Exploring fungal bioemulsifiers: insights into chemical composition, microbial sources, and cross-field applications.

The demand for emulsion-based products is crucial for economic development and societal well-being, spanning diverse industries such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and oil extraction. Formulating these products relies on emulsifiers, a distinct class of surfactants. However, many conventional emulsifiers are derived from petrochemicals or synthetic sources, posing potential environmental and human health risks. In this context, fungal bioemulsifiers emerge as a compelling and sustainable alternative, demonstrating superior performance, enhanced biodegradability, and safety for human consumption. From this perspective, the present work provides the first comprehensive review of fungal bioemulsifiers, categorizing them based on their chemical nature and microbial origin. This includes polysaccharides, proteins, glycoproteins, polymeric glycolipids, and carbohydrate-lipid-protein complexes. Examples of particular interest are scleroglucan, a polysaccharide produced by Sclerotium rolfsii, and mannoproteins present in the cell walls of various yeasts, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, this study examines the feasibility of incorporating fungal bioemulsifiers in the food and oil industries and their potential role in bioremediation events for oil-polluted marine environments. Finally, this exploration encourages further research on fungal bioemulsifier bioprospecting, with far-reaching implications for advancing sustainable and eco-friendly practices across various industrial sectors.

Effective Biocorrosive Control in Oil Industry Facilities: 16S rRNA Gene Metabarcoding for Monitoring Microbial Communities in Produced Water.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) or biocorrosion is a complex biological and physicochemical process, Strategies for monitoring MIC are frequently based on microbial cultivation methods, while microbiological molecular methods (MMM) are not well-established in the oil industry in Brazil. Thus, there is a high demand for the development of effective protocols for monitoring biocorrosion with MMM. The main aim of our study was to analyze the physico-chemi- cal features of microbial communities occurring in produced water (PW) and in enrichment cultures in oil pipelines of the petroleum industry. In order to obtain strictly comparable results, the same samples were used for both culturing and metabarcoding. PW samples displayed higher phylogenetic diversity of bacteria and archaea whereas PW enrichments cultures showed higher dominance of bacterial MIC-associated genera. All samples had a core community composed of 19 distinct genera, with MIC-associated Desulfovibrio as the dominant genus. We observed significant associations between the PW and cultured PW samples, with a greater number of associations found between the cultured sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) samples and the uncultured PW samples. When evaluating the correlation between the physicochemical characteristics of the environment and the microbiota of the uncultivated samples, we suggest that the occurrence of anaerobic digestion metabolism can be characterized by well-defined phases. Therefore, the detection of microorganisms in uncultured PW by metabarcoding, along with physi-cochemical characterization, can be a more efficient method compared to the culturing method, as it is a less laborious and cost-effective method for monitoring MIC microbial agents in oil industry facilities.

A detailed alarm management report as a tool for the treatment of bad actors at a gas logistics plant.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of bad actors consists of analyzing the most triggered alarms at a plant, seeking to make modifications that provide workers with more efficient and safer operational conditions. The consideration of plant operators' practical knowledge in these proposed changes is both an opportunity and a challenge, as specific conditions are required. OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss how an alarm management report (AMR) could support the treatment of bad actors by promoting structured debates on real work situations and its contribution in improving the solutions proposed by alarm management committees (AMCs). METHODS: Data from nine AMC meetings were gathered and parsed using qualitative content analysis to classify the kind of information that the AMC used to justify the proposed changes and how these changes were decided. RESULTS: More than 60% of the changes were justified by information provided by the AMRs, indicating broad application and adoption. However, our findings suggest that the structured debates addressed variability and emerging strategies and may consider entire subsystems instead of single alarms. CONCLUSION: The use of structured debates is feasible for the treatment of bad actors and is an appropriate option that includes operating experience feedback for alarm optimization in industrial facilities.

Doenças osteomusculares são a principal causa de absenteísmo-doença entre trabalhadores da indústria de petróleo no Brasil: resultados de um estudo de coorte / Musculoskeletal diseases are the main cause of sick leave among oil industry workers in Brazil: results of a cohort study

Resumo Objetivo: descrever indicadores de absenteísmo-doença entre trabalhadores de indústria de petróleo. Métodos: estudo de coorte retrospectiva, realizado de 2012 a 2016, com dados secundários de prontuários médicos e de bases de dados da empresa. Foram calculados indicadores de absenteísmo por morbidade, características sociodemográficas e ocupacionais. Resultados: participaram 2.028 trabalhadores, do sexo masculino (87,6%), com idade maior ou igual a 50 anos (46,9%), nível médio de escolaridade (49,2%) e que trabalhavam em atividade não-operacional (65,1%). A incidência acumulada de afastamento do trabalho foi de 71,5% e a taxa de incidência de 25,8/100 pessoas-ano. Maiores taxas foram observadas entre mulheres (31,6), trabalhadores com 50 ou mais anos (29,9), 30 ou mais anos de serviço (31,9), menor escolaridade (29,2), em atividade operacional (27,9) e horário regular (26,1). Doenças osteomusculares (n=2001), respiratórias (n=1016) e digestivas (n=967) foram responsáveis pelo maior número de licenças. Os maiores números de dias de ausência ao trabalho foram por doenças osteomusculares (n=11640), lesões por causas externas (n=6267) e transtornos mentais (n=5042). Dor lombar foi o diagnóstico com maior número de dias de absenteísmo (n=3632). Conclusão: mulheres, trabalhadores com mais tempo de serviço e de menor escolaridade devem ser alvo de programas de saúde que visem o controle das morbidades identificadas.

Abstract Objective: to describe the incidence of sickness absence among workers of an oil industry in Brazil. Methods: retrospective cohort study conducted with 2,028 workers. Study data were obtained from workers' medical records from 2012 to 2016. Indicators of absenteeism were calculated by sociodemographic characteristics, occupational characteristics, and morbidity. Results: of the participants, 87.6% were men, 49.2% with high school educational level, 46.9% aged 50 years or older, 65.1% worked in non-operational activities. The cumulative incidence of sick leave was 71.5% and its incidence rate, 25.8 per 100 person-years. We found the highest incidence rates amongst women (31.6), workers aged 50 years or older (29.9), lower educational attainment (29.2), work experience spanned 30 years or more (31.9), working in operational activities (27.9), and regular work schedule (26.1). Musculoskeletal (n=2,001), respiratory (n=1,016), and digestive diseases (n=967) were responsible for the largest number of sick leaves. The highest number of absence days was due to musculoskeletal diseases (n=11,640), followed by injuries (n=6,267) and mental disorders (n=5,042). Low back pain diagnostic was responsible for the greatest number of absence days (n=3,632). Conclusions: health programs aimed at controlling the identified morbidities should target women, those with longer work experiences, and those with lower educational attainment.

Risk factors for sick leave in Brazilian oil industry workers.

OBJECTIVE: Studies point to a complex and multifactorial aetiology for sickness absence, but there is still insufficient evidence on how occupational and non-occupational risk factors contribute to this phenomenon. This study aimed to identify occupational and non-occupational factors related to sickness absence in oil industry workers, as well as their population attributable fractions (PAF). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 2028 oil industry workers was conducted in the state of Bahia, Brazil, between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016. Study data were obtained from workers´ medical register. The dependent variable was the first event of sick leave for five or more days, and the independent variables were gender, age, years of work, type of work activity, level of education, work schedule, awkward working postures, body mass index, smoking, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Cox regression analysis identified risk factors to the outcome and PAF were calculated. RESULTS: Being female (HR 1.79), being older (HR 1.44), non-graduated ones (HR 1.44), being of operational staff (HR 1.18), overweight (HR 1.13), obesity (HR 1.39), smoking (HR 1.61) and former smoking (HR 1.30) were risk factors for sickness absence in this cohort. Of all sickness absence in the study population, 6% could be attributed to overweight, 10% to obesity, and 8% to smoking. CONCLUSION: To prevent sick leave, we recommend programs focused on combating smoking and encouraging healthy habits, aiming at weight control and the prevention of chronic diseases. Population attributable fractions point that a universal approach, aimed at the total population will be more cost-effective than health promotion programmes restricted for high-risk populations.

Environmental risk of trace elements in mangrove ecosystems: An assessment of natural vs oil and urban inputs.

The petrochemical industry and urban activities are widely recognized worldwide as a source of pollution to mangrove environments. They can supply pollutants such as trace elements that can modify the ecosystem structure and associated services, as well as human populations. Through geochemical data, multivariate statistical analysis and pollution indices such as the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), adverse effect index (AEI) and the pollution load index (PLI), we evaluated the factors that control trace element distribution, punctual sources and determined the pollution level of sediments and their potential biological impact in the mangrove ecosystem of Isla del Carmen, Mexico. The factor and cluster analysis highlighted that the distribution of trace elements is influenced by the mineralogy, texture as well as urban derived sources. The pollution indices showed values in the punctual sources from the urban area of EF > 10, Igeo > 3, AEI > 3, PLI > 1 by Cu, Zn and Pb. Finally, the results revealed that mangroves from Isla del Carmen has a major influence from urban activities and natural sources rather than oil industry and also indicate a degraded environment as a result of anthropogenic activities that could have knock-on effect for human health if polluted marine organisms derived from the urban mangroves are consumed. CAPSULE ABSTRACT: Surface sediments show the influence of point sources on selected trace element concentrations correlated with human activities within the mangroves of Isla del Carmen, Mexico.

Mercury in sediment cores from the southern Gulf of Mexico: Preindustrial levels and temporal enrichment trends.

Spatial and temporal variability of mercury concentrations in sediments was evaluated in 210Pb-dated sediment cores from offshore and intertidal areas in the southern Gulf of Mexico. In offshore cores, mercury concentrations were comparable (11.2-69.2 ng g-1), and intermediate between concentrations in intertidal cores from the eastern (6.0-34.4 ng g-1) and the western (34.9-137.7 ng g-1) inlets of Términos Lagoon. The enrichment factor (EF) indicated minimal contamination (EF < 2) in most offshore cores, whereas in some intertidal cores steadily increasing mercury enrichment and fluxes were observed along the past century. No evidence of oil industry related mercury contamination was found, as the minor but increasing enrichment in intertidal cores is most likely related to land-derived sources such as catchment eroded soils and waste water runoff. Results highlight the importance to control catchment erosion and untreated sewage releases to reduce mercury loadings to the coastal zone.

Natural and anthropogenic oil impacts on benthic foraminifera in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

The Campeche Sound is the major offshore oil producing area in the Southern Gulf of Mexico (SGoM). To evaluate the impact of oil related activities in the ocean floor sediments, we analyzed the geochemical (major and trace element, organic carbon and hydrocarbon concentrations) and biological (benthic foraminifera) composition of 62 superficial sediment samples, from 13 to 1336 m water depth. Cluster and Factor analysis of all the variables indicate that their distribution patterns are mainly controlled by differences between the terrigenous and carbonate platforms in the SGoM. Benthic foraminiferal assemblages were abundant and diverse, and their distribution patterns are mainly determined by water depth and sedimentary environment. However, most of the abundant species are opportunistic and/or low-oxygen tolerant, and many of their tests show oil stains and infillings, characteristic of oil polluted locations, suggesting the environment has been modified by natural seepage or oil-related activities. To determine if these conditions are natural or anthropogenic in origin, pre - industrial settings should be studied. Organic carbon (Corg) content (0.6-2.9%) and total hydrocarbon concentrations (PAHs 1.0-29.5 µg kg-1) were usually higher around the oil platforms area, the natural hydrocarbon seeps ("chapopoteras") area and offshore rivers, but there is no accumulation of oil related trace elements in these areas. However, the comparison with international sediment quality benchmarks indicates that Cd, Cr and Ni concentrations are above the threshold effect level, and also As, Ba and Cu are above the probable effect level benchmarks, which indicate that these element concentrations might be of potential ecological concern. Comprehensive studies involving different proxies, and assessing pre-industrial conditions, must be undertaken before assessing environmental health of marine benthic ecosystems.

Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Approach to Promote Workers Global Health Status in the Oil Industry, Brazil (2006-2015).

This study intends to analyse the behaviour of epidemiological variables of workers in anoilindustry of Bahia, Brazil, before and after implementation of interdisciplinary practices in occupational health assessments between 2006 and 2015. This is a retrospective longitudinal study carried out in two time periods. Data were collected from the workers electronic medical record and time trends were analysed before (2006-2010) and after (2011-2015) the implementation of the interdisciplinary practices focusing on health promotion. The data were complementarily compared to a control group from the same industry.A statistically significant reduction for data on the number of smokers, periodontal disease and of days away from work was obtained. A significant increase in the number of physically active subjects wasalso observed. Whilenot statistically significant, a reduction in the number of workers with obesity and overweight, with caries and altered glycemia, was identified. Coronary risk and high blood pressure indicators have shown aggravation. It can be concluded that an interdisciplinary health approach during the annual occupational assessments, with action directed to the population needs, can be associated with the improvement of the health indicators assessed, contributing to increased worker productivity in the oil industry.

Water-soluble carboxymethylchitosan as green scale inhibitor in oil wells.

A water-soluble carboxymethylchitosan (CMC) was prepared in water/isopropanol (2/8) medium, at 10 °C, and characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR and NMR techniques. Its performance as an environmentally friendly scale inhibitor in oil wells was evaluated under the physicochemical conditions of oil wells in northeast of Brazil, by using SEM, visual compatibility and dynamic tube blocking test. The synthesis conditions led to a degree of carboxymethylation of 0.45 and water-solubility in all pH range studied (1-11). CMC acted as a scale inhibitor of CaCO3 under synthetic brine medium, presenting a minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) of 170 ppm (1000 psi, T = 70 °C). SEM images showed that CaCO3 crystals were deformed by CMC, which was attributed to effective interactions of CMC through its carboxylate ions and lone pair of electrons on OH and NH2 groups with calcium ions, preventing scale deposition.

Spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metal concentrations and enrichment in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

Trace element (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) enrichment trends during the past century, were assessed in thirteen 210Pb-dated sediment cores from the southern Gulf of Mexico, with the purpose to evaluate the impact on the environment, and potentially on public health, of the offshore oil industry and of oil spills such as that of the Ixtoc1 well blowout in 1979. The trace element composition was quite homogeneous among cores; and the pre-industrial concentrations of Ba, Cr, Cu and Ni are naturally high in the region, as to reach levels of potential ecological concern. The influence of multiple and simultaneous processes (e.g. industrial activities, natural seeps, fluvial discharges) on the trace element concentrations is difficult to disentangle. Some cores suggested long-term preservation of putative oil spill traces, although it was not possible to attribute their origin. The Al-normalized redox element ratios, and the crude oil contamination ratio, suggested that these events occurred along almost four decades, and that the traces attributed to the Ixtoc1 spill were comparable to background conditions, most likely owing to active natural oil seeps in the area. In most cases there was a trend towards a lowering in the supply of trace elements; this might be associated with environmental controls in the region since the 1980s. This study highlights the relevance of using dated environmental archives to reconstruct the historical trends of trace metal contamination in areas where long-term environmental studies are scarce.

Historical trace element accumulation in marine sediments from the Tamaulipas shelf, Gulf of Mexico: An assessment of natural vs anthropogenic inputs.

The Gulf of Mexico is considered one of the world's major marine ecosystems, supporting important fisheries and habitats such as barrier islands, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, coral reefs etc. It also hosts a range of complex offshore petroleum exploration, extraction, and refining industries, which may have chronic or acute impacts on ecosystem functioning. Previous work on the marine effects of this activity is geographically incomplete, and has tended to focus on direct hydrocarbon impacts, while impacts from other related contaminants (e.g. heavy metals, salt-rich drilling muds) which may be discharged from oil facilities have not been widely assessed. Here, we examine historical trace element accumulation in marine sediments collected from four sites in the Tamaulipas shelf, Gulf of Mexico, in the area of the Arenque oil field. Dated sediment cores were used to examine the sources, and historical and contemporary inputs, of trace metals (including those typically present in oil industry discharges) and their potential biological impact in the Tamaulipas aquatic environment over the last 100years. CaO (i.e. biogenic component) normalized data showed increasing V, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb, Zr and Ba towards the sediment surface in three of the four cores, with Ba and V (based on an adverse effect index) possibly associated with adverse effects on organisms. Dated Ba/CaO profiles show an increase of 30-137% after opening of oil installations in the study area, and can be broadly correlated with increasing oil industry activities across the wider Gulf of Mexico. Data do not record however a clear enhancement of Ba concentration in sediment cores collected near to oil platforms over more distal cores, indicating that any Ba released from drilling platforms is incorporated quickly into the sediments around the drilling sites, and once this element has been deposited its rate of resuspension and mobility is low. CAPSULE ABSTRACT: Sediment core data from the Tamaulipas shelf show the influence of oil industry activities on selected trace element concentrations, with Ba/CaO broadly correlating with increasing oil industry activities across the wider Gulf of Mexico.

Hábitos alimentarios y estado nutricional en trabajadores de la industria petrolera / Alimentary habits and nutritional condition in the oil industry workforce / Hábitos alimentares e estado nutricional em trabalhadores da indústria petrolífera / Habitudes alimentaires et état nutritionnel de travailleurs de l'industrie pétrolière

Resumen Objetivo: Determinar los hábitos alimentarios, estilos de vida, así como las características antropométricas y de composición corporal de los trabajadores de la empresa Materiales y Equipos Petroleros que permita establecer las pautas para un plan de mejora. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo con un diseño no experimental transversal con la participación voluntaria de 41 trabajadores en activo a los cuales se les aplicó un cuestionario de datos personales, estilos de vida y un registro alimentario. Además, se les midieron una serie de datos antropométricos y de composición corporal. Resultados: Los hombres eran más sedentarios y bebían más alcohol que las mujeres. Los sujetos con normopeso practicaban más horas de actividad física que los sujetos con sobrepeso y que los obesos. La dieta de los hombres fue hiper calórica (154 %) mientras en mujeres fue isocalórica (108 %) y en ambos grupos se observó una ingesta de colesterol elevada y menor consumo de fibra. El índice de masa corporal se acompañó de un aumento del perímetro cintura, de la cadera, de la masa grasa y del porciento grasa corporal. Conclusiones: La mayor parte de la muestra presentó hábitos de vida y alimentación poco saludables. Se identificó que la ingesta de lípidos y colesterol estaban elevadas mientras que la ingesta de fibra estaba disminuida con respecto a los valores recomendados.

Abstract Objective: Determine alimentary habits and life styles as well as anthropometric and body composition characteristics of the company's Oil Industry Materials and Equipment's workforce, which will enable us to stablish guidelines to create a nutritional improvement plan. Materials and methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental study was conducted with the participation of 41 voluntary active workers of the company Oil Industry Materials and Equipment's, to which a survey was applied in order to collect personal data related to their life styles, and food intake record. Also a series of anthropometric and body composition measures were taken. Results: Men were found to be more sedentary and consumed more alcohol related to women. Individuals with normal weight had more physical activity hours than over weight and obese individuals. Men had a hyper caloric diet (154%) while women were isocaloric (108%) in both genders the cholesterol intake was elevated while dietary fiber ingesting was low. Body mass index was accompanied by an increase in waist and hips perimeters fat mass and body fat percentage escalations. Conclusions: The greater portion of the study's sample presents unhealty life styles and alimentary habits. Lipid and cholesterol intakes are high while dietary fiber consumption is low according to the recommended values.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar os hábitos alimentares, o estilo de vida, assim como as caraterísticas antropométricas e de composição corporal dos trabalhadores da empresa Materiales y Equipos Petroleros, que nos permitiu estabelecer um plano de melhoria. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizado um estudo quantitativo, não experimental e transversal, com a participação voluntária de 41 trabalhadores ativos, aos quais foi aplicado um questionário que previu dados pessoais, o estilo de vida e um registo alimentar. Também foram medidos um conjunto de dados antropométricos e de composição corporal. Resultados: Os homens eram mais sedentários e bebiam mais álcool do que as mulheres. Os individuos com peso normal practicavan mais horas de atividade física do que os individuos com excesso de peso e obesos. A dieta dos homens foi hipercalórica (154%), enquanto a das mulheres foi isocalórica (108%). Além disso foi observado em ambos os grupos uma ingestao elevada de colesterol e um menor consumo de fibra. O índice de masa corporal foi acompanhado de um aumento do perímetro da cintura, da massa de gordura e da percentagem de gordura corporal. Conclusões: A maior parte da mostra apresentou hábitos de vida e alimentação pouco saudáveis. A ingestao lipídica e de colesterol foi elevada, enquanto que a ingestão de fibra era inferior aos valores recomedados.

Résumé Objectif: Déterminer les habitudes alimentaires, les modes de vie, ainsi que les caractéristiques anthropométrique et de composition corporelle des employés de l'entreprise Materiales y Equipos Petroleros (Matériaux et équipements pétroliers) pour permettre d'établir des lignes directrices d'un plan d'amélioration. Matériaux et méthodes: Une étude quantitative, transversale, non expérimentale a été réalisée avec la participation volontaire de 41 travailleurs qui ont répondu a un questionnaire portant sur leurs données personnelles, leur mode de vie et un registre alimentaire. De plus, les mesures d'une série de données anthropométriques et de composition corporelle ont été effectuées. Résultats: Les hommes se sont révélés plus sédentaires et plus grands consommateurs d'alcool que les femmes. Les sujets de poids normal effectuaient plus d'heures d'activité physique que les sujets en surpoids ou obeses. Le régime alimentaire des hommes était hypercalorique (154%) alors que celui des femmes étaient isoénergétique (108%). Dans les deux groupes, une consommation élevée de cholestérol et insuffisante de fibres a été observée. L'indice de masse corporelle s'accompagnait d'une augmentation du tour de taille, des hanches, de la masse grasse et du pourcentage de graisse corporelle. Conclusions: La majorité des participants a indiquée un mode de vie et une alimentation peu sains. Il a été établi que la consommation de lipides et de cholestérol étaient élevée tandis que la consommation de fibres était en dessous des valeurs recommandées.

Growth Inhibition of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Produced Water from the Petroleum Industry Using Essential Oils.

Strategies for the control of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the oil industry involve the use of high concentrations of biocides, but these may induce bacterial resistance and/or be harmful to public health and the environment. Essential oils (EO) produced by plants inhibit the growth of different microorganisms and are a possible alternative for controlling SRB. We aimed to characterize the bacterial community of produced water obtained from a Brazilian petroleum facility using molecular methods, as well as to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of EO from different plants and their major components against Desulfovibrio alaskensis NCIMB 13491 and against SRB growth directly in the produced water. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of the genera Pelobacter and Marinobacterium, Geotoga petraea, and the SRB Desulfoplanes formicivorans in our produced water samples. Sequencing of dsrA insert-containing clones confirmed the presence of sequences related to D. formicivorans. EO obtained from Citrus aurantifolia, Lippia alba LA44 and Cymbopogon citratus, as well as citral, linalool, eugenol and geraniol, greatly inhibited (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 78 µg/mL) the growth of D. alaskensis in a liquid medium. The same MIC was obtained directly in the produced water with EO from L. alba LA44 (containing 82% citral) and with pure citral. These findings may help to control detrimental bacteria in the oil industry.

Integration of biofiltration and advanced oxidation processes for tertiary treatment of an oil refinery wastewater aiming at water reuse.

The combination of biological and chemical oxidation processes is an interesting approach to remove ready, poor, and non-biodegradable compounds from complex industrial wastewaters. In this study, biofiltration followed by H2O2/UV oxidation (or microfiltration) and final reverse osmosis (RO) step was employed for tertiary treatment of an oil refinery wastewater. Biofiltration alone allowed obtaining total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV254), ammonium, and turbidity removal of around 46, 46, 23, 50, and 61 %, respectively. After the combined biological-chemical oxidation treatment, TOC and UV254 removal amounted to 88 and 79 %, respectively. Whereas, the treatment performance achieved with different UV lamp powers (55 and 95 W) and therefore distinct irradiance levels (26.8 and 46.3 mW/cm(2), respectively) were very similar and TOC and UV254 removal rates were highly affected by the applied C/H2O2 ratio. Silt density index (SDI) was effectively reduced by H2O2/UV oxidation, favoring further RO application. C/H2O2 ratio of 1:4, 55 W UV lamp, and 20-min oxidation reaction corresponded to the experimental condition which provided the best cost/benefit ratio for TOC, UV254, and SDI reduction from the biofilter effluent. The array of treatment processes proposed in this study has shown to be adequate for tertiary treatment of the oil refinery wastewater, ensuring the mitigation of membrane fouling problems and producing a final effluent which is suitable for reuse applications.

Coexisting sea-based and land-based sources of contamination by PAHs in the continental shelf sediments of Coatzacoalcos River discharge area (Gulf of Mexico).

The oldest refinery and the major petrochemical complexes of Mexico are located in the lower reach of the Coatzacoalcos River, considered the most polluted coastal area of Mexico. A (210)Pb-dated sediment core, from the continental shelf of the Coatzacoalcos River, was studied to assess the contamination impact by the oil industry in the southern Gulf of Mexico. The sedimentary record showed the prevalence of petrogenic PAHs between 1950s and 1970s, a period during which waste discharges from the oil industry were not regulated. Later on, sediments exhibited higher contents of pyrogenic PAHs, attributed to the incineration of petrochemical industry wastes and recurrent wildfires in open dumpsites at the nearby swamps. The total concentration of the 16 EPA-priority PAHs indicated low levels of contamination (<100 ng g(-1)), except a peak value (>1000 ng g(-1)) during the late 1970s, most likely due to the major oil spill produced by the blowout of the Ixtoc-I offshore oil rig in deep waters of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Most of the PAH congeners did not show defined temporal trends but, according to a Factor Analysis, apparently have a common origin, probably waste released from the nearby oil industry. The only exceptions were the pyrogenic benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene, and the biogenic perylene, that showed increasing concentration trends with time, which we attributed to erosional input of contaminated soil from the catchment area. Our study confirmed chronic oil contamination in the Coatzacoalcos River coastal area from land based sources for more than 60 years (since 1950s).

Fatores associados à síndrome metabólica em trabalhadores administrativos de uma indústria de petróleo / Factors associated with metabolic syndrome in administrative workers in the oil industry

Estudo transversal com o objetivo de identificar os fatores associados à síndrome metabólica (SM) em trabalhadores administrativos de uma indústria de petróleo. Avaliou-se 1.387 trabalhadores, incluindo dados antropométricos, bioquímicos, estilo de vida, características demográficas e socioeconômicas. Determinou-se a SM segundo a I Diretriz Brasileira de Diagnóstico e Tratamento da Síndrome Metabólica. Os fatores associados à SM foram examinados por modelos de regressão logística univariado e multivariado. 15 por cento dos trabalhadores apresentaram a SM. Na análise multivariada, o sexo (OR=3,4;IC 95 por cento 2,1-5,5), a idade (OR=3,8;IC 95 por cento 1,5-9,4) e o tabagismo (atual e passado) (OR=1,6;IC 95 por cento 1,2-2,3), foram associados à SM. Conclui-se que a prevalência da SM nestes trabalhadores é elevada, especialmente em homens, tabagistas ou ex-tabagistas e com idade acima de 40 anos. Possivelmente, o maior valor deste diagnóstico foi possibilitar a identificação de trabalhadores com alterações metabólicas extremas, que justifiquem intervenções imediatas para redução dos fatores de risco identificados. Nesse sentido, ações que objetivam a promoção de estilo de vida saudável, poderão ser desenvolvidas pelas empresas, visando a contribuir para a melhoria das condições de saúde dos empregados.

This is a cross-sectional study seeking to identify the factors associated with metabolic syndrome in administrative workers of an oil company. A total of 1,387 workers were examined, including their anthropometric and biochemical data, lifestyle, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Metabolic syndrome was defined in accordance with the First Set of Brazilian Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. Factors associated with MS were examined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and 15 percent of the workers had MS symptoms. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender (OR=3.4; IC 95 percent 2.1- 5.5), age (OR=3.8; IC 95 percent 1.5-9.4) and smoking (current and past) (OR=1.6; CI 95 percent 1.2-2.3), were associated with metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, the prevalence of MS in administrative workers of the oil industry is high, especially among males, smokers, ex-smokers and those aged 40 years or more. Possibly, the greatest value of this diagnosis is to make it possible to identify workers with severe metabolic changes, which would justify the implementation of immediate intervention to reduce the identified risk factors. In this sense, actions aiming to promote a healthy lifestyle can be developed by the companies, in order to enhance the health and quality of life of their employees.

Aspectos do regime de embarque, turnos e gestão do trabalho em plataformas offshore da Bacia de Campos (RJ) e sua relação com a saúde e a segurança dos trabalhadores / Scheduling, shifts, and work management in offshore platforms of Campos Basin (Rio de Janeiro) and their relationship with workers safety and health

O artigo aborda pesquisa desenvolvida na indústria petrolífera offshore da Baciade Campos (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), campo empírico que acompanhamos de forma sistemática desde 2003 e que se situa no rol dos sistemas sociotécnicos complexos. Nosso objetivo é destacar os riscos potenciais associados à organização do trabalho, em especial o regime de embarque e o sistema de turnos adotados nas plataformas de petróleo por algumas das empresas atuantes na região. Isto porque entendemos que, no contexto investigado, os problemas relacionados à saúde aí inclusos os que se situam na esfera mental e à segurança dos trabalhadores possuem relação importante com aspectos da organização do trabalho, como aqueles que aqui se encontram em foco. Indicam-se proposições de mudança com o intuito de reduzir os impactos deletérios de tais fatores sobre a saúde e a segurança dos trabalhadores. A base teórico metodológica utilizada na pesquisa se fundamenta, principalmente, no instrumental da Ergonomia da Atividade e da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, numa perspectiva ergológica.

This paper focuses on a research about offshore oil industry in the Campos Basin (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), an empirical we have followed up systematically since 2003, which can be classified as a complex socio-technical system. Our aim is to highlight the potential risks associated with work organization, mainly the schedule and shift systems adopted by some of the companies on oil platforms. We understand that in the investigated context, problems related to workers safety and health including mental health are related to aspects of work organization, as those we have focused in this paper. We propose changes that may reduce the deleterious impact of those factors on workers safety and health. The theoretical and methodological framework used in the research is based mainly on Ergonomics of Activity and Psychodynamics of Work, from an ergological perspective.

Spatial and temporal land cover changes in Terminos Lagoon Reserve, Mexico

Terminos Lagoon ecosystem is the largest fluvial-lagoon estuarine system in the country and one of the most important reserves of coastal flora and fauna in Mexico. Since the seventies, part of the main infrastructure for country’s oil extraction is located in this area. Its high biodiversity has motivated different type of studies including deforestation processes and land use planning. In this work we used satellite image analysis to determine land cover changes in the area from 1974 to 2001. Our results indicate that tropical forest and mangroves presented the most extensive losses in its coverage. In contrast, urban areas and induced grassland increased considerably. In 2001 more than half of the ecosystem area showed changes from its original land cover, and a third part of it was deteriorated. The main causes of deforestation were both the increase in grassland and the growth of urban areas. However, deforestation was attenuated by natural reforestation and plant canopy recovery. We conclude that the introduction of cattle and urban development were the main causes for the land cover changes; however, the oil industry activity located in the ecosystem, has promoted indirectly to urban growth and rancher boom. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (2): 565-575. Epub 2010 June 02.

El ecosistema de Laguna de Términos es el más grande sistema fluvio lagunar estuarino del país y una de las reservas más importantes de flora y fauna costera en México. Desde la década de los setentas, parte de la infraestructura necesaria para la explotación del petróleo en el país se encuentra localizada en esta área. Su importante biodiversidad ha motivado diferentes estudios en el área que incluyen procesos de deforestación y ordenamiento del territorio. Se realizó un análisis de imágenes de satélite para determinar los cambios de uso del suelo y vegetación en el área entre 1974 y 2001. Los resultados indican que la selva tropical y el mangle presentan las mayores pérdidas de cobertura. En contraste, las áreas urbanas y los pastos inducidos han incrementado considerablemente su extensión. En el año 2001 más de la mitad del área ocupada por el ecosistema mostró cambios en sus coberturas originales y una tercera parte estaba deteriorada. La deforestación fue causada principalmente por el incremento de los pastizales y el crecimiento de las áreas urbanas. Sin embargo, estas pérdidas fueron atenuadas por la regeneración natural. Se concluye que la introducción de pasto para la ganadería y el desarrollo urbano fueron las principales causas de los cambios de uso de suelo, sin embargo, la industria petrolera asentada en el ecosistema ha fomentado indirectamente el crecimiento urbano y el auge ganadero.