Feasibility study of the use of concrete blocks produced from plastic marine garbage for use in civil construction.

The pursuit of development in an economically sustainable and ecologically sound manner is a goal of modern society. It has been investing in products that minimize their environmental impact, particularly concerning the use of plastic. This material is highly detrimental to nature due to its toxicity and long decomposition period. The present study aims to analyze the feasibility of producing blocks made of concrete with different amounts of waste plastic taken from coastal and estuarine areas. After laboratory analysis, it was found that blocks containing 5% plastic exhibit good compressive strength and are lighter. Additionally, there was an increase in the acidity of the sample, a decrease in the density of the block, and reductions in both flexural and compressive strength. The prototype, composed of 5% plastic by mass, proves to be efficient for constructing single-story houses. It meets the minimum requirements for normative resistance, effectively encapsulating the plastic within the block and thereby reducing its environmental impact.

Integrated analysis of fish intestine biomarkers: Complementary tools for pollution assessment.

The gastrointestinal tract and its enteric nervous system are the first routes of food and xenobiotics uptake. Considering the importance of this organ, this study evaluated intestinal biomarkers of Sphoeroides testudineus integrating the data to generate tools for pollution assessment. The fish were collected in three sites of São Paulo Coast and their intestines were analyzed for biochemical, histology, and neuronal density and morphometry biomarkers. To evaluate the differences among the data, a PERMANOVA was applied, followed by a FA/PCA. The PERMANOVA indicated differences (P < 0.001) between the regions (RA, A1, and A2). Four factors were extracted from the FA/PCA (62% cumulative), showing that the animals from A2 presented severe alterations, mainly in intestinal morphometry and neuronal density. A1 alterations refer mainly to the increase of neuronal metabolism. Our results also evidence a gradient of environmental quality related to the protection level (AR > A1 > A2).