Physical analysis of compost from composting plants in Brazil

Nowadays the composting process has shown itself to be an alternative in the treatment of municipal solid wastes by composting plants. However, although more than 50% of the waste generated by the Brazilian population is composed of matter susceptible to organic composting, this process is, still today, insufficiently developed in Brazil, due to low compost quality and lack of investments in the sector. The objective of this work was to use physical analyses to evaluate the quality of the compost produced at 14 operative composting plants in the Sao Paulo State in Brazil. For this purpose, size distribution and total inert content tests were done. The results were analyzed by grouping the plants according to their productive processes: plants with a rotating drum, plants with shredders or mills, and plants without treatment after the sorting conveyor belt. Compost quality was analyzed considering the limits imposed by the Brazilian Legislation and the European standards for inert contents. The size distribution tests showed the influence of the machinery after the sorting conveyer on the granule sizes as well as the inert content, which contributes to the presence of materials that reduce the quality of the final product

Physical analyses of compost from composting plants in Brazil

Nowadays the composting process has shown itself to be an alternative in the treatment of municipal solid wastes by composting plants. However, although more than 50% of the waste generated by the Brazilian population is composed of matter susceptible to organic composting, this process is, still today, insufficiently developed in Brazil, due to low compost quality and lack of investments in the sector. The objective of this work was to use physical analyses to evaluate the quality of the compost produced at 14 operative composting plants in the Sao Paulo State in Brazil. For this purpose, size distribution and total inert content tests were done. The results were analyzed by grouping the plants according to their productive processes: plants with a rotating drum, plants with shredders or mills, and plants without treatment after the sorting conveyor belt. Compost quality was analyzed considering the limits imposed by the Brazilian Legislation and the European standards for inert contents. The size distribution tests showed the influence of the machinery after the sorting conveyer on the granule sizes as well as the inert content, which contributes to the presence of materials that reduce the quality of the final product. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geophysical investigation using resistivity and GPR methods: a case study of a lubricant oil waste disposal area in the city of Ribeiro Preto, So Paulo, Brazil

Geophysics has been shown to be effective in identifying areas contaminated by waste disposal, contributing to the greater efficiency of soundings programs and the installation of monitoring wells. In the study area, four trenches were constructed with a total volume of about 25,000 m(3). They were almost totally filled with re-refined lubricating oil waste for approximately 25 years. No protection liners were used in the bottoms and laterals of the disposal trenches. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the potential of the resistivity and ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods in characterizing the contamination of this lubricant oil waste disposal area in Ribeiro Preto, SP, situated on the geological domain of the basalt spills of the Serra Geral Formation and the sandstones of the Botucatu Formation. Geophysical results were shown in 2D profiles. The geophysical methods used enabled the identification of geophysical anomalies, which characterized the contamination produced by the trenches filled with lubricant oil waste. Conductive anomalies (smaller than 185 Omega m) immediately below the trenches suggest the action of bacteria in the hydrocarbons, as has been observed in several sites contaminated by hydrocarbons in previously reported cases in the literature. It was also possible to define the geometry of the trenches, as evidenced by the GPR method. Direct sampling (chemical analysis of the soil and the water in the monitoring well) confirmed the contamination. In the soil analysis, low concentrations of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found, mainly naphthalene and phenanthrene. In the water samples, an analysis verified contamination of the groundwater by lead (Pb). The geophysical methods used in the investigation provided an excellent tool for environmental characterization in this study of a lubricant oil waste disposal area, and could be applied in the study of similar areas.

Characterization of organic matter from composting of different residues by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods

Chemical and spectroscopic methods were used to characterize organic matter transformations during the composting process. Four different residue mixtures were studied: P1 - garden trimmings (GT) only, P2 - GT plus fresh cattle manure, P3 - GT plus orange pomace and P4 - GT plus filter cake. The thermophilic phase was not reached in PI compost, but the P2, P3 and P4 composts showed all three typical process phases. The thermophilic phase and CEC/C ratio stabilized after 90 days, while C/N ratio and the ash content stabilized after 60 days. The increasing E(4)/E(6) ratio indicated oxidation reactions occurring during the process in the material from P2, P3 and P4. The (13)C NMR and FTIR results suggested extraction of both pectin and lignin in the HA-like fraction. The CEC/C ratio, temperature and E(4)/E(6) ratio showed that within 90 days P2, P3 and P4 composts were humified. However, material from P1 did not show characteristics of humified compost. From these data, it is apparent that C/N ratio and ash content are not reliable methods for monitoring the composting process. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Critical applications of SW 846 US EPA methods to evaluation of marine samples quality

Technical evaluation of analytical data is of extreme relevance considering it can be used for comparisons with environmental quality standards and decision-making as related to the management of disposal of dredged sediments and the evaluation of salt and brackish water quality in accordance with CONAMA 357/05 Resolution. It is, therefore, essential that the project manager discusses the environmental agency's technical requirements with the laboratory contracted for the follow-up of the analysis underway and even with a view to possible re-analysis when anomalous data are identified. The main technical requirements are: (1) method quantitation limits (QLs) should fall below environmental standards; (2) analyses should be carried out in laboratories whose analytical scope is accredited by the National Institute of Metrology (INMETRO) or qualified or accepted by a licensing agency; (3) chain of custody should be provided in order to ensure sample traceability; (4) control charts should be provided to prove method performance; (5) certified reference material analysis or, if that is not available, matrix spike analysis, should be undertaken and (6) chromatograms should be included in the analytical report. Within this context and with a view to helping environmental managers in analytical report evaluation, this work has as objectives the discussion of the limitations of the application of SW 846 US EPA methods to marine samples, the consequences of having data based on method detection limits (MDL) and not sample quantitation limits (SQL), and present possible modifications of the principal method applied by laboratories in order to comply with environmental quality standards.

Detecção de contaminação de solo por vinhaça através de análise de dados de eletrorresistividade

The vinasse, awaste produced in the proportion of 13 liters for each liter of alcohol. It has a high potential of polluting groundwater and superficial water resources, changes the soil behaviour and can also develop sanilization problems. This work aims to evaluate the efficiency of the DC-resistivity method in detecting and mapping anomalies caused by inappropriate disposal of vinasse in an inactive infiltration tank located at Sepé-Tiarajú settlement of landless agricultural laborers in the Ribeirão Preto region. Besides, as secondary goals, this work aims to characterize the type of anomaly residue as well as to diagnose its influence inside and outside of the limits of the tank. Eleven electrical resistivity tomography profiles were carried out with the dipole-dipole array, 10m of dipoles length and 5 leveis of investigation The geophysical survey enabled us to conclude that the DC-resistivity method is appropriate for mapping the contamination plume caused by intense vinasse disposal and its influence. It enabled also to conclude that the contamination exceeds the tank limits. The vinasse influence can be characterized by low resistivity values between 10 Ohm.m and 90 Ohm.m and its behavior can be compared with the one of the chorume, which is also conductive.

Reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior com a técnica de duplo feixe - avaliação no laboratório de biomecânica

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a metodologia da análise da rotação do joelho utilizando instrumentos do laboratório de biomecânica e apresentar os resultados preliminares de um estudo comparativo com pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior com a técnica de duplo feixe. MÉTODOS: Descreveu-se o protocolo atualmente utilizado em nosso laboratório e realizou-se a análise cinemática tridimensional e medida da amplitude de rotação do joelho de oito pacientes normais (grupo controle) e 12 pacientes operados com a técnica de duplo feixe em três tarefas no laboratório de biomecânica. RESULTADOS: Não indicam diferenças significativas entre os lados operados e não operados em relação às amplitudes médias da marcha, da marcha com mudança de direção ou da marcha com mudança de direção ao descer a escada (p > 0,13). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados preliminares não demonstraram diferença da técnica de reconstrução de LCA em duplo feixe em relação ao lado contralateral e ao grupo controle.

Estudo preliminar do vermicomposto produzido a partir de lodo de esgoto doméstico e solo

O lodo de esgoto doméstico é um resíduo gerado durante os processos de tratamento de esgoto, podendo ser estabilizado por diversos processos químicos, físicos e biológicos. O lodo de esgoto estabilizado (biossólido) não possui um destino final adequado e gera diversos problemas no sentido de sua disposição final. Dentre os muitos processos que visam à disposição do biossólido, destaca-se a reciclagem agrícola. A utilização da vermicompostagem como meio de estabilização do lodo de esgoto mostra-se como uma ferramenta útil na estabilização deste resíduo. O processo de vermicompostagem apresentou características físico-químicas satisfatórias para ser utilizado como técnica de estabilização do lodo de esgoto doméstico. O produto final apresentou potencial para ser utilizado na agricultura como fertilizante ou condicionador de solos.

American cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Pontal of Paranapanema - SP, Brazil: ecological and entomological aspects

American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) occurs in epidemic outbreaks and in sporadic cases with small annual variation in the Pontal of Paranapanema, SP. There is little research on the sandfly fauna of this region. The last outbreaks were related to the Movement of the Landless Workers (MST) and with the ecological tourism in preserved forest of the Parque Estadual do Morro do Diabo (PEMD). AIM: identification of the sandfly fauna within the PEMD, mainly anthropophilic species already incriminated as vectors of ACL, as well as their seasonality, hourly frequency and data of the behavior. M&M: The captures were undertaken with CDC light and Shannon traps from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, monthly from May 2000 to December 2001. The temperature and relative humidity data were registered at hourly intervals. RESULTS: The captured species were: Brumptomyia brumpti, Nyssomyia neivai, Nyssomyia whitmani, Pintomyia fischeri and Pintomyia pessoai. The P. pessoai predominated (34.39%) and N. neivai was less found (0.74%), only being captured in CDC traps. Shannon trap captured more sandflies (63.01%) than the CDC traps (36.99%). Despite the environmental degradation anthropophilic species, indicates favorable bioecological conditions for persistence of vectors and potential transmission of leishmaniasis.

Proteção da comunidade aquática em efluente tratado por tanques de estabilização de resíduos no rio São Lourenço em São Lourenço da Serra, Vale do Ribeira, estado de São Paulo

O tratamento de esgotos de pequenas cidades por lagoas de estabilização é uma maneira simples, eficiente e de baixo custo. Os esgotos são uma fonte de contaminação das águas e solos e, conseqüentemente, contribuem para a transmissão de doenças, além de serem uma ameaça à preservação do meio ambiente. Surge a necessidade de investigar as condições dos efluentes lançados nos cursos d´água. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma investigação da qualidade das águas residuárias tratadas por lagoas de estabilização de uma estação de tratamento de esgoto localizadas no município de São Lourenço da Serra no Vale da Ribeira no Estado de São Paulo e verificar os riscos sanitários e a comunidade aquática no Rio São Lourenço da Serra. Foram realizadas amostragens para avaliar o conjunto de lagoas anaeróbia e facultativa da estação de tratamento de esgoto do Município de São Lourenço da Serra. Os parâmetros utilizados foram pH, temperatura do ar e da água, condições climáticas, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio e nitrogênio amoniacal, bactérias termotolerantes, pigmentos fotossintéticos e comunidade zooplanctônica. Verificou-se que s sistemas de lagoa anaeróbia e facultativa foram eficientes na produção de efluente e apresentou alguns valores de acordo com a Resolução Conama nº 357, que estabelecem os valores limites para lançamento em corpos d´água. O rio São Lourenço está localizado em uma área de proteção ambiental. Os dados são comparados aos limites estabelecidos na Classe 1 e 2 e demonstram processo de eutrofização, colocando em risco à biodiversidade aquática e a saúde da população

Applications of the Rietveld method to quantify the crystalline phases of Portland cement clinker doped with nickel and chromium

The effects of chromium or nickel oxide additions on the composition of Portland clinker were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction associated with pattern analysis by the Rietveld method. The co-processing of industrial waste in Portland cement plants is an alternative solution to the problem of final disposal of hazardous waste. Industrial waste containing chromium or nickel is hazardous and is difficult to dispose of. It was observed that in concentrations up to 1% in mass, the chromium or nickel oxide additions do not cause significant alterations in Portland clinker composition. (C) 2008 International Centre for Diffraction Data.

Produção de óleo essencial e balanço nutricional em Corymbia citriodora adubado com lodo de esgoto em diferentes espaçamentos

The Corymbia citriodora is one of the most cultivated species in Brazil for wood and essential oil production. The oil is obtained by the leaves distillation and the yield is around 2%. For the sustainability of leaves extraction is necessary a good nutritional replacement, because the leaves contain a large quantity of nutrients. The sewage sludge application in Corymbia plantations is a way to apply organic fertilizer and is also a good alternative for the final disposal of this residue. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the sewage sludge use as fertilizer for the essential oil production in two different Spacing. The experiment was constituted by 4 blocks and the treatments were: i) Close spacing (1m x 1m) with sewage sludge + K and B; ii) Close spacing with mineral fertilization: iii) Regular spacing (3m x 1m) with sewage sludge + K and B; and iv) Regular spacing with mineral fertilization. When the C. citriodora plots were 12, 18, 24 and 30 months old, leaves and branches biomass and also essential oil production were quantified. It was observed that the system of close planting totalized a higher biomass, 3.8 times more than the conventional system, providing 3 times more essential oil production (363 l ha(-1) at the close spacing and 116 l ha(-1) at the regular Spacing during 30 months). No difference was found in the leaves or oil production with the use of sewage sludge or mineral fertilizer any of spacing studied The use of sewage sludge as fertilizer for Corymbia citriodora plantations may be an interesting alternative. because it supplies large quantities of nutrients and ensures a positive budget of nutrients in the ecosystem.

Dissolved carbon in an urban area of a river in the Brazilian Amazon

The main objective of this study was to evaluate dissolved organic and inorganic carbon dynamics along upstream and downstream reaches of the Acre River draining the city of Rio Branco, in the state of Acre, Brazil. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the Acre River were significantly higher during the wet season, ranging from 385 +/- A 160 to 430 +/- A 131 mu M among the stations, with no difference in upstream and downstream concentrations. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) showed an inverse pattern, with higher concentrations in the dry season, ranging from 816 +/- A 215 to 998 +/- A 754 mu M among the stations, as well as no difference in upstream and downstream DIC concentrations. Bicarbonate was the dominant DIC fraction and was mainly observed during the dry season. Due to lower pH values during the wet season, CO(2) partial pressure (pCO(2)) in the Acre River was higher in the wet season, with values ranging from 4,567 +/- A 1,813 to 4,893 +/- A 837 ppm among the stations. Our results indicate that, although the Acre River drains a large city with significant sewage disposal into the river, seasonal hydrological processes are the main driver of dissolved carbon dynamics, even in the downstream study reach directly influenced by urbanization.

Concretes and mortars recycled with water treatment sludge and construction and demolition rubble

There are about 7500 water treatment plants in Brazil. The wastes these plants generate in their decantation tanks and filters are discharged directly into the same brooks and rivers that supply water for treatment. Another serious environmental problem is the unregulated disposal of construction and demolition rubble, which increases the expenditure of public resources by degrading the urban environment and contributing to aggravate flooding and the proliferation of vectors harmful to public health. In this study, an evaluation was made of the possibility of recycling water treatment sludge in construction and demolition waste recycling plants. The axial compressive strength and water absorption of concretes and mortars produced with the exclusive and joint addition of these two types of waste was also determined. The ecoefficiency of this recycling was evaluated by determining the concentration of aluminum in the leached extract resulting from the solubilization of the recycled products. The production of concretes and mortars with the joint addition of water treatment sludge and recycled concrete rubble aggregates proved to be a viable recycling alternative from the standpoint of axial compression strength, modulus of elasticity, water absorption and tensile strength by the Brazilian test method. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.