Biological pilot treatment reduces physicochemical and microbiological parameters of dairy cattle wastewater.

The objectives of the present study were to characterize and evaluate a pilot treatment unit (PTU) for dairy cattle wastewater (DCW) in relation to its efficiency in reducing the physicochemical and microbiological parameters and possible application of this fertilizer in organic production. A PTU was set up, composed of the following elements: a dung pit of 7.8 m3, already in place; a septic tank; a set of anaerobic biological filters comprising an upflow filter and a downward-flow filter filled with fragments PVC corrugated conduit; and two constructed wetland systems (CWSs) of horizontal subsurface flow in two parallel routes (Routes 1 and 2), controlled by means of a flow rate divider box. Route 1 passed through CWS 1 cultivated with cattail (Typha domingensis) and Route 2 passed through CWS 2 cultivated with vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides). To evaluate the treatment stages, biweekly investigations were carried out to collect effluent samples. The results of monitoring, in absolute values, were evaluated by means of the medians and variation coefficients and compared by means of Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test followed by the Student Newman Keuls test. The treatment efficiencies of Routes 1 and 2 were calculated. The influence of vetiver on the removal of nutrients from the DCW was analyzed and the productivity estimate (t.ha-1) was performed. CWS 1 was not able to reduce the organic load indices, but it was able to retain fatty material and sodium. CWS 2 showed a reduction in nitrogenous forms and also for other nutrients, achieving the greatest removal of sodium and greatest decay of fecal contamination indicators, thermotolerant coliforms (56.13%), and E. coli (46.82%).

Water reuse in industries: analysis of opportunities in the Paraíba do Sul river basin, a case study in Presidente Vargas Plant, Brazil.

In recent years, the demand for clean water has been growing all over the world despite the different threats posed, including increasing pollution, increasing deforestation and climate change. Industrial activity is the second largest consumer of water, so highly industrialized regions are more susceptible to water stress. In this sense, reuse strategies have been progressively discussed and used around the world; however, in Brazil there is still place for many advances, whether due to lack of incentives, cultural issues in society, or poor regulation of the subject. The objective of this work was to carry out a diagnosis of raw water uptake by industries in one Hydrographic Region of the state of Rio de Janeiro and to propose a discussion on the adoption of water reuse practices for non-potable purposes from the use of treated effluents. A survey of the theoretical framework on the subject was carried out, as well as an analysis of sustainability indicators and reports of the companies, including the current licensing processes of large undertakings consuming water resources. With this study, it was possible to obtain the average cost of implementing a water reuse unit for an industry in the state of Rio de Janeiro-Brazil, which, despite still being expensive, has a strong tendency to use due to world water shortages. Finally, it was concluded that the state of Rio de Janeiro has a threat of water scarcity that could be aggravated in the coming years, if measures and investments in supply alternatives are not adopted (water reuse), and improvement in all stages of water management water resources.

Technological Characterization of PET-Polyethylene Terephthalate-Added Soil-Cement Bricks.

The ever-growing consumption and improper disposal of non-biodegradable plastic wastes is bringing worrisome perspectives on the lack of suitable environmentally correct solutions. Consequently, an increasing interest in the circular economy and sustainable techniques is being raised regarding the management of these wastes. The present work proposes an eco-friendly solution for the huge amount of discarded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes by addition into soil-cement bricks. Room temperature molded 300 × 150 × 70 mm bricks were fabricated with mixtures of clay soil and ordinary Portland cement added with up to 30 wt.% of PET waste particles. Granulometric analysis of soil indicated it as sandy and adequate for brick fabrication. As for the PET particles, they can be considered non-plastic and sandy. The Atterberg consistency limits indicated that addition of 20 wt.% PET waste gives the highest plasticity limit of 17.3%; moreover, with PET waste addition there was an increase in the optimum moisture content for the compaction and decrease in specific weight. Standard tests showed an increase in compressive strength from 0.83 MPa for the plain soil-cement to 1.80 MPa for the 20 wt.% PET-added bricks. As for water absorption, all bricks displayed values between 15% and 16% that attended the standards and might be considered an alternative for non-structural applications, such as wall closures in building construction.

Application of Plastic Wastes in Construction Materials: A Review Using the Concept of Life-Cycle Assessment in the Context of Recent Research for Future Perspectives.

The urbanization process contributes to the growth of solid waste generation and causes an increase in environmental impacts and failures in the management of solid waste. The number of dumps is a concern due to the limited implementation and safe disposal of this waste. The interest in sustainable techniques has been growing in relation to waste management, which is largely absorbed by the civil construction sector. This work aimed to review plastic waste, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET), that can be incorporated with construction materials, such as concrete, mortars, asphalt mixtures, and paving. The use of life-cycle assessment (LCA) is related, as a tool that allows the sustainability of products and processes to be enhanced in the long term. After analyzing the recent literature, it was identified that studies related to plastic wastes in construction materials concentrate sustainability around the alternative destination of waste. Since the plastic waste from different production chains are obtained, it was possible to affirm the need for a broader assessment, such as the LCA, providing greater quantification of data making the alternative processes and products more sustainable. The study contributes to enhance sustainability in alternative building materials through LCA.