University of Tehran Journal of Environmental Studies 1025-8620 51 3 2025 12 16 Application of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression Model to Assess the Impact of Land Use Change on Water Yield Ecosystem Service (Case Study: Lavasanat District, Tehran Province) Application of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression Model to Assess the Impact of Land Use Change on Water Yield Ecosystem Service (Case Study: Lavasanat District, Tehran Province) 273 292 105251 10.22059/jes.2025.387056.1008561 FA Marzie Motesharei Department of Environmental Planning, Management, and HSE, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Bahram Malekmohammadi Department of Disaster Engineering, Education and Environmental Systems, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Majid Ramezanimehrian Research and Development Department of Humanities, Faculty of Samt Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2025 01 16 Objective: In this study, the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model was applied to estimate the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 1999 to 2023 derived from Landsat satellite imagery on water productivity as a key ecosystem service essential for environmental sustainability. Focusing on the Lavasanat district in Tehran province, which has undergone rapid urbanization and severe land use/cover changes, this study determined the extent to which water production performance (runoff) responded to land use/cover changes, thereby providing significant information on the environmental consequences of land use/cover changes under increasing human pressures. Method: This study used Landsat satellite imagery to assess the trends in land use/cover (LULC) changes over time at a spatial resolution of 30 m. Water yield modeling was performed using the annual water yield index of the InVEST software. The model inputs included land use and cover maps from three different time series along with data on precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, soil depth, water availability for plants, and local biophysical tables. The results from the InVEST model were analyzed using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model to estimate the impact of land use/cover changes on water yield. This method allows for a detailed examination of the relationship between land use/cover changes and their impacts on the water yield. Results: The results showed that between 1999 and 2023, the area of green spaces, including agricultural lands, gardens, and pastures, decreased by 161.21 km², or 31 percent. Consequently, the annual water production (runoff) increased from 105 to 130 million cubic meters. In addition, the area of the minimum error zone decreased from 445.3 to 23.5 km², indicating a decrease in the reliability of the model. Such findings indicated the high variability and complexity of hydrological interactions and indicated the severe effects of overdevelopment and increasing land use/cover pressures. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the water production capacity (runoff) of the ecosystem was vulnerable to changes in land use and land cover. These changes increased runoff, reduced water permeability in the soil, and disrupted the hydrological balance of the region. Therefore, it is necessary to use integrated modeling approaches and simultaneously pay attention to climate change, socio-economic factors, and land use/cover planning. Regional planning should also emphasize preservation and restoration of green spaces and smart management of urban development, which is an inevitable necessity to maintain ecosystem resilience and water resource sustainability. Objective: In this study, the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model was applied to estimate the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 1999 to 2023 derived from Landsat satellite imagery on water productivity as a key ecosystem service essential for environmental sustainability. Focusing on the Lavasanat district in Tehran province, which has undergone rapid urbanization and severe land use/cover changes, this study determined the extent to which water production performance (runoff) responded to land use/cover changes, thereby providing significant information on the environmental consequences of land use/cover changes under increasing human pressures. Method: This study used Landsat satellite imagery to assess the trends in land use/cover (LULC) changes over time at a spatial resolution of 30 m. Water yield modeling was performed using the annual water yield index of the InVEST software. The model inputs included land use and cover maps from three different time series along with data on precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, soil depth, water availability for plants, and local biophysical tables. The results from the InVEST model were analyzed using an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model to estimate the impact of land use/cover changes on water yield. This method allows for a detailed examination of the relationship between land use/cover changes and their impacts on the water yield. Results: The results showed that between 1999 and 2023, the area of green spaces, including agricultural lands, gardens, and pastures, decreased by 161.21 km², or 31 percent. Consequently, the annual water production (runoff) increased from 105 to 130 million cubic meters. In addition, the area of the minimum error zone decreased from 445.3 to 23.5 km², indicating a decrease in the reliability of the model. Such findings indicated the high variability and complexity of hydrological interactions and indicated the severe effects of overdevelopment and increasing land use/cover pressures. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the water production capacity (runoff) of the ecosystem was vulnerable to changes in land use and land cover. These changes increased runoff, reduced water permeability in the soil, and disrupted the hydrological balance of the region. Therefore, it is necessary to use integrated modeling approaches and simultaneously pay attention to climate change, socio-economic factors, and land use/cover planning. Regional planning should also emphasize preservation and restoration of green spaces and smart management of urban development, which is an inevitable necessity to maintain ecosystem resilience and water resource sustainability.

https://jes.ut.ac.ir/article_105251_e4a50023049ab470866d6be19513b585.pdf

University of Tehran Journal of Environmental Studies 1025-8620 51 3 2025 12 16 A Framework for Assessing and Promoting the Sustainability of Urban Green Infrastructures (Case Study: Mardom Park, Hamadan, Iran) A Framework for Assessing and Promoting the Sustainability of Urban Green Infrastructures (Case Study: Mardom Park, Hamadan, Iran) 293 312 105252 10.22059/jes.2025.390554.1008588 FA Iman Saeedi Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran Hassan Darabi : Department of Environmental Design, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Nazanin Naseri Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 02 22 Objective: The aim of this research is to provide an integrated approach to assessing and promoting the sustainability of urban parks, in which Hamedan Mardom’s Park was selected as a case study. The methodology involved developing a scalable, flexible, and replicable framework for measuring the sustainability of urban parks. Method: To perform this research, a practical, cost-effective, and accessible framework was designed that could be easily used by park managers and stakeholders using operational data. The assessment was based on the three main pillars of sustainability, i.e., the environmental, social, and economic dimensions, which were divided into 24 indicators and 60 criteria. Each criterion was classified as positive (+) or negative (-) based on its numerical impact on sustainability and was categorized as internal or external. Internal criteria were determined as those that could be directly influenced by park management, while external criteria depended on external factors such as government policies. For each of the dimensions, scores were calculated based on the mean values of the relevant indicators, and each pillar contributed equally to the overall sustainability score. Results: The results showed that Mardom Park in Hamedan, in the time of investigation, had a poor sustainability status, with a total score of 33.29%. The environmental and economic pillars scored higher at 23.80% and 21.43%, respectively, and the social pillar scored 54.66%. Key weaknesses included poor water management, lack of renewable energy use, and inadequate waste management systems. With improvements, the park’s overall sustainability score could increase to 87.96%, highlighting significant potential for improvement. Conclusions: In this study, weaknesses were identified as water resource conservation, renewable energy adoption, and waste management. To improve the sustainability of the studied park, it is suggested that advanced technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, LED lighting, and composting programs be implemented. These measures can not only have positive environmental impacts but also help to improve the quality and sustainability of the park. Additionally, holding educational workshops on environmental issues can help increase community participation and awareness. Compared to other parks, the park under study performed better from the social aspect, attributed to its open access and inclusive policies. Objective: The aim of this research is to provide an integrated approach to assessing and promoting the sustainability of urban parks, in which Hamedan Mardom’s Park was selected as a case study. The methodology involved developing a scalable, flexible, and replicable framework for measuring the sustainability of urban parks. Method: To perform this research, a practical, cost-effective, and accessible framework was designed that could be easily used by park managers and stakeholders using operational data. The assessment was based on the three main pillars of sustainability, i.e., the environmental, social, and economic dimensions, which were divided into 24 indicators and 60 criteria. Each criterion was classified as positive (+) or negative (-) based on its numerical impact on sustainability and was categorized as internal or external. Internal criteria were determined as those that could be directly influenced by park management, while external criteria depended on external factors such as government policies. For each of the dimensions, scores were calculated based on the mean values of the relevant indicators, and each pillar contributed equally to the overall sustainability score. Results: The results showed that Mardom Park in Hamedan, in the time of investigation, had a poor sustainability status, with a total score of 33.29%. The environmental and economic pillars scored higher at 23.80% and 21.43%, respectively, and the social pillar scored 54.66%. Key weaknesses included poor water management, lack of renewable energy use, and inadequate waste management systems. With improvements, the park’s overall sustainability score could increase to 87.96%, highlighting significant potential for improvement. Conclusions: In this study, weaknesses were identified as water resource conservation, renewable energy adoption, and waste management. To improve the sustainability of the studied park, it is suggested that advanced technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, LED lighting, and composting programs be implemented. These measures can not only have positive environmental impacts but also help to improve the quality and sustainability of the park. Additionally, holding educational workshops on environmental issues can help increase community participation and awareness. Compared to other parks, the park under study performed better from the social aspect, attributed to its open access and inclusive policies.

https://jes.ut.ac.ir/article_105252_80cd4c45e2a57fe488beae67180c4775.pdf

University of Tehran Journal of Environmental Studies 1025-8620 51 3 2025 12 16 Evaluation of Carbon Storage and Sequestration Ecosystem Services of Urban Green Infrastructures in Metropolitan Areas: A Case Study of the Tabriz Metropolis Evaluation of Carbon Storage and Sequestration Ecosystem Services of Urban Green Infrastructures in Metropolitan Areas: A Case Study of the Tabriz Metropolis 313 334 105253 10.22059/jes.2025.399032.1008624 FA Mahdi Herischian Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Hassan Mahmoudzadeh Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2025 09 12 Objective: Over the past decades, urban development patterns and changes and transformations of urban land use have caused climate change and increased greenhouse gases, especially in metropolitan areas. The continuation of this trend has caused changes in the flow of ecosystem services, including carbon storage and sequestration. The reduction of ecosystem services negatively impacts the well-being and quality of life of citizens. In this regard, urban green infrastructures play a special and important role in carbon storage and sequestration. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the ecosystem service of carbon storage and sequestration of green infrastructures in the Tabriz metropolitan area. Method: In this study, using data related to Landsat satellite images, land use/land cover, biophysical tables, GIS, and InVEST software, the ecosystem services of carbon storage and sequestration of the green infrastructure of Tabriz metropolis were evaluated. Results: The findings showed that the Tabriz metropolis was able to store about 26155.15, 26154.62, and 26151.03 tons of carbon per hectare during 1984, 2002, and 2022, respectively. This indicated that the capacity of the Tabriz metropolitan area to store carbon gradually decreased. Also, the Tabriz metropolitan area was able to sequester 26154.62, 26151.03, and 26154.62 tons of carbon during the periods of 1984-2002, 2002-2022, and 2022-2040, equivalent to 261.55, 261.51, and 261.51 million dollars in economic value, respectively. In all three periods, the Tabriz metropolitan was able to sequester most of the carbon it had stored, but its negative sequestration was much more effective than the positive sequestration. In other words, the situation of Tabriz metropolitan was worsened in the study period in terms of carbon sequestration. Conclusions: The results showed that land use/land cover played an important and special role in carbon storage and sequestration in Tabriz. In the case of carbon storage capacity of the Tabriz metropolitan area during the three mentioned time periods, the following land uses played the most important role, i.e., green spaces and bare lands. Carbon sequestration, especially positive carbon sequestration, in the Tabriz metropolitan area was unbalanced and heterogeneous in all 3 mentioned time periods. Most parts of the Tabriz city had negative sequestration, and only limited parts in the northwest and southeast of the city and the western parts of Tabriz had positive sequestration. Objective: Over the past decades, urban development patterns and changes and transformations of urban land use have caused climate change and increased greenhouse gases, especially in metropolitan areas. The continuation of this trend has caused changes in the flow of ecosystem services, including carbon storage and sequestration. The reduction of ecosystem services negatively impacts the well-being and quality of life of citizens. In this regard, urban green infrastructures play a special and important role in carbon storage and sequestration. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the ecosystem service of carbon storage and sequestration of green infrastructures in the Tabriz metropolitan area. Method: In this study, using data related to Landsat satellite images, land use/land cover, biophysical tables, GIS, and InVEST software, the ecosystem services of carbon storage and sequestration of the green infrastructure of Tabriz metropolis were evaluated. Results: The findings showed that the Tabriz metropolis was able to store about 26155.15, 26154.62, and 26151.03 tons of carbon per hectare during 1984, 2002, and 2022, respectively. This indicated that the capacity of the Tabriz metropolitan area to store carbon gradually decreased. Also, the Tabriz metropolitan area was able to sequester 26154.62, 26151.03, and 26154.62 tons of carbon during the periods of 1984-2002, 2002-2022, and 2022-2040, equivalent to 261.55, 261.51, and 261.51 million dollars in economic value, respectively. In all three periods, the Tabriz metropolitan was able to sequester most of the carbon it had stored, but its negative sequestration was much more effective than the positive sequestration. In other words, the situation of Tabriz metropolitan was worsened in the study period in terms of carbon sequestration. Conclusions: The results showed that land use/land cover played an important and special role in carbon storage and sequestration in Tabriz. In the case of carbon storage capacity of the Tabriz metropolitan area during the three mentioned time periods, the following land uses played the most important role, i.e., green spaces and bare lands. Carbon sequestration, especially positive carbon sequestration, in the Tabriz metropolitan area was unbalanced and heterogeneous in all 3 mentioned time periods. Most parts of the Tabriz city had negative sequestration, and only limited parts in the northwest and southeast of the city and the western parts of Tabriz had positive sequestration.

https://jes.ut.ac.ir/article_105253_327e7d3e73a581742a2ad74c518070c0.pdf

University of Tehran Journal of Environmental Studies 1025-8620 51 3 2025 12 16 Nutrient Recovery from Urban Municipal Sewage Sludge: Production of a Liquid Fertilizer and Investigation of its Physicochemical and Biological Properties Nutrient Recovery from Urban Municipal Sewage Sludge: Production of a Liquid Fertilizer and Investigation of its Physicochemical and Biological Properties 335 350 105254 10.22059/jes.2025.400053.1008627 FA Mohamadreza Fadaei Tehrani Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Water, Niroo Research Institute (NRI), Isfahan, Iran Mehrdad Heydari Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Daneshpajoohan Pishro Higher Education Institute (DHEI), Isfahan, Iran, Journal Article 2025 08 09 Objective: The principles of a circular economy and sustainable development emphasize the critical need for effective waste management, particularly for urban wastewater sludge. Although often viewed as a hazardous pollutant, this sludge is a rich source of essential nutrients for plants, presenting a significant opportunity for conversion into a valuable biofertilizer. This research aimed to address this challenge by presenting a comprehensive laboratory-scale investigation. Method: In this research, dewatered sludge from the Tiran municipal wastewater treatment plant was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis, which involved chemical digestion using a 0.25 M sodium hydroxide solution. Following a controlled digestion period, the mixture was centrifuged to separate the solid residue from the nutrient-rich liquid fraction. The resulting liquid fertilizer was thoroughly characterized to assess its agricultural potential by meticulously measuring key physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TOC, N, P, K), as well as quantifying micronutrients, heavy metals, and indicator pathogens in both the raw sludge and the final product. Finally, using sulfuric acid to adjust the high pH and potassium sulfate to enrich the low potassium content, a post-treatment step was implemented to optimize the fertilizer's quality and create a balanced nutrient profile. Results: The alkaline hydrolysis process proved highly effective, yielding a liquid fertilizer with high concentrations of phosphorus and organic carbon. These components are crucial for enhancing soil fertility, improving soil structure, and stimulating microbial activity. Although the initial potassium concentration was found to be below the optimal level for plant growth, our post-processing step successfully enriched it to the desired range, thus demonstrating the feasibility of producing a complete and balanced fertilizer. Another significant finding of this research was the low concentration of both microbial load and heavy metals. Consequently, the final product met the stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Class A standards for pathogen safety, thereby ensuring its suitability for unrestricted use in agricultural applications. Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrated a sustainable and effective solution for transforming urban wastewater sludge into a value-added liquid fertilizer. The developed method not only provides a viable pathway for the recovery of valuable nutrients but also ensures the production of an environmentally safe and agriculturally beneficial product. This approach contributes significantly to the development of sustainable agriculture by closing the nutrient loop and offers a reproducible model for urban waste management systems seeking to transition towards more circular and resource-efficient practices. Objective: The principles of a circular economy and sustainable development emphasize the critical need for effective waste management, particularly for urban wastewater sludge. Although often viewed as a hazardous pollutant, this sludge is a rich source of essential nutrients for plants, presenting a significant opportunity for conversion into a valuable biofertilizer. This research aimed to address this challenge by presenting a comprehensive laboratory-scale investigation. Method: In this research, dewatered sludge from the Tiran municipal wastewater treatment plant was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis, which involved chemical digestion using a 0.25 M sodium hydroxide solution. Following a controlled digestion period, the mixture was centrifuged to separate the solid residue from the nutrient-rich liquid fraction. The resulting liquid fertilizer was thoroughly characterized to assess its agricultural potential by meticulously measuring key physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, TOC, N, P, K), as well as quantifying micronutrients, heavy metals, and indicator pathogens in both the raw sludge and the final product. Finally, using sulfuric acid to adjust the high pH and potassium sulfate to enrich the low potassium content, a post-treatment step was implemented to optimize the fertilizer's quality and create a balanced nutrient profile. Results: The alkaline hydrolysis process proved highly effective, yielding a liquid fertilizer with high concentrations of phosphorus and organic carbon. These components are crucial for enhancing soil fertility, improving soil structure, and stimulating microbial activity. Although the initial potassium concentration was found to be below the optimal level for plant growth, our post-processing step successfully enriched it to the desired range, thus demonstrating the feasibility of producing a complete and balanced fertilizer. Another significant finding of this research was the low concentration of both microbial load and heavy metals. Consequently, the final product met the stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Class A standards for pathogen safety, thereby ensuring its suitability for unrestricted use in agricultural applications. Conclusions: This study successfully demonstrated a sustainable and effective solution for transforming urban wastewater sludge into a value-added liquid fertilizer. The developed method not only provides a viable pathway for the recovery of valuable nutrients but also ensures the production of an environmentally safe and agriculturally beneficial product. This approach contributes significantly to the development of sustainable agriculture by closing the nutrient loop and offers a reproducible model for urban waste management systems seeking to transition towards more circular and resource-efficient practices.

https://jes.ut.ac.ir/article_105254_eb30b7a6a5dc34f4442e5b534cce54b8.pdf

University of Tehran Journal of Environmental Studies 1025-8620 51 3 2025 12 16 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Sustainability with an Emphasis on Construction Waste Management The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Environmental Sustainability with an Emphasis on Construction Waste Management 351 369 105255 10.22059/jes.2025.400138.1008628 FA Hadi Shakiba Zahed Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran Mohammadreza Tabatabaei Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 14 Objective: This study examines the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in environmental sustainability by analyzing how AI-based resource efficiency, AI-related energy consumption, and AI-enabled environmental monitoring influence the reduction of construction and demolition waste (CDW). Addressing a gap in the literature regarding the lack of an integrated empirical model, this research develops and tests a comprehensive framework using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Method: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire rated on a five-point Likert scale, completed by 233 experts from municipal waste management organizations, licensed CDW contractors, and engineering firms in Isfahan, Iran. The measurement model was evaluated for reliability and validity, and the structural model was assessed through path coefficients, significance values, and predictive metrics. Four hypotheses were tested to capture both the positive and negative pathways through which AI affects environmental performance. Results: The findings showed that AI-based resource efficiency significantly improved CDW reduction (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), while AI-driven environmental monitoring exerted the strongest positive effect (β = 0.52, p < 0.001). Conversely, AI-related energy consumption negatively affected sustainability outcomes (β = −0.28, p < 0.05), emphasizing the environmental cost of high computational demand. Integration of AI into industrial processes also contributed to reduced resource depletion (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), confirming the robustness of the model. Conclusions: According to the results, AI has considerable potential to enhance environmental sustainability through improved resource management and real-time environmental monitoring; however, its high energy consumption poses a major challenge to achieving net environmental gains. Developing energy-efficient AI models and integrating renewable energy sources into AI operations are essential steps toward balancing benefits and costs. The proposed model offers a unified empirical foundation for policymakers and practitioners to support responsible and sustainable AI adoption in CDW management. Objective: This study examines the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in environmental sustainability by analyzing how AI-based resource efficiency, AI-related energy consumption, and AI-enabled environmental monitoring influence the reduction of construction and demolition waste (CDW). Addressing a gap in the literature regarding the lack of an integrated empirical model, this research develops and tests a comprehensive framework using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Method: Data were collected using a structured questionnaire rated on a five-point Likert scale, completed by 233 experts from municipal waste management organizations, licensed CDW contractors, and engineering firms in Isfahan, Iran. The measurement model was evaluated for reliability and validity, and the structural model was assessed through path coefficients, significance values, and predictive metrics. Four hypotheses were tested to capture both the positive and negative pathways through which AI affects environmental performance. Results: The findings showed that AI-based resource efficiency significantly improved CDW reduction (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), while AI-driven environmental monitoring exerted the strongest positive effect (β = 0.52, p < 0.001). Conversely, AI-related energy consumption negatively affected sustainability outcomes (β = −0.28, p < 0.05), emphasizing the environmental cost of high computational demand. Integration of AI into industrial processes also contributed to reduced resource depletion (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), confirming the robustness of the model. Conclusions: According to the results, AI has considerable potential to enhance environmental sustainability through improved resource management and real-time environmental monitoring; however, its high energy consumption poses a major challenge to achieving net environmental gains. Developing energy-efficient AI models and integrating renewable energy sources into AI operations are essential steps toward balancing benefits and costs. The proposed model offers a unified empirical foundation for policymakers and practitioners to support responsible and sustainable AI adoption in CDW management.

https://jes.ut.ac.ir/article_105255_91bfa4265be920dd9db6a34ea2ced3a6.pdf

University of Tehran Journal of Environmental Studies 1025-8620 51 3 2025 12 16 Urban Parks and Sustainable Cities: Assessing the Impact of Park Size on Citizens’ Recreation and Leisure and Tourism Potential (Case Study: Districts 9 and 11 of Mashhad City) Urban Parks and Sustainable Cities: Assessing the Impact of Park Size on Citizens’ Recreation and Leisure and Tourism Potential (Case Study: Districts 9 and 11 of Mashhad City) 371 391 105256 10.22059/jes.2025.402479.1008638 FA Raziyeh Donyavi Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Fisheries and Environment, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Alireza Mikaeili Tabrizi Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Fisheries and Environment, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Abdolrassoul Salmanmahiny Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Fisheries and Environment, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Azadeh Karimi Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Mashhad University of Ferdowsi, Mashhad, Iran Journal Article 2025 09 24 Objective: This research was conducted with the aim of examining the effect of three different scales of urban parks on citizens’ usage patterns, recreational activities, and tourist attraction, with an emphasis on gender differences, in districts 9 and 11 of Mashhad city. In this regard, efforts were made to assess, with a comprehensive perspective, the role of small, medium, and large parks in the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of citizens’ lives and to provide a clear picture of how citizens interact with green spaces. This study also examined how the scale of parks could shape recreational behaviors and influence the level of social participation. Furthermore, it investigated which environmental and social factors strengthen or weaken these relationships. Method: The research methodology consisted of a field survey. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, and ultimately 384 semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to citizens. Data were collected in four main sections, including demographic information, the extent and patterns of park use, individuals’ perception of the environmental features and design of parks, and the type of participation in recreational and tourism activities. Data analysis was performed using a set of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post-hoc test, two-factor analysis, and the Mann–Whitney test in SPSS and R software, in order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. Results: The results showed that the scale of parks plays a decisive role in the level of attractiveness and the type of citizens’ use. Medium-sized parks, owing to their proximity to residences, safety, and easy access, had the highest attractiveness. Large parks, given their social, environmental, and economic functions, played the greatest role in attracting tourists. Small parks were mainly considered for everyday use and children’s play. The gender analysis showed no significant difference between men and women in their perception of park features and activity types. However, women rated safety and children’s play facilities as more important, whereas men paid more attention to proximity and natural landscapes. In the area of activities, walking in large and medium-sized parks and children’s play in small parks had the highest priority. In the field of tourist attraction, 83 percent of respondents preferred large parks and regarded them as having the highest environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic advantages. Conclusions: The results indicate that the scale of parks, along with environmental factors such as safety, accessibility, design, and cleanliness, as well as socio-cultural contexts, plays an important role in the extent of citizens’ use and tourist attraction. These findings can serve as a basis for effective planning of urban green spaces with different scales and for achieving sustainable urban development. Objective: This research was conducted with the aim of examining the effect of three different scales of urban parks on citizens’ usage patterns, recreational activities, and tourist attraction, with an emphasis on gender differences, in districts 9 and 11 of Mashhad city. In this regard, efforts were made to assess, with a comprehensive perspective, the role of small, medium, and large parks in the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of citizens’ lives and to provide a clear picture of how citizens interact with green spaces. This study also examined how the scale of parks could shape recreational behaviors and influence the level of social participation. Furthermore, it investigated which environmental and social factors strengthen or weaken these relationships. Method: The research methodology consisted of a field survey. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula, and ultimately 384 semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to citizens. Data were collected in four main sections, including demographic information, the extent and patterns of park use, individuals’ perception of the environmental features and design of parks, and the type of participation in recreational and tourism activities. Data analysis was performed using a set of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, including one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post-hoc test, two-factor analysis, and the Mann–Whitney test in SPSS and R software, in order to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. Results: The results showed that the scale of parks plays a decisive role in the level of attractiveness and the type of citizens’ use. Medium-sized parks, owing to their proximity to residences, safety, and easy access, had the highest attractiveness. Large parks, given their social, environmental, and economic functions, played the greatest role in attracting tourists. Small parks were mainly considered for everyday use and children’s play. The gender analysis showed no significant difference between men and women in their perception of park features and activity types. However, women rated safety and children’s play facilities as more important, whereas men paid more attention to proximity and natural landscapes. In the area of activities, walking in large and medium-sized parks and children’s play in small parks had the highest priority. In the field of tourist attraction, 83 percent of respondents preferred large parks and regarded them as having the highest environmental, social, economic, and aesthetic advantages. Conclusions: The results indicate that the scale of parks, along with environmental factors such as safety, accessibility, design, and cleanliness, as well as socio-cultural contexts, plays an important role in the extent of citizens’ use and tourist attraction. These findings can serve as a basis for effective planning of urban green spaces with different scales and for achieving sustainable urban development.

https://jes.ut.ac.ir/article_105256_45ab597db6c53ec8f2a2896eced8ae06.pdf

University of Tehran Journal of Environmental Studies 1025-8620 51 3 2025 12 16 Assessment of the Environmental Pollution Impacts of Brick and Composite Facades (Case Study: A Residential Building in Tabriz City) Assessment of the Environmental Pollution Impacts of Brick and Composite Facades (Case Study: A Residential Building in Tabriz City) 393 410 105257 10.22059/jes.2025.404057.1008644 FA Paria Memari Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Art University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Fateme Golzaroodi Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Islamic Art University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Taha Sabaghian Department of Construction, Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran Ahad Shahhoseini Department of Industrial Design, Faculty of Design, Islamic Art University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article 2025 10 18 Objective: Nowadays, environmental pollutants are considered one of the most important problems in human life, and one of the sectors producing them is the construction industry. The extraction of raw materials, production of building products, transportation of materials, and many other construction-related activities have substantial and often irreversible impacts on the environment. Therefore, the development and use of green materials and sustainable construction practices are of great importance. Method: Since the facade is a critical component of a building's construction, this study selects two common types of facade in Tabriz—brick and composite—and investigates their associated pollution. Based on field research and surveys, the impact during the pre-production, production, transportation, and end-of-life phases was calculated using the Equalizer method. First, the amount of materials used in each facade type was obtained, and the pollution amount caused by each facade type was calculated and compared with the mpt pollution index. Results: According to the calculations, the brick facade produced less pollution than the composite facade. Therefore, between these two studied examples, the brick facade was the more suitable option for the city of Tabriz. The research focused on optimizing the brick facade with less pollution by using alternative materials with lower indicators and also recycled materials so that the facade could be used in the best possible way. By applying optimization methods in the production and transportation process of materials, the pollution level of the brick facade could be reduced by about 70 percent. Conclusions: Based on the results, the optimal facade type in the study area is the one that, in addition to its availability, causes less damage to the environment. This study showed that choosing building construction materials with less pollution and implementing optimization programs can play an important role in reducing negative impacts on the environment and developing sustainable buildings. Also, issues such as the transportation of materials and supplies, which act as hidden factors in the calculations of the pollution level of the construction industry, are also important in this regard and should be considered in the calculations. This research indicates that before making a final decision on the design and implementation of construction projects, the environmental impacts of materials should be examined in order to control costs and resource consumption in addition to reducing pollution. Overall, this research is a useful step towards green construction and reducing environmental impacts at the urban level. Objective: Nowadays, environmental pollutants are considered one of the most important problems in human life, and one of the sectors producing them is the construction industry. The extraction of raw materials, production of building products, transportation of materials, and many other construction-related activities have substantial and often irreversible impacts on the environment. Therefore, the development and use of green materials and sustainable construction practices are of great importance. Method: Since the facade is a critical component of a building's construction, this study selects two common types of facade in Tabriz—brick and composite—and investigates their associated pollution. Based on field research and surveys, the impact during the pre-production, production, transportation, and end-of-life phases was calculated using the Equalizer method. First, the amount of materials used in each facade type was obtained, and the pollution amount caused by each facade type was calculated and compared with the mpt pollution index. Results: According to the calculations, the brick facade produced less pollution than the composite facade. Therefore, between these two studied examples, the brick facade was the more suitable option for the city of Tabriz. The research focused on optimizing the brick facade with less pollution by using alternative materials with lower indicators and also recycled materials so that the facade could be used in the best possible way. By applying optimization methods in the production and transportation process of materials, the pollution level of the brick facade could be reduced by about 70 percent. Conclusions: Based on the results, the optimal facade type in the study area is the one that, in addition to its availability, causes less damage to the environment. This study showed that choosing building construction materials with less pollution and implementing optimization programs can play an important role in reducing negative impacts on the environment and developing sustainable buildings. Also, issues such as the transportation of materials and supplies, which act as hidden factors in the calculations of the pollution level of the construction industry, are also important in this regard and should be considered in the calculations. This research indicates that before making a final decision on the design and implementation of construction projects, the environmental impacts of materials should be examined in order to control costs and resource consumption in addition to reducing pollution. Overall, this research is a useful step towards green construction and reducing environmental impacts at the urban level.

https://jes.ut.ac.ir/article_105257_bb5f5155d5038b066837ecab8a2e9511.pdf