Journal of Urban Environmental Management

Abstract This study was conducted to perform a life cycle environmental assessment of ethylene glycol production in Iran’s petrochemical industry. Using a quantitative and systematic life cycle assessment approach, it aimed to identify and quantify the environmental impacts associated with producing one tonne of ethylene glycol and to determine the key hotspots. The methodology was developed in accordance with the ISO 14040 series. The system boundary was defined as gate-to-gate, and the functional unit was set as “production of one tonne of ethylene glycol.” The results indicated that the environmental impact profile of ethylene glycol production is significantly influenced by utility units and supporting processes. In the global warming impact category, electricity generation—and subsequently steam generation—accounted for the largest share of CO₂-equivalent emissions, highlighting the dominant role of fossil fuel–based energy supply in shaping the product’s carbon footprint. In human health–related categories, including carcinogenic effects and inorganic and organic respiratory impacts, electricity generation was also identified as the primary hotspot, reflecting the substantial contribution of combustion-related emissions and associated pollutants. By contrast, in the non-carcinogenic category, the industrial water production unit was the dominant contributor, underscoring the importance of chemical consumption and management of water-related flows in health-oriented impacts. Overall, the findings confirm that improving the environmental performance of ethylene glycol production requires an integrated approach that simultaneously focuses on optimizing energy use (electricity and steam), reducing combustion emissions, enhancing water and wastewater management, and improving waste management.

Abstract This study analyzes and prioritizes urban livability indicators with an emphasis on social welfare, and proposes a comprehensive framework for evaluating urban quality of life. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model, 46 livability indicators across five main domains—security, health, economy, environment, and culture—were examined. The results show that urban security (0.073), public health and disease prevention (0.064), and access to religious sites (0.065) are among the most influential factors affecting social welfare. These indicators play a central role in meeting the basic needs of citizens and contribute to improving quality of life. In contrast, indicators such as waste management and recycling (0.006) and sustainable transportation policies (0.006) rank lower in priority but remain essential for long-term sustainable urban development. The findings also highlight implementation challenges related to improving high-priority indicators, including resource limitations, institutional misalignment, and insufficient public awareness. However, opportunities such as leveraging new technologies and encouraging private sector participation can help enhance livability indicators. In addition to confirming the close relationship between livability indicators and social welfare, this study provides practical tools for urban policy-making and sustainable development. Its findings assist urban policymakers in adopting a balanced approach that addresses both short-term needs and long-term goals, thereby promoting livability and social equity.

Abstract Urban waste management is one of the primary challenges faced by municipalities, especially in cities where informal flows play a significant role in the collection and recycling processes. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of the urban waste management system in Kerman by proposing a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) model that focuses on the convergence of formal and informal cycles and the development of recycling industries. In the proposed model, the addition of recycling units such as aluminum, PET, plastic, and nylon recycling, alongside municipal recycling booths, increases the system's flexibility and creates economic added value. Moreover, through financial incentives, such as issuing permits and associated discounts, the model allows for the integration of informal waste collectors into the formal cycle, leading to increased municipal revenue from recycling and improved oversight of the waste collection and disposal processes. The results indicate that this model not only reduces the municipality's waste management costs but also contributes to urban sustainability by increasing informal collectors' cooperation and enhancing monitoring. Furthermore, recycling industries, as a critical part of the waste management chain, have the potential to convert raw waste into higher-value industrial materials, thereby boosting the system's economic and environmental efficiency. This model can serve as a blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges. Consequently, the present study offers an innovative approach, making strides toward the improvement and sustainability of urban waste management, which can enhance the efficiency and mitigate the problems of traditional waste management systems in Iran.

Abstract Leachate from waste disposal is recognized as one of the primary sources of groundwater contamination. Therefore, improving the management of landfill sites is crucial for reducing and controlling environmental threats. This study focuses on modeling the dispersion of leachate in a landfill in the city of Isfahan using the finite element method, located 35 kilometers outside the city. The leachate is considered in this area with dimensions of 100 by 250 meters and a depth of 2 centimeters from the bottom. The transmission and spread of pollution across twenty sub-layers of soil have been modeled using Richards' equations and pollution transport equations in porous media. This research utilizes COMSOL software to merge different environments using two model equations, and the three-dimensional model investigates the movement and absorption of leachate based on these equations. Meshing in the landfill is done finer in the upper and bottom layers where leachate leakage exists and coarser in the lower parts. Also, mesh modeling in the software is done freely and in a hexagonal shape. According to the findings, the soil under the landfill becomes saturated over time, with the saturation occurring faster in the upper layers. Modeling results show that phosphorus metal pollution has penetrated up to a depth of 1.8 meters in the soil over 15 years, and leachate has reached approximately 10 meters deep into the ground. Given the proximity of groundwater to the soil surface, measures such as pumping wells and geomembranes must be considered to prevent pollution from entering the groundwater.

Abstract Using waste as a source of energy production is one of the appropriate solutions for the sustainable development of urban waste management. Biomass sources are superior to other renewable sources because they are easily converted into solid fuels, liquids and useful gases. One of these resources, which has caused a great deal of concern in large cities today, is municipal waste, which is one of the main policies of the relevant organizations in determining the best solution for its management. One of the most important solutions that can be introduced in this direction is the use of technologies that can convert a large part of waste into very valuable biofuels that are a good alternative to fossil fuels. There are various types of these technologies, including incinerators, anaerobic digestion, SRF fuels, and pyrolysis. In this project, the main purpose is to study the use of municipal waste according to the concept of zero waste (Zero Waste) and to know the exact types of technologies for the conversion of municipal waste into biofuels. The analysis method used in this research is AHP method. The result of hierarchical analysis shows that the SRF fuel technology method and use in the cement plant furnace for organic waste management is the first priority in Kerman. The result of hierarchical method analysis using Expert Choice software was also confirmed.