabol, Bandar Abbas, Bam, and Khash stations. Among these, Zabol and Bandar Abbas recorded the highest number of dusty days over the study period, with annual averages of 171 and 93 days, respectively. The perceptron neural network model indicated that the extreme precipitation indices CDD, R10, and R20, along with the extreme temperature indices SU25, DTR, and TXn, exhibited the strongest correlations with the trend in dust storm variations. These findings provide valuable insights for developing more precise planning and policymaking strategies for dust storm management and adaptation to climate change-related impacts.This study investigated the impact of extreme temperature and precipitation indices on the trend of dusty days in southeastern Iran. Extreme temperature and precipitation indices were selected based on local requirements and climatic characteristics of the study region, resulting in a total of eight precipitation indices (Rx1, Rx5, SDII, R10mm, CDD, CWD, and PRCPTOT) and six temperature indices (SU25, TXx, TXn, TX90p, WSDI, and DTR). These indices were derived using daily temperature and precipitation data from stations in the research area over 21 years, from 2000 to 2020, processed using the RClimDex software. A multilayer perceptron neural network was employed to assess the influence and importance of these temperature and precipitation indices on the trend of dusty days in south-eastern Iran. Additionally, the Mann-Kendall test and linear regression were used to analyze the trends in the investigated variables. The results revealed a significant decrease in the pattern of dusty days at the Rudan, Saravan, Iranshahr, Zabol, Bandar Abbas, Bam, and Khash stations. Among these, Zabol and Bandar Abbas recorded the highest number of dusty days over the study period, with annual averages of 171 and 93 days, respectively. The perceptron neural network model indicated that the extreme precipitation indices CDD, R10, and R20, along with the extreme temperature indices SU25, DTR, and TXn, exhibited the strongest correlations with the trend in dust storm variations. These findings provide valuable insights for developing more precise planning and policymaking strategies for dust storm management and adaptation to climate change-related impacts.https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9071_71b96acd93cbc2f489656f43914e466e.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321Analysis of the effects of human activities and wind characteristics on the morphological and dynamic state of ergs (Case Study: ergs of Sistan and Baluchestan Province)Analysis of the effects of human activities and wind characteristics on the morphological and dynamic state of ergs (Case Study: ergs of Sistan and Baluchestan Province)133154958210.22111/jneh.2025.51181.2104FAMehranMaghsoudiProfessor of Geomorphology, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranHamidGanjaeianPhD. Student of geomorphology, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250217Ergs are a collection of dunes of various shapes and sizes. One of the characteristics of dunes is their active dynamics, which are considered a serious threat to residential areas and human activities. Dunes in Sistan and Baluchestan provinces have high morphological diversity and are dynamically active, which is why this study examined their morphological and dynamic status. This research was based on remote sensing methods and statistical information. In this study, satellite images and statistical information related to the speed and direction of the winds in the region were used as the most important research data. ArcGIS and WRplot software were the most important research tools. In this study, the morphological and dynamic status of dunes was first examined, and then their relationship with the speed and direction of the winds of the region and human activities was analyzed. The results of this study have shown that of the total 1068 square kilometers of the Sistan Dune, about 60 percent of it is covered by simple crescent dunes, and given that the average movement of the dunes of this dune has been between 2 and 90 m (during the years 2005 to 2020), it is therefore dynamically active. In addition, the results of the analysis of the winds of the region have shown that the northern areas of the Sistan Dune have the highest average wind speed, but because the dunes have been fixed by human activities, they have had the least amount of movement, but the dunes of the southern areas have had more movement due to less vegetation cover and the absence of geomorphological barriers.Ergs are a collection of dunes of various shapes and sizes. One of the characteristics of dunes is their active dynamics, which are considered a serious threat to residential areas and human activities. Dunes in Sistan and Baluchestan provinces have high morphological diversity and are dynamically active, which is why this study examined their morphological and dynamic status. This research was based on remote sensing methods and statistical information. In this study, satellite images and statistical information related to the speed and direction of the winds in the region were used as the most important research data. ArcGIS and WRplot software were the most important research tools. In this study, the morphological and dynamic status of dunes was first examined, and then their relationship with the speed and direction of the winds of the region and human activities was analyzed. The results of this study have shown that of the total 1068 square kilometers of the Sistan Dune, about 60 percent of it is covered by simple crescent dunes, and given that the average movement of the dunes of this dune has been between 2 and 90 m (during the years 2005 to 2020), it is therefore dynamically active. In addition, the results of the analysis of the winds of the region have shown that the northern areas of the Sistan Dune have the highest average wind speed, but because the dunes have been fixed by human activities, they have had the least amount of movement, but the dunes of the southern areas have had more movement due to less vegetation cover and the absence of geomorphological barriers.https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9582_953ee0eaed8a8541700a8e9f8f6b03ac.pdfUniversity of Sistan and BaluchestanJournal of Natural Environmental Hazards2676-4377154720260321Evaluation of heavy metal concentrations in Otolithes ruber in Tis Pier and Bandar Abbas, and health risk assessment for the consumersEvaluation of heavy metal concentrations in Otolithes ruber in Tis Pier and Bandar Abbas, and health risk assessment for the consumers155180957510.22111/jneh.2025.52858.2129FAMortezaSamadanifarMSc student of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, IranMaliheMohammadiAssistant Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, IranMehdiGhanbarifardiAssociate Professor, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, IranSadeghMosazadehMSc. Central Laboratory Expert, General Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, Hormozgan Province, Bandar Abbas, IranJournal Article20250806Heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a major environmental concern due to the potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms and subsequent human exposure through seafood consumption. This study evaluated the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in liver and muscle tissues of Otolithes ruber collected from Chabahar (Tis Pier) and Bandar Abbas. Sixty fish samples (30 from each location) were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Metal concentrations were higher in Chabahar samples, with liver tissues showing greater accumulation than muscle. Mean Hg concentrations in Chabahar liver and muscle were 0.098 ± 0.026 and 0.097 ± 0.019 µg/g, respectively, compared to 0.045 ± 0.019 and 0.034 ± 0.012 µg/g in Bandar Abbas (p > 0.05). Pb levels in Chabahar liver and muscle (0.56 ± 0.27 and 0.48 ± 0.10 µg/g) were significantly higher than those in Bandar Abbas (0.041 ± 0.02 and 0.030 ± 0.01 µg/g; p < 0.05). Cd concentrations in Chabahar liver and muscle (0.80 ± 0.35 and 0.63 ± 0.12 µg/g) also exceeded those in Bandar Abbas (0.07 ± 0.03 and 0.05 ± 0.02 µg/g; p < 0.05). Zn concentrations in Chabahar liver and muscle were 97.90 ± 10.17 and 24.22 ± 7.04 µg/g, respectively. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values for all metals were below the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) thresholds. However, the mean Cd concentration in Chabahar muscle exceeded permissible limits set by FAO, WHO, and MAFF. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total THQ (TTHQ) values for all metals were below 1, indicating low non-carcinogenic risk. In contrast, the Cancer Risk (CR) value for Hg in Chabahar exceeded the acceptable threshold (>10⁻⁴), suggesting a potential carcinogenic risk from long-term consumption. Continuous environmental monitoring of aquatic organisms in Chabahar is recommended to mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure through seafood consumption.Heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a major environmental concern due to the potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms and subsequent human exposure through seafood consumption. This study evaluated the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in liver and muscle tissues of Otolithes ruber collected from Chabahar (Tis Pier) and Bandar Abbas. Sixty fish samples (30 from each location) were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Metal concentrations were higher in Chabahar samples, with liver tissues showing greater accumulation than muscle. Mean Hg concentrations in Chabahar liver and muscle were 0.098 ± 0.026 and 0.097 ± 0.019 µg/g, respectively, compared to 0.045 ± 0.019 and 0.034 ± 0.012 µg/g in Bandar Abbas (p > 0.05). Pb levels in Chabahar liver and muscle (0.56 ± 0.27 and 0.48 ± 0.10 µg/g) were significantly higher than those in Bandar Abbas (0.041 ± 0.02 and 0.030 ± 0.01 µg/g; p < 0.05). Cd concentrations in Chabahar liver and muscle (0.80 ± 0.35 and 0.63 ± 0.12 µg/g) also exceeded those in Bandar Abbas (0.07 ± 0.03 and 0.05 ± 0.02 µg/g; p < 0.05). Zn concentrations in Chabahar liver and muscle were 97.90 ± 10.17 and 24.22 ± 7.04 µg/g, respectively. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values for all metals were below the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) thresholds. However, the mean Cd concentration in Chabahar muscle exceeded permissible limits set by FAO, WHO, and MAFF. Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Total THQ (TTHQ) values for all metals were below 1, indicating low non-carcinogenic risk. In contrast, the Cancer Risk (CR) value for Hg in Chabahar exceeded the acceptable threshold (>10⁻⁴), suggesting a potential carcinogenic risk from long-term consumption. Continuous environmental monitoring of aquatic organisms in Chabahar is recommended to mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure through seafood consumption.https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9575_bafbd3ae17f2af582a30b1f9cf627462.pdf