RESUMEN
In this study, spheres of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/clay were synthesized using an easy dripping method (also known as phase inversion). The spheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. Finally, application tests were carried out using commercial cachaça, a popular alcoholic beverage in Brazil. The SEM images revealed that during the solvent exchange process for sphere formation, PVDF tends to form a three-layered structure with a low-porosity intermediate layer. However, the inclusion of clay was observed to reduce this layer and also widen the pores in the surface layer. The results of the batch adsorption tests showed that the composite with 30% clay content in relation to the mass of PVDF was the most effective among those tested, with the removal of 32.4% and 46.8% of the total copper present in the aqueous and ethanolic media, respectively. The adsorption of copper from cachaça in columns containing cut spheres resulted in adsorption indexes above 50% for samples with different copper concentrations. Such removal indices fit the samples within the current Brazilian legislation. Adsorption isotherm tests indicate that the data fit better to the BET model.
RESUMEN
The use of nano- and microparticles as a release system for agrochemicals has been increasing in agricultural sector. However, the production of eco-friendly and smart carriers that can be easily handled in the environment is still a challenge for this technology. In this context, we have developed a biodegradable release system for the herbicide atrazine with magnetic properties. Herein, we investigated the (a) physicochemical properties of the atrazine-loaded magnetic poly(ε-caprolactone) microparticles (MPs:ATZ), (b) in vitro release kinetic profile of the herbicide, and (c) phytotoxicity toward photosynthesis in the aquatic fern Azolla caroliniana. The encapsulation efficiency of the herbicide in the MPs:ATZ was ca. 69%, yielding spherical microparticles with a diameter of ca. 100 µm, a sustained-release profile, and easily manipulated with an external magnetic field. Also, phytotoxicity issues showed that the MPs:ATZ maintained their herbicidal activity via inhibition of PSII, showing lower toxicity compared with the nonencapsulated ATZ at 0.01 and 0.02 µmol·L-1. Therefore, this technology may conveniently promote a novel magnetic controlled release of the herbicide ATZ (with the potential to be collected from a watercourse) and act as a nutrient boost to the nontarget plant, with good herbicidal activity and reduced risk to the environment.