Hydrobiogeochemistry of Two Catchments in Brazil Under Forest Recovery in an Environmental Services Payment Program.

We investigated the fluvial geochemistry of two catchments at different stages in the forest recovery process which have been a focus of an Environmental Services Payment (ESP) program in Brazil. The Posses (PS) and Salto de Cima (SC) catchments (1200 ha and 1500 ha, respectively) are situated in the municipality of Extrema, Minas Gerais state. Their streams flow into the Jaguari River that supplies part of the water demand of the São Paulo metropolitan area. Samples were collected for chemical analysis and physical-chemical field measures every 2 weeks from January to December 2017. An important pollution point source was discovered in the PS stream related to bovine urine and feces, as well another unidentified source that can be related to a small food processing industry and/or a small fish farm. At the SC stream, on the other hand, there was clear evidence of domestic sewage input. This preliminary study confirmed a limited improvement of the stream water quality in response to recovery of the forest vegetation. Therefore, we recommend that in addition to enhanced monitoring to help distinguish biogeochemical sources and the benefits of land conservation practices, the ESP program should consider controlling point source pollution to accomplish its purpose.

Conjugation Length Distribution in Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) Films.

We studied the absorption line-shape of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) films deposited via spin coating and Langmuir-Blodgett techniques with the intent of identifying the conjugation length distribution in these two types of films, a key morphological aspect of conjugated polymer films. We treated the excitons in the polymer as independent oligomer excitons and modeled the absorption spectra of the individual oligomers using simple expressions for the oligomer size dependence of the gap energy, the line-broadening factor, the transition dipole moment and the Huang-Rhys parameter. We validated these expressions by independent measurements on phenyl-based oligomers and Density Functional Theory calculations. Our results show clear evidence that, for both types of PPV films, the conjugation length distribution depends exponentially on the segment size. Our results also set a lower limit, of about ten repeat units, for the maximum exciton length of three different phenyl-based oligomers.

The All4Children project to assess the initial implementation of the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care in Portugal: A description of the study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The All4Children project addresses the urgent need to transition from institutionalization to family-based care for out-of-home children in Portugal. Despite evidence highlighting the detrimental effects of institutionalization, only a small percentage of children (less than 4%) are currently placed in family foster care in the country. In response to European directives for deinstitutionalization, Portuguese legislation now prioritizes non-kinship family foster care as the preferred alternative for young children in need of care. To facilitate this transition, the Integrated Model of Family Foster Care (MIAF) was developed, offering a comprehensive framework covering the entire spectrum of family foster care. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to investigate the initial implementation stage of the MIAF to promote high-quality family foster care in Portugal. METHOD: The study will conduct a mixed-method and longitudinal research project in family foster care agencies across different regions of Portugal, focusing on evaluating the implementation and outcomes of the MIAF model using a multi-informant and multi-method approach. The participants will include caseworkers, children aged 0-9 years entering foster care, and their respective foster families enrolled in the MIAF program. Process evaluation will assess fidelity, feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of MIAF modules, while outcome evaluation will examine child safety, stability, well-being, as well as foster family well-being and quality of relational care. OUTCOMES: The insights gained from this research initiative will serve as a foundation for the ongoing enhancement of MIAF. Consequently, this project has the capacity to advance evidence-based child welfare practices by refining processes and strategies to better serve vulnerable children and youth. CONCLUSION: Facilitated by a multidisciplinary team, this project will contribute to advancing research in the field, enhancing practice, and informing policy during a pivotal stage of deinstitutionalization in Portugal.

Photoluminescent ellipsometric circular dichroism.

A novel spectroscopic technique, photoluminescent ellipsometric circular dichroism (PECD), which distinguishes all radiative electronic transitions related to molecular chiral centers. Additionally, it is proposed as complementary to the ellipsometric Raman spectroscopy (ERS) technique, thus establishing a relationship between vibrational modes and electronic transitions, associated with molecular chiral centers. In this way, PECD turns into a powerful technique for chiral material characterization. The PECD technique was performed on a chiral oligomer (1R,2R)-diiminocyclohexane, and its derivative polymer. A complete photophysical characterization in solution was performed to corroborate the new PECD technique.

Group Triple P Intervention Effects on Children and Parents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Supporting parents through the delivery of evidence-based parenting interventions (EBPI) is a way of promoting children's rights, given the known benefits to child development and family wellbeing. Group Triple P (GTP) is an EBPI suitable for parents of children aged 2-12 years, who experience parenting difficulties, and/or child behavior problems. Even though GTP has been intensively studied, information lacks on the magnitude of its effects, considering the risk of bias within and across prior research. To address this, a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration CRD42019085360) to evaluate the effects of GTP on child and parent outcomes at short- and longer-term was performed. Through a systematic search of a set of databases, 737 research papers were identified, and 11 trials were selected. The risk of bias within and across studies was evaluated. Significant positive effects of GTP were found immediately after the intervention for child behavior problems, dysfunctional parenting practices, parenting sense of competence, psychological adjustment, parental stress levels, conflict, and relationship quality. Six months after the intervention, positive effects were found only for child behavior problems. Data suggest that GTP might be an effective EBPI leading to positive family outcomes. Substantial risk of bias was found, highlighting the importance of improving the quality of research.

The intravenous glucose tolerance and postprandial glucose tests may present different responses in the evaluation of obese dogs.

The present study compared the intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and the glucose postprandial response (GPPR) test for the evaluation of glucose metabolism in obese dogs. A total of ten owned obese dogs (body condition score (BCS) of 9; fat mass, 45.7 (sem 1.51) %) were used. These dogs had their weight reduced by 20 % (BCS, 8; fat mass, 33.5 (SEM 1.92) %; P < 0.001), designated as weight-reduced (WR) group. A control group of ten Beagle dogs was also included (BCS, 4.5; fat mass, 18.3 (SEM 1.38) %; P < 0.01). Glucose tolerance was measured by two methods: IVGTT (infusion of 0.5 g of glucose/kg body weight) and GPPR (consumption of cooked rice to achieve 6 g of starch/kg body weight). When using the IVGTT, the area under the curve (AUC) for glucose and maximum glycaemia were higher for obese dogs compared with controls (P < 0.05), with intermediate results for the WR group (P>0.05). Basal insulin, insulin response peak, insulinogenic index and the AUC for insulin increment from 0 to 15 min and from 60 to 120 min were higher for the obese group (P < 0.05), while the WR group and control dogs showed similar results (P>0.05). When using the GPPR test, the AUC for insulin increment from 0 to 120 min was higher for the obese group compared with the control group (P < 0.05) and intermediate for the WR group (P>0.05). However, the AUC for insulin increment from 120 to 360 min was similar between the obese and WR groups (P>0.05), while it was lower for the control group (P < 0.05). The IVGTT showed that the loss of 20 % body weight resulted in an improvement of glucose control with reduced insulin secretion, and these same WR dogs showed higher insulin secretion with values similar to those of obese dogs when the GPPR test was used.

Gluten-Free Diet Reduces Pain in Women with Myofascial Pain in Masticatory Muscles: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of a gluten-free diet (GFD) as a treatment modality for pain management in women with chronic myofascial pain in masticatory muscles. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 39 female subjects were evaluated according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and divided into three groups: a healthy group (n = 14; mean ± SD age = 34.57 ± 9.14 years); a control group (n = 12; age = 31.50 ± 7.38 years); and an experimental group (n = 13; age 30.00 ± 7.64 years). The outcome variables were: pain intensity, mechanical pain threshold (MPT), and pressure pain threshold (PPT). MPT was performed on the masseter muscle, and PPT was performed on both the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles. A nutritionist prescribed a 4-week individualized GFD for the experimental group. The healthy group was analyzed only initially, whereas the control and experimental groups were analyzed again after 4 weeks. Data were subjected to statistical analysis with a significance level of 5% (one-way analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni post hoc, paired t, Wilcoxon signed rank, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, and Pearson chi-square tests). RESULTS: Participants who underwent a GFD showed reduction in pain intensity (P = .006) and an increase in PPT of the masseter (P = .017) and anterior temporalis (P = .033) muscles. The intervention did not influence the MPT of the masseter muscle (P = .26). In contrast, the control group showed no improvement in any parameter evaluated. CONCLUSION: GFD seemed to reduce pain sensitivity in women with TMD and may be beneficial as an adjunctive therapy for chronic myofascial pain in masticatory muscles; however, further studies in the fields of orofacial pain and nutrition are required.

Frequency of urinary tract infection among dogs with pruritic disorders receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) among dogs with pruritic disorders that were or were not receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment. DESIGN: Observational study. ANIMALS: 127 dogs receiving glucocorticoids for > 6 months and 94 dogs not receiving glucocorticoids. PROCEDURE: Bacterial culture of urine samples was performed in dogs receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment, and information was collected on drug administered, dosage, frequency of administration, duration of glucocorticoid treatment, and clinical signs of UTI. For dogs not receiving glucocorticoids, a single urine sample was submitted for bacterial culture. RESULTS: Multiple (2 to 6) urine samples were submitted for 70 of the 127 (55%) dogs receiving glucocorticoids; thus, 240 urine samples were analyzed. For 23 of the 127 (18.1%) dogs, results of bacterial culture were positive at least once, but none of the dogs had clinical signs of UTI. Pyuria and bacteriuria (present vs absent) were found to correctly predict results of bacterial culture for 89.9% and 95.8% of the samples, respectively. Type of glycocorticoid, dosage, frequency of administration, and duration of treatment were not associated with frequency of UTI. None of the urine samples from dogs not receiving glucocorticoids yielded bacterial growth. The frequency of UTI was significantly higher for dogs treated with glucocorticoids than for dogs that had not received glucocorticoids. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that dogs receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment have an increased risk of developing a UTI. On this basis, we recommend that urine samples be submitted for bacterial culture at least yearly for such dogs.

Impact of an extramural program in training dental students / Repercussões de um programa extramural na formação de estudantes de odontologia

Introduction: Extramural programs allow dental students to be trained facing the reality of people?s lives and their health needs. This study describes the experiences of an extramural program developed at the Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Methods: Professors and dentists participated in activities directed to a group of recyclable material collectors and their families, who are part of a singing group. The aim of the activities is to provide dental care, health promotion, health education and disease prevention. Results: Up until now, 80 people have been involved in the program. It was possible to observe that the collectors have gained confidence and self-esteem and positive changes in their behavior regarding health. The academic training was enriched by the educational, clinical and humanistic experience by interacting with the social context of the collectors. Conclusion: An endeavor to improve the health of these people has guaranteed an opportunity to train the health professional in a qualified teaching and learning environment in front of social reality.

The impact of body site, topical melatonin and brushing on hair regrowth after clipping normal Siberian Husky dogs.

The aims of this study were to determine the impact of body site, vigorous brushing and topical melatonin treatment on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs. Siberian Husky dogs were randomly assigned to three groups of eight dogs each. All dogs had the lumbosacral region and both lateral thighs clipped. The left thigh and lumbosacral area received no treatment and were compared in all 24 dogs. Eight dogs had the right thigh treated with 0.1% melatonin twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had the right thigh brushed twice daily for 2 months, and hair regrowth was compared with the left thigh. Eight dogs had neither thigh treated. Hairs were plucked before and 2 months postclipping, and the proportion of hair growth from the original length was calculated and compared as described above. Biopsy samples were collected before and after treatment to determine if brushing induced dermal inflammation and melatonin increased the proportion of anagen follicles. Proportionally, left thigh hairs were significantly longer compared to lumbosacral hairs 2 months postclipping. No significant differences in hair regrowth were noted between the nontreated thigh and the thigh treated with melatonin or brushed. No significant difference in dermal inflammation was noted before and after brushing. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of anagen follicles before and after topical melatonin treatment. Our results showed that the hairs in the lumbosacral region were proportionally shorter than lateral thigh hairs 2 months postclipping. Moreover, topical melatonin and brushing had no impact on hair regrowth after clipping normal dogs.

Efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream in the treatment of equine sarcoids: a pilot study.

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier with potent antiviral and antitumour activity. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of an imiquimod 5% cream (Aldaratrade mark: 3M, Saint Paul, MN, USA) as a topical treatment for equine sarcoids. Fifteen horses with a total of 19 tumours were enrolled, including mixed (7), fibroblastic (5), flat (3), verrucous (2), and nodular (2) types. Baseline data included history, physical examination, tumour location, measurement and digital photography. Imiquimod was applied by the owners three times a week until complete resolution of the tumour or 32 weeks, whichever occurred first. Tumours were measured and photographed every 4 weeks. Treatment efficacy was defined as 75% or greater reduction of tumour size by the end of the trial. Four sarcoids were withdrawn from the study. Twelve of the remaining 15 tumours (80%) showed more than 75% reduction in size and nine (60%) totally resolved between 8 and 32 weeks. The most common adverse effects of exudation, erythema, erosions, depigmentation and alopecia were limited to the tumour and adjacent areas. The results suggest that topical imiquimod is a therapeutic option for the treatment of equine sarcoids, although more detailed studies are required to corroborate these initial findings.

Correspondência entre obesidade e hiperlipidemia em cães / Correspondence between obesity and hyperlipidemia in dogs

Os efeitos deletérios do excesso de peso sobre a saúde dos cães são bastante citados na literatura, mas pouco investigados. O termo hiperlipidemia refere-se ao aumento da concentração de lipídeos (colesterol, triglicérides ou ambos) séricos. As desordens lipídicas são relativamente comuns nos cães e essas condições podem ocorrer como resultado de um defeito primário no metabolismo de lipoproteínas ou como consequência de doença sistêmica subjacente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência de animais obesos que apresentam alterações nas concentrações de lipídios séricos e analisar a possível correspondência dessa condição com grau de obesidade, sexo, idade e castração. Foram incluídos 30 cães obesos com escore de condição corporal (ECC) igual ou superior a 8 (em escala de um a nove, com nove representando obesidade acentuada) e um grupo controle de dez animais com ECC igual a cinco. Nos animais com ECC 9 (n=21), foi encontrada frequência de 52,4 por cento (n=11) de cães com hipercolesterolemia e 33,3 por cento (n=7) com hipertrigliceridemia. Nos animais com EEC 8 (n=9), foi encontrada frequência de 22,2 por cento (n=2) de hipercolesterolemia e de 33,3 por cento (n=3) de hipertrigliceridemia. Essas alterações também apresentaram correspondência com o sexo feminino, faixa etária entre quatro e sete anos e a castração. Todavia, a elevação desses metabólitos foi moderada e não se situou em faixa de reconhecido risco à saúde.

The harmful effects of obesity on dog health are quite mentioned in the literature, but little investigated. The term hyperlipidemia refers to the increase of lipid and/or fat concentration (cholesterol, triglycerides or both) in serum. These disorders are relatively common in dogs and may happen as a result of a primary defect in metabolism of lipoproteins or as a consequence of a subjacent systemic disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of obese dogs that present alterations on cholesterol and triglycerides serum concentration, and to study the correlation of these disorders with obesity degree, sex, age and castration. Thirty obese dogs with body condition score (BCS) equal or superior to 8 (on a scale between one to nine, and nine representing severe obesity) and a control group of ten dogs with BCS 5 were included. Animals with BCS 9 (n=21 dogs) presented a frequency of 52.4 percent (n=11 dogs) of hypercholesterolemia and 33.3 percent (n=7) of hypertriglyceridemia. Dogs with BCS 8 (n=9) presented a frequency of 22,2 percent (n=2) of hypercholesterolemia and 33,3 percent (n=3) of hypertriglyceridemia. These alterations also presented correspondence with female sex, age between 4 and 7 years and castration. However, the cholesterol and triglycerides increases were moderate, and not remained within the range of recognized health risk.

Water type and irrigation time effects on microbial metabolism of a soil cultivated with Bermuda-grass Tifton 85

This study investigated the microbial metabolism in Bermuda-grass Tifton 85 areas after potable-water and effluent irrigation treatments. The experiment was carried out in Lins/SP with samples taken in the rainy and dry seasons (2006) after one year and three years of irrigation management, and set up on an entirely randomized block design with four treatments: C (control, without irrigation or fertilization), PW (potable water + 520 kg of N ha-1 year-1); TE3 and TE0 (treated effluent + 520 kg of N ha-1 year-1) for three years and one year, respectively. The parameters determined were: microbial biomass carbon, microbial activity, and metabolic quotient. Irrigation with wastewater after three years indicated no alteration in soil quality for C and ET3; for PW, a negative impact on soil quality (microbial biomass decrease) suggested that water-potable irrigation in Lins is not an adequate option. Microbial activity alterations observed in TE0 characterize a priming effect.

Dermatose responsiva à biotina em cão / Dermatosis responsive to Biotin in a dog

Os transtornos da pele e dos pelos são parte importante na prática clínica de pequenos animais. Numerosos fatores nutricionais afetam a homeostase, a qualidade e o aspecto da pelagem. As vitaminas do complexo B incluem compostos hidrossolúveis necessários como coenzimas em diversas funções celulares envolvidas no metabolismo energético e na síntese tecidual. A biotina, em especial, é necessária nas reações de carboxilação, participando da síntese de ácidos graxos, aminoácidos e purinas pelo tecido epitelial. Uma cadela com quadro de cistite recorrente e tumor venéreo transmissível foi tratada com antibioticoterapia prolongada e quimioterapia. Após alguns meses de tratamento, foram observadas lesões no plano nasal e nos coxins plantar e palmar, caracterizadas por hiperceratose, espessamento, fissuras, sangramento e inflamação. O paciente recebeu suplementação de 15mg de biotina por via oral (equivalente a 1,4mg kg-1 de peso corporal), uma vez por dia, durante 60 dias, havendo importante regressão das lesões. Sugere-se que, sob antibioticoterapia e doença, a síntese intestinal de biotina possa não ter sido suficiente, sendo necessária sua suplementação.

Skin and hair diseases are an important part in small animal's clinical practice. Many nutritional factors can affect the quality and the aspect of the coat. B complex vitamins are water-soluble compounds used as coenzymes in several cellular functions that are involved in energy metabolism and tissue synthesis. Biotin, in particular, is necessary for carboxylation reactions, fatty acids synthesis, and incorporation of essential amino acids and purines in the epithelial tissue. A female canine with recurrent cystitis and sticker tumor was treated chemotherapy and prolonged antibiotic therapy. After a few months of medications, lesions were observed in nasal plan and palmar and plantar pads, characterized by hyperkeratosis, skin thickness, bleeding fissures, and inflammation. The patient was treated with 15mg of oral biotin supplementation (1.4mg kg-1 of body weight) once a day, for 60 days, with significant regression of skin lesions at the end of this period. These findings suggest that in certain diseases and particularly in prolonged antibiotics therapy, intestinal biotin synthesis may not be adequate, demanding oral supplementation.

Manejo nutricional e digestibilidade no quilotórax canino / Nutritional therapy and digestibility in canine chylotorax

O quilotórax corresponde ao acúmulo de fluido linfático em um ou em ambos os espaços pleurais, resultante do extravasamento de linfa do ducto torácico ou de uma de suas divisões principais. Este pode estar associado à ascite quilosa em pacientes com distúrbios linfáticos sistêmicos, como na linfangiectasia, em decorrência de defeitos no transporte linfático-venoso do quilo da cavidade torácica para a circulação sistêmica. A linfangiectasia intestinal é um distúrbio obstrutivo que envolve o sistema linfático do órgão e revela-se como a causa mais comum de enteropatias associadas à má absorção e perda de proteínas em cães. São apresentados no presente relato o controle clínico com o uso de dieta caseira com baixa gordura e a quantificação da função digestiva, por meio da determinação da digestibilidade do alimento, em um cão acometido por quilotórax secundário à linfangiectasia intestinal. A dieta caseira incluiu arroz, peito de frango, cenoura, carbonato de cálcio, levedura de cerveja, suplemento vitamínico e mineral e sal. O ensaio de digestibilidade foi conduzido pelo método de coleta total de fezes. A dieta caseira foi eficaz em interromper o acúmulo de efusão quilosa torácica, restabelecer as concentrações de proteína total e albumina e promover ganho de peso no paciente. Os resultados da digestibilidade demonstraram menor aproveitamento de todos os nutrientes no cão com linfangiectasia em relação ao controle sadio.

Chylothorax corresponds to accumulation of lymphatic fluid in one or both pleural spaces, resulting from the leak of thoracic duct or of one of their main divisions. This can be associated to chylous ascites in patients with systemic lymphatic disturbances, as in lymphangiectasia, due to defects in the lymphatic-veined transport of chylo from thoracic cavity to systemic circulation. Intestinal lymphangiectasia is an obstructive disturbance that involves lymphatic system of gastrintestinal tract and it’s the more common cause of enteropathies associated to reduced-absorption and protein loss in dogs. A clinical management of a dog assaulted by chylothorax secondary to intestinal lymphangiectasia is described. A homemade low fat diet was used, and the quantification of digestive function, through the determination of diet’s digestibility, was performed. The homemade diet included rice, chicken chest, carrot, calcium carbonate, yeast, vitamin and mineral supplement and salt. The digestibility assay was carried out by total feces collection method. Homemade diet was efficient in stop recurrence of chylous thoracic effusion accumulation, recovery of serum concentrations of total protein and albumin, and promotes weight gain. Compared to the healthy control dog, animal with lymphangiectasia showed reduced digestibility of all analyzed nutrients.

Uso de psyllium para controle de constipação em cães / The use of psyllium to control constipation in dogs

psyllium (Plantago psyllium) é um vegetal comumente utilizado como adjuvante no tratamento de afecções que resultam em constipação. Com o objetivo de melhor compreender os efeitos dessa fibra em cães, foram realizados dois experimentos. O primeiro avaliou, em cães sadios, inclusões de 0 por cento, 2 por cento e 4 por cento de semente integral moída de psyllium à dieta (com base na matéria natural). Para tanto, foram empregados oito cães da raça Beagles adultos, os quais receberam as dietas experimentais por oito dias. Verificou-se aumento linear da umidade das fezes com a adição de teores crescentes de psyllium (R²=0,54 e P=0,0012), sem alteração do escore fecal e número de defecações por dia. O segundo experimento incluiu avaliação da opinião de 24 proprietários cujos cães receberam suplementação de 2 por cento de psyllium como parte do tratamento de afecções que causaram constipação. Dos proprietários incluídos, 19 (79,2 por cento) relataram melhora da defecação de seus cães durante a administração da fibra. Quinze (62,5 por cento) observaram que as fezes dos animais, antes ressecadas ou endurecidas, tornaram-se normais ou pastosas. Os resultados comprovaram para cães os efeitos laxativos do psyllium já descritos na medicina humana, indicando seu uso no tratamento de suporte de enfermidades que levam à constipação.

psyllium (Plantago psyllium) is a fiber generally used as a supplement in the treatment of diseases that led to constipation. To understanding of the effects of this fiber in dogs, two experiments were conducted. The first evaluated in healthy dogs a diet supplementation with 0 percent, 2 percent and 4 percent of ground whole psyllium seeds (as-fed basis). Eight adult Beagle dogs were used. They received the experimental diets for eight days. A linear increase of faecal moisture was verified with the addition of psyllium (R²=0.54 and P=0.0012), with no alteration on faecal score or number of defecations per day. The second experiment included 24 dogs with constipation. The dogs received a diet supplemented with 2 percent of psyllium as part of the treatment, and the owners were invited to answer a questionnaire. Nineteen (79.2 percent) owners reported that their dog had an easier defecation process during supplementation. Fifteen (62.5 percent) reported that the animals´ faeces, which were dry or hard at the start, became normal or pasty after psyllium consumption. The results confirmed a laxative effect of psyllium in dogs, which was already reported in human medicine, supporting the use of this fiber in the clinical management of diseases that cause constipation in dog.

Balanço de nutrientes e avaliação de parâmetros biogeoquímicos em áreas alagadas construídas para o tratamento de esgoto / Budgets of nutrients and evaluation of biogeochemical parameters in a constructed wetland used for sewage treatment

Um sistema de áreas alagadas construídas para o tratamento de esgoto, situado na cidade de Piracicaba e pertencente ao SEMAE (Serviço Municipal de Água e Esgoto), foi investigado. Esse sistema, composto por três estágios de tratamento: fossa séptica; canteiros plantados com arroz (substrato solo e fluxo de efluente sub-superficial vertical) e canal com aguapés (fluxo de efluente horizontal superficial), operou com uma taxa de aplicação de 414 L.m-2.dia-1 de esgoto doméstico. Este trabalho teve por finalidade avaliar parâmetros biogeoquímicos, verificar a eficiência do sistema quanto à remoção de poluentes e apresentar o seu balanço de massa de nutrientes. A fossa séptica reteve 16 por cento e o substrato dos canteiros e canal retiveram 48 por cento desse total. A diferença de 18 por cento encontrada no balanço de massa pode ser atribuída principalmente às perdas gasosas e ao acúmulo de C no substrato, abaixo dos 20 cm amostrados. No balanço de massa de N, a eficiência do sistema em remover cargas de N foi de 75 por cento. A fossa séptica reteve 4 por cento, o substrato dos canteiros e canal retiveram 25 por cento e as plantas (arroz e aguapé) exportaram ou imobilizaram 11 por cento desse total. A diferença de 35 por cento encontrada no balanço de massa pode ser atribuída às perdas gasosas, ao acúmulos de N em sub superfície e acréscimos de NOD no sistema. No balanço de massa de P, a eficiência do sistema em remover cargas de P foi de 86 por cento. A fossa séptica reteve 5 por cento, o substrato dos canteiros e canal retiveram 54 por cento e as plantas exportaram ou imobilizaram 7 por cento desse total. A diferença de 20 por cento encontrada no balanço de massa, pode ser atribuída ao acúmulo de P em forma de compostos orgânicos refratários ou adsorvido ao substrato. Contudo, mesmo diante dos resultados de despoluição favoráveis, concluiu-se que a capacidade do sistema em tratar o esgoto a longo prazo passará a ser limitada pela deficiência na oxigenação do efluente e do substrato e pela colmatação do substrato.