• Naeimeh Hekmatnia 1

  • Azita Behbahaninia 1

  • Hasan Samadyar 2

  • Saeed Motahari 1

  1. 1 Department of Environment, RO. C., Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
  2. 2 Assist. professor, Department of Environment, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to design and develop an evaluation model for sustainable management of environmental impacts in compost factories, focusing on the Yazd compost plant. The main objective is to reduce negative environmental effects and enhance sustainability performance. A mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative) was adopted, utilizing fuzzy Delphi, thematic analysis, fuzzy DEMATEL, and fuzzy FANP methods. In the qualitative phase, key environmental indicators were identified through content analysis of interviews and documentation, and an initial conceptual model was developed using MAXQDA software. In the quantitative phase, relationships among indicators were examined using fuzzy DEMATEL, and prioritization was performed with fuzzy FANP. The final management model was validated by experts. The results indicate that, despite challenges such as securing raw materials and cost management, compost plants in Yazd can significantly reduce environmental impacts and improve economic conditions. To further enhance efficiency and sustainability, improvements in existing processes, increased public awareness, and supportive policies at local and provincial levels are essential. Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies and process optimization methods can further reduce pollutants and enhance economic outcomes.

Keywords

Subjects

Abedinzadeh, N., Ravanbakhsh, M., & Abedi, T. (2013). Environmental impact assessment of municipal solid waste sanitary landfill, Semnan, Iran. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 15(2), 105-117. [In Persian]
Akbarinejad Paqaleh, A., Karami, S., Ahmadian, R., Mokhtabad Amrei, S. M., & Galalizadeh, S. (2013). Environmental impact assessment of industrial complexes using an-am case study: sarcheshmeh copper complex. Journal of Environmental Studies, 39(3), 105-116. DOI:  10.22059/jes.2013.35894
Allahdadi, H., & Latifmanesh, H., & Nejatoullahi, M. (2024). Evaluation of aspects of the use of polymers in sustainable agriculture. Defense Readiness and Technology, 7(2), 47-84. DOI: 20.1001.1.28212606.1403.7.2.2.2 [In Persian]
Dsouza, A., Price, G. W., Dixon, M., & Graham, T. (2021). A conceptual framework for incorporation of composting in closed-loop urban controlled environment agriculture. Sustainability, 13(5), 2471.  https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052471
El-Naqa, A. (2005). Environmental impact assessment using rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM) for Russeifa landfill, Jordan. Environmental Geology, 47(5), 632-639.‏ DOI: 10.1007/s00254-004-1188-8
Hosseinpoor, A., Ghorbanpour, A., and Shabandarzadeh, H. (2024). Evaluating the efficiency of circular economies in persian gulf countries in terms of municipal solid waste management. Quarterly Journal of Quantitative Economics (JQE), 21(1), 87-106. https://doi.org/10.22055/jqe.2023.42312.2523
Hosseinpour Azad, N., Arastegi Marani, H., & Borang, S. (2022). A review on Iranian Echium amoenum Fisch & C.A. Mey. Ecophysiology and Phytochemistry of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 9(1), 61-71. [In Persian]
Jalalipour, H., Binaee Haghighi, A., Ferronato, N., Bottausci, S., Bonoli, A., & Nelles, M. (2025). Social, economic and environmental benefits of organic waste home composting in Iran. Waste Management & Research, 43(1), 97-111. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X241227377
James, N. (2024). Urbanization and its impact on environmental sustainability. Journal of Applied  Geography Studies, 3(1), 54-66. https://doi.org/10.47941/jags.1624
Manea, E. E., Bumbac, C., Dinu, L. R., Bumbac, M., & Nicolescu, C. M. (2024). Composting as a sustainable solution for organic solid waste management: Current practices and potential improvements. Sustainability, 16(15), 6329. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156329
Mirzaee, M., Salman Mahini, A. R., & Mirkarimi, S. H. (2016). Site selection of compost plant alternatives using rapid impact assessment matrix (RIAM)(case study: compost plant of Golpayegan city). Geographical Research, 31(1), 103-117. [In Persian].
Mododi arkhodi, A., & Jumezadeh, I. (2024). Evaluation of local management performance in sustainable rural development study area: Barnetin village. Geography and Human Relationships, 6(4), 1038-1045. DOI: 10.22034/gahr.2023.420704.1966 [In Persian]
Motalebi, E., & Habibi, L. (2022). Investigation of the effect of different levels of vermicompost and leaf soil on some geranium (Pelargonium spp.) characteristics under drought stress. Iranian Journal of Plant and Biotechnology, 16(4), 45-57. DOI: 20.1001.1.17355028.1400.16.4.5.4 [In Persian]
Murshid, N., Yaser, A. Z., Lamaming, J., Rajin, M., Saalah, S., & Taliban, M. (2024). Feasibility study of pilot scale vegetable waste composting project for Kundasang community’s waste management program. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 13(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.57647/j.ijrowa.2024.1303.27
Panahandeh, M., Abedinzadeh, N., & Ravanbakhsh, M. (2013). Environmental impact assessment of compost plant in Yazd. Journal of Environvironmental Science and Technology, 12(3), 87-99.
Samadi, M., & Morshedi Sayf, S. (2003). Evaluation of Physical Composition and Municipal Solid Waste Generation Rate of Hamadan (June 1999 May 2000). Avicenna Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(3), 34-38.
Takdastan, A., Hajizadeh, N., & Jafarzadeh, N . (2005). Outfall as a suitable alternative for disposal of municipal wastewater in coastal areas. Journal of Water and Wastewater, 15(3), 66-75.
Van de Walle, A., Kim, M., Alam, M. K., Wang, X., Wu, D., Dash, S. R., & Kim, J. (2023). Greywater reuse as a key enabler for improving urban wastewater management. Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, 16, 100277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100277
Xu, P., Shu, L., Yang, Y., Kumar, S., Tripathi, P., Mishra, S., Qiu, C., Li, Y., Wu, Y., & Yang, Z. (2024). Microbial agents obtained from tomato straw composting effectively promote tomato straw compost maturation and improve compost quality. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 270, 115884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115884