Antioxidant system alterations, oxidative, and genotoxic effects in Danio rerio (zebrafish) exposed to leachate from a dumpsite.

Water body contamination by leachate originated from dumpsites is a concern for municipal solid waste (MSW) management. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate antioxidant system alterations and oxidative and genotoxic effects in Danio rerio (zebrafish) exposed to leachate from a closed dumpsite. Groups comprising 50 fish were exposed (96 h) to different leachate concentrations (5, 15, 30, and 50%) to evaluate effects on liver and brain superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT) concentrations, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonylation (PTC) levels. Blood genotoxicity was evaluated by the comet assay. The investigated dumpsite leachate pond presented high chloride concentrations (Cl-; 2288.4 ± 69.5 mg L-1) and high electrical conductivity (EC; 8434.0 mS cm-1), indicating the presence of leachate. Concerning Danio rerio exposure, higher SOD (37%), CAT (67%), and GST (39%) activities and higher GSH (57%) concentrations were observed in liver following exposure to 50% leachate, while decreased brain GST (42%) activities and GSH (90%) levels were observed at the same leachate concentration. A significant increase in the olive tail moment (OTM; 280%) indicative of genotoxicity in blood was observed. A principal component analysis indicated that increased enzymatic activities and high levels of both GSH and MT were not sufficient to prevent the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in PTC and genotoxicity. Therefore, leachate exposure causes sublethal Danio rerio effects, altering the antioxidant system, increasing ROS production, and leading to PTC and genotoxicity. The findings demonstrate the need to further develop sublethal level assessments in zebrafish using leachate from different sources to subsidize risk assessments regarding MSW management.

A comprehensive overview on solid waste leachate effects on terrestrial organisms.

Leachate is a highly complex waste with high toxicological potential that poses a significant threat to the terrestrial environment. Determining leachate physicochemical parameters and identifying xenobiotics alone is, however, not enough to determine the real environmental impacts. In this context, the use of terrestrial model organisms has been highlighted as a tool in ecotoxicological leachate assessments and as a guiding principle in risk assessments. In this context, this review aimed to present the most current state of knowledge concerning leachate toxicity and the bioassays employed in this evaluation concerning terrestrial plants and animals. To this end, a literature search on leachate effects on terrestrial organisms was carried out using ten search terms, in 32 different combinations, at the Web of Science and Scopus databases. A total of 74 eligible articles were selected. The retrieved studies analyzed 42 different plant and animal species and employed nine endpoints, namely phytotoxicity, genotoxicity, bioaccumulation, antioxidant system, cytotoxicity, reproduction, physiological changes, behavior and lethality. A frequent association of toxic leachate effects with metals was observed, mainly Pb, Cd, Cr, Mg, Zn and Cr, which can cause antioxidant system alterations and cyto- and genotoxicity. These elements have also been associated to reproductive effects in earthworms and mice. Specifically concerning plants, most of the retrieved studies employed Allium cepa in toxicity assays, reporting phytotoxic effects frequently associated to metals and soil parameter changes. Animal studies, on the other hand, mostly employed mice and evaluated genotoxicity and antioxidant system effects. Even with the description of toxic leachate effects in both plants and animals, a lack of knowledge is still noted concerning reproductive, physiological, cytotoxic, and behavioral effects in terrestrial species. We, thus, suggest that further studies be carried out on other animals, advancing our understanding on potential environmental leachate effects, also allowing for human health risk assessments.

Candida palmioleophila: A New Emerging Threat in Brazil?

Human activity directly or indirectly causes climate change, promoting changes in the composition of the atmosphere. This change is beyond the variation of the natural climate. In this manner, climate change could create an environmental pressure which is enough to trigger new fungal diseases. In addition to climate alterations, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been associated with the emergence of fungal pathogens. Fungi showed that an inability to grow at high temperatures limits the capacity of fungi to infect mammals. However, fungi can develop thermotolerance, gradually adapting to rising temperatures due to climate change, and generating a greater number of disease-causing organisms. In the present study, we reported the detection and identification of Candida palmioleophila isolates recovered from raw sewage samples in Niteroi city, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, during a monitoring program for measuring SARS-CoV-2 presence and concentration. Using polyphasic taxonomy to identify the species and evaluating some virulence aspects of this species, such as biofilm formation and extracellular enzyme production, our data highlight this species as a possible emerging pathogen in Brazil, especially in the pandemic context.

Quantification and molecular characterization of intact rotavirus species A (RVA) in municipal solid waste leachate.

AIMS: Leachate comprises a solid waste decomposition product found fresh in collection trucks or as an effluent in landfills. This study aimed to assess the occurrence, concentrations, and genetic diversity of intact rotavirus species A (RVA) in solid waste leachate. METHODS AND RESULTS: Leachate samples were concentrated by ultracentrifugation, treated with propidium monoazide (PMA), and exposed to LED photolysis. Treated and untread samples were extracted using the QIAamp Fast DNA Stool mini kit, and nucleic acids were screened for RVA employing a Taqman® Real-time PCR. The PMA RT-qPCR method detected RVA in eight out of nine truck samples and in 15.40% (2/13) of the landfill leachate samples. The RVA concentrations in the PMA-treated samples ranged from 4.57 × 103 to 2.15 × 107 genomic copies (GC) 100 mL-1 in truck leachate and from 7.83 × 103 to 1.42 × 104 GC 100 mL-1 in landfill samples. Six truck leachate samples were characterized as RVA VP6 genogroup I2 by partial nucleotide sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The high intact RVA detection rates and concentrations in truck leachate samples indicate potential infectivity and comprise a warning for solid waste collectors concerning hand-to-mouth contact and the splash route.

SARS-CoV-2 surveillance-based on municipal solid waste leachate in Brazil.

Municipal solid waste leachate-based epidemiology is an alternative viral tracking tool that applies fresh truck leachate as an early warning of public health emergencies. This study aimed to investigate the potential of SARS-CoV-2 surveillance based on solid waste fresh truck leachate. Twenty truck leachate samples were ultracentrifugated, nucleic acid extracted, and real-time RT-qPCR SARS-CoV-2 N1/N2 applied. Viral isolation, variant of concern (N1/N2) inference, and whole genome sequencing were also performed. SARS-CoV-2 was detected on 40% (8/20) of samples, with a concentration from 2.89 to 6.96 RNA Log10 100 mL-1. The attempt to isolate SARS-CoV-2 and recover the whole genome was not successful; however, positive samples were characterized as possible pre-variant of concern (pre-VOC), VOC Alpha (B.1.1.7) and variant of interest Zeta (P.2). This approach revealed an alternative tool to infer SARS-CoV-2 in the environment and may help the management of local surveillance, health, and social policies.

Wastewater-based epidemiology for preventing outbreaks and epidemics in Latin America - Lessons from the past and a look to the future.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an approach with the potential to complement clinical surveillance systems. Using WBE, it is possible to carry out an early warning of a possible outbreak, monitor spatial and temporal trends of infectious diseases, produce real-time results and generate representative epidemiological information in a territory, especially in areas of social vulnerability. Despite the historical uses of this approach, particularly in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and for other pathogens, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred an exponential increase in environmental surveillance programs for SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, with many experiences and developments in the field of public health using data for decision making and prioritizing actions to control the pandemic. In Latin America, WBE was applied in heterogeneous contexts and with emphasis on populations that present many socio-environmental inequalities, a condition shared by all Latin American countries. This manuscript addresses the concepts and applications of WBE in public health actions, as well as different experiences in Latin American countries, and discusses a model to implement this surveillance system at the local or national level. We emphasize the need to implement this sentinel surveillance system in countries that want to detect the early entry and spread of new pathogens and monitor outbreaks or epidemics of infectious agents in their territories as a complement of public health surveillance systems.

A comprehensive assessment of leachate contamination at a non-operational open dumpsite: mycoflora screening, metal soil pollution indices, and ecotoxicological risks.

The final disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) in dumpsites is still a reality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries, leading to leachate-contaminated zones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out soil and leachate physicochemical, microbiological, and toxicological characterizations from a non-operational dumpsite. The L-01 pond samples presented the highest physicochemical parameters, especially chloride (Cl; 4101 ± 44.8 mg L-1), electrical conductivity (EC; 10,452 ± 0.1 mS cm-1), and chemical oxygen demand (COD; 760 ± 6.6 mg L-1) indicating the presence of leachate, explained by its close proximity to the landfill cell. Pond L-03 presented higher parameters compared to pond L-02, except for N-ammoniacal and phosphorus levels, explained by the local geological configuration, configured as a slope from the landfill cell towards L-03. Seven filamentous and/or yeast fungi genera were identified, including the opportunistic pathogenic fungi Candida krusei (4 CFU) in an outcrop sample. Regarding soil samples, Br, Se, and I were present at high concentrations leading to high soil contamination (CF ≤ 6). Pond L-02 presented the highest CF for Br (18.14 ± 18.41 mg kg-1) and I (10.63 ± 3.66 mg kg-1), while pond L-03 presented the highest CF for Se (7.60 ± 1.33 mg kg-1). The most severe lethal effect for Artemia salina was observed for L-03 samples (LC50: 79.91%), while only samples from L-01 were toxic to Danio rerio (LC50: 32.99%). The highest lethality for Eisenia andrei was observed for L-02 samples (LC50: 50.30%). The applied risk characterization indicates high risk of all proposed scenarios for both aquatic (RQ 375-909) and terrestrial environments (RQ > 1.4 × 105). These findings indicate that the investigated dumpsite is contaminated by both leachate and metals, high risks to living organisms and adjacent water resources, also potentially affecting human health.

Contamination assessment of soil and groundwater of a deactivated dumpsite in Brazil.

The final disposal of solid waste in dumpsites can result in the migration of leachate components through the soil, contaminating it as well as the groundwater. The purpose of this manuscript was to analyze the contamination of a dumpsite along with three unlined leachate ponds that operated for approximately 25 years. Soil, surface water from three leachate lagoons, and groundwater samples were collected. Chemical analyses such as chloride, ammonia nitrogen, and total organic carbon were performed. The present work also aimed at elaborating the local flow pattern map and the assessment of subsoil. The results showed local subsoil mostly clayey, also occurring a region of sandy predominance, and great variation of rocky outcrops depth. The groundwater flow occurs from the waste towards one of the leachate lagoons. The leachate lagoon located closer to deposited area presented the highest concentration of all contaminants measured. Groundwater and soil showed low ammonia nitrogen with a maximum value of 2 mg.L-1. Elevated chloride levels were detected in all matrices studied. In soil depth, the concentration varied ​​between 17 and 1270 mg.L-1 and in groundwater between 843 and 3,252 mg.L-1. Results suggest the migration of leachate components through the local soil. The concentration of total organic carbon measured in soil was of 10-982 mg.L-1, suggesting its natural presence.

Análise da aplicabilidade da Portaria 557 do Ministério das Cidades em estudos de viabilidade técnico-econômica para incineração com recuperação energética de resíduo sólido urbano no Brasil / Analysis of the applicability of Ordinance 557 of the Ministry of Cities in technical-economic feasibility studies for incineration with MSW energy recovery in Brazil

RESUMO Os estudos de viabilidade técnico econômica são elementos primordiais para a viabilização de projetos de saneamento, inclusive de incineração de resíduo sólido urbano com recuperação energética. O artigo teve como base os padrões para estudos de viabilidade técnico econômica conforme Portaria n° 557 do Ministério das Cidades, previstos na lei n° 11.445 que estabelece diretrizes nacionais para o saneamento básico. Foram realizadas visitas técnicas em quatro incineradores em operação na Suíça e dois em Portugal, com o objetivo de estabelecer um benchmarking para referenciar a análise da aplicação da Portaria, a identificação dos fatores críticos que dificultam a adoção dessa tecnologia no Brasil, assim como as ações necessárias para a viabilidade técnico-econômica do incinerador. Os principais fatores críticos identificados foram a localização da planta, o efeito Not in My Backyard, a concepção de conflito entre reciclagem e incineração, o elevado investimento inicial, o risco de adoção de tecnologias já superadas, a falta de experiência e mão de obra capacitada local, a variação e sazonalidade na alimentação de resíduo sólido urbano, a volatilidade do preço da energia no mercado, as receitas mínimas para viabilidade financeira, a adequação do arcabouço legal e a seleção de modelo de negócio adequado.

ABSTRACT Technical-economic feasibility studies are essential elements for making sanitation projects feasible, including projects of MSW incinerators with energy recovery. This article is based on the reference standards for technical-economic feasibility studies according to Ordinance No. 557 (2016) of the Ministry of Cities, provided for in Law No. 11.445, which establishes national guidelines for basic sanitation. Technical visits were carried out in four incinerators in Switzerland and two in Portugal in order to establish a benchmark to reference the analysis of the application of the Ordinance, the identification of critical factors that hinder the adoption of this technology in Brazil, as well as the necessary actions for technical-economic feasibility. The objective of this article is to propose an adaptation of the technical-economic feasibility studies model of the Ordinance for a MSW incinerator project with energy recovery, identifying the critical factors and actions related to the financial-economic viability that hinder the adoption of this technology in Brazil. The critical factors identified were the location of the plant, the Not in My Backyard effect, the concept of conflict between recycling and incineration, the high initial investment, the risk of adopting technologies that have already been overcome, the lack of experience and hands of qualified local work, variation and seasonality in MSW supply, volatility in the price of energy in the market, minimum revenues for financial viability, adequacy of the legal framework, and selection of an appropriate business model.

Long-term landfill leachate exposure modulates antioxidant responses and causes cyto-genotoxic effects in Eisenia andrei earthworms.

It is estimated that approximately 0.4% of the total leachate produced in a landfill is destined for treatment plants, while the rest can reach the soil and groundwater. In this context, this study aimed to perform leachate toxicity evaluations through immune system cytotoxic assessments, genotoxic (comet assay) appraisals and antioxidant system (superoxide dismutase - SOD; catalase - CAT, glutathione-S-transferase - GST; reduced glutathione - GSH and metallothionein - MT) evaluations in Eisenia andrei earthworms exposed to a Brazilian leachate for 77 days. The leachate sample contained high organic matter (COD - 10,630 mg L-1) and ammoniacal nitrogen (2398 mg L-1), as well as several metals, including Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg, Ni and Zn. Leachate exposure resulted in SOD activity alterations and increased CAT activity and MT levels. Decreased GST activity and GSH levels were also observed. Antioxidant system alterations due to leachate exposure led to increased malondialdehyde levels as a result of lipid peroxidation after the 77 day-exposure. An inflammatory process was also observed in exposed earthworms, evidenced by increased amoebocyte density, and DNA damage was also noted. This study demonstrates for the first time that sublethal effect assessments in leachate-exposed earthworms comprise an important tool for solid waste management.

Lethal and long-term effects of landfill leachate on Eisenia andrei earthworms: Behavior, reproduction and risk assessment.

Leachate is difficult to biodegrade, and presents variable physical, chemical and biological characteristics, as well as high toxicological potential for soil, groundwater and water bodies. In this context, untreated leachate toxicity was evaluated through acute and chronic exposures in Eisenia andrei earthworms. Physico-chemical leachate characterizations indicate a complex composition, with high organic matter (COD - 10,634 mg L-1) and ammoniacal nitrogen (2388 mg L-1) concentrations. Metals with carcinogenic potential, such as Cr, As and Pb, were present at 0.60, 0.14 and 0.01 µg L-1, respectively and endocrine disrupting compounds were detected in estradiol equivalents of 660 ± 50 ng L-1. Acute tests with Eisenia andrei indicated an LC50 (72 h) of 1.3 ± 0.1 µL cm-2 in a filter paper contact test and 53.9 ± 1.3 mL kg-1 in natural soil (14 days). The EC50 in a behavioral test was estimated as 31.6 ± 6.8 mL kg-1, indicating an escape effect for concentrations ranging from 35.0 to 70.0 mL kg-1 and habitat loss from 87.5 mL kg-1 of leachate exposure. Chronic exposure (56 days) led to reproduction effects, resulting in a 4-fold decreased cocoon production and 7-fold juvenile decrease. This effect was mainly attributed to the possible presence of endocrine disrupting compounds. An estimated NOAEL of 1.7 mL L-1 and LOAEL of 3.5 mL L-1 were estimated for earthworms exposed to the assessed effluent. Extremely high-risk quotients (RQ ≥ 1) were estimated based on leachate application in irrigation. Thus, adequate municipal solid waste management is paramount, especially with regard to generated by-products, which can result in high toxicological risks for terrestrial organisms.

Análise do monitoramento ambiental da incineração de resíduos sólidos urbanos na Europa e a necessidade de alterações na legislação brasileira / Environmental monitoring analysis of municipal solid waste incineration in Europe and the needs for changes in brazilian legislation

RESUMO A incineração é uma tecnologia de tratamento térmico de resíduos sólidos cujo principal objetivo é a redução do volume e da massa dos resíduos a serem depositados em aterros. Os incineradores construídos nas últimas décadas trazem a possibilidade de recuperação energética dos resíduos, na forma de vapor e/ou energia elétrica, entretanto essa tecnologia ainda gera questionamentos sobre possíveis impactos ambientais relacionados às suas emissões. A incineração é regulada na Europa por legislação específica que, entre outras questões, obriga a divulgação de dados de monitoramento ambiental de incineradores. No presente trabalho, são analisados dados de emissões atmosféricas de incineradores associados à Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants (CEWEP), por meio de buscas nos websites dos respectivos incineradores, em artigos científicos e relatórios técnicos. Foram examinados dados de monitoramento de todos os poluentes de medição contínua e periódica definidos na legislação da UE, em séries temporais de 2010 a 2017. Todos os valores médios anuais de emissões nos incineradores analisados estiveram abaixo dos limites definidos pela diretiva europeia, com pequena variação ao longo dos anos observados. A comparação dos padrões de emissão europeus com os brasileiros mostra a necessidade de mudança na legislação local referente à incineração para que, caso essa tecnologia seja implementada no Brasil, ela possa operar respeitando limites seguros, com garantia de minimização de impactos ao ambiente e às populações do entorno.

Abstract Incineration is a solid waste treatment technology whose main purpose is to reduce the volume and mass of the waste to be disposed of in landfills. The incinerators built in the last decades bring the possibility of energy recovery from waste, in the form of steam and/or electric energy. However, this technology still raises questions about possible environmental impacts related to its emissions. Incineration is regulated in Europe through specific legislation which, among other issues, requires the disclosure of environmental monitoring data for incinerators. In the present work, atmospheric emissions data from incinerators associated with the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants (CEWEP) are analyzed by searching the websites of the respective incinerators, scientific articles and technical reports. Monitoring data on all continuous and periodic measured pollutants defined in the legislation in time series from 2010 to 2017 were analyzed. All annual average emission values of the incinerators analyzed were below the limits defined by the European Union's Directive, with little variation over the observed years. The comparison of European with Brazilian emission standards shows the need for a change in local legislation on incineration so that, if this technology is implemented in Brazil, it will operate within safe limits, with a guarantee of minimizing impacts on the environment and surrounding populations.

Wastewater-based epidemiology as a useful tool to track SARS-CoV-2 and support public health policies at municipal level in Brazil.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been applied as a complementary approach for spatial tracking of coronavirus disease 2019 cases (COVID-19) as well as early warning of the occurrence of infected populations. The present study presents the result of the monitoring of sanitary sewerage in the municipality of Niterói, a metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and its use as a complementary indicator in the surveillance of COVID-19 cases, thus assisting actions of public health from local authorities. Twelve composite raw sewage samples were weekly collected from two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and alternately from 17 sewer pipes (SP) from surrounding neighbourhoods and slums throughout 20 weeks (April 15th to August 25th, 2020). Two hundred twenty-three samples were concentrated using the ultracentrifugation-based method and SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected and quantified by RT-qPCR using primers and probe targeting the N2 genome. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 84.3% (188/223) of samples with a positive rate ranging from 42% (5/12) in the first week of monitoring to 100% during the peak of epidemic with viral concentration ranging from 3.1 to 7.1 log10 genome copies /100 mL throughout the studied period. Positive rates were higher in WWTPs when compared to SP, being useful tool for monitoring trends in the evolution of the COVID-19 curve, while SP data were more effective when health public interventions were needed. Whole-genome sequencing using Illumina MiSeq System confirmed the lineage of three genomes as B.1.1.33 (clade G) containing the nucleotide substitutions observed in strains that circulate in the Rio de Janeiro during the period of this study. In addition, geoprocessing tool was used to build heat maps based on SARS-CoV-2 data from sewage samples, which were weekly updated and available online to the general population as an indicator of the ongoing epidemic situation in Niterói city, raising public awareness.

Preliminary results of SARS-CoV-2 detection in sewerage system in Niterói municipality, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This study presents preliminary results from a sewage-based surveillance to monitor the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the municipality of Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. By using ultracentrifugation method associated to quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) we detected SARS-CoV-2 in 41.6% (5/12) of raw sewage samples obtained from sewage treatment plants and sewers network in the city. This pioneer study carried out in Brazil aims to subsidise information for health surveillance concerning the viral circulation in different areas of the city and, revealed the insertion and importance of environmental virology in health public policies.

Contribuições para a evolução do gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos no Brasil com base na experiência Européia / Contribution to the development of municipal solid waste management in Brazil based on European experience

RESUMO: Esse trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar dados relevantes sobre o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU) na Europa de forma a se estabelecer paralelos e subsidiar a discussão no Brasil. É apresentada uma contextualização da situação atual da gestão dos resíduos sólidos urbanos no Brasil, onde os efeitos da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos já se fazem sentir, sobretudo com o aumento da disposição final de RSU em aterros sanitários, predominantemente nas regiões metropolitanas. A reciclagem no país, em grande parte, ainda baseia-se na coleta informal por catadores ou na ação de organizações privadas. Na Europa, a partir da Diretiva 1999/31/EC, que estabeleceu metas para a disposição de resíduos em aterros sanitários, e da Diretiva 94/62/EC, sobre recolhimento de embalagens, a gestão de RSU se alterou profundamente. São apresentados dados das tecnologias predominantes de tratamento e disposição final de RSU e alguns mecanismos para implementação da mudança de cenário na Europa. O exemplo suíço é detalhado, mostrando como a cobrança de tarifas impulsiona as ações da população. É preciso reconhecer que o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos urbanos RSU tem que ser planejado da coleta até o destino final, utilizando e integrando diferentes tecnologias de tratamento, ​​de acordo com as características locais. É relevante para o Brasil a avaliação criteriosa das soluções disponíveis, do ponto de vista técnico e operacional, considerando fortemente a sua aplicabilidade local.

ABSTRACT: This paper aims to present relevant data on municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Europe in order to establish parallel and support the discussion in Brazil. The current situation of municipal solid waste management in Brazil is presented. It is possible to see some consequences of the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy, especially concerning the increase of MSW disposal in landfills, mostly in metropolitan areas. Recycling in the country is largely based on informal collection by waste pickers or action by private organizations. In Europe the MSW management has largely changed as consequence of the Directive 1999/31/EC, which set targets for waste disposal in landfills, and the Directive 94/62/EC, about packaging collection. This paper presents data about predominant MSW treatment and disposal technologies and some mechanisms applied to implementing the scenario changes in Europe. The Swiss example is detailed showing how the charging of fees drives people's actions. It must be recognized that the MSW management has to be planned from collection to final destination, using and integrating different treatment technologies, in accordance with local characteristics. It is relevant to Brazil a carefully evaluation, both technically and operationally, of the available solutions considering their local applicability.

[Assessment of impacts of combined treatment of solid urban waste landfill leachate and sewage on aquatic biota]. / Avaliação de impactos do efluente do tratamento combinado de lixiviado de aterro de resíduos sólidos urbanos e esgoto doméstico sobre a biota aquática.

The impact on tilapia fish of combined treatment of landfill leachate and domestic sewage was monitored in a waste treatment plant that operated on a pilot scale using the activated sludge process. Biomarkers of sub-lethal toxicity were used to indicate the possibility of damage to organisms due to interaction with pollutants. The concentration of metallothioneins did not indicate the increased presence of metals in fish exposed than in control groups. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity was inhibited in only one of the exposed groups, indicating the possible presence of organophosphate and/or carbamate pesticides in treated effluent. The PAHs used as biomarkers (naphthalene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene and 1-hydroxypyrene) indicated that exposed fish had a greater absorption of PAHs than control groups of fish, indicating the likely presence of these compounds in at least one of the combined treatment effluents. The frequencies of micronuclei and other erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities also indicate greater genotoxic damage in cells of organisms exposed than in control groups. The use of biomarkers proved to be important to permit an evaluation of sub-lethal damage present in organisms exposed to the pollution source studied.

Avaliação de impactos do efluente do tratamento combinado de lixiviado de aterro de resíduos sólidos urbanos e esgoto doméstico sobre a biota aquática / Assessment of impacts of combined treatment of solid urban waste landfill leachate and sewage on aquatic biota

Foi monitorado o impacto do tratamento combinado de lixiviado e esgoto doméstico de uma estação de tratamento operando em escala piloto por processo de lodos ativados, sobre peixes do gênero Tilapia: Biomarcadores de toxicidade (concentração de metalotioneínas, atividade da acetilcolinesterase, metábolitos de HPA e presença de micronúcleos) foram utilizados na avaliação dos riscos de danos aos organismos aquáticos devido à interação com poluentes contidos nos efluentes pós-tratamento. A concentração de metalotioneínas não apresentou variação significativa entre os grupos expostos e de controle. A atividade da enzima acetilcolinesterase foi inibida em apenas um dos grupos expostos, indicando possível presença de agentes inibidores no efluente tratado. A avaliação dos metabólitos dos HPA naftaleno, pireno, benzo(a)pireno e 1-hidroxipireno sinalizou a provável presença desses compostos em ao menos um dos afluentes do tratamento combinado. As frequências de micronúcleos e outras anormalidade nucleares eritrocitárias também apontam para maior incidência de danos genotóxicos em células dos organismos expostos do que nos controles. O uso de biomarcadores mostrou-se importante para possibilitar uma avaliação de danos subletais presentes em organismos expostos à fonte de poluição estudada.

The impact on tilapia fish of combined treatment of landfill leachate and domestic sewage was monitored in a waste treatment plant that operated on a pilot scale using the activated sludge process. Biomarkers of sub-lethal toxicity were used to indicate the possibility of damage to organisms due to interaction with pollutants. The concentration of metallothioneins did not indicate the increased presence of metals in fish exposed than in control groups. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity was inhibited in only one of the exposed groups, indicating the possible presence of organophosphate and/or carbamate pesticides in treated effluent. The PAHs used as biomarkers (naphthalene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene and 1-hydroxypyrene) indicated that exposed fish had a greater absorption of PAHs than control groups of fish, indicating the likely presence of these compounds in at least one of the combined treatment effluents. The frequencies of micronuclei and other erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities also indicate greater genotoxic damage in cells of organisms exposed than in control groups. The use of biomarkers proved to be important to permit an evaluation of sub-lethal damage present in organisms exposed to the pollution source studied.

Tratamento combinado de lixiviado de aterros de resíduos sólidos urbanos e esgoto doméstico como alternativa para a solução de um grave problema ambiental e de saúde pública - revisão bibliográfica. / Co-treatment of municipal solid waste landfill leachate and domestic wastewater as an alternative solution to a serious environmental and public health problem - a literature review.

A disposição de lixiviados de aterros de resíduos sólidos urbanos é um grande problema de saúde ambiental, com impactos sobre a saúde das populações que vivem em áreas circunvizinhas, devido às características poluentes deste lixiviado. Uma opção é coletar e direcionar o lixiviado para estações de tratamento de esgotos, nas quais podem ser tratados conjuntamente com o esgoto doméstico. A viabilidade dessa opção depende da existência de rede coletora de esgotos próxima ao aterro e da capacidade da estação de tratamento em assimilar as cargas, sobretudo orgânica e nitrogenada, advindas do lixiviado. Este trabalho apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o tratamento combinado de lixiviado e esgoto doméstico. Os estudos realizados mostram que a quantidade limite de lixiviado a ser recebida em estações de tratamento, sem comprometer a qualidade do efluente final, não é fixa, dada a grande variabilidade da composição dos lixiviados. Entretanto, a maioria dos estudos não apresenta variações significativas de qualidade para efluentes do tratamento combinado com até 2% de volume de lixiviado.

The disposal of municipal solid waste landfill leachates is a major environmental health problem, with impacts on the health of people living in surrounding areas due to the characteristics of leachate pollutants. One option is to collect and direct the leachate to sewage treatment plants, where it can be co-treated with domestic sewage. The viability of this option depends on the existence of sewerage near the landfill and the treatment plant capacity to absorb the loads, especially organic and nitrogen, stemming from leachate. This paper presents a literature review on combined treatment of leachate and domestic sewage. Studies show that the quantity limit of leachate to be received on treatment plants, without compromising the quality of the final effluent, is not fixed, given the great variability in the composition of leachate. However, most studies present no significant variations in quality for effluent treatment combined with up to 2% of the volume of leachate.

Avaliação do tratamento combinado de lixiviado de aterros de resíduos sólidos urbanos e esgoto doméstico utilizando indicadores físico-químicos e biológicos / Evaluation of the combined treatment of landfill leachate from municipal solid waste and sewage indicators using physicochemical and biological

O tratamento e disposição de lixiviados de aterros de resíduos sólidos urbanos é um grande problema ambiental, com impactos sobre a saúde das populações que vivem em áreas circunvizinhas aos aterros, devido às características poluentes dos lixiviados. Uma solução adotada em muitos países é o tratamento combinado de lixiviado e esgoto doméstico em estações de tratamento de esgotos (ETE). A viabilidade dessa opção depende da capacidade da estação de tratamento em assimilar as cargas, sobretudo orgânica e nitrogenada, advindas do lixiviado. No presente trabalho, buscou-se avaliar a eficiência do tratamento combinado de lixiviado e esgoto doméstico por meio de indicadores biológicos de toxicidade aguda e sub-crônica e não somente por parâmetros físico-químicos de controle de poluição. Foi monitorado o tratamento do lixiviado do aterro do Morro do Céu combinado com esgoto doméstico na ETE Icaraí (Niterói – RJ) e em uma estação de tratamento em escala piloto. Os ensaios ecotoxicológicos agudos, realizados com peixes Danio rerio e microcrustáceos Daphnia similis, mostraram que, embora o lixiviado seja muito mais tóxico a esses organismos do que o esgoto, a mistura do lixiviado ao esgoto não resultou em um afluente ao tratamento mais tóxico do que o esgoto puro. Após o tratamento, o efluente da estação apresentou toxicidade a peixes reduzida em relação ao afluente da mesma e abaixo do limite estabelecido pela legislação ambiental. Não houve redução significativa de toxicidade a microcrustáceos no tratamento empregado na ETE. Biomarcadores indicadores de toxicidade sub-letal foram avaliados em peixes do tipo Tilápia. A concentração de Metalotioneínas não indicou maior presença de metais nos peixes expostos do que nos controles. A atividade da enzima Acetilcolinesterase foi inibida em apenas um dos grupos expostos, indicando possível presença de agrotóxicos organofosforados e/ou carbamatos no efluente tratado. Os HPA’s utilizados como biomarcadores (Naftaleno, Pireno, Benzo(a)pireno e 1-Hidroxipireno) indicaram que os peixes expostos tiveram maior absorção de HPA’s do que os peixes controles, sinalizando a provável presença desses compostos em ao menos um dos afluentes ao tratamento combinado. As frequências de Micronúcleos e outras anormalidade nucleares eritrocitárias também apontaram para maiores danos genotóxicos em células de organismos expostos do que nos controles.

Wetlands para tratamento de lixiviados de aterros sanitários: experiências no aterro sanitário de Piraí e no aterro metropolitano de Gramacho (RJ) / Landfill leachate treatment using wetlands: experiences in Piraí municipality solid waste landfill and Gramacho metropolitan solid waste landfill

O Grupo de Resíduos Sólidos do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Ambiental (PEAMB/UERJ) vem realizando, há cinco anos, pesquisas utilizando wetlands construídos em tratamento de lixiviados de aterros sanitários. Esses sistemas promovem a absorção de nutrientes pelas plantas e facilitam a degradação de material orgânico por microrganismos do solo e aderidos às raízes. Experiências desenvolvidas no Aterro Sanitário de Piraí mostram remoções, em termos de concentração de poluentes, de 41 por cento de DQO e 51 por cento de nitrogênio amoniacal. Os resultados obtidos no Aterro Metropolitano de Gramacho apresentam redução, em termos de carga de poluição, de 86 por cento de DQO e 89 por cento de nitrogênio amoniacal. Os sistemas implantados mostram-se boas alternativas no tratamento de lixiviados, sobretudo em regiões de clima tropical, onde as elevadas temperaturas potencializam a evapotranspiração.

The Group of Solid Waste of Environmental Engineering Program (PEAMB/UERJ) has been conducting research using constructed wetlands in landfill leachate treatment in the last five years. These systems promote the absorption of nutrients by the vegetation and facilitate the degradation of organic material by microorganisms in the soil and the ones adhered to the roots. Experiments carried out in Piraí Municipality Landfill show removal of pollutants about 41 percent of COD and 51 percent of ammonium nitrogen. The results obtained in Gramacho's landfill, present a reduction of 86 percent of COD load and 89 percent of ammonium nitrogen load. Wetlands seens to be a good alternative in the treatment of landfill leachate, especially in regions of tropical climate, where high temperatures improve effects of evapotranspiration.