Avaliação do potencial fitorremediador da mamona (Ricinus communis L.) e girassol (Helianthus annuus L.) quanto à remoção de chumbo e tolueno em efluentes sintéticos.

The development of research that aim to reduce or even eliminate the environmental impacts provided by anthropogenic actions. One of these main action is the discard of industrial waste in the biotic compartments such as soil, water and air, gained more space in academic settings and in private. A technique of phytoremediation involving the use of plants (trees, shrubs, creepers and aquatic) and their associated microorganisms in order to remove, degrade or isolate toxic substances to the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the potential for phytoremediation of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), wild crops suitable region of Rio Grande do Norte, to reduce concentrations of lead and toluene present in synthetic wastewater that simulate the characteristics of treated water production originated in the petrochemical Guamaré. The experiment was accomplished in randomized blocks in four replicates. Seeds of BRS Energy for the development of seedlings of castor beans and sunflower for Catissol 01, both provided by EMPARN (Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Rio Grande do Norte) were used. Lead concentrations tested were 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L called T2, T3 and T4, respectively, for toluene the concentrations used were 125, 256 and 501 μg/L, called T5, T6 and T7, respectively. The data for removal of lead in relation to sewage systems applied in castor bean and sunflower were 43.89 and 51.85% (T2), 73.60 and 73.74% (T3) and 85.66 and 87.80 % (T4), respectively, and toluene were approximately 52.12 and 25.54% (T5), 55.10 and 58.05% (T6) and 79.77 and 74.76% (T7) for castor and sunflower seeds, respectively. From the data obtained, it can be deduce that mechanisms involved in reducing the contaminants were of phytoextraction, in relation to lead and phytodegradation for toluene. However, it can be concluded that the castor bean and sunflower crops can be used in exhaust after-treatment of industrial effluents that have this type of contaminant

Alterações morfofisiológicas e moleculares em resposta a estresses abióticos em mamona (Ricinus communis L.)

The use of fossil fuels has been considered one of reason for the increase of pollution in the atmosphere and it may be related to the climate changes. Then, the research of the new sources of fuels will be important. Considering this, the use of biodiesel has been considered not as bad as petrol. The castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is an important oilseed, which belongs to Euphorbiaceae family, and the oil found in the seed has important characteristics for biodiesel. This plant is considered as “rustic” as it does not need so much water for its development and oil production. Due to this, this plant has been considered to be ideal in semi-arid regions, such as the Northeast of Brazil. The aim of his study is to better understand the responses to abiotic stresses (drought and salinity) from castor bean plants using morphological, physiological and molecular tools. In order to do this, the castor bean plants were subjected to salt stress (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl) in a controlled environment and drought stress (5, 10, 15 days and 10 days cyclic). After these treatments, these plants were subjected to different analyzes: a) the expansion and retention of water from leaves; b) anatomy using leaves and roots. Based on these results, we found that castor suffered decrease in leaf area with increase drought stress, however restricted water loss, probably by accumulation of compatible solutes in the leaves. The anatomy data showed modifications in the vascular system. These modifications observed suggested that castor bean plant may be resistant to stress as it was verified in 5 days of drought as well as in 100 mM NaCl. In both conditions, these plants were fine. Probably these plants keep some solutes in the cell and then maintain the cell tugor. The data obtained in this study gave a better idea how castor bean plant responds to abiotic stress conditions - drought and salt stress

Estudo das propriedades termofísicas com variação da expansibilidade de compósito desenvolvido com matriz PUR-NOP e carga funcional de argilomineral

In this study were conducted experimental procedures for determination of variation of the expandability of rigid polyurethane foam (PUR) from a natural oil polyol (NOP), specifically the Castor oil plant, Ricinus communis, pure and additions of the vermiculite in phase dispersed in different percentage within a range from 0% to 20%, mass replacement. From the information acquired, were defined the parameters for production of bodies of test, plates obtained through controlled expansion, with the final volume fixed. Initially, the plates were subjected to thermal performance tests and evaluated the temperature profiles, to later be extracted samples duly prepared in accordance with the conditions required for each test. Was proceeded then the measurement of the coefficient of thermal conductivity, volumetric capacity heat and thermal diffusivity. The findings values were compared with the results obtained in the tests of thermal performance, contributing to validation of the same. Ultimately, it was investigated the influence that changes in physical-chemical structure of the material had exerted on the variation of thermophysical quantities through gas pycnometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF), infrared spectroscopy using Fourier transform (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Based on the results obtained was possible to demonstrate that all load percentage analyzed promoted an increase in the potential expansion (PE) of the resin. In production of the plates, the composites with density near at the free expansion presented high contraction during the cure, being the of higher density adopted as definitive standard. In the thermal performance tests, the heating and cooling curves of the different composites had presented symmetry and values very close for lines of the temperature. The results obtained for the thermophysical properties of composites, showed little difference in respect of pure foam. The percentage of open pores and irregularities in the morphology of the composites were proportionate to the increment of vermiculite. In the interaction between the matrix and dispersed phase, there were no chemical transformations in the region of interface and new compounds were not generated. The composites of PUR-NOP and vermiculite presented thermal insulating properties near the foam pure and percentage significantly less plastic in its composition, to the formulation with 10% of load

Desenvolvimento de compósito de pu de mamona com carga de resíduo de couro para isolação térmica

The standardization of the bovine skin thickness in the leather industry generates a residue known as wet-blue . At the end of twentieth century, the brazilian industry discarded about 131 thousand tons of this residue in nature, provoking a great environmental liability. In this paper is presented the analyses of the termophysical properties, thermal and volumetric expansion performance of a composite of vegetable resin of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) with load of industrial residue of leather "wet-blue", for application as thermal isolation material of warm surfaces. There were considered four percentile levels of residue load in the proportions in mass of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, added to the expansible resin of castor oil plant in two configurations: sawed leather and crushed leather in a smaller particle (powder) by grinding in a mill of balls. Twenty-one proof bodies were produced for termophysical properties analysis (three for each configuration) and four proof bodies for rehearsals of thermal acting. Analyses of thermal acting were done in test cameras. The results of the rehearsals were compared to those obtained considering the castor oil plant foam without residue addition. A small reduction of the thermal conductivity of the composite was observed in the proportion of 10% of leather residue in both configurations. Regarding thermal conductivity, calorific capacity and diffusivity, it was verified that the proposed composite showed very close values to the commercial insulating materials (glass wool, rock wool, EPS). It was still demonstrated the technical viability of the use of composite as insulating thermal for systems of low potency. The composite presented larger volumetric expansion with 15% of sawed residue of leather.

Estrutura genética de populações de Amphobotrys ricini, agente causal do mofo cinzento da mamoneira

The gray mold, causal organism Amphobotrys ricini, is one of the major diseases of castor bean. Difficulties in managing plant disease arises form the limited understanding of the genetic structure of A. ricini, their complexity and variability make it difficult to control. Genetic structure can be used to infer the relative impact of different forces that influence the evolution of pathogen populations, that allow to predict the potencial for pathogen populations to envolve in agricultural ecosystems. Growers protect their crop by applying fungicides, but there aren t fungicides to provide significant control of gray mold of castor bean. The objectives of this work were use RAPD to determine the genetic structure of A. ricini subpopulations in Paraíba and assay the sensitivity of A. ricini isolates to azoxystrobin and carbendazim. To determine the genetic structure of A. ricini subpopulations in Paraíba, 23 isolates were colleted from two different geographic location (subpopulation). These isolates were analysed by RAPD using 22 random decamer primers, purchased from OPERON, produced a total of 80 markers polimorphics. The resulting matrixes were analysed using PopGene version 1.32. Sensitivity to azoxystrobin and carbendazim of 30 isolates, colleted form Paraíba and Alagoas, was estimated based on spore germination and colony growth inhibition. The stock solutions were added toV8 medium after sterilization to produce final concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/ml of carbendazim and 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 µg/ml of azoxystrobin. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS to estimate the dose that inhibited fungal growth by 50% (ED50 values). The genetic diversity within subpopulations (Hs=0,271) accounted for 92% of the total genetic diversity (Ht=0,293), while genetic diversity between subpopulations (Gst = 0,075) represented only 7,5%. The estimated number of migrants per generation (NM ) was 6,15. Nei s average gene identity across 80 RAPD loci was 0,9468. Individual ED50 values, for the 30 isolates screened for their sensitivity to azoxystrobin, ranged From a maximum of 0,168 µg/ml to a minimum of 0,0036 µg/ml. The ED50 values for carbendazim varied within the range of 0,026 to 0,316 µg/ml

Desenvolvimento de tubulação em compósito polimérico revestida externamente com poliuretano de alta densidade

Pipelines for the transport of crude oil from the production wells to the collecting stations are named production lines . These pipes are subjected to chemical and electrochemical corrosion according to the environment and the type of petroleum transported. Some of these lines, depending upon the composition of the fluid produced, may leak within less than one year of operation due to internal corrosion. This work aims at the development of composite pipes with an external protecting layer of high density polyurethane for use in production lines of onshore oil wells, meeting operational requirements. The pipes were manufactured using glass fibers, epoxy resin, polyester resin, quartz sand and high density polyurethane. The pipes were produced by filament winding with the deposition of high density polyurethane on the external surface and threaded ends (API 15 HR/PM-VII). Three types of pipes were manufactured: glass/epoxy, glass/epoxy with an external polyurethane layer and glass/epoxy with an intermediate layer of glass fiber, polyester, sand and with an external polyurethane layer. The three samples were characterized by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) and for the determination of constituent content. In addition, the following tests were conducted: hydrostatic test, instant rupture, shorttime failure pressure, Gardner impact, transverse stiffness and axial tension. Field tests were conducted in Mossoró RN (BRAZIL), where 1,677 meters of piping were used. The tests results of the three types of pipes were compared in two events: after two months from manufacturing of the samples and after nine months of field application. The results indicate that the glass/epoxy pipes with an intermediate layer of fiber glass composite, polyester e sand and with an external layer of high density polyurethane showed superior properties as compared to the other two and met the requirements of pressure class, axial tensile strength, transverse stiffness, impact and environmental conditions, for onshore applications as production lines

Estudos de Durabilidade Frente ao Ataque Ácido de Compósitos Portland-Polímero para Cimentação de Poços de Petróleo

Portland-polymers composites are promising candidates to be used as cementing material in Northeastern oil wells of Brazil containing heavy oils submitted to steam injection. In this way, it is necessary to evaluate its degradation in the commonly acidizind agents. In addition, to identify how aggressive are the different hostile environments it is an important contribution on the decision of the acidic systems to be used in. It was investigated the performance of the Portland-polymer composites using powdered polyurethane, aqueous polyurethane, rubber tire residues and a biopolymer, those were reinforced with polished carbon steel SAE 1045 to make the electrochemical measurements. HCl 15,0 %, HCl 6,0 % + HF 1,5 % (soft mud acid), HCl 12,0 % + HF 3,0 % (regular mud acid) and HAc 10 % + HF 1,5 % were used as degrading environment and electrolytes. The more aggressive acid solution to the plain Portland hardened cement paste was the regular mud acid, that showed loss of weight around 23.0 %, followed by the soft mud acid, the showed 11.0 %, 15.0 % HCl with 7,0 % and, at last the 10.0 % HAc plus HF 1.5 % with just 1.0 %. The powdered polyurethane-composite and the aqueous polyurethane one showed larger durability, with reduction around 87.0 % on the loss of weight in regular mud acid. The acid attack is superficial and it occurs as an action layer, where the degraded layer is responsible for the decrease on the kinetic of the degrading process. This behavior can be seen mainly on the Portland- aqueous polyurethane composite, because the degraded layer is impregnated with chemically modified polymer. The fact of the acid attack does not have influence on the compressive strength or fratography of the samples, in a general way, confirms that theory. The mechanism of the efficiency of the Portland-polymers composites subjected to acid attack is due to decreased porosity and permeability related with the plain Portland paste, minor quantity of Ca+2, element preferentially leached to the acidic solution, wave effect and to substitute part of the degrading bulk for the polymeric one. The electrolyte HAc 10 % + HF 1,5 % was the least aggressive one to the external corrosion of the casing, showing open circuit potentials around +250 mV compared to -130 mV to the simulated pore solution to the first 24 hours immersion. This behavior has been performed for two months at least. Similar corrosion rates were showed between both of the electrolytes, around 0.01 μA.cm-2. Total impedance values, insipient arcs and big polarization resistance capacitive arcs on the Nyquist plots, indicating passivity process, confirm its efficiency. In this way, Portlandpolymers composites are possible solutions to be succeed applied to oilwell cementing concomitant submitted to steam injection and acidizing operation and the HAc 10,0 % + HF 1,5 % is the less aggressive solution to the external corrosion of the casing

Simulador radiográfico antropomórfico de mama humana

Mammography is a diagnostic imaging method in which interpretation depends on knowledge of radiological aspects as well as the clinical exam and pathophysiology of breast diseases. In this work a mammography phantom was developed to be used for training in the operation of mammographic x-ray equipment, image quality evaluation, self-examination and clinical examination of palpation. Polyurethane was used for the production of the phantoms for its physical and chemical properties and because it is one of the components normally used in prostheses. According to the range of flexibility of the polyurethane, it was possible to simulate breasts with higher or lower amount of adipose tissue. Pathologies such as areolar necrosis and tissue rejection due to surgery reconstruction after partial mastectomy were also simulated. Calcifications and nodules were simulated using the following materials: polyethylene, poly (methyl methacrylate), polyamide, polyurethane and poly (dimethyl silicone). Among these, polyethylene was able to simulate characteristics of calcification as well as breast nodules. The results from mammographic techniques used in this paper for the evaluation of the phantoms are in agreement with data found in the literature. The image analyses of four phantoms indicated significant similarities with the human skin texture and the female breast parenchyma. It was possible to detect in the radiographic images produced regions of high and low radiographic optical density, which are characteristic of breasts with regions of different amount of adipose tissue. The stiffnesses of breast phantoms were adjusted according to the formulation of the polyurethane which enabled the production of phantoms with distinct radiographic features and texture similar to human female breast parenchyma. Clinical palpation exam of the phantoms developed in this work indicated characteristics similar to human breast in skin texture, areolar region and parenchyma

Pastas compósitas cimento/sílica/polímero para cimentação de poços de baixa profundidade sujeitas à injeção de vapor

The production of heavy oil fields, typical in the Northeastern region, is commonly stimulated by steam injection. High bottom hole temperatures are responsible not only for the development of deleterious stresses of the cement sheath but also for cement strength retrogression. To overcome this unfavorable scenario, polymeric admixtures can be added to cement slurries to improve its fracture energy and silica flour to prevent strength retrogression. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the addition of different concentrations of polyurethane (5-25%) to cement slurries containing 40% BWOC silica flour. The resulting slurries were characterized using standard API (American Petroleum Institute) laboratory tests. In addition to them, the mechanical properties of the slurries, including elastic modulus and microhardness were also evaluated. The results revealed that density, free water and stability of the composite cement/silica/polyurethane slurries were within acceptable limits. The rheological behavior of the slurries, including plastic viscosity, yield strength and gel strength increased with the addition of 10% BWOC polyurethane. The presence of polyurethane reduced the fluid loss of the slurries as well as their elastic modulus. Composite slurries also depicted longer setting times due to the presence of the polymer. As expected, both the mechanical strength and microhardness of the slurries decreased with the addition of polyurethane. However, at high bottom hole temperatures, the strength of the slurries containing silica and polyurethane was far superior than that of plain cement slurries. In summary, the use of polyurethane combined with silica is an interesting solution to better adequate the mechanical behavior of cement slurries to heavy oil fields subjected to steam injection

Compósito de poliuretano de mamona e vermiculita para isolação térmica

They are in this study the experimental results of the analysis of thermal performance of composite material made from a plant matrix of polyurethane derived from castor oil of kernel of mamona (COF) and loading of clay-mineral called vermiculite expanded. Bodies of evidence in the proportions in weight of 10%, 15% and 20% were made to determine the thermal properties: conductivity (k), diffusivity (ά) and heat capacity (C), for purposes of comparison, the measurements were also performed the properties of polyurethane of castor without charge and also the oil polyurethane (PU), both already used in thermal insulation. Plates of 0.25 meters of material analyzed were manufactured for use as insulation material in a chamber performance thermal coverage. Thermocouples were distributed on the surface of the cover, and inside the material inside the test chamber and this in turn was subjected to artificial heating, consisting of a bank of incandescent lamps of 3000 w. The results obtained with the composite materials were compared with data from similar tests conducted with the camera alone with: (a) of oil PU, (b) of COF (c) glass wool, (d ) of rock wool. The heat resistance tests were performed with these composites, obtaining temperature limits for use in the range of 100 º C to 130 º C. Based on the analysis of the results of performance and thermal properties, it was possible to conclude that the COF composites with load of expanded vermiculite present behavior very close to those exhibited by commercial insulation material

Desenvolvimento de um compósito de espuma rígida de poliuretana de mamona e fibras de sisal para isolação térmica

The search for sustainable technologies that can contribute to reduce energy consumption is a great challenge in the field of insulation materials. In this context, composites manufactured from vegetal sources are an alternative technology. The principal objectives of this work are the development and characterization of a composite composed by the rigid polyurethane foam derived from castor oil (commercially available as RESPAN D40) and sisal fibers. The manufacture of the composite was done with expansion controlled inside a closed mold. The sisal fibers where used in the form of needlepunched nonwoven with a mean density of 1150 g/m2 and 1350 g/m2. The composite characterization was performed through the following tests: thermal conductivity, thermal behavior, thermo gravimetric analysis (TG/DTG), mechanical strength in compression and flexural, apparent density, water absorption in percentile, and the samples morphology was analyzed in a MEV. The density and humidity percentage of the sisal fiber were also determined. The thermal conductivity of the composites was higher than the pure polyurethane foam, the addition of nonwoven sisal fibers will become in a higher level of compact foam, reducing empty spaces (cells) of polyurethane, inducing an increase in k value. The apparent density of the composites was higher than pure polyurethane foam. In the results of water absorption tests, was seen a higher absorption percent of the composites, what is related to the presence of sisal fibers which are hygroscopic. From TG/DTG results, with the addition of sisal fibers reduced the strength to thermal degradation of the composites, a higher loss of mass was observed in the temperature band between 200 and 340 °C, related to urethane bonds decomposition and cellulose degradation and its derivatives. About mechanical behavior in compression and flexural, composites presented a better mechanical behavior than the rigid polyurethane foam. An increase in the amount of sisal fibers induces a higher rigidity of the composites. At the thermal behavior tests, the composites were more mechanically and thermally resistant than some materials commonly used for thermal insulation, they present the same or better results. The density of nonwoven sisal fiber had influence over the insulation grade; this means that, an increaser in sisal fiber density helped to retain the heat

Efeito de adições poliméricas na aderência de pastas de cimento a tubos metálicos após ciclagem térmica

Thermal recovery methods, especially steam injection, have been used to produce heavy oils. However, these methods imply that the metallic casing-cement sheath interface is submitted to thermal cycling. As a consequence, cracking may develop due to the thermal expansion mismatch of such materials, which allows the flow of oil and gas through the cement sheath, with environmental and economical consequences. It is therefore important to anticipate interfacial discontinuities that may arise upon Thermal recovery. The present study reports a simple alternative method to measure the shear strength of casing-sheath interfaces using pushthrough geometry, applied to polymer-containing hardened cement slurries. Polyurethane and recycled tire rubber were added to Portland-bases slurries to improve the fracture energy of intrinsically brittle cement. Samples consisting of metallic casing sections surrounded by hardened polymer-cement composites were prepared and mechanically tested. The effect of thermal cycles was investigated to simulate temperature conditions encountered in steam injection recovery. The results showed that the addition of polyurethane significantly improved the shear strength of the casing-sheath interface. The strength values obtained adding 10% BWOC of polyurethane to a Portland-base slurry more than doubled with respect to that of polyurethane-free slurries. Therefore, the use of polyurethane significantly contributes to reduce the damage caused by thermal cycling to cement sheath, improving the safety conditions of oil wells and the recovery of heavy oils

Sorção de petróleo por fibras vegetais

Nowadays, when accidents with oil tanker or shore tanks occur and there is oil spill, some arrangements are made in order to repress and to fix the situation. For the containment, barriers or detours are usually made of synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam. In order to clear water away, techniques like in loco burning, biodegradant agents, dispersant agents and sorbent materials application are used. The most of the sorbent materials are also synthetic and they are used because it is easy to store them and their availability in market. This dissertation introduces the study of vegetable fibers of pineapple leaf fibers (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), cotton fibers (Gossypium herbaceum L.), kapok fibers (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.), curauá fibers (Ananas erectifolius L.B. Sm.) and sisal fibers (Agave sisalana Perrine) related to their capacity of sorption of oil in case of accidental spill in the ocean. This work evaluates the substitution possibility of synthetic materials by natural biodegradable materials with less cost

Estudo do aproveitamento de resíduo de gesso como carga para compósito com matriz de resina expansiva de mamona

In the execution of civil engineering works, either by wasting during the coating of wall or demolition of gypsum walls, the generation of the gypsum waste involves serious environmental concerns. These concerns are increased by the high demand of this raw material in the sector and by the difficulties of proper disposal byproduct generated. In the search for alternatives to minimize this problem, many research works are being conducted, giving emphasis in using gypsum waste as fillers in composites materials in order to improve the acoustic, thermal and mechanical performances. Through empirical testing, it was observed that the crystallization water contained in the residue (CaSO4.2H2O) could act like primary agent in the expanding of the polyurethane foam. Considering that polyurethane produced from vegetable oils are biodegradable synthetic polymers and that are admittedly to represent an alternative to petrochemical synthetic polyurethane, this research consist an analysis of the thermal behavior of a composite whose matrix obtained from a resin derived from the expansive castor oil seed, with loads of 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% of gypsum waste replacing to the polyol prepolymer blend. Contributors to this analysis: a characterization of the raw material through analysis of spectroscopy by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), chemical analysis by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and mineralogical analysis by X Ray Diffraction (XRD), complemented by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to evaluate the thermo physical properties and thermal behavior of the composites manufactured in die closed with expansion contained, were also carried tests to determine the percentage of open pore volume using a gas pycnometer, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), in addition to testing of flammability and the resistance to contact with hot surfaces. Through the analysis of the results, it appears that it is possible to produce a new material, which few changes in their thermo physical properties and thermal performance, promotes significant changes and attractive to the environment

Desenvolvimento de nanocompósito (hidroxiapatita/ poliuretano) pela gelação (gelling) de poli ( álcool vinílico) (PVA) para remoção de metais pesados

Removing microcontaminants from effluents is a challenge today, because of its high cost and low efficiency, especially in the treatment of effluents containing heavy metals. An alternative that has emerged is the use of biodegradable nanocomposites, which exhibit good removal and recovery performances, in addition to its low cost. With this in mind, the present study aimed to develop and characterize a nanocomposite based on hydroxyapatite (HAP), polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for removing heavy metals. Thus, the research was conducted in several steps: i)- Physico-chemical and microbiological hospital effluent characterization; ii)- Production of hydroxyapatite by aqueous precipitation technique, and their characterization; iii)- Production of the nanocomposite in which the hydroxyapatite was added to the polyurethane prepolymers and then the polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxyapatite film was produced; iv)- Polyvinyl composite without film PU/HAp was also produced in the proportions of 20 and 40% HAp; v)- The composites was characterized by the techniques of XRD, FTIR, SEM / EDS, BET, Zeta Potential and TGA; vi)- The sisal and coconut fibres were washed and dried for comparative tests of adsorption; vii)- Adsorption tests for evaluating the removal of heavy metals (nickel and cadmium). Initial screening adsorption capacity (HAp; PU/HAp - 20 and 40%; PU / HAp / PVA), kinetic studies of adsorption of Cd (II) by HAp; multifactorial design analysis (factorial design) for identifying the most important variables in the adsorption of Cd (II) by composite PU/HAp. Also comparative analysis of adsorption of Cd and Ni by composite PU/HAp were conducted, as well as comparative tests of adsorption of Cd (coconut fibre) and Ni (sisal fibre). It was possible to verify that the composite PU/HAp 40% showed better effectiveness for the removal of Cd (II) and Ni (II), above 80%, equivalent to the lignocellulosic fibre used and HAp produced. As main conclusion, it can be referred that the composite PU/HAp 40% is an effective adsorvent to wastewater treatment for heavy metal removal, with low cost and high efficiency