Phytotoxicity test in check: Proposition of methodology for comparison of different method adaptations usually used worldwide.

Seed germination tests have been widely used in recent years to indicate the toxicity levels of samples of organic compounds, biosolids, residues and effluents. Lactuca sativa L, commonly known as lettuce, has been one of the main indicative species for these tests due to its high sensitivity to low levels of toxicity, when compared to other seeds and also because it is cultivated worldwide. Although this type of analysis or essay is being widely used, it is necessary to reflect on the various adaptations of methods used by different researchers worldwide. This work presents an innovative methodology that makes it possible to compare the different phytotoxicity methods currently used in the world, through four stages that include the coefficient of variation (CV) as the main classification criterion, also counting on an eliminatory criterion. The existence of a significant difference (P value < 0.05) between the evaluated tests was proven. The phytotoxicity test that presented the lowest CV was T8 (test with lettuce seeds at 25 °C, 60 min agitation, resting overnight, 5 mL of sample on the plate, 90 mm size plate). It has concluded that not all adaptations of this type of test are reliable. It has also concluded that there is a lack of standardization for the phytotoxicity test on a global scale, which makes the various researchers in the field end up promoting variations, adaptations for the phytotoxicity test; therefore, there is an urgent need for ways to compare these variations, as the innovation proposed by this work. With a single standard methodology, we conclude that it will make it possible to compare phytotoxicity in samples directly between countries and continents, being able to generate a worldwide panorama of phytotoxicity, publicizing and comparing the standardized phytotoxicity levels in each region.

Incidência de resíduos de serviços de saúde em cooperativas de triagem de materiais recicláveis / Incidence of healthcare waste in recycling materials cooperatives

RESUMO Os resíduos de serviços de saúde (RSS) são todos aqueles resíduos gerados nos serviços que prestam atendimento à saúde humana ou animal. Os RSS são classificados em cinco grupos (Grupo A, Grupo B, Grupo C, Grupo D e Grupo E), dos quais uma parcela apresenta periculosidade. A legislação brasileira recomenda que os resíduos pertencentes ao Grupo D sejam reciclados. Contudo, com base na má segregação existente, o encaminhamento desses materiais representa riscos aos profissionais que manejam os resíduos intra e extraestabelecimentos de saúde, incluindo os trabalhadores que atuam junto às cooperativas de triagem de materiais recicláveis. Nesse contexto, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a presença de RSS destinados inadequadamente às cooperativas de triagem de materiais recicláveis de um município da zona Sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, foi realizada uma caracterização quali-quantitativa dos RSS incidentes nas cinco cooperativas do município durante o período de quatro semanas. A partir dos resultados obtidos, verificou-se a presença de RSS no programa de coleta seletiva (PCS) municipal e, também, que a quantidade incidente varia conforme a cooperativa estudada e a semana avaliada. Ao final das caracterizações, foram quantificados 36,23 kg de RSS entre todas as cooperativas. Tais resultados indicam falhas na segregação e na destinação de RSS, seja pela população e/ou pelos estabelecimentos de saúde, além de evidenciarem a fragilidade existente no PCS do município. À vista disso, torna-se necessária a implementação de políticas públicas, tanto educativas quanto de fiscalização, que sejam capazes de assegurar maior segurança no âmbito de trabalho das cooperativas de triagem de materiais recicláveis.

ABSTRACT Healthcare waste (HCW) is all the waste generated by human or animal health care activities. HCW is classified into five groups, of which a portion presents hazardousness. Brazilian legislation recommends that waste belonging to Group D be recycled. However, based on the poor existing waste segregation, the forwarding of these materials presents risks to the professionals who handle them inside and out of health care facilities, including the workers within recyclable material waste picker cooperatives. In such a context, this study aimed to investigate the presence of HCW inappropriately sent to waste pickers cooperatives of a municipality in the south of Rio Grande do Sul. To this end, a qualitative and quantitative characterization of HCW incidence in the five cooperatives of the municipality was performed during the period of four weeks. From the results obtained, it was possible to verify the presence of HCW in the municipal selective waste collection program and that HCW quantities vary according to the waste pickers cooperative studied and the week being evaluated. At the end of the characterizations, 36.23 kg of HCW were quantified amongst all the cooperatives. Such results indicate flaws in HCW segregation and destination, either by the population and/or by health care facilities, in addition to showing the fragility in the municipality's selective waste collection program. In view of this, it is necessary to implement public policies, both educational and supervisory, that can ensure greater safety in the work environment of recyclable material waste picker cooperatives.

Modelagem sazonal da qualidade da água do Rio dos Sinos/RS utilizando o modelo QUAL-UFMG / Seasonal modeling of water quality in Sinos River/RS using the QUAL-UFMG model

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi modelar sazonalmente a qualidade da água do Rio dos Sinos, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, utilizando como suporte o modelo matemático QUAL-UFMG. Foram utilizadas nove seções de monitoramento, compreendidas entre os municípios de Caraá e Canoas, em um trecho de 211 km. As variáveis de qualidade da água foram analisadas entre o período de 2011 e 2012, de forma a abranger as diferentes variações sazonais. O modelo foi calibrado utilizando as seguintes variáveis de qualidade da água: demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO); oxigênio dissolvido (OD); fósforo total (Ptotal); e nitrogênio total (Ntotal). As variações sazonais demonstraram uma influência nas diferentes curvas de calibração simuladas. De forma geral, a utilização do modelo matemático QUAL-UFMG para avaliação da qualidade da água do Rio dos Sinos se mostrou adequado, visto que ocorreu uma similaridade entre os dados observados e a curva simulada no processo de calibração. Para a variável OD, o modelo apresentou uma eficiência boa (Coeficiente de Nash e Sutcliffe - CNS>0,75) e para as variáveis DBO, Ptotal e Ntotal (outono/inverno) o modelo foi considerado aceitável (0,36<CNS<0,75).

ABSTRACT The main goal of this study was to seasonally model the water quality of Sinos River, in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, using as support the QUAL-UFMG mathematical model. Nine monitoring sections were performed, between the counties of Caraá and Canoas, in a 211-km-long stretch. The water quality variables were analyzed between 2011 and 2012, in order to comprehend the different seasonal variations. The model was calibrated using the water quality variables: biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); dissolved oxygen (DO); total phosphorus (Ptotal); and total nitrogen (Ntotal). The seasonal variations demonstrated to influence the different simulated calibration curves. Thus, the utilization of QUAL-UFMG mathematical model in Sinos River water quality evaluation was appropriate, since there was a similarity between the observed data and the simulated curve in the calibration process. For DO, the model presented good efficiency (Nash and Sutcliffe Coefficients - CNS>0.75), and for BOD, Ptotal and Ntotal variables (autumn/winter), the model was considered acceptable (0.36<CNS<0.75).

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.

Comparação de duas técnicas parasitológicas na detecção de enteroparasitos em catadores no sul do Brasil / The comparison between two parasitological techniques for the detection of enteroparasites in waste pickers from the south of Brazil

Alguns pesquisadores e laboratórios clínicos utilizam apenas uma técnica para detecção de parasitos intestinais, podendo isto subestimar os achados. Enteroparasitos afetam principalmente populações com vulnerabilidade social, como os catadores. Alguns destes trabalhadores se reúnem em cooperativas, melhorando a condição de trabalho e o rendimento mensal, porém ainda não é o adequado, sendo por vezes insalubre. Nosso objetivo foi verificar a prevalência de enteroparasitos e comparar duas técnicas parasitológicas em suas medidas de efeito em catadores de material reciclável que trabalhavam em cooperativas no Sul do Brasil. Três amostras de fezes de 48 catadores, de seis cooperativas, foram coletadas em dias alternados, para a análise de parasitos. Duas técnicas de concentração de amostra foram utilizadas (Faust e Ritchie) e testadas para verificação da melhor a ser utilizada. A prevalência de parasitos em catadores foi de 62,5% (30/48) utilizando as duas técnicas em paralelo, sendo que quando utilizadas sozinhas, essa prevalência foi menor. Diagnosticaram-se helmintos e protozoários, tanto patogênicos quanto comensais. A partir da análise estatística, provou-se que as técnicas parasitológicas fornecem melhores resultados quando utilizadas em paralelo, ou seja, quando utilizamos as duas técnicas juntas e em três amostras de fezes.

Some researchers and clinical laboratories use just one technique for the detection of enteroparasites, allowing substandard findings. Enteroparasites mostly affect the socially vulnerable population, like the waste pickers. Some of these workers are gathered in cooperatives where work conditions and monthly wage are better. However, this environment is still not adequate being, sometimes, unsanitary. The objective was to study the enteroparasite prevalence and compare the two parasitological techniques in their effect measure in recyclable waste picker who were working in cooperatives in the south of Brazil. Three stool samples from 48 pickers from six cooperatives were collected in alternate days for parasite analysis. Two sample concentration techniques were used (Faust and Ritchie) and tested to verify which was the best to use. The parasite prevalence in waste picker was 62.5% (30/48), using the two techniques concurrently. When used individually, the prevalence was lower. Commensal and pathogenic helminths and protozoan were diagnosed. From the statistical analysis, it was proved that the parasitological techniques provide better results when used concomitantly, that is, when using the two techniques at the same time in three stool samples.

Home composting using different ratios of bulking agent to food waste.

The negative environmental impacts associated with home composting may be due to the absence of a defined operation criteria for the degradation process. In addition to the potentially low environmental impact in terms of energy and water usage, which is minimal to the manufacture of the composting unit and avoiding the processing and transportation of waste or byproduct, composting at home can also promote a reduction in the emission of unpleasant gases. The proportion of the food waste and bulking agents in the composting mixture may be decisive to fulfill good practices of waste stabilization. The aim of this study was to investigate how different ratios of bulking agent and organic household waste can affect the progress and outcome of the composting process. Three treatments, varying in the ratio of rice husk: raw fruit and vegetable leftovers (70:30, 50:50, 30:70; v:v) were used in a home composting system on a pilot scale. Results show that the proportion of starting materials used in the composting mixture influenced the degradation of organic matter, nitrogen dynamics of the process and its toxicity on germinating plants. The proportions with greater amounts of food waste had higher concentrations of mineral matter, higher peak temperature, and a better initial carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, while the proportion containing 70% of bulking agent lacked odors and leachate generation and showed a low nitrogen loss. A higher proportion of food waste presented better conditions for microbiological development and less time to obtain characteristics of matured composts. A higher proportion of bulking agents resulted in favorable conditions for household handling and less potential for environmental impacts.

Staphylococcus xylosus fermentation of pork fatty waste: raw material for biodiesel production

ABSTRACT The need for cleaner sources of energy has stirred research into utilising alternate fuel sources with favourable emission and sustainability such as biodiesel. However, there are technical constraints that hinder the widespread use of some of the low cost raw materials such as pork fatty wastes. Currently available technology permits the use of lipolytic microorganisms to sustainably produce energy from fat sources; and several microorganisms and their metabolites are being investigated as potential energy sources. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterise the process of Staphylococcus xylosus mediated fermentation of pork fatty waste. We also wanted to explore the possibility of fermentation effecting a modification in the lipid carbon chain to reduce its melting point and thereby act directly on one of the main technical barriers to obtaining biodiesel from this abundant source of lipids. Pork fatty waste was obtained from slaughterhouses in southern Brazil during evisceration of the carcasses and the kidney casing of slaughtered animals was used as feedstock. Fermentation was performed in BHI broth with different concentrations of fatty waste and for different time periods which enabled evaluation of the effect of fermentation time on the melting point of swine fat. The lowest melting point was observed around 46 °C, indicating that these chemical and biological reactions can occur under milder conditions, and that such pre-treatment may further facilitate production of biodiesel from fatty animal waste.

Staphylococcus xylosus fermentation of pork fatty waste: raw material for biodiesel production.

The need for cleaner sources of energy has stirred research into utilising alternate fuel sources with favourable emission and sustainability such as biodiesel. However, there are technical constraints that hinder the widespread use of some of the low cost raw materials such as pork fatty wastes. Currently available technology permits the use of lipolytic microorganisms to sustainably produce energy from fat sources; and several microorganisms and their metabolites are being investigated as potential energy sources. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterise the process of Staphylococcus xylosus mediated fermentation of pork fatty waste. We also wanted to explore the possibility of fermentation effecting a modification in the lipid carbon chain to reduce its melting point and thereby act directly on one of the main technical barriers to obtaining biodiesel from this abundant source of lipids. Pork fatty waste was obtained from slaughterhouses in southern Brazil during evisceration of the carcasses and the kidney casing of slaughtered animals was used as feedstock. Fermentation was performed in BHI broth with different concentrations of fatty waste and for different time periods which enabled evaluation of the effect of fermentation time on the melting point of swine fat. The lowest melting point was observed around 46°C, indicating that these chemical and biological reactions can occur under milder conditions, and that such pre-treatment may further facilitate production of biodiesel from fatty animal waste.

Construção do saber sobre resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde na formação em saúde / Constructing knowledge about solid residues in health services in the education of health professionals / Construcción del saber sobre residuos sólidos de servicios de salud en la formación en salud

É inquestionável a necessidade de implantar políticas de gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde (RSSS) nos diversos estabelecimentos de saúde, considerando os riscos à saúde pública e a degradação ambiental. Buscando-se conhecer como vem ocorrendo a construção do saber sobre RSSS no processo de formação em saúde foram colhidos dados por meio de entrevista semi-estruturada junto aos estudantes, docentes e coordenadores de quatro cursos da área da Saúde (Enfermagem e Obstetrícia, Odontologia, Medicina Veterinária e Medicina) de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior (IFES) localizada na região Sul do país. A análise de conteúdo e documental,a partir de idéias da Teoria da Complexidade, demonstrou a necessidade de uma reforma no ensino, a fim de incluir nos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos novas compreensões, como de integralidade, articulação, diálogo, problematização, para preparar os futuros profissionais com responsabilidade e comprometimento na construção do saber resíduos sólidos.

The need to implement policies to manage solid residues in health services (SRHS) in different health institutions is unquestionable,considering the risks they pose to public health and the environmental degradation caused by them. In order to find out how knowledge about SRHS has been constructed in the education of the health professional, data were collected with semistructuredinterviews with students, professors and coordinators in four schools (Nursing and Obstetrics, Odontology, Veterinary Sciences, and Medicine) at a Higher Education Institution located in the south of Brazil. The data content and document analysis identified based on the Complexity Theory ideas, show the need for a teaching reform which should include new concepts, such as integrality, articulation, dialog, and problematization, in the Teaching Projects developed by those courses, so that future health professionals can construct their knowledge about solid residues with responsibility and commitment.

Es incuestionable la necesidad de implantar políticas de gestión de los residuos sólidos de servicios de salud (RSSS) en los diversos establecimientos de salud, considerando los riesgos a la salud pública y la degradación ambiental. En aras de conocer como viene ocurriendo la construcción del saber sobre RSSS en el proceso de formación en salud, se tomaron datos a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas con alumnos, docentes y coordinadores de cuatro cursos del área de salud (Enfermería y Obstetricia, Odontología, Medicina Veterinaria y Medicina) de una Institución Federal de Enseñanza Superior (IFES) localizada en laregión sur del país. El análisis de contenido y documental demostró a partir de ideas de la Teoría de la Complejidad, la necesidad de una reforma en la enseñanza con el propósito de incluir en los Proyectos Pedagógicos de los Cursos nuevascomprensiones como la de integralidad, articulación, diálogo, problematización, para preparar a los futuros profesionales con responsabilidad y compromiso en la construcción del saber sobre residuos sólidos.

[Constructing knowledge about solid waste in health services in the education of health professionals]. / Construção do saber sobre resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde na formação em saúde.

The need to implement policies to manage solid residues in health services (SRHS) in different health institutions is unquestionable, considering the risks they pose to public health and the environmental degradation caused by them. In order to find out how knowledge about SRHS has been constructed in the education of the health professional, data were collected with semistructured interviews with students, professors and coordinators in four schools (Nursing and Obstetrics, Odontology, Veterinary Sciences, and Medicine) at a Higher Education Institution located in the south of Brazil. The data content and document analysis identified based on the Complexity Theory ideas, show the need for a teaching reform which should include new concepts, such as integrality, articulation, dialog, and problematization, in the Teaching Projects developed by those courses, so that future health professionals can construct their knowledge about solid residues with responsibility and commitment.

[The process of education in health: practical knowledge on solid wastes from healthcare services]. / O processo de formação em saúde: o saber resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde em vivências práticas.

Improper management of solid wastes from healthcare services is a source of contamination and risk to the environment and to the public health. Emphasizing this matter in the process of education requires to take into account the individuals that work in these spaces, for constructing an ethic conscience, aiming at quality of life and sustainability. In order to know the approach on the management of solid wastes from health-care services in the programs of Nursery/Obstetrics, Dentistry, Medicine e Veterinary Medicine, interviews were conducted with twenty one persons, coordinators, teachers and students of an university in Southern Brazil, as well as an analysis of documents. After analyzing the contents, it is possible to state that the future professionals have practices related to segregation, packing and picking in some environments, although they have not a comprehension of the totality of this management.

O processo de formação em saúde: o saber resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde em vivências práticas / The process of education in health: practical knowledge on solid wastes from healthcare services / El proceso de formación en salud: el tema residuos solidos de servicios de salud en vivencias prácticas

O manejo inadequado dos Resíduos Sólidos em Serviços de Saúde (RSSS) representa uma fonte de degradação, oferecendo risco ao ambiente e à saúde. Enfatizar esta questão no processo de formação requer considerar os indivíduos que atuam nestes espaços, na construção de uma consciência ética, em busca da qualidade de vida e sustentabilidade. Para conhecer como o manejo dos RSSS vem sendo construído nos cursos de Enfermagem/Obstetrícia, Odontologia, Medicina e Medicina Veterinária, realizaram-se entrevistas com vinte e um sujeitos, coordenadores, docentes e alunos de uma IFES no sul do país, além de uma análise documental. A partir da análise de conteúdo, é possível afirmar que os futuros profissionais vivenciam ações relacionadas à segregação, acondicionamento e coleta em alguns ambientes, porém sem uma compreensão da totalidade deste manejo.

Improper management of solid wastes from healthcare services is a source of contamination and risk to the environment and to the public health. Emphasizing this matter in the process of education requires to take into account the individuals that work in these spaces, for constructing an ethic conscience, aiming at quality of life and sustainability. In order to know the approach on the management of solid wastes from health-care services in the programs of Nursery/Obstetrics, Dentistry, Medicine e Veterinary Medicine, interviews were conducted with twenty one persons, coordinators, teachers and students of an university in Southern Brazil, as well as an analysis of documents. After analyzing the contents, it is possible to state that the future professionals have practices related to segregation, packing and picking in some environments, although they have not a comprehension of the totality of this management.

El manejo inadecuado de los Residuos Solidos en los Servicios de Salud (RSSS) representa una fuente de degradación, ofreciendo riesgo al ambiente y a la salud. Resaltar esta cuestión en el proceso de formación requiere considerar los individuos que actuan en estes espacios, en la construcción de una consciencia ética, buscando calidad de vida y sostenibilidad. Para conocer como el manejo de los RSSS está siendo construido en los cursos de Enfermería/Obstetricia, Odontología, Medicina y Medicina Veterinaria, se conducieron entrevistas con veinte y uno sujetos, coordenadores, docientes y estudiantes de una universidad en el sur de Brasil, así como una análisis documentaria. El análisis del contenido permitió afirmar que los profesionales futuros vivencian acciones relacionadas a la segregación, acondicionamiento y coleta en algunos ambientes, pero sin una comprensión de la totalidad de ese manejo.

O saber resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde na formação acadêmica: uma contribuição da educação ambiental / The understanding of solid waste from healthcare services in academic education: a contribution to environmental education

Investiga-se como a abordagem da problemática dos resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde vem sendo construída no processo de formação dos cursos de graduação da área da saúde. Os dados foram colhidos junto a coordenadores, docentes e estudantes dos cursos de Odontologia, Medicina Veterinária, Enfermagem/Obstetrícia e Medicina de uma instituição pública de ensino superior da região sul do país. Considera-se a necessidade de uma reforma no ensino, a fim de incluir nos processos pedagógicos novas compreensões de integralidade, articulação, diálogo, problematização, de modo a preparar os futuros profissionais para a instrumentalização e para o enfrentamento da problemática dos resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde, com responsabilidade e comprometimento.