Spectrophotometric Determination of Cationic Surfactants Based on Their Effect on the Complexes of Chrome Azurol S with Be2+ and Al3+ Cations

Simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrophotometric methods have been proposed for the determination of cationic surfactants (CS) as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), dodecyltrimethylammonium (DTAB), and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). The methods are based on the effects of CSs on the complexes of Al³⁺ and Be²⁺ with Chrome Azurol S (CAS). The optimum reaction conditions such as CAS concentration, metal ion concentration, and pH have been studied and found to be 2.0 × 10^?4 mol L^?1 CAS, 0.5 mg L^?1 Al³⁺ or 0.4 mg L^?1 Be²⁺ and pH 5.4. The analytical characteristics of the methods such as limit of detections, limit of quantifications, and linear ranges have been obtained. CTAB, CPB, and DTAB could be determined by the Al–CAS complex in the ranges of 0.50–40.00, 0.20–10.00, and 0.40–10.00 µmol L^?1, and for the Be–CAS complex in the ranges of 0.08–5.00, 0.08–3.00, and 0.20–6.00 µmol L^?1, respectively. The limit of the detections of the method for the determination of CTAB, CPB, and DTAB for the Be–CAS complex has been found as 0.025, 0.024, and 0.061 µmol L^?1, respectively. The interfering effect of some anions and cations was also tested. The method was applied to the determination of CS CTAB in conditioner shampoo and water samples.     

Determination of sand dune characteristics through geomorphometry and wind data analysis in central Iran (Kashan Erg)

The combination of wind measurements and remotely sensed geomorphometry indices provides a valuable resource in the study of desert landforms, because arduous desert environments are difficult to access. In this research, we couple wind data and geomorphometry to separate and classify different sand dunes in Kashan Erg in central Iran. Additionally, the effect of sand-fixing projects on sand dune morphology was assessed using geomorphometry indices (roughness, curvature, surface area, dune spacing and dune height). Results showed that a Digital Elevation Model of the National Cartographic Center of Iran (NCC DEM) with 10-m resolution and accuracy of 54% could discriminate geomorphometry parameters better than the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data with 30-m resolution and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data with 90-m resolution and 45.2 and 1.6% accuracy, respectively. Low classification of SRTM DEM was associated with too many non-value points found in the DEM. Accuracy assessment of comparison ground control points revealed that ASTER DEM (RMSE = 4.25) has higher accuracy than SRTM and NCC DEMs in this region. Study of curvature showed that transverse and linear sand dunes were formed in concave topography rather than convex. Reduced slopes in fixed sand dunes were established due to wind erosion control projects. Measurements of dune height and spacing show that there is significant correlation in compound dunes (R ² = 0.546), linear dunes (R ² = 0.228) and fixed dunes (R ² = 0.129). In general, the height of dunes in Kashan Erg increases from the margin of the field to the center of the field with a maximum height of 120 m in star dunes. Analysis of wind data showed that sand drift potential is in low-medium class in Kashan Erg. Linear sand dunes in Kashan Erg show that they are following a global trend in forming of these. Finally, established of geomorphometry method in dune classification will help researchers to identify priority of land management and performance assessment of sand dunes fixing projects in arid arduous environment.     

Kinetic Determination of Trace Amounts of Nitrite Using an Optical Chemical Sensor

An optical chemical sensor (optode) is proposed for the kinetic determination of nitrite ion. The optode was fabricated by the immobilization of methyl violet on a triacetylcellulose polymeric membrane. Methyl violet is covalently bonded to a transparent triacetylcellulose film. By immersion of the sensor into an acidic nitrite solution, the absorbance of the sensor at 596 nm decreases with time that is due to the reaction of nitrite with the immobilized methyl violet. A fixed time method of 15 min was used to monitor the reaction. The linear range for the determination of nitrite was 0.20–8.00 µg mL^?1 and the limit of detection was 0.08 µg mL^?1. The optodes were one‐shot, they had durability more than 2 months and were easily prepared. The optode was successfully applied to the determination of nitrite ion in spring water and sewage samples.     

Climatology of dust days in the Central Plateau of Iran

Natural Hazards - Dust storms are a major natural hazard to human health. Severe erosive storms in parts of the Central Plateau of Iran have made the situation very difficult for the inhabitants,...