Análise de impactos da produção de alternativas agroenergeticas em Moçambique: o caso da província de Manica

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Ethnoveterinary knowledge of the inhabitants of Marajó Island, Eastern Amazonia, Brazil

Em várias partes do mundo existem relatos etnoveterinários sobre a utilização de plantas em protocolos terapêuticos, entretanto não existem informações disponíveis sobre a etnoveterinária praticada na Amazônia brasileira. Desta forma, objetivou-se documentar o conhecimento etnoveterinário de habitantes da Ilha do Marajó, Amazônia Oriental. Foram realizadas 50 entrevistas individuais com aplicação de questionários semi-estruturados que foram analisados quantitativamente através de estatística descritiva utilizando freqüência de distribuição. O valor de uso foi calculado para determinar as espécies mais importantes. Amostras de plantas com relatos de uso medicinal foram coletadas e identificadas botanicamente. Cinqüenta plantas, distribuídas em 48 gêneros e 34 famílias, foram indicadas para 21 diferentes usos medicinais. A família Asteraceae foi a que teve maior número de espécies citadas e Carapa guianensis Aubl, Crescentia cujete L., Copaifera martii Hayne, Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Jatropha curcas L. e Momordica charantia L. foram as espécies com maiores valor de uso. As partes das plantas mais utilizadas para preparo dos medicamentos etnoveterinários foram folhas (56%), cascas (18%), raizes (14%), sementes (14%) e frutos (8%). Quanto à forma de uso o chá foi citado por 56% dos entrevistados e a maioria das preparações (90,9%) utiliza uma só planta. Além das plantas medicinais, os entrevistados relataram o uso de produtos de origem animal e mineral. Esse trabalho contribui para realização de um inventário das plantas utilizadas na etnoveterinária marajoara que pode servir de base de dados para futuros estudos de validação científica.

Adubação fosfatada no crescimento inicial e na nutrição de mudas de pinhão-manso

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) is a perennial oilseed species that has aroused economic interest for biodiesel production. Among other factors, it is essential to determine the nutritional demands of this species to facilitate raising it as a crop. This study aimed to evaluate the early growth and mineral nutrition of physic nut, as well as soil fertility, as affected by phosphorus fertilization. The study was carried out in a plastic greenhouse in a completely randomized block experimental design with four replicates. The plants were grown in plastic pots filled with 50 dm³ of Latossolo Vermelho (Rhodic Hapludox). Application rates of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg dm-3 of P were tested, plus a control. Evaluations of plant height and root collar diameter were performed monthly. The experiment was ended 150 days after transplant of the seedlings, at which time leaf area, dry weight, leaf contents and total accumulation of macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) were performed, and soil chemical properties were analyzed. We concluded that absence of P fertilization alone is as limiting to early growth of physic nut as simultaneous absence of soil amendment and fertilization. The rate of 57 mg dm-3 of P may be recommended for initial growth of physic nut. The total accumulation of nutrients in physic nut seedlings exhibited the following order: K>N>Mg>Ca>P>S>Fe>Mn>B>Zn>Cu. Phosphorus fertilization resulted in increased soil cation exchange capacity (CEC).

Initial physic nut nutrition and potassium balance in the soil-plant system

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Soil fertility, nutrition and early growth of physic nut as affected by nitrogen fertilization

The initial growth and mineral nutrition of the physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) as a function of nitrogen (N) fertilization was investigated. The transplanting of seedlings was carried out in plastic pots filled with 50 dm3 of a Rhodic Hapludox, under a plastic greenhouse. In addition to a control treatment, the dosages of 0, 40, 80, 120, and 160 mg dm−3 N were tested. The results demonstrated that N fertilization for the cultivation of physic nut could be added as top dressing from 60 days after planting with a dosage of 65 mg dm−3. A SPAD index of 46 can be used as a nutritional reference to its initial development. Furthermore, the results suggested that the order of nutrient accumulation by the physic nut plants is as follows: potassium (K) > N > magnesium (Mg) > calcium (Ca) > phosphorus (P) > sulfur (S) > iron (Fe) > manganese (Mn) > boron (B) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu).

Impact of Aqueous Plant Extracts on Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

The stingless bees are an important component of the insect biomass in many tropical areas, due to their collection of nectar and pollen. Trigona spinipes is a widely distributed species in South America, and described as a pollinator of many crops that can be used in a commercial pollinating system. The effects of plant extracts on insects are studied because of the demand for organic food and their selectivity to natural enemies. Plant insecticides are reported as a potential agent for the control of insect pests, however little is known about their impact on beneficial insects. This study investigated the survival of Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) Fabricius, after exposure to the leaf extracts of Azadiracha indica (Meliaceae), Lippia sidoides (Verbenaceae), Sapindus saponaria (Sapindaceae), Anonna squamosa (Anonnaceae) Cymbopogon winterianum (Poaceae), Corimbia citriodora (Myrtaceae), Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) and Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) and of seeds of Azadiracha indica, Ricinus communis Nordestina and AL Guarany varieties and Jatropha curcas. The extracts that had the greatest influence on the survival of the bees were A. indica at 3% and 7% of concentration, A. squamosa at a concentration of 10% with 68.89% survival and green leaf of R. communis at a concentration of 7%. The results show that although the extracts were effective in controlling pests, they may also affect the pollinator Trigona spinipes.

El agua regenerada y la producción de biocombustibles

[ES] La Jatropha curcas L., una especie tóxica que no interfiere en la cadena alimentaria, produce biodiesel de mejor calidad ambiental que los aceites de origen mineral pero, para su cultivo, se emplean recursos limitados, fundamentalmente agua y suelo. Por tanto, en las zonas áridas es necesario cultivarla en condiciones intensivas, regando con aguas regeneradas y disminuyendo los costes productivos. Para optimizar el consumo del agua se ha empleado el riego alterno de raíces, que mantiene seca una parte del sistema obteniéndose menos frutos/racimo pero más racimos fértiles/árbol, lo que permitirá estrechar el marco de plantación, una de las pocas opciones para mejorar su rentabilidad pues la producción por árbol es muy estable

The development and optimisation of a fast pyrolysis process for bio-oil production

A two-tier study is presented in this thesis. The first involves the commissioning of an extant but at the time, unproven bubbling fluidised bed fast pyrolysis unit. The unit was designed for an intended nominal throughput of 300 g/h of biomass. The unit came complete with solids separation, pyrolysis vapour quenching and oil collection systems. Modifications were carried out on various sections of the system including the reactor heating, quenching and liquid collection systems. The modifications allowed for fast pyrolysis experiments to be carried out at the appropriate temperatures. Bio-oil was generated using conventional biomass feedstocks including Willow, beechwood, Pine and Miscanthus. Results from this phase of the research showed however, that although the rig was capable of processing biomass to bio-oil, it was characterised by low mass balance closures and recurrent operational problems. The problems included blockages, poor reactor hydrodynamics and reduced organic liquid yields. The less than optimal performance of individual sections, particularly the feed and reactor systems of the rig, culminated in a poor overall performance of the system. The second phase of this research involved the redesign of two key components of the unit. An alternative feeding system was commissioned for the unit. The feed system included an off the shelf gravimetric system for accurate metering and efficient delivery of biomass. Similarly, a new bubbling fluidised bed reactor with an intended nominal throughput of 500g/h of biomass was designed and constructed. The design leveraged on experience from the initial commissioning phase with proven kinetic and hydrodynamic studies. These units were commissioned as part of the optimisation phase of the study. Also as part of this study, two varieties each, of previously unreported feedstocks namely Jatropha curcas and Moringa olifiera oil seed press cakes were characterised to determine their suitability as feedstocks for liquid fuel production via fast pyrolysis. Consequently, the feedstocks were used for the production of pyrolysis liquids. The quality of the pyrolysis liquids from the feedstocks were then investigated via a number of analytical techniques. The oils from the press cakes showed high levels of stability and reduced pH values. The improvements to the design of the fast pyrolysis unit led to higher mass balance closures and increased organic liquid yields. The maximum liquid yield obtained from the press cakes was from African Jatropha press cake at 66 wt% on a dry basis.

Thermochemical characterisation of agricultural wastes from West Africa

Thermochemical characterisation of agricultural biomass wastes from West African region has been carried out and their potential use as feedstock in thermochemical conversion processes determined. Proximate, ultimate, structural compositions, calorific values, thermogravimetry (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) analyses were carried out on corn straw and cobs, rice straw and husks, cocoa pod, jatropha curcas and moringa olifiera seed cakes, parinari polyandra fruit shell and sugarcane bagasse. Moringa olifiera seed cakes and cocoa pods were found to contain the highest moisture contents. Rice straw was found to contain a high ash content of 45.76. wt.%. The level of nitrogen and sulphur in all the samples were very low. Rice husk was found to have the highest lignin contents while corn cob low lignin contents indicate a potential feedstock source for quality bio-oil production using thermochemical process. © 2013.

Nanoporous solid acid and base catalysts for sustainable biofuels production

Dwindling fossil fuel reserves, and growing concerns over CO2 emissions and associated climate change, are driving the quest for renewable feedstocks to provide alternative, sustainable fuel sources. Catalysis has a rich history of facilitating energy efficient, selective molecular transformations, and in a post-petroleum era will play a pivotal role in overcoming the scientific and engineering barriers to economically viable, and sustainable, biofuels derived from renewable resources. The production of second generation biofuels, derived from biomass sourced from inedible crop components, e.g. agricultural or forestry waste, or alternative non-food crops such as Switchgrass or Jatropha Curcas that require minimal cultivation, necessitate new heterogeneous catalysts and processes to transform these polar and viscous feedstocks [1]. Here we show how advances in the rational design of nanoporous solid acids and bases, and their utilisation in novel continuous reactors, can deliver superior performance in the energy-efficient esterification and transesterification of bio-oil components into biodiesel [2-4]. Notes: [1] K. Wilson, A.F. Lee, Cat. Sci. Tech. 2012 ,2, 884. [2] J. Dhainaut, J.-P. Dacquin, A. F. Lee, K. Wilson, Green Chem. 2010 , 12, 296. [3] C. Pirez, J.-M. Caderon, J.-P. Dacquin, A.F. Lee, K. Wilson, ACS Catal. 2012 , 2, 1607. [4] J.J. Woodford, J.-P. Dacquin, K. Wilson, A.F. Lee, Energy Environ. Sci. 2012 , 5, 6145.

Hierarchical porous catalysts tailored for biodiesel production

There is a pressing need for sustainable transportation fuels to combat both climate change and dwindling fossil fuel reserves. Biodiesel, synthesised from non-food plant (e.g., Jatropha curcas) or algal crops is one possible solution, but its energy efficient production requires design of new solid catalysts optimized for the bulky triglyceride and fatty acid feedstocks. Here we report on the synthesis of hierarchical macroporous-mesoporous silica and alumina architectures, and their subsequent functionalization by propylsulfonic acid groups or alkaline earth oxides to generate novel solid acid and base catalysts. These materials possess high surface areas and well-defined, interconnected macro-mesopore networks with respective narrow pore size distributions tuneable around 300 nm and 5 nm. Their high conductivity and improved mass transport characteristics enhance activity towards transesterification of bulky tricaprylin and palmitic acid esterification, over mesoporous analogues. This opens the way to the wider application of hierarchical catalysts in biofuel synthesis and biomass conversion.

Avaliação de produtos naturais no controle de biofilmes formados em sistema dinâmico

The biofilms microbial forms of association are responsible for generating, accelerating and / or induce the process of corrosion. The damage generated in the petroleum industry for this type of corrosion is significatives, representing major investment for your control. The aim of this study was to evaluate such tests antibiograms the effects of extracts of Jatropha curcas and essential oil of Lippia gracilis Schauer on microrganisms isolated from water samples and, thereafter, select the most effective natural product for further evaluation of biofilms formed in dynamic system. Extracts of J. curcas were not efficient on the complete inhibition of microbial growth in tests type antibiogram, and essential oil of L. gracilis Schauer most effective and determined for the other tests. A standard concentration of essential oil of 20 μL was chosen and established for the evaluation of the biofilms and the rate of corrosion. The biocide effect was determined by microbial counts of five types of microorganisms: aerobic bacteria, precipitating iron, total anaerobic, sulphate reducers (BRS) and fungi. The rate of corrosion was measured by loss of mass. Molecular identification and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. The data showed reduction to zero of the most probable number (MPN) of bacteria precipitating iron and BRS from 115 and 113 minutes of contact, respectively. There was also inhibited in fungi, reducing to zero the rate of colony-forming units (CFU) from 74 minutes of exposure. However, for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria there was no significant difference in the time of exposure to the essential oil, remaining constant. The rate of corrosion was also influenced by the presence of oil. The essential oil of L. gracilis was shown to be potentially effective

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de progênies de meios-irmãos de pinhão-manso em diferentes regiões do Brasil.

RESUMO: Programas de melhoramento do pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) intensificaram-se nos últimos cinco anos, tendo sido selecionadas, localmente, plantas em diversas regiões do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a interação genótipos x ambientes da produção de grãos de pinhão-manso, avaliada em três regiões brasileiras, e o progresso genético obtido com a seleção. A partir de progênies de meios-irmãos, selecionadas pela Embrapa Semiárido e pela EPAMIG, foram instalados, no ano de 2008, três testes de progênies, nos municípios de Planaltina, DF, Nova Porteirinha, MG e Pelotas, RS, utilizando-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições e cinco plantas por parcela. Como testemunhas foram utilizadas sementes de plantas não selecionadas e um dos materiais genéticos comercializados no Brasil. A interação genótipo x ambiente foi significativa. Foram identificadas oito progênies de adaptabilidade geral, três progênies de baixa adaptabilidade, duas progênies de adaptabilidade específica a ambientes favoráveis e duas progênies de adaptabilidade específica a ambientes desfavoráveis, em diferentes regiões do Brasil. As estimativas de progresso genético indicam eficiência da seleção massal, com ganhos de 28, 76 e 177%, nos municípios de Planaltina, DF, de Nova Porteirinha, MG, e de Pelota, RS, respectivamente. Observa-se que os ganhos de seleção obtidos pelo método centroide são mais equilibrados entre ambientes e, por isso, preferíveis. As novas médias, estimadas com o plantio das progênies selecionadas, em toneladas por hectare, são de 2,34 ton.ha-1, em Planaltina, DF; de 2,37 ton.ha-1, em Nova Porteirinha, MG, e de 2,09 ton.ha-1 , em Pelotas, RS. ABSTRACT: Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) breeding programs have intensified in the past five years, locally selecting plants from various Brazilian regions. The objective of this study was to quantify the genotype x environment interaction of the physic nut grain production and the genetic progress obtained with the selection. From Half-sib progenies selected by Embrapa and EPAMIG, in 2008, three progeny trials were installed in the cities of Planaltina-DF, Nova Porteirinha-MG and Pelotas-RS, using a randomized block design with three replications of five plants per plot. Non-selected plant seeds and genetic material commercialized in Brazil were used as control. The genotype x environment interaction was significant for the J. curcas grain yield expression. We identified eight progenies of broad adaptability, three progenies of low adaptability, two progenies of specific adaptability to favorable environments and two progenies of specific adaptability to unfavorable environments of different Brazilian regions. Estimates of genetic progress indicate mass selection efficiency, with genetic gains of 28%, 76% and 177% in the Planaltina-DF, New Porteirinha-MG and Pelotas-RS, respectively. The genetic gains obtained by the centroid method were more balanced among environments, and therefore, preferable. The new means estimated with the cultivating of the selected progenies are: 2.34 ton.ha-1 in Planaltina-DF, 2.37 ton.ha-1 in Nova Porteirinha- MG and 2.09 ton.ha-1 in Pelotas-RS.

Population fluctuation of Empoasca sp. (Hemiptera: cicadellidae) in a physic nut crop in Mato Grosso do Sul.

2016

Crescimento inicial do pinhão-manso submetido a diferentes regimes hídricos em Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico.

2016