Biodegradação de hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos: prospecção metagenômica e modelagem computacional 3-D de proteínas

Knowledge of the native prokaryotes in hazardous locations favors the application of biotechnology for bioremediation. Independent strategies for cultivation and metagenomics contribute to further microbiological knowledge, enabling studies with non-cultivable about the "native microbiological status and its potential role in bioremediation, for example, of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPA's). Considering the biome mangrove interface fragile and critical bordering the ocean, this study characterizes the native microbiota mangrove potential biodegradability of HPA's using a biomarker for molecular detection and assessment of bacterial diversity by PCR in areas under the influence of oil companies in the Basin Petroleum Geology Potiguar (BPP). We chose PcaF, a metabolic enzyme, to be the molecular biomarker in a PCR-DGGE detection of prokaryotes that degrade HPA s. The PCR-DGGE fingerprints obtained from Paracuru-CE, Fortim-CE and Areia Branca-RN samples revealed the occurrence of fluctuations of microbial communities according to the sampling periods and in response to the impact of oil. In the analysis of microbial communities interference of the oil industry, in Areia Branca-RN and Paracuru-CE was observed that oil is a determinant of microbial diversity. Fortim-CE probably has no direct influence with the oil activity. In order to obtain data for better understanding the transport and biodegradation of HPA's, there were conducted in silico studies with modeling and simulation from obtaining 3-D models of proteins involved in the degradation of phenanthrene in the transport of HPA's and also getting the 3-D model of the enzyme PcaF used as molecular marker in this study. Were realized docking studies with substrates and products to a better understanding about the transport mechanism and catalysis of HPA s

Avaliação da remoção de hidrocarbonetos aromáticos (BTEX) em águas utilizando materiais nanoestruturados do tipo Ti-MCM-41

Volatile Organic Compounds are pollutants coming mainly from activities that use fossil fuels. Within this class are the BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) compounds that are considered hazardous. Among the various existing techniques for degradation of pollutants, there is advanced oxidation using H2O2 generating hidoxil radical ( OH). In this work, the mesoporous material of MCM-41 was synthesized by hydrothermal method and then was used as support, the impregnation of titanium by the method of synthesis with excess solvent to obtain the catalyst Ti-MCM-41. The catalyst was used in the reaction catalyzed removal of BTEX in water using H2O2 as oxidant. The materials were characterized by: XRD, TG/DTG, FTIR, nitrogen adsorption-desorption and FRX-EDX, in order to verify the method of impregnation of the mesoporous titanium support was effective. Catalytic tests were carried out in reactors of 20 mL containing BTEX (100.0 μg/L), H2O2 (2.0 M) and Ti-MCM-41 (2.0 g/L) in acid medium. The reaction occurred for 5 h at 60 °C and analysis were performed by gas chromatography with photoionization detector and static headspace sampler. The characterizations have proven the effectiveness of the synthesis method used and the incorporation of titanium lt in the support. The catalytic tests showed satisfactory results with conversion of more than 95 % for the studied compounds, where the catalyst 48% Ti-MCM-41 showed a higher removal efficiency of the compounds under study

Avaliação de HPA e BTEX no solo e água subterrânea, em postos de revenda de combustíveis: estudo de caso na cidade de Natal -RN

The retail fuel stations are partially or potentially polluters and generators of environmental accidents, potentially causing contamination of underground and surface water bodies, soil and air. Leaks in fuel retail stations´ underground storage systems are often detected in Brazil and around the world. Monoaromatic hydrocarbons, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an indication of the presence of contamination due to its high toxicity. This paper presents a case study of contamination in a Fuel Retail Station by petroleum derivative products in the city of Natal. For identification and quantification of the hydrocarbons, EPA analytical methods were used. The values of benzene quantified by EPA method 8021b CG-PID/FID, ranged from 1.164 to 4.503 mg.Kg-1 in soil samples, and from 12.10 to 27,639 μg.L-1 in underground water samples. Among the PAHs, naphthalene and anthracene showed the most significant results in soil samples, 0.420 to 15.46 mg.Kg-1 and 0.110 to 0,970 mg.Kg-1, respectively. In underground water samples, the results for Naphthalene varied between 0.759 and 614.7 μg.L-1. PAHs were quantified by EPA Method 8270 for GCMS. All of the results for the chemical analysis were compared with the values for the CONAMA 420/2009 resolution. The results for benzene (27,639 μg.L-1) showed levels highly above the recommended by the CONAMA 420 resolution, wherein the maximum permissible for underground water is 5 μg.L-1. This is a worrying factor, since underground water makes up 70% of the city of Natal´s water supply

Avaliação de HPA e BTEX no solo e água subterrânea, em postos de revenda de combustíveis: estudo de caso na cidade de Natal -RN

The retail fuel stations are partially or potentially polluters and generators of environmental accidents, potentially causing contamination of underground and surface water bodies, soil and air. Leaks in fuel retail stations´ underground storage systems are often detected in Brazil and around the world. Monoaromatic hydrocarbons, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an indication of the presence of contamination due to its high toxicity. This paper presents a case study of contamination in a Fuel Retail Station by petroleum derivative products in the city of Natal. For identification and quantification of the hydrocarbons, EPA analytical methods were used. The values of benzene quantified by EPA method 8021b CG-PID/FID, ranged from 1.164 to 4.503 mg.Kg-1 in soil samples, and from 12.10 to 27,639 μg.L-1 in underground water samples. Among the PAHs, naphthalene and anthracene showed the most significant results in soil samples, 0.420 to 15.46 mg.Kg-1 and 0.110 to 0,970 mg.Kg-1, respectively. In underground water samples, the results for Naphthalene varied between 0.759 and 614.7 μg.L-1. PAHs were quantified by EPA Method 8270 for GCMS. All of the results for the chemical analysis were compared with the values for the CONAMA 420/2009 resolution. The results for benzene (27,639 μg.L-1) showed levels highly above the recommended by the CONAMA 420 resolution, wherein the maximum permissible for underground water is 5 μg.L-1. This is a worrying factor, since underground water makes up 70% of the city of Natal´s water supply

Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos em sedimentos de fundo do estuário do rio Potengi, região da grande Natal (RN): implicações ambientais

Estuaries are environments prone to the input of chemical pollutants of various kinds and origins, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Anthropogenic PAHs may have two possible sources: pyrolytic (with four or more aromatic rings and low degree of alkylation) and petrogenic (with two and three aromatic rings and high degree of alkylation). This study aimed to evaluate the levels, distribution and possible sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the estuary of the Potengi river, Natal, Brazil. Samples of bottom sediments were collected in the final 12 km of the estuary until its mouth to the sea, where the urbanization of the Great Natal is more concentrated. Sampling was performed on 12 cross sections, with three stations each, totaling 36 samples, identified as T1 to T36. The non alkylated and alkylated PAHs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC / MS). PAHs were detected in all 36 stations with total concentration on each varying 174-109407 ng g-1. These values are comparable to those of several estuarine regions worldwide with high anthropogenic influence, suggesting the record of diffuse contamination installed in the estuary. PAHs profiles were similar for most stations. In 32 of the 36 stations, low molecular weight PAHs (with 2 and 3 ring: naphthalene, phenanthrene and their alkylated homologues) prevailed, which ranged from 54% to 100% of the total PAH, indicating that leaks, spills and combustion fuels are the dominant source of PAH pollution in the estuary. The level of contamination by PAHs in most stations suggests that there is potential risk of occasional adverse biological effects, but in some stations adverse impacts on the biota may occur frequently. The diagnostic ratios could differentiate sources of PAHs in sediments of the estuary, which were divided into three groups: petrogenic, pyrolytic and mixing of sources. The urban concentration of the Great Natal and the various industrial activities associated with it can be blamed as potential sources of PAHs in bottom sediments of the estuary studied. The data presented highlight the need to control the causes of existing pollution in the estuary

Tratamento eletroquímico de água produzida sintética para remoção de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos

The aim of this work is the treatment of produced water from oil by using electrochemical technology. Produced water is a major waste generated during the process of exploration and production in the oil industry. Several approaches are being studied aiming at the treatment of this effluent; among them can be cited the biological process and chemical treatments such as advanced oxidation process and electrochemical treatments (electrooxidation, electroflotation, electrocoagulation, electrocoagulation). This work studies the application of electrochemical technology in the treatment of the synthetic produced water effluent through the action of the electron, in order to remove or transform the toxic and harmful substances from the environment by redox reactions in less toxic substances. For this reason, we used a synthetic wastewater, containing a mixture H2SO4 0,5M and 16 HPAs, which are: naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo (a) anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k) fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, dibenzo(a, h)anthracene, benzo(g, h, i)perylene. Bulk electrochemical oxidation experiments were performed using a batch electrochemical reactor containing a pair of parallel electrodes, coupled with a power supply using a magnetic stirrer for favoring the transfer mass control. As anodic material was used, a Dimensionally Stable Anode (DSA) of Ti/Pt, while as cathode was used a Ti electrode. Several samples were collected at specific times and after that, the analysis of these samples were carried out by using Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC - MS) in order to determine the percentage of removal. The results showed that it was possible to achieve the removal of HPAs about 80% (in some cases, more than 80%). In addition, as an indicator of the economic feasibility of electrochemical treatment the energy consumption was analyzed for each hour of electrolysis, and based on the value kWh charged by ANEEL, the costs were estimated. Thus, the treatment costs of this research were quite attractive

Otimização de metodologias para determinação de hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos:aplicação em água do Rio Potengi

This work aims to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through optimized analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography with flame-ionisation detector (CGFID), gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (CGMS), Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Molecular and Purpot of oils and greases (POG). Apply to chemometrics, Factorial Planning 23, in the preparation of samples by liquid-liquid extraction. The sample preparation was used for liquid-liquid extraction and factors in this sample was used for the application of factorial planning 23, such as the use of ultrasound, solvents (dichloromethane, hexane and chloroform) and ratio of solvent / synthetic sample. These factors were assigned two types of levels: positive and negative. It was used to form the cube to better analyze the answers. The responses of the eight combinations were obtained in reading the spectrofluorimetric. The optimization of equipment were used, and they served in the HPA's identification of the samples collected in Rio Potengi. The optimization of the equipment was observed every 16's and PAH in the samples was found that the HPA's came from contamination of the Rio Potengi. The contamination comes through organic household waste, hospital waste, and among other contamination that comes from industries that are installed around the River The factorial design of high validity, it was observed a more effective sample preparation. The factorial design of liquid-liquid extraction showed a way to spend less solvent in less time using an ideal solvent, but also a way to extract more analyte from the matrix itself is water. In planning a smaller form factor extraction was the use of ultrasound, the ratio 1:3 corresponding to a solvent and sample 3 and the best solvent was dichloromethane who presented a viable extraction, not discarding the possibility of using also the hexane. The chloroform and may be toxic not had a good extraction

Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos no meio ambiente: diferenciação de fontes em sedimentos e metabólitos em bile de peixes

Many studies on environmental ecosystems quality related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been carried out routinely due to their ubiquotus presence worldwide and to their potential toxicity after its biotransformation. PAH may be introduced into the environmet by natural and anthropogenic processes from direct runoff and discharges and indirect atmospheric deposition. Sources of naturally occurring PAHs include natural fires, natural oil seepage and recent biological or diagenetic processes. Anthropogenic sources of PAHs, acute or chronic, are combustion of organic matter (petroleum, coal, wood), waste and releases/spills of petroleum and derivatives (river runoff, sewage outfalls, maritime transport, pipelines). Besides the co-existence of multiples sources of PAH in the environmental samples, these compounds are subject to many processes that lead to geochemical fates (physical-chemical transformation, biodegradation and photo-oxidation), which leads to an alteration of their composition. All these facts make the identification of the hydrocarbons sources, if petrogenic, pyrolytic or natural, a challenge. One of the objectives of this study is to establish tools to identify the origin of hydrocarbons in environmental samples. PAH diagnostic ratios and PAH principal component analysis were tested on a critical area: Guanabara Bay sediments. Guanabara Bay is located in a complex urban area of Rio de Janeiro with a high anthropogenic influence, being an endpoint of chronic pollution from the Greater Rio and it was the scenario of an acute event of oil release in January 2000. It were quantified 38 compounds, parental and alkylated PAH, in 21 sediment samples collected in two surveys: 2000 and 2003. The PAH levels varied from 400 to 58439 ng g-1. Both tested techniques for origin identification of hydrocarbons have shown their applicability, being able to discriminate the PAH sources for the majority of the samples analysed. The bay sediments were separated into two big clusters: sediments with a clear pattern of petrogenic introduction of hydrocarbons (from intertidal area) and sediments with combustion characteristics (from subtidal region). Only a minority of the samples could not display a clear contribution of petrogenic or pyrolytic input. The diagnostic ratios that have exhibited high ability to distinguish combustion- and petroleum-derived PAH inputs for Guanabara Bay sediments were Phenanthrene+Anthracene/(Phenanthrene+Anthracene+C1Phenanthrene); Fluorantene/(Fluorantene+Pyrene); Σ (other 3-6 ring PAHs)/ Σ (5 alkylated PAH series). The PCA results prooved to be a useful tool for PAH source identification in the environment, corroborating the diagnostic indexes. In relation to the temporal evaluation carried out in this study, it was not verified significant changes on the class of predominant source of the samples. This result indicates that the hydrocarbons present in the Guanabara Bay sediments are mainly related to the long-term anthropogenic input and not directly related to acute events such as the oil spill of January 2000. This findings were similar to various international estuarine sites. Finally, this work had a complementary objective of evaluating the level of hydrocarbons exposure of the aquatic organisms of Guanabara Bay. It was a preliminary study in which a quantification of 12 individual biliar metabolites of PAH was performed in four demersal fish representing three different families. The analysed metabolites were 1-hydroxynaphtalene, 2-hidroxinaphtalene, 1hydroxyphenanthrene, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1hydroxypyrene, 3-hidroxibiphenil, 3- hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxychrysene, 9hydroxyfluorene, 4-hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-hydroxybenz(a)pyrene. The metabolites concentrations were found to be high, ranging from 13 to 177 µg g-1, however they were similar to worldwide regions under high anthropogenic input. Besides the metabolites established by the used protocol, it was possible to verified high concentrations of three other compounds not yet reported in the literature. They were related to pyrolytic PAH contribution to Guanabara Bay aquatic biota: 1-hydroxypyrine and 3-hydroxybenz(a)pyrine isomers

Hidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos em sedimentos de fundo do estuário do rio Potengi, região da grande Natal (RN): implicações ambientais

Estuaries are environments prone to the input of chemical pollutants of various kinds and origins, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Anthropogenic PAHs may have two possible sources: pyrolytic (with four or more aromatic rings and low degree of alkylation) and petrogenic (with two and three aromatic rings and high degree of alkylation). This study aimed to evaluate the levels, distribution and possible sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the estuary of the Potengi river, Natal, Brazil. Samples of bottom sediments were collected in the final 12 km of the estuary until its mouth to the sea, where the urbanization of the Great Natal is more concentrated. Sampling was performed on 12 cross sections, with three stations each, totaling 36 samples, identified as T1 to T36. The non alkylated and alkylated PAHs were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC / MS). PAHs were detected in all 36 stations with total concentration on each varying 174-109407 ng g-1. These values are comparable to those of several estuarine regions worldwide with high anthropogenic influence, suggesting the record of diffuse contamination installed in the estuary. PAHs profiles were similar for most stations. In 32 of the 36 stations, low molecular weight PAHs (with 2 and 3 ring: naphthalene, phenanthrene and their alkylated homologues) prevailed, which ranged from 54% to 100% of the total PAH, indicating that leaks, spills and combustion fuels are the dominant source of PAH pollution in the estuary. The level of contamination by PAHs in most stations suggests that there is potential risk of occasional adverse biological effects, but in some stations adverse impacts on the biota may occur frequently. The diagnostic ratios could differentiate sources of PAHs in sediments of the estuary, which were divided into three groups: petrogenic, pyrolytic and mixing of sources. The urban concentration of the Great Natal and the various industrial activities associated with it can be blamed as potential sources of PAHs in bottom sediments of the estuary studied. The data presented highlight the need to control the causes of existing pollution in the estuary

Determinação de dados de equilíbrio líquido-vapor a altas pressões para sistemas de hidrocarbonetos assimétricos

Crude oil is a complex liquid mixture of organic and inorganic compounds that are dominated by hydrocarbons. It is a mixture of alkanes from the simplest to more complex aromatic compounds that are present derivatives such as gasoline, diesel, alcohol, kerosene, naphtha, etc.. These derivatives are extracted from any oil, however, only with a very high quality, in other words, when the content of hydrocarbons of low molecular weight is high means that production of these compounds is feasible. The American Petroleum Institute (API) developed a classification system for the various types of oil. In Brazil, the quality of most of the oil taken from wells is very low, so it is necessary to generate new technology to develop best practices for refining in order to produce petroleum products of higher commercial value. Therefore, it is necessary to study the thermodynamic equilibrium properties of its derivative compounds of interest. This dissertation aims to determine vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for the systems Phenilcyclohexane - CO2, and Cyclohexane - Phenilcyclohexane - CO2 at high pressure and temperatures between 30 to 70oC. Furthermore, comparisons between measured VLE experimental data from this work and from the literature in relation to the Peng- Robinson molecular thermodynamic model, using a simulation program SPECS IVCSEP v5.60 and two adjustable interaction parameters, have been performed for modeling and simulation purposes. Finally, the developed apparatus for determination of phase equilibrium data at high pressures is presented

Genotoxicidade e composição do material particulado emitido pela queima de Biomassa: um estudo de caso em Tangará da Serra, Região da Amazônia Brasileira

Tangara da Serra is located on southwestern Mato Grosso and is found to be on the route of pollutants dispersion originated in the Legal Amazon s deforestation area. This region has also a wide area of sugarcane culture, setting this site quite exposed to atmospheric pollutants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the genotoxicity of three different concentrations of organic particulate matter which was collected from August through December / 2008 in Tangara da Serra, using micronucleus test in Tradescantia pallida (Trad-MCN). The levels of particulate matter less than 10μm (MP10) and black carbon (BC) collected on the Teflon and polycarbonate filters were determined as well. Also, the alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified and quantified on the samples from the burning period by gas chromatography detector with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The results from the analyzing of alkanes indicate an antropic influence. Among the PAHs, the retene was the one found on the higher quantity and it is an indicator of biomass burning. The compounds indene(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and benzo(k)fluoranthene were identified on the samples and are considered to be potentially mutagenic and carcinogenic. By using Trad-MCN, it was observed a significant increase on the micronucleus frequency during the burning period, and this fact can be related to the mutagenic PAHs which were found on such extracts. When the period of less burnings is analyzed and compared to the negative control group, it was noted that there was no significant difference on the micronuclei rate. On the other hand, when the higher burning period is analyzed, statistically significant differences were evident. This study showed that the Trad-MCN was sensible and efficient on evaluating the genotoxicity potencial of organic matter from biomass burning, and also, emphasizes the importance of performing a chemical composition analysis in order to achieve a complete diagnosis on environmental risk control

Gerenciamento de alarmes em plataformas marítimas de produção de hidrocarbonetos: metodologia e estudo de caso

In the operational context of industrial processes, alarm, by definition, is a warning to the operator that an action with limited time to run is required, while the event is a change of state information, which does not require action by the operator, therefore should not be advertised, and only stored for analysis of maintenance, incidents and used for signaling / monitoring (EEMUA, 2007). However, alarms and events are often confused and improperly configured similarly by developers of automation systems. This practice results in a high amount of pseudo-alarms during the operation of industrial processes. The high number of alarms is a major obstacle to improving operational efficiency, making it difficult to identify problems and increasing the time to respond to abnormalities. The main consequences of this scenario are the increased risk to personal safety, facilities, environment deterioration and loss of production. The aim of this paper is to present a philosophy for setting up a system of supervision and control, developed with the aim of reducing the amount of pseudo-alarms and increase reliability of the information that the system provides. A real case study was conducted in the automation system of the offshore production of hydrocarbons from Petrobras in Rio Grande do Norte, in order to validate the application of this new methodology. The work followed the premises of the tool presented in ISA SP18.2. 2009, called "life cycle alarm . After the implementation of methodology there was a significant reduction in the number of alarms

Hidrocarbonetos alifáticos em sedimentos de fundo do estuário do Rio Potengi, grande Natal (RN): implicações ambientais

The Potengi river estuary is located in the region of Natal (RN, Brazil), comprising a population of approximately 1,000,000 inhabitants. Besides the dominant urban presence, the estuary has fragments of mangrove forest. The objective of this study is to determine the aliphatic hydrocarbons found in the bottom sediments of this estuary, identifying their levels, distribution and their possible origins through the diagnostic rates, indexes and results comparisons with the local anthropic and natural characteristics. The samples were obtained according to a plan that allowed sampling of the estuary up to 12 km upstream from it as mounth. 36 stations were selected, grouped into 12 cross sections through the course of the river and spaced on average by 1 km. Each section consisted of three stations: the right margin, the deepest point and the left margin. The hydrocarbon n-alkanes from C10 to C36, the isoprenoids pristane and phytane, the unresolved complex mixture (UCM) and the total resolved hydrocarbons were analyzed by gas chromatography. N-alkanes, pristane, phytane and UCM were detected only at some stations. In the other, the concentration was below the detection limit defined by the analytical method (0.1 mg / kg), preventing them from being analyzed to determine the origin of the material found. By using different parameters, the results show that the estuary receives both the input of petrogenic hydrocarbons, but also of biogenic hydrocarbons, featuring a mixture of sources and relatively impacted portions. Based on the characteristics and activities found in the region, it is possible to affirm that petrogenic sources related to oil products enter the estuary via urban runoff or boats traffic, boat washing and fueling. Turning to the biogenic source, the predominant origin was terrestrial, characterized by vascular plants, indicating contribution of mangrove vegetation. It was evident the presence of, at specific points in the estuary, hydrocarbon pollution, and, therefore is recommended the adoption of actions aimed at interrupting or, at least, mitigating the sources potentially capable of damp petrogenic hydrocarbons in the estuary studied.

Metagenômica: busca de novos genes envolvidos com a biodegradação de hidrocarbonetos

Industrial activities, oil spills and its derivatives, as well as the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels have caused a great accumulation of hydrocarbons in the environment. The number of microorganisms on the planet is estimated at 1030 and prokaryotes the most abundant. They colonized diverse environments for thousands of years, including those considered extreme and represent an untapped source of metabolic and genetic diversity with a large biotechnological potential. It is also known that certain microorganisms have the enzymatic capacity to degrade petroleum hydrocarbons and, in many ecosystems, there is an indigenous community capable of performing this function. The metagenomic has revolutionized the microbiology allowing access uncultured microbial communities, being a powerful tool for elucidation of their ecological functions and metabolic profiles, as well as for identification of new biomolecules. Thus, this study applied metagenomic approaches not only for functional selection of genes involved in biodegradation and emulsification processes of the petroleum-derived hydrocarbons, but also to describe the taxonomic and metabolic composition of two metagenomes from aquatic microbiome. We analyzed 123.116 (365 ± 118 bp) and 127.563 sequences (352 ± 120 bp) of marine and estuarine metagenomes, respectively. Eight clones were found, four involved in the petroleum biodegradation and four were able to emulsify kerosene indicating their abilities in biosurfactants synthesis. Therefore, the metagenomic analyses performed were efficient not only in the search of bioproducts of biotechnological interest and in the analysis of the functional and taxonomic profile of the metagenomes studied as well

Análise de desempenho de um refrigerador de pequeno porte com drop in de refrigerantes hidrocarbonetos

From what was stated in the Montreal Protocol, the researchers and refrigeration industry seek substitutes for synthetic refrigerants -chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and HCFCs (HCFC) - that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. The phase-out of these substances was started using as one of the replacement alternatives the synthetic fluids based on hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) that have zero potential depletion of the ozone layer. However, contribute to the process of global warming. HFC refrigerants are greenhouse gases and are part of the group of gases whose emissions must be reduced as the Kyoto Protocol says. The hydrocarbons (HC's), for not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, because they have very low global warming potential, and are found abundantly in nature, has been presented as an alternative, and therefore, are being used in new home refrigeration equipment in several countries. In Brazil, due to incipient production of domestic refrigerators using HC's, the transition refrigerants remain on the scene for some years. This dissertation deals with an experimental evaluation of the conduct of a drinking fountain designed to work with HFC (R-134a), operating with a mixture of HC's or isobutane (R-600a) without any modification to the system or the lubricating oil. In the refrigeration laboratory of Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte were installed, in a drinking fountain, temperature and pressure sensors at strategic points in the refrigeration cycle, connected to an acquisition system of computerized data, to enable the mapping and thermodynamics analysis of the device operating with R-134a or with a mixture of HC's or with R-600a. The refrigerator-test operating with the natural fluids (mixture of HC's or R-600a) had a coefficient of performance (COP) lower than the R-134a