Adverse Effects of Pesticides on Environment and Non-target organisms

perپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-01916118articleAdverse Effects of Pesticides on Environment and Non-target organisms Bahareh Rafieirafiei.bahareh@gmail.com1Hamed Kioumarsih_kioumarsi@yahoo.com2بخش تحقیقات علوم دامی، مرکز تحقیقات و آموزش کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی استان گیلان، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، رشت، ایرانThe use of pesticides plays a crucial role in modern agriculture, and their proper application leads to an increase in the quality and quantity of agricultural products. They are also highly important in controlling disease vectors. However, the widespread use of chemical toxins has raised growing concerns regarding their negative effects. The consumption of pesticides can result in contamination of water and soil, accumulation of these compounds in the soil can disrupt microbial communities and reduce beneficial organisms, and their infiltration into groundwater and surface water can pose risks to aquatic ecosystems. Runoff from agricultural fields can transport toxins into surface waters, affecting aquatic organisms and water quality, and consequently, these toxins can bioaccumulate and enter the food chain. Air pollution is also one of the consequences of pesticide use. The volatilization of pesticides and environmental factors facilitate the possibility of contact with non-target organisms and their transfer to areas far from the spraying site. Residues of pesticides can cause physiological disorders, genetic abnormalities, and various diseases in non-target organisms, leading to disturbances in ecological balance and a reduction in biodiversity. This article provides a comprehensive review of the adverse consequences of chemical pesticide use on different components of ecosystems and discusses novel strategies to address these challenges and promote pesticide management practices. This review paper aims to deepen the understanding of the effects and hazards associated with pesticide use and hopes to take a step towards reducing environmental pollution and achieving sustainable agriculture.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/45847Pesticide Environment Food chain Non-target organisms Bioaccumulationperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-019161931articleThe Status of Phytoplankton in the Persian Gulf Waters of Bandar Abbas to Lark Islandfereshteh sarajiserajifereshteh7@gmail.com1Golam Ali Akbarzadehakbarzadeh385@gmail.com2Reza Dehghanyrdehghany@yahoo.com3Siamak Behzadis-behzady@yahoo.com4PhD in Marine Science, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Institute, Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, IranMSc in Fisheries, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Institute, Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, IranMSc in Marine Fish Biology, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Institute, Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, IranPhD in Fisheries exploitation and Management, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecological Research Institute, Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, IranThis study was conducted in the Persian Gulf waters near Bandar Abbas and Lark Island from the summer of 2022 to the spring of 2023. Sampling was carried out during four periods from 15 selected stations in this aquatic region using a Ruttner bottle, collecting water samples from 0.5 meters below the surface. A total of 64 phytoplankton species were identified, including 43 species of Bacillariophyceae, 18 species of Dinophyceae, two species of Cyanophyceae, and one species of Euglenophyceae. The findings indicate a high degree of species similarity and structural homogeneity within the study area. The Margalef diversity index ranged from 6.41 to 7.31, the Shannon-Wiener diversity index varied between 1.30 and 1.66, and Pielou’s evenness index was recorded between 0.39 and 0.59. Based on these indices, the study area is classified as having a moderate level of pollution and environmental stress. This research provides comprehensive insights into the phytoplankton structure of the region. Given the ongoing climate change, industrial expansion, and increasing pollution in the Persian Gulf, the diversity and composition of planktonic communities—especially phytoplankton—are subject to change. Establishing a phytoplankton database for the region allows for the detection of structural and compositional shifts over time. The species composition and their relative abundance play a crucial role in analyzing food web dynamics and water quality.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/48282Phytoplankton Persian Gulf Bandar Abbas Lark Islandperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-019163350articleInvestigation of effective strategies for the sustainable management of water depth and level in Anzali wetland with emphasis on preventive and restorative approachesmorteza karimimorteza.karimi@acecr.ac.ir1hadi Modabberimodaberi8@gmail.com2Mirmoslem Rahbar hashemim.m.r.hashemi@gmail.com3Maryam Haghighi khomamimaria_haghyghy@yahoo.com4Researcher, Department of Water Resources Monitoring, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranAssistance Professor, Department of Water Resources Monitoring, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranInstructor, Department of Water Resources Monitoring, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranAssistance Professor, Department of Water Resources Monitoring, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranWetlands are complex and valuable ecosystems that host a wide range of organisms. Preserving such sensitive ecosystems and maintaining their environmental, economic, and social functions require determining their ecological water needs. The aim of this study is to examine possible methods for the sustainable management of the water depth and level in the wetland and to provide suitable strategies accordingly. Given that the water level of Anzali Wetland is hydraulically affected by the Caspian Sea level and the discharge of the rivers flowing into it, this study seeks to identify and analyze the key factors contributing to the reduction in the wetland's depth and level. It further evaluates various structural and non-structural strategies through comprehensive studies and presents appropriate options for sustainable wetland management. Accordingly, this study investigates both preventive and restorative strategies to enhance the depth and water level of the wetland, aiming to preserve and restore its ecological functions and sustainability. In the preventive approach, actions such as monitoring and preventing unauthorized water extraction, controlling erosion and sedimentation, implementing biological and mechanical watershed management operations, rehabilitating sediment traps, constructing check dams in rivers to increase basin concentration time, and managing incoming pollutants to the wetland have been considered. In the restorative approach, strategies such as hydrodynamic modeling of Anzali Wetland within a comprehensive planning framework, improving irrigation network water-use efficiency, environmentally-assessed dredging operations, combating invasive plant species, and feasibility studies of structural interventions for regulating and stabilizing the wetland’s water level have been addressed. This research ultimately aims to support the preservation and rehabilitation of the wetland’s functions and its ecological sustainability.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/49924Water level stabilization Depth Anzali wetland Restoration approach Preventive approach Sustainable managementperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-019165160articleInvestigation of soil stabilization using cement and rice husk ash and the reduction of destructive environmental impactsMeysam Salimzadehshoilimaysamsalimzadeh@gmail.com1Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Guilan, Iran Given the necessity of using renewable and environmentally friendly materials, this study provides a comprehensive investigation into rice husk ash (RHA) as a sustainable substitute for cement. RHA was selected due to its unique properties, including high pozzolanic activity, abundant availability, easy accessibility in the region, low production cost, and environmental advantages. In this study, following a review of the history and principles of soil stabilization, the production and curing process of RHA at controlled temperatures was examined. The chemical and morphological characteristics of RHA were assessed using advanced laboratory techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings indicate that replacing 20% to 30% of cement with RHA results in achieving compressive strengths approximately 90% to 95% that of control samples. Moreover, using RHA as a natural pozzolan not only enhances the geotechnical properties of soil—such as increasing shear strength and reducing swelling potential—but also leads to a 40% to 45% reduction in cement consumption. This, in turn, results in an approximate reduction of 0.5 tons of CO₂ emissions per ton of replaced cement. From an environmental standpoint, the application of RHA not only addresses the issue of agricultural waste disposal but also constitutes an effective step toward sustainable development and the preservation of natural resources.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/50083Stabilization Improvement Pozzolan Rice Husk Ashperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-019166176articleThe Status of Phytoplankton in the Persian Gulf Waters of Bandar Abbas to Lark IslandMahya Anvari naeinymahyaanv9@gmail.com1Alireaza Aliahmadialiahmadia@iust.ac.ir21- MA in Information Technology Engineering, E-commerce trend, Faculty of Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, IranProfessor, Department of Progress and Industrial Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, IranThis study was conducted to investigate the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in addressing environmental and energy issues, aiming to achieve sustainable development goals. To collect and analyze the data, a grounded theory approach with an emergent design was utilized. The study population consisted of IoT experts, and using purposive sampling, theoretical saturation was achieved after conducting 20 semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed based on Strauss and Corbin’s coding process (open, axial, and selective coding). Accordingly, a conceptual model titled "The Development Model of IoT Technology in the Field of Environmental and Energy Issues for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals" was proposed. According to this model, the existence of various issues and challenges in the energy and environmental sectors can drive the development of IoT technology. The application of IoT in the field of environmental sustainability can lead to increased agricultural productivity, reduced deforestation, cost savings, and improved quality of life. In fact, IoT applications across different sectors not only facilitate addressing environmental challenges within society but also pave the way for achieving environmental sustainability.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/47510Internet of Things (IoT) Sustainable Development IoT Development Energy Environmentperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-019167791articleMonitoring the quality of groundwater, using the IRWQIGC index, Case Study: Fariman-Torbat Jam Plainnasrin ezadimehrnasrin.ezadimehr70@gmail.com1ghasem zolfagharig.zolfaghari@hsu.ac.ir21. MSc in Environmental Engineering, Environment, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University2. Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari UniversityDue to the limitation of water resources, the issue of groundwater pollution has become increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of groundwater in the Fariman-Torbat Jam plain using the IRWQIGC index and to investigate spatial variations during the period from autumn 2019 to spring 2020. For this purpose, a total of 30 samples were collected, and the parameters of pH, total hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and nitrate were measured across three seasons. Spatial zoning was performed using GIS software. According to the results, the IRWQIGC index values in autumn 2019, winter 2019, and spring 2020 were calculated as 45.60, 36.56, and 34.14, respectively. These results indicate that the groundwater quality in the study area was relatively good during autumn 2019, but relatively poor during winter 2019 and spring 2020. The assessment of groundwater quality at the sampling sites (wells located in Rabat, Sefid Sang, Rahmatabad, Qaleh Gak, Hayano, Qaleh Khaki, Mansourieh, Kushkak lands, Ahmadabad, and Rokhneh Gorg) showed that the best groundwater quality was observed in Rabat, with relatively good groundwater quality, while the worst quality was observed in Qaleh Khaki, Kushkak lands, and Ahmadabad, with poor groundwater quality. Based on the findings, groundwater in the southern and southeastern parts of the Fariman-Torbat Jam plain was more polluted in terms of salinity and hardness, while the groundwater in the northern part was more polluted with respect to nitrate contamination.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/46585quality of groundwater zoning IRWQIGC index Spatial Changesperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-0191693109articleDoes Militarization Lead to Air Pollution? Testing the Arms Versus Climate Hypothesis for the MENA Regionabolghasem golkhandangolkhandana@gmail.com11. PhD in Public Sector Economics, Department of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoram Abad, IranAccording to the "arms versus climate" hypothesis proposed by Jorgenson et al. (2023), militarization can contribute to air pollution. In this context, the main objective of the present study is to test this hypothesis and answer the question: Has militarization led to an increase in CO₂ emissions in MENA countries during the period 2000–2022? Furthermore, based on the answer to this question, what appropriate environmental policies should countries in this region adopt regarding militarization in the future?.The research method is descriptive-analytical: the descriptive part is based on the documentary method, and the analytical part relies on econometric concepts. For this purpose, using a STIRPAT model to analyze factors influencing environmental degradation, this study examines the relationship between the Global Militarization Index and CO₂ emissions through empirical testing via the quantile panel regression method, using data from 16 MENA countries (including Iran).The results reveal that militarization has an insignificant effect on CO₂ emissions in lower quantiles (below the 25th percentile), but a significant and positive effect in higher quantiles (above the 25th percentile). This finding indicates that the positive impact of militarization on CO₂ emissions is not evident in MENA countries with lower air pollution levels, unlike countries with higher pollution levels. Given that reducing militarization levels due to security concerns may be undesirable or unfeasible for many countries in the MENA region, those facing high levels of air pollution (such as Iran) should in the future utilize new technologies, invest in research and development, and adopt cleaner energy sources in their military activities to address climate change challenges.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/46337Militarization Air Pollution STIRPAT Model Quantile Panel Regression MENA countriesperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-01916111128articleEvaluation of climate changes in wetland ecosystems using GCM model, Case Study: Alagol, Ajigol, and Almagol wetlands, Golestan provincesaleh arekhiarekhi1348@yahoo.com1Abolghasem MamashliAbolghasem@yahoo.com2Adolhafez Panahihafezpanah59@gmail.com3Somaye Emadoddins.emadodin@gu.ac.ir4Associated Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Human Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, IranMaster's degree in Geographical Information System, Department of Civil Engineering, Non-Profit-Non-Governmental Institute, Gorgani Lamai, Gorgan, IranPhD in Meteorology - General Department of Meteorology of Golestan Province, Golestan, IranAssistant Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Human Sciences, Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran  Research over recent years has shown that climate change exerts varying effects on climatic and hydrological components. Scientific findings indicate that the impacts of climate change will become more pronounced in the future; therefore, analyzing and predicting these changes is of significant importance. This study, given its subject and nature, is a descriptive-analytical and applied research with an emphasis on quantitative methods, conducted using the General Circulation Model (GCM). To achieve the study objectives—including modeling climate change in the Alagol, Ajigol, and Almagol wetlands—data from the Incheh-Borun meteorological station were used. This station provides 20 years of monthly and annual average precipitation and temperature data (2001–2020). Forecasting of precipitation and temperature was carried out using outputs from the HadCM3 model in this study. The simulated average precipitation data, obtained from HadCM3 and downscaled in LARS-WG under the SRA1B scenario, were used to generate synthetic data for the future period (2021–2050) based on three IPCC-approved scenarios: B1 (optimistic), A2 (pessimistic), and A1B (moderate). To determine the best interpolation method, statistical indicators such as RMSE, ME, and MSE were applied. One of the most effective strategies in data weighting is the application of quantitative and mathematical techniques. According to the study results, the homogeneity tests demonstrated a high level of consistency. When trend analysis indicated a statistically significant trend in the time series, the homogeneity tests confirmed the non-homogeneity of those series. The precipitation series at Incheh-Borun station showed a generally decreasing trend, while both maximum and minimum temperatures exhibited increasing trends.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/48398Climate Change Modeling LARS-WG Model Alagol Wetland Almagol Wetland Ajigol Wetlandperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-01916129141articleInvestigation of nature conservation behaviors based on environmental literacy, cultural capital, and emotional stability, Case Study: University Students in Sardasht, IranMajid patopatomajid@yahoo.com1Bahman kourdkord_b@yahoo.com2Hosain osmaniosmani.hossein.1358@gmail.com3Shahla mostafapourpatomajid@gmail.com4Research Assistant Professor, Department of Forests and Ranges Research, Center for Research and Education of Agriculture and Natural Resources of West Azarbaijan Province, Organization of Research, Education and Extension of Agriculture, Urmia, IranAssociate Professor, Department of Psychology, Mahabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mahabad, Iran- Master's degree in educational psychology, Islamic Azad University, Mahabad, IranMaster's degree in educational psychology, Islamic Azad University, Mahabad, IranAwareness of issues related to nature conservation can serve as a key factor in promoting pro-environmental behaviors. This study examines the role of environmental literacy as the main variable and its relationship with emotional stability, cultural capital, and environmental conservation behaviors among students of Islamic Azad University and Payame Noor University in Sardasht, West Azerbaijan Province. The research method is based on structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships among the variables. The statistical population includes all students of the two universities in Sardasht, from which a sample of 357 students was selected using multi-stage random cluster sampling. The research instruments comprised standardized questionnaires on environmental literacy, cultural capital, emotional stability, and nature conservation behaviors, completed by the participants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software. The findings indicate that citizens’ environmental behaviors are influenced by multiple factors, with educational level being one of the most significant. Accordingly, individuals with higher levels of cultural development demonstrate greater awareness and responsibility toward the environment. Additionally, environmental literacy acts as a mediating variable in the relationship between emotional stability, cultural capital, and environmental conservation behaviors. A significant correlation was found among these variables (p ≤ 0.01).http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/48855nature environmental literacy environmental knowledge cultural capitalperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-01916143153articleEcosystem resilience models: Comparison, evaluation, and environmental applicationsمحمد جواد تجددjavad.tajadod0181@gmail.com1Bahram Malek Mohamadimalekb@ut.ac.ir2mokarram ravanbakhshmokarramravanbakhsh@gmail.com3طوبی عابدیt.abedi@acecr.ac.ir41- Research Expert, Department of Natural Environment, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, Iran.2- Associate Professor, Department of Planning, Environmental Management and HSE, Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran3- Assistant Professor, Department of Natural Environment, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranAssistant Professor, Department of Natural Environment, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranEcosystem resilience is defined as the capacity of an ecosystem to resist and recover after natural or human-induced disturbances and threats. This paper compares and evaluates different ecosystem resilience models and examines their environmental applications. The models are categorized into four groups: theoretical, statistical, agent-based, and hybrid models. The performance and effectiveness of each model are assessed in response to various environmental changes and threats. Furthermore, the environmental applications of these models in conserving and managing natural resources, improving environmental quality, and promoting sustainable development are reviewed. This paper also explores the related concepts and their connection to resilience, elaborates on the concept of ecosystem services and its relationship with resilience, and analyzes the InVEST software along with a case study. Based on the comparisons, no single model can be considered the best under all circumstances. The selection of an appropriate model depends on the research objectives, the type of ecosystem under study, and the availability of data.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/48693Phytoplankton Per Ecosystem Resilience Modeling Environmentperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-01916155167articleEffect of kerosene use on carrot contamination with heavy metals in northern khuzestan provinceSeyed Hosein Mahmoodi Nezhad DezfullyShmn178@yahoo.com1Kobra Sadat Hasheminasab Zavarehk.hasheminasab@areeo.ac.ir2Hamed Rezaeirezaei_h@yahoo.com3Ruhollah Rezaei Arshadrezae805@gmail.com4Assistant Professor, Department of Soil and Water Research, Safiabad Agricultural Research and Education and Natural Resources Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Dezful, IranAssistant Professor, Department of Soil Chemistry and Physics Research and Fertilizer Technology, Soil and Water Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, IranAssociate Professor, Department of Soil and Water Resources Monitoring and Improvement, Soil and Water Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, IranExpert, Department of Soil and Water Research, Safiabad Agricultural Research and Education and Natural Resources Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Dezful, IranIn some carrot farms in the north of Khuzestan Province, kerosene is used as an herbicide. To evaluate the effect of kerosene on the concentration of heavy metals in carrot plants, a study was conducted in 2021. Soil samples were taken from kerosene-sprayed fields at depths of 0–5 cm and 5–15 cm at two intervals: 10 days after spraying (approximately 30 days after planting) and at harvest time (about 120 days after planting). Concentrations of heavy metals including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) were measured. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in the aerial parts (at both 10 days after spraying and at harvest) and in the roots (at harvest) were also determined. Results showed that 10 days after kerosene application, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Co, As, Cd, Pb, and Ni at a depth of 0–5 cm were 24.9, 36.3, 8.8, 8.4, 0.17, 2.1, and 52.2 mg/kg, respectively, and at 5–15 cm were 25.2, 35.8, 8.6, 7.3, 0.16, 2.2, and 52.2 mg/kg. At harvest, the concentrations at 0–5 cm were 26.4, 48.3, 10.9, 7.1, 0.21, 3.1, and 66.1 mg/kg, and at 5–15 cm were 28.5, 47.7, 11.6, 6.35, 0.22, 2.68, and 69.9 mg/kg. All values remained within permissible limits. Ten days after spraying, Zn and Cd concentrations in the aerial parts were 70.3 mg/kg and 61.5 µg/kg, respectively—14.65% and 18.7% above Iranian standards. In contrast, Cu (21.8 mg/kg) and Pb (42.1 µg/kg) were within acceptable limits. At harvest, concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the aerial parts were 13.1 mg/kg, 55.1 mg/kg, 41.6 µg/kg, and 13.1 µg/kg, respectively. In the roots, the values were 11.0 mg/kg, 31.0 mg/kg, 64.4 µg/kg, and 2.46 µg/kg, all within permissible limits. Overall, the findings indicated that kerosene application increased the concentration of some heavy metals in the aerial parts of the plant during early growth stages. However, by harvest time, all measured values were within acceptable safety thresholds. Considering the compliance with permissible limits of heavy metals in agricultural products in relation to public health (food safety), it is recommended that future studies use larger sample sizes for more accurate assessments.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/48946Kerosene Khuzestan Heavy metals Carrotperپژوهشکده محیط زیست جهاددانشگاهیپژوهش و فناوری محیط زیست2676-30602676-30602025-01916187204articleTechno-Economic Evaluation of Solar Photovoltaic Power Plants in Gilan ProvinceMir Hamed Hakemzadehm_h_hakemzadeh@yahoo.com1Shahram Sharifish.sharifi@acecr.ac.ir2Hanieh Mirbolookimirbolooki@acecr.ac.ir3Tooba Abediabeditooba@gmail.com4Shamim Moghadamikhomamish.moghadamy@gmail.com5seyyed javad mousavij.mosavi89@yahoo.com6Specialist, Department of Energy, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IraAssistant Professor, Department of Regional Studies, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranResearcher, Department of Environmental Engineering, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranAssistant Professor, Department of Natural Environment, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranDepartment of Water Resources Monitoring, Environmental Research Institute of Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranAssistant Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering, Environmental Research Institute, Academic Center for Education Culture & Research (ACECR), Rasht, IranThe increasing demand for energy, the necessity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and the global shift toward renewable energy sources have made the construction of solar photovoltaic power plants as a significant option in Gilan Province. However, a comprehensive techno-economic evaluation of solar photovoltaic power plants had not previously been conducted in this region, where solar radiation is limited for a large portion of the year due to climatic conditions. This study aims to assess the feasibility of ensuring a sustainable energy supply, reducing environmental impacts, and evaluating the costs and profitability of these projects by conducting a techno-economic analysis of solar photovoltaic power plants in Gilan Province. To simulate the performance of these power plants, the study used the PVsyst software along with meteorological data from NASA's climate database. The results of the study show that, due to favorable climatic conditions, particularly solar radiation levels, the performance of solar power plants in the cities of Rudbar and Talesh is very promising. This leads to a quicker payback period and greater profitability for solar photovoltaic systems in these areas. However, in most parts of Gilan Province, the potential for solar energy production is constrained by relatively low solar radiation, widespread cloud cover, and humid, rainy weather conditions. Furthermore, the findings suggest that directly using the generated electricity in industries, rather than selling it to the grid, is a much more cost-effective option. This approach not only reduces production costs but also strengthens the incentive for investment in this sector.http://journal.eri.acecr.ir/Article/49655Renewable energy Solar energy Photovoltaic power plants Techno-economic evaluation Greenhouse gas emissions