Biocontrol of Xyleborus affinis (Curculionidae: Scolitinae) Females and Progeny by Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) in a Sawdust Artificial Diet Model.

The ambrosia beetle Xyleborus affinis, recently reported affecting avocado trees in Mexico, represents one of the most widespread insects worldwide. Previous reports have shown that Xyleborus genera members are susceptible to Beauveria bassiana and other entomopathogenic fungus strains. However, their effect on borer beetles' progeny has not been fully investigated. The aim of the present study was to determine the insecticidal activity of B. bassiana on X. affinis adult females and their progeny in an artificial sawdust diet bioassay model. The B. bassiana strains CHE-CNRCB 44, 171, 431, and 485 were individually tested on females at concentrations ranging from 2 × 106 to 1 × 109 conidia mL-1. After 10 d of incubation, diet was evaluated to count laid eggs, larvae, and adults. Insect conidia loss after exposure was determined by attached conidia to each insect after 12 h of exposure. The results showed that females' mortality ranged between 3.4% and 50.3% in a concentration-response manner. Furthermore, we did not observe statistical differences among strains at the highest concentration. CHE-CNRCB 44 showed the highest mortality at the lowest concentration and reduced larvae and laid eggs at the highest concentration (p < 0.01). Strains CHE-CNRCB 44, 431, and 485 significantly decreased larvae, as compared with the untreated control. After 12 h, up to 70% of conidia was removed by the effect of the artificial diet. In conclusion, B. bassiana has the potential to control X. affinis adult females and progeny.

Evaluation of Hot Pressing Processing by Physical Properties of Ecofriendly Composites Reinforced by Eucalyptus Sawdust and Chamotte Residues.

The particleboard industry consumes large amounts of raw material, and this type of product consumption has been increasing over the last few years. The research for alternative raw materials becomes interesting, since most of the resources come from planted forests. In addition, the investigation of new raw materials must take into account environmentally correct solutions, such as the use of alternative natural fibers, use of agro-industrial residues, and resins of vegetable origin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of panels manufactured by hot pressing using eucalyptus sawdust, chamotte, and polyurethane resin based on castor oil as raw materials. Eight formulations were designed with variations of 0, 5, 10, and 15% of chamotte, and two variations of resin with 10% and 15% of volumetric fraction. Tests of gravimetric density, X-ray densitometry, moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out. Through the results it can be noticed that the incorporation of chamotte in the manufacture of the panels increased the water absorption and the swelling in thickness, around 100% and the use of 15% of resin decreased, more than 50%, the values of these properties. X-ray densitometry analyzes showed that the addition of chamotte alters the density profile of the panel. In addition, the panels manufactured with 15% resin were classified as P7, the most demanding type on EN 312:2010 standard.

Adsorptive Features of Magnetic Activated Carbons Prepared by a One-Step Process towards Brilliant Blue Dye.

Water pollution by dyes has been a major environmental problem to be tackled, and magnetic adsorbents appear as promising alternatives to solve it. Herein, magnetic activated carbons were prepared by the single-step method from Sapelli wood sawdust, properly characterized, and applied as adsorbents for brilliant blue dye removal. In particular, two magnetic activated carbons, MAC1105 and MAC111, were prepared using the proportion of biomass KOH of 1:1 and varying the proportion of NiCl2 of 0.5 and 1. The characterization results demonstrated that the different proportions of NiCl2 mainly influenced the textural characteristics of the adsorbents. An increase in the surface area from 260.0 to 331.5 m2 g-1 and in the total pore volume from 0.075 to 0.095 cm3 g-1 was observed with the weight ratio of NiCl2. Both adsorbents exhibit ferromagnetic properties and the presence of nanostructured Ni particles. The different properties of the materials influenced the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium of brilliant blue dye. MAC111 showed faster kinetics, reaching the equilibrium in around 10 min, while for MAC1105, it took 60 min for the equilibrium to be reached. In addition, based on the Sips isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity was 98.12 mg g-1 for MAC111, while for MAC1105, it was 60.73 mg g-1. Furthermore, MAC111 presented the potential to be reused in more adsorption cycles than MAC1105, and the use of the adsorbents in the treatment of a simulated effluent exhibited high effectiveness, with removal efficiencies of up to 90%.

Organic residues from agricultural and forest companies in Brazil as useful substrates for cultivation of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus.

We investigated whether highly available organic residues in Brazil can be used as substrates for the production of the oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, instead of the conventional cultivation using the eucalyptus sawdust substrate. We assessed the mushroom yield on 13 substrates, of which 12 were formulated with different concentrations of organic residues and one with pure eucalyptus sawdust, and verified whether the raw material used in the substrate formula and the concentration of such alternative residues influenced their biological efficiencies. Substrates containing eucalyptus bark resulted in higher mushroom yield than those containing eucalyptus sawdust, which generally resulted in similar mushroom yield to the remaining formulas. Moreover, the raw material and the concentration of each residue affected the biological efficiency of the substrates. We show that the conventional substrate for P. ostreatus can be replaced by substrates easily accessible to producers without loss in productivity. Furthermore, that the concentration of these mixtures affects the mushroom productivity and should be considered when formulating the growth medium.

Improving the physical, mechanical and energetic properties of Quercus spp. wood pellets by adding pine sawdust.

BACKGROUND: Biomass usage for energy purposes has emerged in response to global energy demands and environmental problems. The large amounts of by-products generated during logging are rarely utilized. In addition, some species (e.g., Quercus spp.) are considered less valuable and are left in the cutting areas. Production of pellets from this alternative source of biomass may be possible for power generation. Although the pellets may be of lower quality than other types of wood pellets, because of their physical and technological properties, the addition of different raw materials may improve the characteristics of the oak pellets. METHODS: Sawdust from the oak species Quercus sideroxyla, Q. rugosa, Q. laeta and Q. conzattii was mixed with sawdust from the pine Pinus durangensis in different ratios of oak to pine (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60 and 20:80). Physical and mechanical properties of the pellets were determined, and calorific value tests were carried out. For each variable, Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed and Pearson's correlation coefficients were determined (considering a significance level of p < 0.05). RESULTS: The moisture content and fixed carbon content differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the groups of pellets (i.e., pellets made with different sawdust mixtures). The moisture content of all pellets was less than 10%. However, volatile matter and ash content did not differ significantly between groups (p ≥ 0.05). The ash content was less than 0.7% in all mixtures. The addition of P. durangensis sawdust to the mixtures improved the bulk density of the pellets by 18%. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in particle density were observed between species, mixtures and for the species × mixture interaction. The particle density was highest in the 80:20 and 60:40 mixtures, with values ranging from 1,245 to 1,349 kg m-3. Bulk density and particle density of the pellets were positively correlated with the amount of P. durangensis sawdust included. The mechanical hardness and impact resistance index (IRI) differed significantly (p < 0.05) between groups. The addition of pine sawdust decreased the mechanical hardness of the pellets, up to 24%. The IRI was highest (138) in the Q. sideroxyla pellets (100:0). The mechanical hardness and IRI of the pellets were negatively correlated with the amount of P. durangensis sawdust added. The bulk density of the pellets was negatively correlated with mechanical hardness and IRI. The calorific value of mixtures and the species × mixture interaction differed significantly between groups. Finally, the mean calorific value was highest (19.8 MJ kg-1) in the 20:80 mixture. The calorific value was positively related to the addition of P. durangensis sawdust.

Effect of sequential acid-alkaline treatment on physical and chemical characteristics of lignin and cellulose from pine (Pinus spp.) residual sawdust.

Timber industry generates large amounts of residues such as sawdust. Softwoods have a significant economic value for timber production and the Pinus genus is widely utilized. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the hemicellulose extraction and lignin recovery from pine (Pinus spp.) residual sawdust (PRS) by sequential acid-alkaline treatment, generating a cellulose-rich solid fraction. The hemicellulose removed was 87.11% (wt·wt-1) after dilute acid treatment at 130 °C, 4.5% (wt·wt-1) of H2SO4 for 20 min at 120 rpm. Three temperatures were evaluated for recovering the lignin and the highest yield, 93.97% (wt·wt-1), was achieved at 170 °C, 10% (wt·wt-1) of NaOH for 90 min at 120 rpm. Lignin was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and thermogravimetry. The resulting cellulose-rich fraction exhibited polymorphic transformation. The results demonstrated that PRS is a promising lignocellulosic residue whose lignin and carbohydrates can be readily obtained.

Lipid-lowering effect of Pinus sp. sawdust and Pycnoporus sanguineus mycelium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of diet supplementations on biochemical, hematological, and redox metabolism parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Healthy male Wistar rats and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were provided diets supplemented with 20% of Pinus sp. sawdust or Pycnoporus sanguineus mycelium for 4 weeks. Diabetic rats treated with both Pinus sp. sawdust- and P. sanguineus mycelium-supplemented diets presented a significant decrease in non-HDL cholesterol of 38.43% and 33.53% and triglycerides of 70.03% and 69.81%, respectively, compared to diabetic control. As far as we know, this is the first report of a significant decrease in serum lipids attributed to these supplementations. Even though with the alterations in hematological and redox metabolism parameters related to these diet treatments, our data suggest that Pinus sp. sawdust and Pycnoporus sanguineus mycelium could be a useful a diet supplement to control diabetic dyslipidemia in animals. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Pinus sp. sawdust is a residue from the wood industry that can be reused as a substrate to cultivate Pycnoporus sanguineus mycelium. Both species have specific and rich natural compounds. The results of the present study surprisingly showed that diets supplemented with the isolated substrate (Pinus sp. sawdust) and Pycnoporus sanguineus mycelium significantly decrease non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in induced diabetic animal model. These new natural approaches can be interesting to develop a nutraceutical to treat dyslipidemia.

Influence of operating conditions on proton conductivity of nanocellulose films using two agroindustrial wastes: Sugarcane bagasse and pinewood sawdust.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were isolated from two-agroindustrial wastes: sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and pinewood sawdust (PWS), to analyze their chemical, structural, morphological, and proton conduction properties in dependence of the synthesis parameters. In both sources, the isolated CNCs correspond to the monoclinic phase of cellulose type I and II. For SCB, the smallest CNCs were isolated, in a range of 3-10 nm, with 5 wt.% of NaOH and 60 °C of acid hydrolysis. PWS displayed the smallest sizes at 75 °C and 10 wt.% NaOH (40-110 nm). Membrane characterization suggests that isolated CNCs, between 75 and 90 °C of acid hydrolysis and 10 wt.% NaOH from both SCB and PWS sources, displayed an important increase in the proton conductivity, 1.23(±0.61)×10-5 and 9.26 (±0.24)×10-5 S-m-1, respectively. Thus, with proper synthesis conditions, CNCs can be potentially used as based element to obtain other proton conductor materials to fabricate PEMs.

Physical-mechanical properties of wood panel composites produced with Qualea sp. sawdust and recycled polypropylene.

Adhesive-free wood-plastic composite panels made with lignocellulosic wastes, and recycled plastics can be a sustainable option for generating useful "green" products. The present work assessed the physical-mechanical properties of adhesive-free panels produced with Qualea sp. sawdust and recycled polypropylene (PP). Discarded PP packaging was used. The packages were washed and ground with a laboratory knife mill until particle size of 10 to 14 mesh. Qualea sp. sawdust was sieved to select particle size of 14 to 30 mesh. Four experimental treatments were assessed by varying the percentages of PP and sawdust, as follows, 60 and 40%, 70 and 30%, 80 and 20%, and 90 and 10%, in an entirely randomized design with 3 panels per treatment, totaling 12 panels. The mats were hot-pressed at 180 °C during 20 min, the first 10 min under pressure of 1.0 MPa and the remaining 10 min at 42 MPa. Physical-mechanical properties of the panels were obtained as follows: density, moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, moduli of elasticity and rupture, and Rockwell hardness. In general, an increase of the percentage of PP provided higher dimensional stability to the panels, but there was no significant influence on mechanical strength.

Efeitos da estabulação sobre o trato respiratório de equinos em dois tipos diferentes de camas e a pasto / Stabling effects on equine respiratory tract using two different types of stable beds and pasture

As afecções do sistema respiratório são a segunda causa de queda de desempenho e afastamento dos equinos do esporte ou trabalho, as quais estão atrás somente das desordens musculoesqueléticas. A estabulação e a alimentação à base de fenos predispõem os equinos à inalação de grande número de agentes irritantes às vias aéreas. No intuito de avaliar a influência dos tipos de cama utilizados em baias, estudaram-se três grupos de cinco equinos cada, durante 45 dias. Dois grupos foram mantidos em cocheiras com forrações diferentes à base de madeira (maravalha de pínus autoclavada-MA e serragem-SE) e o terceiro grupo permaneceu no pasto. Foram realizadas avaliações quinzenais, que incluíram exame físico, hemograma, hemogasometria e lavado broncoalveolar. Ao exame físico, notou-se a presença de tosse e espirros em animais do grupo SE. No lavado broncoalveolar, a contagem de células nucleadas totais apresentou maiores valores nos animais a pasto, seguido do grupo SE e, por último, o MA. Concluiu-se que as duas camas testadas neste estudo não apresentaram diferença com relação à capacidade irritativa das vias aéreas superiores no período analisado.(AU)

Respiratory system affections in horses are the second cause of decrease in performance and removal from the sport or farm work, which are behind only the musculoskeletal disorders. Stabling and hay feeding predisposes horses' airways to inhalation of large numbers of irritating agents. To evaluate the influence of bed types used in bays, 3 groups of 5 horses each were studied for 45 days. Two groups were kept in stables with different wood beds - based rafters (autoclaved pine - MA and sawdust - SE) and the third group remained in the pasture. Biweekly evaluations with physical examination, hemogram, hemogasometry and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed. On physical examination, the presence of cough and sneezing was observed in animals of the SE group. In the bronchoalveolar lavage, the total nucleated cell count presented higher values in the animals in the pasture, followed by the SE group and finally the MA. It was concluded that the different beds used presented no difference with respect to the irritative capacity of the upper airways.(AU)

Crescimento e teor de cromo em mamoneira cultivada em solo receptor de resíduos de curtume e carboníferos / Growth and chrome content of castor bean plants cultivated in soil with application of tannery residues and coal mining waste

RESUMO A produção de resíduos tem aumentado em proporção direta com a industrialização dos países. Sendo assim, a disposição adequada desses resíduos é uma questão largamente discutida entre os órgãos ambientais. Por isso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o efeito residual de adições sucessivas de resíduos de curtume e da mineração de carvão sobre as propriedades químicas do solo e o acúmulo de cromo (Cr) em mamoneira. Os tratamentos aplicados em condições de campo foram: T1 - controle, ou seja, solo sem adubação; T2 - solo adubado com nitrogênio-fósforo-potássio (NPK) + calcário para atingir pH 6,0; T3 - solo misturado com lodo de curtume em dose adequada para se atingir pH 6,0 + PK; T4 - solo receptor de duas vezes a dose de lodo de curtume utilizada no T3 + PK; T5 - solo misturado com resíduo carbonífero + NPK + calcário em quantidade adequada para atingir pH 6,0; T6 - solo misturado com resíduo carbonífero + lodo de curtume em dose adequada para atingir pH 6,0 + PK; T7 - solo misturado com serragem cromada + NPK + calcário em quantidade adequada para atingir pH 6,0; T8 - solo misturado com Cr mineral + lodo de curtume em dose adequada para se atingir pH 6,0 + PK. Em campo, o solo recebeu os diferentes tratamentos. Posteriormente, amostras desse solo foram acondicionadas em vasos e o experimento com as plantas foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com três repetições por tratamento. O rendimento de matéria seca mostrou que a aplicação de serragem cromada (T7) proporcionou o maior crescimento da mamoneira, bem como os maiores teores de P no seu tecido. Os teores de Cr na parte aérea das plantas não atingiram níveis que podem ser considerados de contaminação desses vegetais. A distribuição desse elemento nas diferentes partes das plantas de mamoneira demonstrou a possibilidade de utilização futura dos grãos para produção de biodiesel.

ABSTRACT The production of waste has been increasing in direct proportion to the industrialization of the countries. Therefore, the adequate disposal of these wastes is an issue widely discussed among environmental agencies. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the residual effect of successive additions of tannery and coal mining waste on the chemical properties of the soil and the accumulation of chromium in castor bean plants. The treatments applied under field conditions were: T1 - control, that is, soil without fertilization; T2- soil fertilized with nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) + limestone to reach pH 6.0; T3 - soil mixed with tannery sludge at a dose adequate to reach pH 6.0 + PK; T4 - soil receptor of twice the dose of tannery sludge used in treatment 3 + PK; T5 - soil mixed with coal residue + NPK + limestone in an amount adequate to reach pH 6.0; T6 - soil mixed with coal residue + tannery slurry at a dose adequate to reach pH 6.0 + PK; T7 - soil mixed with chrome sawdust + NPK + limestone in adequate quantity to reach pH 6.0; T8 - soil mixed with mineral Cr + tannery sludge at a dose adequate to reach pH 6.0 + PK. In the field, the soil received the different treatments. Subsequently, samples of this soil were conditioned in pots and the experiment with the plants was conducted in a completely randomized design, with three replicates per treatment. Subsequently, samples of this soil were placed in pots and the experiment with plants was conducted in a completely randomized design, with three replications per treatment. The dry matter yield showed that the application of chrome sawdust (T7) provided the highest growth of the castor bean, as well as the higher levels of P in its tissue. Chromium content in the aerial part of the plants did not reach levels that can be considered as contamination of these plants. The distribution of chromium in the different parts of the castor bean plants demonstrated the possibility of future use of the grains to produce biodiesel.

Efeitos da estabulação sobre o trato respiratório de equinos em dois tipos diferentes de camas e a pasto / Stabling effects on equine respiratory tract using two different types of stable beds and pasture

As afecções do sistema respiratório são a segunda causa de queda de desempenho e afastamento dos equinos do esporte ou trabalho, as quais estão atrás somente das desordens musculoesqueléticas. A estabulação e a alimentação à base de fenos predispõem os equinos à inalação de grande número de agentes irritantes às vias aéreas. No intuito de avaliar a influência dos tipos de cama utilizados em baias, estudaram-se três grupos de cinco equinos cada, durante 45 dias. Dois grupos foram mantidos em cocheiras com forrações diferentes à base de madeira (maravalha de pínus autoclavada-MA e serragem-SE) e o terceiro grupo permaneceu no pasto. Foram realizadas avaliações quinzenais, que incluíram exame físico, hemograma, hemogasometria e lavado broncoalveolar. Ao exame físico, notou-se a presença de tosse e espirros em animais do grupo SE. No lavado broncoalveolar, a contagem de células nucleadas totais apresentou maiores valores nos animais a pasto, seguido do grupo SE e, por último, o MA. Concluiu-se que as duas camas testadas neste estudo não apresentaram diferença com relação à capacidade irritativa das vias aéreas superiores no período analisado.(AU)

Respiratory system affections in horses are the second cause of decrease in performance and removal from the sport or farm work, which are behind only the musculoskeletal disorders. Stabling and hay feeding predisposes horses' airways to inhalation of large numbers of irritating agents. To evaluate the influence of bed types used in bays, 3 groups of 5 horses each were studied for 45 days. Two groups were kept in stables with different wood beds - based rafters (autoclaved pine - MA and sawdust - SE) and the third group remained in the pasture. Biweekly evaluations with physical examination, hemogram, hemogasometry and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed. On physical examination, the presence of cough and sneezing was observed in animals of the SE group. In the bronchoalveolar lavage, the total nucleated cell count presented higher values in the animals in the pasture, followed by the SE group and finally the MA. It was concluded that the different beds used presented no difference with respect to the irritative capacity of the upper airways.(AU)

Mechanical Properties and Seismic Performance of Wood-Concrete Composite Blocks for Building Construction.

Recent catastrophes that occurred during seismic events suggest the importance of developing new seismic-resistant materials for use in building construction. Ordinary concrete is one of the most common materials in buildings. However, due to its low ductility and flexural strength, its seismic behavior can be improved upon by different additives. In this regard, wood-concrete composites exhibit desirable structural properties not achievable by either wood or concrete alone, making it an interesting material from a seismic point of view. This work analyzes and compares the performance of blocks built with ordinary concrete versus blocks built using different wood additives (sawdust and wood shavings). This includes the construction of concrete blocks in a lab, determination of their construction and seismic-resistant properties, as well as an analysis of their performance in buildings with a different number of storeys. The results show how blocks with wood aggregates comply with current regulations for structural materials in a seismic country like Chile, while also considerably outperforming traditional concrete blocks in the event of an earthquake.

Reciclagem de éter-aminas, utilizadas na flotação de minério de ferro, por meio da adsorção / Recycling of éther-amines, used in iron ore flotation, by adsorption

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve por objetivo verificar uma possível rota de reciclagem para as éter-aminas, utilizadas para aumentar a eficiência do processo de flotação catiônica reversa do minério de ferro. Estudou-se um método de separação físico-química utilizando TANFLOC como floculante. As águas de rejeito contêm, em sua maior parte, amina e sílica, e o objetivo desse método era separar a sílica do rejeito. A separação físico-química, porém, não foi eficaz, visto que o processo não foi capaz de flocular somente a sílica, floculando também parte da éter-amina. Foi avaliado também o processo de adsorção e, para tanto, utilizaram-se como materiais adsorventes a serragem Angelim e bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, ambos in natura. Esses materiais foram capazes de remover aproximadamente 95 e 90% de éter-amina, com capacidades adsortivas de 4,2 e 2,7 mg.g-1, respectivamente, utilizando massa de 1,5 g e estabelecendo tempo de equilíbrio de 30 minutos. Verificou-se que a eficiência de remoção é maior em pH próximo a 10. Pelos estudos termodinâmicos foi possível concluir, para a serragem, que o processo é termodinamicamente favorável e exotérmico. Para o bagaço de cana não foi possível analisar o comportamento termodinâmico. Além disso, o processo de dessorção permitiu recuperar em torno de 80% de éter-amina, além da possibilidade de regeneração e reutilização dos materiais adsorventes, o que mostra a viabilidade de reciclar a éter-amina pelo mecanismo de adsorção.

ABSTRACT The present work has the objective of investigating the possible recycling route for ether-amines, used for improving the efficiency of the process of iron ore's reverse flotation. A physical-chemical separation method has been studied using TANFLOC as flocculant. The wastewater contains, mainly, amine and silica, and the objective of this method was to separate the silica from the waste by flocculation. However, this method was not effective, as flocculation was not able to flocculate only silica, but also part of the ether-amine. Furthermore, the process of adsorption was assessed, and for this it was used as materials adsorbents Angelim's sawdust and sugar cane bagasse, both in natura, with which it was possible to remove approximately 95 and 90% of ether-amines, with adsorptive capacity of 4,2 and 2,7 mg.g-1, respectively, by using a mass of 1.5 g and a settling time of 30 minutes. It was verified that the removal efficiency is greater at a pH around 10. Thermodynamic studies were carried out and they were able to state, for sawdust, that this process is thermodynamically favorable and exothermic. In the case of sugar cane bagasse, it was not possible to analyze its thermodynamic behavior. In addition, the use of desorption revealed the possibility of regaining around 80% of the ether-amines. This proved that it is possible to recycle ether-amines by the adsorption mechanism.

Adding value to lignocellulosic wastes via their use for endoxylanase production by Aspergillus fungi.

Agroforestry industries in the world generate lignocellulosic wastes that can be a huge problem of pollution, or the wastes can be used for different biotechonological applications such as substrates for microorganism growth and enzyme production. Fungi such as Aspergillus niger can grow in almost every substrate and produce hydrolytic enzymes such as endoxylanases, giving added value to agroforestry wastes generated by industries in the northeast of Argentina. In this context, the aim of this work was to use agroforestry wastes as substrates for the production of endoxylanases by Aspergillus niger and to optimize nitrogen sources and physical variables for the highest endoxylanase activity. A. niger LBM 055 and A. niger LBM 134 produced high endoxylanase levels when they were grown with sugarcane and cassava bagasses as carbon sources. A. niger LBM 134 reached the highest endoxylanase activity when nitrogen sources and physical variables were optimized. The fungus exhibited up to 110 U mL-1 of endoxylanase activity when it was grown with sugarcane bagasse and more than 160 U mL-1 with cassava bagasse. Therefore, endoxylanase production was optimized using agricultural bagasses and cost 20 times less than enzyme production using synthetic xylan.

Substrates with organic residues in Fritillaria cirrhosa seedlings for bulbus production / Substratos com resíduos orgânicos em mudas de Fritillaria cirrhosa para produção de bulbos

China is abundant in organic residues from agricultural and forestry efforts. Bulbus Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (BFC) is a precious wild herb of Liliaceae that grows in the Tibetan area of China and the bulbs are used as a source of medicine. The shortage of germplasm resources restricts the development of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, so improved cultivation methods are urgently needed. The objective of this study was to study the effects of different substrates on the growth of F. cirrhosa seedlings. Sawdust and vermi-compost are common organic residues and were selected as nursery materials to supplement efforts to cultivate Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don from ripe seeds and bulbs. The experiments were conducted in a plastic greenhouse in Yaan of Sichuan Province from January to May 2013. Vegetative parameters of leaf length, leaf width, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight, and bulb size and fresh weight were measured. Additionally, the emergence ratio and preservation rate were calculated. The following results were obtained: (1) Sowing seeds of F. cirrhosa with 70% vermi-compost and 30% sawdust gave the best emergence rate, leaf length (60 days after seedling emergence, 60 DAS), and bulb dry weight (at harvest, 93 DAS). (2) The leaf nitrogen content (60 DAS) was positively correlated with the nitrogen content of bulbs (at harvest, 93 DAS). From the data, we concluded that forestry residues such as sawdust and vermi-compost can serve as excellent growing substrates of BFC seedlings.(AU)

A China é abundante em resíduos orgânicos agrícolas e florestais. Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don, família Liliaceae, é uma planta herbácea que cresce na área da China tibetana, cujos bulbos são utilizados na medicina tradicional chinesa. A escassez de mudas limita o uso deste medicamento, portanto são necessários métodos de cultivo mais eficientes para a multiplicação da planta. O objetivo foi estudar os efeitos de substratos à base de serragem e vermicomposto no crescimento e produção de bulbos de F. cirrhosa. Os experimentos foram realizados em estufa plástica na província Yaan - Sichuan, de janeiro a maio de 2013. Foram avaliados parâmetros vegetativos de comprimento e largura de folha, diâmetro longitudinal e transversal de bulbo, massa fresca e seca das plantas e massa fresca e tamanho de bulbos. Além disso, foi calculada a taxa de conservação dos bulbos. O uso de 70% de vermicomposto + 30% de serragem provocou maior comprimento de folha aos 60 dias após a emergência das mudas (DAE) e maior massa seca de bulbos (na colheita aos 93 DAE). O teor de N nas folhas (60 DAE) foi positivamente correlacionado com o teor de N de bulbos (93 DAE). Os resíduos florestais serragem e vermicomposto podem ser usados satisfatoriamente como substratos para F. cirrhosa.(AU)

Substrates with organic residues in Fritillaria cirrhosa seedlings for bulbus production / Substratos com resíduos orgânicos em mudas de Fritillaria cirrhosa para produção de bulbos

China is abundant in organic residues from agricultural and forestry efforts. Bulbus Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (BFC) is a precious wild herb of Liliaceae that grows in the Tibetan area of China and the bulbs are used as a source of medicine. The shortage of germplasm resources restricts the development of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, so improved cultivation methods are urgently needed. The objective of this study was to study the effects of different substrates on the growth of F. cirrhosa seedlings. Sawdust and vermi-compost are common organic residues and were selected as nursery materials to supplement efforts to cultivate Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don from ripe seeds and bulbs. The experiments were conducted in a plastic greenhouse in Ya’an of Sichuan Province from January to May 2013. Vegetative parameters of leaf length, leaf width, seedling fresh weight, seedling dry weight, and bulb size and fresh weight were measured. Additionally, the emergence ratio and preservation rate were calculated. The following results were obtained: (1) Sowing seeds of F. cirrhosa with 70% vermi-compost and 30% sawdust gave the best emergence rate, leaf length (60 days after seedling emergence, 60 DAS), and bulb dry weight (at harvest, 93 DAS). (2) The leaf nitrogen content (60 DAS) was positively correlated with the nitrogen content of bulbs (at harvest, 93 DAS). From the data, we concluded that forestry residues such as sawdust and vermi-compost can serve as excellent growing substrates of BFC seedlings.

A China é abundante em resíduos orgânicos agrícolas e florestais. Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don, família Liliaceae, é uma planta herbácea que cresce na área da China tibetana, cujos bulbos são utilizados na medicina tradicional chinesa. A escassez de mudas limita o uso deste medicamento, portanto são necessários métodos de cultivo mais eficientes para a multiplicação da planta. O objetivo foi estudar os efeitos de substratos à base de serragem e vermicomposto no crescimento e produção de bulbos de F. cirrhosa. Os experimentos foram realizados em estufa plástica na província Ya’an - Sichuan, de janeiro a maio de 2013. Foram avaliados parâmetros vegetativos de comprimento e largura de folha, diâmetro longitudinal e transversal de bulbo, massa fresca e seca das plantas e massa fresca e tamanho de bulbos. Além disso, foi calculada a taxa de conservação dos bulbos. O uso de 70% de vermicomposto + 30% de serragem provocou maior comprimento de folha aos 60 dias após a emergência das mudas (DAE) e maior massa seca de bulbos (na colheita aos 93 DAE). O teor de N nas folhas (60 DAE) foi positivamente correlacionado com o teor de N de bulbos (93 DAE). Os resíduos florestais serragem e vermicomposto podem ser usados satisfatoriamente como substratos para F. cirrhosa.

Optimization of Lignin-Based Biocatalyst Production from Pine Sawdust and Wheat Straw.

Pine sawdust and wheat straw are abundant lignocellulosic wastes that have been recently converted into bioethanol under a biochemical platform scheme whose main waste is lignin. Lignin can be transformed into a wide variety of high added-value products, including its functionalization as a catalyst. A key step in the synthesis of a lignin-based catalyst is the sulfonation reaction, whose operating conditions, namely, H2SO4 to lignin ratio (mL/g), temperature and time, have been arbitrarily chosen. In this contribution, an optimization methodology (i.e., Box-Behnken) is applied in order to found the operating conditions during the sulfonation reaction that maximizes the total acid sites density of lignin-based catalysts from pine sawdust and wheat straw. The optimization results show that the time in sulfonation reactions can be significantly reduced, compared to those previously reported, without affecting the performance of both catalysts in esterification reactions. These results could be further considered for energy and costs reduction purposes during the conceptual design engineering of the sulfonation reaction.

Tijolos leves para alvenaria produzidos a partir de resíduos da indústria madeireira / Lightweight masonry bricks produced from wood industry waste

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade de utilização de compósitos cimento-madeira na fabricação de componentes leves para alvenaria, visando reduzir os prejuízos ambientais causados pela disposição final da serragem proveniente do desdobro da madeira. Primeiramente foram analisadas as propriedades físicas (teor de umidade, absorção de água, índice de vazios e massa específica) e mecânicas (resistência à compressão e módulo de elasticidade dinâmico) de diferentes traços cimento:areia, cimento:areia:serragem e cimento:serragem. A partir de traços selecionados foram fabricados tijolos maciços de alvenaria com dimensões 90 × 90 × 190 mm, submetidos a ensaios para determinação da massa específica, teor de umidade, absorção de água e resistência à compressão. As propriedades físicas e mecânicas desses componentes foram comparadas com as exigências de normas brasileiras prescritivas referentes a componentes de alvenaria. Foram obtidos resultados satisfatórios, indicando que resíduos da indústria madeireira têm potencial para serem utilizados na produção de componentes leves de alvenaria, podendo ser aplicados como material de construção alternativo.

ABSTRACT The main objective of this work was to investigate the use of cement-wood composites to produce lightweight masonry elements, aiming to reduce environmental damages arising from the disposal of the sawdust originated from wood sawing process. Physical (moisture content, water absorption, void ratio and specific gravity) and mechanical (compressive strength and dynamic Young's modulus) properties of different cement:sand, cement:sand:sawdust and cement:sawdust mix proportions were evaluated. Specific gravity, moisture content, water absorption and compressive strength of 90 × 90 × 190 mm bricks, produced from selected mix proportions, were determined and compared to the requirements of the Brazilian standards for masonry elements. The satisfactory results obtained indicate that lightweight masonry bricks produced with wastes from wood industry have the potential to become an alternative for traditional building materials.

Composted slaughterhouse sludge as a substitute for chemical fertilizers in the cultures of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Abstract Flotation sludge (FS) is produced in huge amounts at slaughterhouses in western Santa Catarina, Brazil. This waste is rich in plant nutrients and a valuable resource for soil amendments. Five FS composts were tested as a replacement for chemical fertilizers (QF), namely T1 (75% poultry manure (PM) and 25% sawdust (SD)); T2 (50% PM and 50% SD); T3 (25% PM and 75% SD); T4 (100% PM and 0% SD); and T5 (0% PM x 100% SD). For lettuce plants, treatments containing composted FS resulted in an increased number of leaves, leaf area and leaf fresh weight (LFW). T1 presented the best results with increases of 1.4 fold in LFW compared to plants supplemented with QF. T2 was the most effective treatment for radish with the best results of root fresh weight and root diameter. Although T4 had the highest nitrogen content, it did not present the best results in growth performance for lettuce or radish. The presence of higher proportions of SD in composts (25% for lettuce and 50% for radish) improved the physical characteristics of the soil and proved to be a more balanced compost.