Vinasse processing by electrodialysis combined with nanofiltration: emphasis on process optimization and environmental sustainability.

Vinasse, due to its high organic load, low pH, high corrosivity, and high potassium levels, can cause salinization, acidification, loss of fertility, and leaching of constituents when applied to agricultural soils. In this context, electrodialysis (ED) was used to remove potassium from this effluent, to concentrate it in the cathode concentrate compartment. The cathode concentrate was subjected to nanofiltration (NF), allowing the electrolyte to be reconditioned and simultaneously generating a solution rich in potassium, making it an input for the fertilizer industry. The conditions of NF were optimized by the design of experiments. The optimal conditions obtained were 6 bar pressure, 1.8 L min-1 flow, and 1.6× feed dilution factor. Although the reconditioned electrolyte has been feasible, the raw vinasse (pre-ultrafiltered) was compared and proved to be a sustainable option. The NF permeate had a potassium concentration of 90% and magnesium of 84%, in addition to the annual reduction in magnesium sulfate demand (139,450,988 kg) and distilled water (5,019 m3). It was also possible to obtain an increase of approximately 400% in the rate of the application of vinasse in fertigation without compromising the needs of the plantation, the quality of the soil, and groundwater.

The altered metabolic pathways of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified.

Altered metabolic fingerprints of Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (DLBCL NOS) may offer novel opportunities to identify new biomarkers and improve the understanding of its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the modified metabolic pathways in extranodal, germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB DLBCL NOS from the head and neck. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from eleven DLBCL NOS classified according to Hans' algorithm using immunohistochemistry, and five normal lymphoid tissues (LT) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics. Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis showed that GCB and non-GCB DLBCL NOS have a distinct metabolomics profile, being the former more similar to normal lymphoid tissues. Metabolite pathway enrichment analysis indicated the following altered pathways: arachidonic acid, tyrosine, xenobiotics, vitamin E metabolism, and vitamin A. Our findings support that GCB and non-GCB DLBCL NOS has a distinct metabolomic profile, in which GCB possibly shares more metabolic similarities with LT than non-GCB DLBCL NOS.

Proposal of a sustainability index for intermunicipal cooperation on waste management.

The management of solid waste is one of the biggest challenges for sustainability. Aiming at gains of scale, guaranteeing universal access and the technical and economic viability of the services, intermunicipal cooperation has been implemented in several countries, and in Brazil, it presents itself as one of the main instruments of public policies in the sector of sanitation. The main objective of this article is to propose a set of indicators and the construction of an index to evaluate the performance of regionalized management of urban solid waste, applying them to intermunicipal public consortia operating in Brazil. Based on the Delphi methodology, a total of 15 indicators were defined, divided into 5 sustainability dimensions, used for the construction of the Regionalized Urban Solid Waste Management Performance Index (IDGRSU). In Brazil, the performance of regionalized management was classified as Regular for most of the operating consortia analysed. The adequacy of the final disposal in regional sanitary landfills is the common practice among the municipalities, and consequently, the reduction of the areas of dumps represents the main advance in the management. The index developed proved to be an important instrument to support municipalities and consortia for waste management, contributing to the implementation of sustainable strategies and to the development of policies, and its application in other countries is feasible, regardless of the size of the municipalities.

Integrated proteomics, phosphoproteomics and metabolomics analyses reveal similarities among giant cell granulomas of the jaws with different genetic mutations.

BACKGROUND: Giant cell granuloma of the jaws are benign osteolytic lesions of the jaws. These lesions are genetically characterized by mutually exclusive somatic mutations at TRPV4, KRAS, and FGFR1, and a fourth molecular subgroup which is wild-type for the three mutations. Irrespective of the molecular background, giant cell granulomas show MAPK/ERK activation. However, it remains unclear if these mutations lead to differences in their molecular signaling in giant cell granulomas. METHODS: Metabolomics, proteomics, and phosphoproteomics analyses were carried out in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of giant cell granuloma of the jaws. The study cohort consisted of five lesions harboring mutations in FGFR1, six in KRAS, five in TRPV4, and five that were wild-type for these mutations. RESULTS: Lesions harboring KRAS or FGFR1 mutations showed overall similar proteomics and metabolomics profiles. In all four groups, metabolic pathways showed similarity in apoptosis, cell signaling, gene expression, cell differentiation, and erythrocyte activity. Lesions harboring TRPV4 mutations showed a greater number of enriched pathways related to tissue architecture. On the other hand, the wild-type group presented increased number of enriched pathways related to protein metabolism compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Despite some minor differences, our results revealed an overall similar molecular profile among the groups with different mutational profile at the metabolic, proteic, and phosphopeptidic levels.

Rotas tecnológicas, desafios e potencial para valoração energética de resíduo sólido urbano por coprocessamento no Brasil / Technological routes, challenges and potential for municipal solid waste energetic valorization by coprocessing in Brazil

RESUMO Mais de dez anos depois da implantação da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, por meio da Lei federal n° 12.305/2010, a elaboração e a execução de políticas públicas com resultados positivos na gestão dos resíduos sólidos urbanos são precárias. O coprocessamento desses produtos em fornos de clínquer pode ser uma alternativa viável para melhorar esse cenário, mas encontra diversas dificuldades de ordem técnica e econômica. Neste trabalho, estimou-se a composição e a gravimetria dos resíduos no Brasil com base em dados secundários, de forma a estimar o poder calorífico inferior resultante de diferentes formas de pré-tratamento desses produtos: triagem de orgânicos, triagem de orgânicos e inertes, secagem para redução da umidade e combinação das três estratégias. Com base nos valores obtidos de poder calorífico, estima-se a capacidade de coprocessamento de resíduos pré-tratados pelas indústrias nacionais que possuem licenciamento ambiental para essa atividade. O tratamento prévio dos resíduos resultou em aumentos entre 20 e 56% em relação ao cenário-base. Observou-se que, para o cenário sem triagem, mas com secagem térmica do resíduo, até 8% dos resíduos com destinação inadequada no Brasil atualmente podem ser recebidos por indústrias de cimento para o coprocessamento, desde que haja viabilidade técnica para sua substituição e transporte.

ABSTRACT More than ten years after the implementation of the Solid Waste Nacional Policy by Brazilian Federal Law nº 12.305/2010, elaboration and execution of public policies with positive results in Municipal Solid Waste management is precarious. Coprocessing of Municipal Solid Waste in cement kilns can be a viable alternative for improving this scenario, but still encounters many technical and economical challenges. In this study, an estimate of the mean gravimetric composition of Municipal Solid Waste in Brazil is presented, based on secondary data, so as to estimate the resultant lower heating value resultant of different Municipal Solid Waste pre-treatment alternatives; separation of the organic fraction, separation of organic and inert fraction, drying of Municipal Solid Waste and all strategies combined. Based on the obtained lower heating value, an estimate of the yearly potential of Municipal Solid Waste coprocessing in industries already licensed for coprocessing of waste in Brazil is presented. Pre-treatment of Municipal Solid Waste resulted in lower heating value improvements ranging from 20 to 56% when compared to the base scenario. It is observed that, in the scenario where the Municipal Solid Waste is dried but not triaged, up to 8% of the Municipal Solid Waste that is currently disposed inappropriately in Brazil could be received by cement industries for coprocessing, as long as there is technical feasibility for the substitution and transportation.

Application of a 'Recycling Exchange' instrument to compensate waste pickers in Brazil via a first payment for urban environmental services programme.

This article presents an approach to compensate waste pickers in the informal sector of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, via a Payment for Urban Environmental Services (PUES) instrument, called 'Recycling Exchange'. The aim is to evaluate the effects of this instrument on the amount of waste diverted from landfill and reintroduced into the production chain, and to increase recognition of waste pickers' contributions to the state's economy. It was found that the 'Recycling Exchange' met the fundamental objectives of a PUES: the double social and economic benefits of the social inclusion of waste pickers in the execution of the public policy for solid waste management, and inducing (in the case of glass), ensuring and stabilising (plastic and paper) continuity of the activity of selling recyclables in times of wide price fluctuations for these recyclables. The instrument enhanced the provision of this environmental service and the positive externalities associated with recycling.

Unveiling metabolic changes in marsupialized odontogenic keratocyst: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess which metabolic pathways would be implicated in the phenotypic changes of the epithelial lining of odontogenic keratocyst after marsupialization, comparing pre- and post-marsupialized lesions with adjacent oral mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from six subjects were divided into three paired groups: odontogenic keratocyst pre- (n = 6) and post-marsupialization (n = 6), and adjacent oral mucosa (n = 6). The metabolic pathways found in these groups were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics performed. RESULTS: Through putative metabolite annotation followed by pathway enrichment and predictive analysis with automated algorithms (Mummichog and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis), we found differences in many cellular processes that may be involved in inflammation, oxidative stress response, keratinocyte-basal membrane attachment, differentiation, and proliferation functions, all relevant to odontogenic keratocyst pathobiology and the phenotype acquired after marsupialization. CONCLUSION: Our study was able to identify several metabolic pathways potentially involved in the metaplastic changes induced by marsupialization of odontogenic keratocysts. An improved comprehension of this process could pave the way for the development of targeted therapies.

Norfloxacin and gentamicin degradation catalyzed by manganese porphyrins under mild conditions: the importance of toxicity assessment.

The current work assessed the degradation degree and the degradation products derived from norfloxacin (NOR) and gentamicin (GEN) using iodosylbenzene and iodobenzene diacetate, in the presence of manganese porphyrin as catalysts. Better results for NOR degradation (> 80%) were obtained when more hydrophobic porphyrins were employed. ß-brominated manganese porphyrins showed a lower GEN degradation (~ 25%) than the non-brominated ones (~ 35%), probably due to their steric hindrance. In any case, complete mineralization was achieved neither for NOR nor for GEN, and the assignment of the generated products, complemented by the study of their toxicity, was an important step performed. From the obtained results, no correlation was found between the number of identified products and the reported toxicity value (rSpearman,NOR = 0.006; p value = 0.986 and rSpearman,GEN = - 0,198; p value = 0.583), which reinforces the idea of synergism and antagonistic phenomena. The higher degradation degree could have led to products of lower steric hindrance and easier penetration into the A. fischeri cells, which subsequently led to an increase in toxicity for these experiments. In most cases, the products presented higher toxicity than the original compound, which raises a concern about their occurrence in environmental matrices.

Influence of humic substances on the landfill leachate biodegradability with a focus on temporal seasonality.

The high resilience to biological treatments from the landfill leachate is generally associated with the presence of humic substances (HS). The brown color characteristic of this effluent is also related to these substances. Landfill leachate with low biodegradability can make biological treatments unfeasible, which can drive up the cost for the treatment of large leachate volumes. In this context, this research aimed to characterize the leachate in different seasonal periods, and verify the influence of HS species on the biodegradability of the effluent to assist in the selection of adequate treatment techniques. The HS quantification was performed using the modified Lowry method and speciation through fractionation according to the molar masses of the HS species. The tropical regions can be the precursor for the rapid stabilization of biodegradable organic matter. The warmer climate contributed to a reduced BOD/COD ratio (0.03) and the predominance of compounds of lower mass (e.g.: fulvic acids). The tests showed an HS concentration of 26.9% of the total COD in the raw leachate in the rainy season, which increased to 37.3% in the dry season. Approximately 70% of HS species refer to fulvic acids, a fraction identified as having the highest biologic treatment resilience.

A survey on experiences in leachate treatment: Common practices, differences worldwide and future perspectives.

The necessity for landfill leachate treatment is a requisite to reduce the environmental impact related to municipal solid waste landfills and different aspects must be considered while deciding for an appropriate treatment process. For example, it was demonstrated that the landfill leachate stabilization in tropical regions is achieved right after its first year of operation, requiring technologies capable of treating leachates of a higher recalcitrant character if compared to those leachates from temperate regions and same landfill age. In view of its complexity and variability, stand-alone processes (either biological or physicochemical) are often ineffective in attaining the threshold values for its discharge in receiving bodies. Due to that fact, full-scale facilities have adopted integrated routes, harvesting the benefits of both biological and physicochemical processes. The implementation of membrane bioreactors followed by polishing membrane separation process (nanofiltration and reverse osmosis) seems to be a trend in leachate treatment by full-scale treatment plants. This technology is widely employed in China, European countries, and tropical countries as Brazil, generally with a treatment cost lower than the costs related to its disposal in domestic effluent collection systems. From the technologies already employed by full-scale facilities, four integrated routes were proposed for a sensitive analysis considering the treatment of a landfill leachate of different physicochemical characteristics. From all routes, those employing the membrane separation process as a polishing step had a better efficacy in attaining the threshold values for leachate disposal, being that an interesting alternative for leachate polishing by full-scale facilities.

Age-Related Metabolic Pathways Changes in Dental Follicles: A Pilot Study.

Aging is not a matter of choice; it is our fate. The "time-dependent functional decline that affects most living organisms" is coupled with several alterations in cellular processes, such as cell senescence, epigenetic alterations, genomic instability, stem cell exhaustion, among others. Age-related morphological changes in dental follicles have been investigated for decades, mainly motivated by the fact that cysts and tumors may arise in association with unerupted and/or impacted teeth. The more we understand the physiology of dental follicles, the more we are able to contextualize biological events that can be associated with the occurrence of odontogenic lesions, whose incidence increases with age. Thus, our objective was to assess age-related changes in metabolic pathways of dental follicles associated with unerupted/impacted mandibular third molars from young and adult individuals. For this purpose, a convenience sample of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) dental follicles from young (<16 y.o., n = 13) and adult (>26 y.o., n = 7) individuals was selected. Samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics. Multivariate and univariate analyses were conducted, and the prediction of altered pathways was performed by mummichog and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) approaches. Dental follicles from young and older individuals showed differences in pathways related to C21-steroid hormone biosynthesis, bile acid biosynthesis, galactose metabolism, androgen and estrogen biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, and lipoate metabolism. We conclude that metabolic pathways differences related to aging were observed between dental follicles from young and adult individuals. Our findings support that similar to other human tissues, dental follicles associated with unerupted tooth show alterations at a metabolic level with aging, which can pave the way for further studies on oral pathology, oral biology, and physiology.

The environmental risks of pharmaceuticals beyond traditional toxic effects: Chemical differences that can repel or entrap aquatic organisms.

The aim of the present study was to assess the risks of four different pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs; diazepam, metformin, omeprazole and simvastatin). Acute and chronic toxicities were studied using the bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri and the microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata; while the repellency and attractiveness were assessed by avoidance tests with juvenile Cypirinus carpio using a multi-compartmented exposure system. Omeprazole was found to be an acutely toxic drug (EC50: 0.015 mg/L), while the other PhACs, except simvastatin, showed some chronic toxicity. Regarding avoidance, simvastatin and omeprazole induced an escape response for 50% of the fish population at 0.032 and 0.144 mg/L, respectively; contrarily, diazepam was attractive, even at lethal concentrations, representing a dangerous trap for organisms. The toxicity of the PhACs seemed not to be directly related to their repellency; and the mode of action seems to determine the repellency or attractiveness of the chemicals. Contamination by PhACs is of concern due to the environmental disturbance they might cause, either due to their acute and chronic toxicity (at the individual level), repellency (at the ecosystem level: loss of local biodiversity) or attraction to potentially lethal levels.

Occurrence and risk assessment of pharmaceutically active compounds in water supply systems in Brazil.

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in water supply systems has been generating great concern about their effects on the environment and human health. Twenty-eight PhACs were monitored during one year in four Brazilian water sources, aiming to understand the factors that influence their occurrence and removal in conventional drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and to assess the environmental and human health risks. Trace levels of PhACs were detected in surface and drinking water in all assessed water sources. Effects of seasonality and socioeconomic aspects were observed in PhACs occurrence, like their higher concentrations during winter and in locales with higher values of gross domestic product per capita and human development index. Betamethasone, prednisone, and fluconazole were the most commonly detected PhACs, and also presented the highest concentrations. However, they were not related to toxicological risks. Nonetheless, all surface waters were subject to toxicological risk owing to at least one PhAC. PhACs related to the highest toxicological risks were loratadine, atorvastatin, norfloxacin, caffeine, and ranitidine, however, all these PhACs presented low quantification frequency. DWTPs capacity to remove PhACs was only partial, so treated water was still contaminated with these compounds. Furthermore, atorvastatin presented a margin of exposure below 100, indicating possible risk for public health. Thus, additional advanced treatment steps should be considered to improve PhACs removal during drinking water treatment.

Diazepam, metformin, omeprazole and simvastatin: a full discussion of individual and mixture acute toxicity.

High consumption of drugs, combined with their presence in the environment, raises concerns about its consequences. Even though researches are often engaged in analyzing substances separately, that is not the environmental reality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity of the pharmaceuticals simvastatin, metformin, omeprazole and diazepam, and all possible mixtures between them, to the organism Aliivibrio fischeri, verifying possible synergistic or antagonistic effects and assessing byproducts formation. In terms of individual toxicity, omeprazole is the most toxic of the active ingredients, followed by simvastatin, diazepam and, finally, metformin. When the toxicity of mixtures was tested, synergism, antagonism and hormesis were perceived, most probably generated due to byproducts formation. Moreover, it was observed that even when compounds are at concentrations below the non-observed effect concentration (NOEC), there may be toxicity to the mixture. Hence, this work points to the urgent need for more studies involving mixtures, since chemicals are subject to interactions and modifications, can mix, and potentiate or nullify the toxic effect of each other.

Estudo da biodegradabilidade de fluoroquinolona por meio da utilização de biomassas aeróbias e anaeróbias / Study of fluoroquinolone biodegradability by using aerobic and anaerobic biomass

RESUMO Os antibióticos como o norfloxacino constituem os fármacos mais utilizados na Medicina, com consumos expressivos no mundo todo. Por ser quimicamente estável, após sua administração a maior parte do fármaco é excretada de forma inalterada e, geralmente, é removida apenas parcialmente nas estações de tratamento de esgoto (ETEs). Assim, o presente trabalho buscou avaliar a eficiência dos processos biológicos na remediação de norfloxacino investigando os mecanismos de remoção envolvidos. O objetivo foi verificar a biodegradabilidade do fármaco e sua toxicidade. Para realização dos ensaios de biodegradabilidade, coletaram-se lodos na ETE Arrudas (Sabará, Minas Gerais) dos processos de tratamento com lodos ativados, reatores upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) e biodigestor anaeróbio. Reatores em escala de bancada foram montados com lodo aclimatado e não aclimatado. Amostras tiveram a biodegradabilidade acompanhada por meio da determinação do carbono orgânico total e da absortividade molar do norfloxacino por espectrofotometria de UV/Vis. Determinou-se a toxicidade por intermédio de ensaios com a bactéria Aliivibrio fischeri. Entre as biomassas utilizadas, a mais eficiente na remoção do norfloxacino foi advinda dos reatores UASB (23%), seguida do biodigestor anaeróbio (18%) e, então, dos lodos ativados (13%). Quanto à ecotoxicidade, a degradação anaeróbia promoveu a eliminação da toxicidade do antibiótico, enquanto com relação à degradação aeróbia os efluentes gerados permanecem tóxicos.

ABSTRACT Antibiotics, such as norfloxacin, are the most widely used drugs in medicine, with significant consumption in the world. By being chemically stable, most of the drug is excreted unchanged after administration, and is generally only partially removed in the sewage treatment plants (STPs). Thus, the efficiency of biological processes in the remediation of norfloxacin was investigated by the present work, verifying the removal mechanisms involved. Its objective was to verify the drug's biodegradability and toxicity. In order to perform biodegradability tests, sludges were collected in Arrudas STP (Sabara, Minas Gerais) from the treatment processes with activated sludge, upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors and anaerobic biodigester. Bench-scale reactors were assembled with acclimatized and non-acclimatized sludge. Samples had their biodegradability monitored by determination of total organic carbon and norfloxacin molar absorptivity by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The toxicity was determined by tests with Aliivibrio fischeri. Among the used biomass, UASB reactors was the most efficient in removing norfloxacin (23%), followed by anaerobic biodigester (18%), and activated sludge (13%). Regarding ecotoxicity, the anaerobic degradation promoted the elimination of antibiotic toxicity, while with aerobic degradation, the effluents generated remained toxic.

Integration of membrane separation and Fenton processes for sanitary landfill leachate treatment.

The appropriate treatment of sanitary landfill leachate is one of the greatest challenges nowadays due to the large volumes of solid waste generated. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of different routes involving the integration of advanced oxidation processes based on Fenton's reagents (AOP-Fenton) and microfiltration (MF) and nanofiltration (NF) membrane processes for the treatment of landfill leachate. MF module configuration (submerged or sidestream) and MF and NF recovery rate were evaluated. The combination of AOP-Fenton, MF and NF proved to be an effective treatment for landfill leachate. High removal efficiencies of chemical oxidation demand (94-96%) and colour (96-99%) were obtained. The configuration named route 3, composed of MF of raw landfill leachate (MF1), POA-Fenton-MF2 of the MF1 concentrate and NF of both MF1 and MF2 permeates, showed a higher global water recovery and was responsible for lower waste generation. It was considered the best one in terms of environmental, technical and economical aspects.

Growth and differential salinity reduction between Portulaca oleracea and Eichhornia crassipes in experimental hydroponic units.

We evaluated the salinity reduction of the experimental saline solutions through ion uptake capacity of two plant species, purslane (PU) (Portulaca oleraceae) and water hyacinth (WH) (Eichhornia crassipes). These species were grown in experimental hydroponic units simulating a floating system. The hydroponic system contained treatments with three nutrient solutions identified as A1, A2, and A3 composed of fixed concentrations of macro and micronutrients to which three different concentrations of sodium chloride had been added. After the experimental period, physicochemical and volume changes in the saline nutrient solutions were evaluated. The relative growth rate results were similar for both plant species, but with lower consumption of hydroponic nutrient solutions by PU. Despite higher solution volume loss, regardless of the nutrient solution applied, WH had greater weekly estimated potential of reduction of macronutrients (calcium and magnesium; >50%); however, PU showed the best weekly potential reduction of sodium (36%) with solution A2. Therefore, both plants present potential to be used for salinity reduction in the natural conditions.

Avaliação da concentração de efeito do glifosato para controle de Eichhornia crassipes e Salvinia sp / Evaluation of glyphosate effect concentration to control Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia sp

RESUMO A possibilidade do uso de herbicidas em ecossistema aquático para controle de macrófitas quando em condições de desequilíbrio levou à necessidade de estudos que avaliam a concentração de efeito que seja eficiente e ecologicamente equilibrada, sem causar maiores impactos aos organismos não alvo e ao ecossistema aquático. O glifosato é o princípio ativo de alguns herbicidas e é conhecido pela sua eficácia, amplo espectro de ação e baixa toxicidade. Neste trabalho foi investigada a menor concentração de efeito para controle da Eichhornia crassipes e da Salvinia sp em experimentos realizados em triplicata e observados pelo período de 20 dias após aplicações de glifosato nas concentrações de 6,25; 12,5; 25,0; 50,0 e 100 L.ha-1. Como resultado, verificou-se que apenas a concentração de 100 L.ha-1 apresentou diferença significativa de efeito comparada ao controle. O efeito ao final do vigésimo dia foi superior a 90%, tornando-se aparente a partir do décimo dia. Existiu uma pequena diferença na sensibilidade entre as espécies, no entanto, a concentração de efeito foi semelhante. A dose de 100 L.ha-1 impediu a ocorrência de rebrota, no prazo de 30 dias, e causou efeito residual pobre em espécies vegetais inseridas no ambiente após a aplicação do herbicida.

ABSTRACT The possibility of using herbicides in an aquatic ecosystem, to macrophytes control in unbalanced conditions, led to the need for studies that evaluate the concentration of effect that is effective and ecologically balanced, without causing major impacts to the non-target organisms in the aquatic ecosystem. The glyphosate is the active ingredient of some herbicides and it is known for its efficacy due its broad-spectrum and non-selectivity. This study investigated the minor concentration of effect to control Eichhornia crassipes and Salvinia sp., in experiments conducted in triplicate and observed during a period of 20 days after glyphosate application in the concentrations: 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 e 100 L.ha-1. It was verified that only the concentration of 100 L.ha-1 had significant difference of effect when compared to the control. The effect at the end of the twentieth day it was superior to 90%, becoming apparent from the tenth day on. It was observed a small difference in sensibility between the evaluated species; however, the concentration of effect was similar. The dose of 100 L.ha-1 prevented the occurrence of regrowth during thirty days, and caused a residual effect in vegetal species inserted in the environment after the herbicide application.

Planning the location of facilities to implement a reverse logistic system of post-consumer packaging using a location mathematical model.

The implementation of reverse logistics systems (RLS) for post-consumer products provides environmental and economic benefits, since it increases recycling potential. However, RLS implantation and consolidation still face problems. The main shortcomings are the high costs and the low expectation of broad implementation worldwide. This paper presents two mathematical models to decide the number and the location of screening centers (SCs) and valorization centers (VCs) to implement reverse logistics of post-consumer packages, defining the optimum territorial arrangements (OTAs), allowing the inclusion of small and medium size municipalities. The paper aims to fill a gap in the literature on RLS location facilities that not only aim at revenue optimization, but also the participation of the population, the involvement of pickers and the service universalization. The results showed that implementation of VCs can lead to revenue/cost ratio higher than 100%. The results of this study can supply companies and government agencies with a global view on the parameters that influence RLS sustainability and help them make decisions about the location of these facilities and the best reverse flows with the social inclusion of pickers and serving the population of small and medium-sized municipalities.

Organic compounds removal and toxicity reduction of landfill leachate by commercial bakers' yeast and conventional bacteria based membrane bioreactor integrated with nanofiltration.

This study aimed to compare the performance of a commercial bakers' yeast (MBRy) and conventional bacteria (MBRb) based membrane bioreactor integrated with nanofiltration (NF) in the removal of landfill leachate toxicity. Performances were evaluated using physicochemical analyses, toxicity tests and identification of organic compounds. The MBRb and MBRy were operated with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 48h and solids retention time (SRT) of 60 d. The MBRy demonstrated better removal efficiencies for COD (69±7%), color (54±11%) and ammoniacal nitrogen (34±7%) compared to MBRb, which showed removal efficiencies of 27±5%, 33±4% and 27±7%, for COD, color and ammoniacal nitrogen. Although the MBRy seems to be the configuration that presented the highest efficiency; it generated toxic permeate whose toxicity cannot be explained by physicochemical results. The identification of compounds shows that there is a wide range of compounds in the landfill leachate in addition to others that are produced in the biological treatment steps. The NF plays a crucial role in the polishing of the final effluents by the either complete or partial retention of compounds, that attribute toxicity to the leachate, and inorganic contaminants.