Diagnóstico regional do processo de queijo coalho comercializado em Natal/RN

Coalho cheese is a typical product of the Northeastern Brazil, which is consumed both raw and cooked. The present work aimed to study the characteristics of artisanal and industrial processes in the production of coalho cheese sold in Natal / RN in order to evaluate its quality and consumer s profile. Four artisanal cheeses plants were monitored and a questionnaire was sent to different cheese industries. Besides this, eight cheese samples (four artisanal and four industrial) were evaluated in regard to the microbiological quality, physical-chemical and sensory attributes. The sensory acceptance was evaluated by using 108 non-trained panelists by using the hedonic scale. The consumer s profile survey was applied to 400 consumers of coalho cheese. The lack of hygiene control was detected at the artisanal cheese production, which uses raw milk as its raw material. Research has shown that the industrialized cheeses are made from pasteurized milk provided by their own production or by a third party, as observed in cheese making dairies. In general, the results indicate variation in the manufacturing process of coalho cheese, which results in the lack of product standardization. Regarding the physical-chemical analysis, most artisanal and industrial samples presented moisture content between 36 and 40 %, classified as medium moisture cheese, which is the only parameter that showed no significant difference (p>0.05). However, the water activity (Aw), pH and acidity results differed significantly. All artisanal samples showed coliform contamination at 35 °C, which confirms the poor hygienic conditions. In regard to coliforms at 45 °C, 75 % of artisanal coalho cheese samples had value higher than 103 MPN / g, a value above the lawful limits determined by RDC nº 12. Fifty percent of industrial coalho cheese samples showed coagulase-positive Staphylococcus values above the limit allowed by the RDC nº 12, indicating poor handling. The sensory evaluation revealed that the taste was the only parameter that showed significant difference, and this difference was only between two industrial brands. The consumer s survey showed that the coalho cheese flavor is the most important reason for buying this kind of cheese. Although coalho cheese is mainly bought in supermarkets, open street markets and country shops are still important selling points. It is concluded that there is no coalho cheese standardization in the RN state, which leads to variations in physical-chemical and sensory attributes. Moreover, it is necessary greater hygiene control in the production and handling procedures of coalho cheese.

Secagem do resíduo de acerola (Malphigia emarginata D.C.): estudo do processo e avaliação do impacto sobre o produto final

Brazil, one of the largest agricultural producers in the world, has managed in recent years to significantly improve its production. However, in response to this advance in the agro-industrial sector, the generation of agro-industrial residues has also increased. New technological alternatives have to be implemented in order to bring economic and rational use of this material and drying is one of the possible choices. Considering the great importance that bioactive compounds present for food science and technology, this research aims to evaluate the air-drying process of acerola residue in a tray convective drier under controlled temperature (60, 70 e 80ºC), air velocity (4.0, 5.0 e 6.0 m/s) and material width (0.5, 0.62 e 0.75 cm) by applying an experimental planning 23 + 3. Based on that, the impact on physical-chemical characteristics, color, bioactive compounds concentration and antioxidant activity of dried acerola waste was evaluated, having the in natura and freeze dried waste as control groups. Dried acerola residue presented natural pigments, mainly carotenoids (143.68 - 68.29 mg/g) and anthocyanins (290.92 - 90.11 mg/100 g), which explain the red and yellow instrumental color parameters observed. The acerola residue powder is also rich in phenolic compounds (3261.11 -2692.60 mgGAEeq/100g), proanthocyanidins (61.33-58.46 eq/100g), ascorbic acid (389.44 739.29 mg/100 g) and DPPH antioxidant activity (20.91 24.72 μg Trolox eq/g). Results show decreased concentration of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, carotenoids, proanthocyanidins and ascorbic acid caused by the air-drying process. However, even after the observed drying losses, the acerola residue powder can be considered a high value food ingredient, considering the high bioactive compounds concentration found in the final product, as well as the colorimetric characterization and microbiological stability of the dried powder

Extração enzimática de óleo e produção in situ de biodiesel a partir da Moringa oleífera Lam

With the growth and development of modern society, arises the need to search for new raw materials and new technologies which present the "clean" characteristic, and do not harm the environment, but can join the energy needs of industry and transportation. The Moringa oleifera Lam, plant originating from India, and currently present in the Brazilian Northeast, presents itself as a multi-purpose plant, can be used as a coagulant in water treatment, as a natural remedy and as a feedstock for biodiesel production. In this work, Moringa has been used as a raw material for studies on the extraction and subsequently in the synthesis of biodiesel. Studies have been conducted on various techniques of Moringa oil extraction (solvents, mechanical pressing and enzymatic), being specially developed an experimental design for the aqueous extraction with the aid of the enzyme Neutrase© 0.8 L, with the aim of analyzing the influence variable pH (5.5-7.5), temperature (45-55°C), time (16-24 hours) and amount of catalyst (2-5%) on the extraction yield. In relation to study of the synthesis of biodiesel was initially carried out a conventional transesterification (50°C, KOH as a catalyst, methanol and 60 minutes reaction). Next, a study was conducted using the technique of in situ transesterification by using an experimental design variables as temperature (30-60°C), catalyst amount (2-5%), and molar ratio oil / ethanol (1:420-1:600). The extraction technique that achieved the highest extraction yield (35%) was the one that used hexane as a solvent. The extraction using 32% ethanol obtained by mechanical pressing and extraction reached 25% yield. For the enzymatic extraction, the experimental design indicated that the extraction yield was most affected by the effect of the combination of temperature and time. The maximum yield obtained in this extraction was 16%. After the step of obtaining the oil was accomplished the synthesis of biodiesel by the conventional method and the in situ technique. The method of conventional transesterification was obtained a content of 100% and esters by in situ technique was also obtained in 100% in the experimental point 7, with a molar ratio oil / alcohol 1:420, Temperature 60°C in 5% weight KOH with the reaction time of 1.5 h. By the experimental design, it was found that the variable that most influenced the ester content was late the percentage of catalyst. By physico-chemical analysis it was observed that the biodiesel produced by the in situ method fell within the rules of the ANP, therefore this technique feasible, because does not require the preliminary stage of oil extraction and achieves high levels of esters

Extração, caracterização e avaliação bioativa do extrato de Rumex acetosa

Studies show the great influence of free radicals and other oxidants as responsible for aging and degenerative diseases. On the other hand, the natural phenolic compounds has shown great as antioxidants to inhibit lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase in vitro. Among these, is highlighted trans-resveratrol ( 3,5,4 `- trihydroxystilbene ) phenolic compound , characterized as a polyphenol stilbene class. The vegetables popularly known as "Azedinha" (Rumex Acetosa) has trans-resveratrol in its composition and from this, the present work aimed to study on the supercritical extraction and conventional extraction (Soxhlet and sequential) in roots of Rumex Acetosa, evaluating the efficiency of extractive processes, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and quantification of trans-resveratrol contained in the extracts. Extractions using supercritical CO2 as solvent, addition of co-solvent (ethanol) and were conducted by the dynamic method in a fixed bed extractor. The trial met a 23 factorial design with three replications at the central point, with the variable reply process yield and concentration of trans-resveratrol and pressure as independent variables, temperature and concentration of co-solvent (% v/v). Yields ( mass of dry extract / mass of raw material used ) obtained from the supercritical extraction ranged from 0,8 to 7,63 % , and the best result was obtained at 250 bar and 90 °C using the co-solvent 15% ethanol (% v/v). The value was calculated for YCER a flow rate of 1,0 ± 0,17 g/min resulting in 0,0469 CO2 ( g solute / g solvent ). The results of the mass yield varied between conventional extractions 0,78 % ( hexane) and 9,97 % (ethanol). The statistical model generated from the data of the concentration of trans-resveratrol performed as meaningful and predictive for a 95% confidence. GC analysis on HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), transresveratrol was quantified in all extracts and concentration values ranged between 0,0033 and 0,42 ( mg / g extract) for supercritical extracts and between 0,449 and 17,046 (mg / g extract) to conventional extractions and therefore, the Soxhlet extraction with ethanol for more selective trans-resveratrol than the supercritical fluid. Evaluation of antioxidant (radical method to sequester 2,2- diphenyl-1- picryl - hydrazyl - DPPH) the supercritical extracts resulted in EC50 values (concentration effective to neutralize 50% of free radicals) of between 7,89 and 18,43 mg/mL , while resulting in a Soxhlet extraction with EC50 values in the range of 6,05 and 7,39 mg/mL. As for quantification of the phenolic compounds (Method Spectrophotometer Folin-Ciocalteau) the supercritical extracts resulted in values between 85,3 and 194,79 mg GAE / g extract, whereas values derived from the Soxhlet extract resulted in values between 178,5 and 237,8 mg GAE / g extract. The high antioxidant activity can not be attributed solely to the presence of phenolic compounds, but the presence of other antioxidants in the existing Rumex acetosa

Estudo da influência da temperatura na degradação termoquímica da biomassa de avelós

The bio-oil obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass has appeared as inter-esting alternative to replace fossil fuels. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of temperature on the yield of products originating from the pyrolysis process of the powder obtained from the dried twigs of avelós (Euphorbia tirucalli), using a rotating cylinder reactor in laboratory scale. The biomass was treated and characterized by: CHNS, moisture, volatiles, fixed carbon and ashes, as well as evaluation of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, besides other instrumental techniques such as: FTIR, TG/DTG, DRX, FRX and MEV. The activation energy was evaluated in non-isothemichal mode with heating rates of 5 and 10 oC/min. The obtained results showed biomass as feedstock with potential for biofuel production, because presents a high organic matter content (78,3%) and fixed-carbon (7,11%). The activation energy required for the degradation of biomass ranged between 232,92 392,84 kJ/mol, in the temperature range studied and heating rate of 5 and 10°C/min. In the pyrolysis process, the influence of the reaction temperature was studied (350-520 ° C), keeping constant the other variables, such as, the flow rate of carrier gas, the centrifugal speed for the bio-oil condensationa, the biomass flow and the rotation of the reactor. The maximum yield of bio-oil was obtained in the temperature of 450°C. In this temperature, the results achieved where: content of bio-oil 8,12%; char 32,7%; non-condensed gas 35,4%; losts 23,8%; gross calorific value 3,43MJ/kg; pH 4,93 and viscosity 1,5cP. The chromatographic analysis of the bio-oil produced under these conditions shows mainly the presence of phenol (17,71%), methylciclopentenone (10,56%) and dimethylciclopentenone (7,76%)

Avaliação da produção de biodiesel de microalga Isochrysis galbana via transesterificação in situ

Microalgae are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that grow rapidly and in different environmental conditions due to their simple cellular structure. The cultivation of microalgae is a biological system capable of storing solar energy through the production of organic compounds via photosynthesis, and these species presents growth faster than land plants, enabling higher biomass yield. Thus, it is understood that the cultivation of these photosynthetic mechanisms is part of a relevant proposal, since, when compared to other oil producing raw materials, they have a significantly higher productivity, thus being a raw material able to complete the current demand by biodiesel . The overall aim of the thesis was to obtain biofuel via transesterification process of bio oil from the microalgae Isochrysis galbana. The specific objective was to estimate the use of a photobioreactor at the laboratory level, for the experiments of microalgae growth; evaluating the characteristics of biodiesel from microalgae produced by in situ transesterification process; studying a new route for disinfection of microalgae cultivation, through the use of the chemical agent sodium hypochlorite. The introduction of this new method allowed obtaining the kinetics of the photobioreactor for cultivation, besides getting the biomass needed for processing and analysis of experiments in obtaining biodiesel. The research showed acceptable results for the characteristics observed in the bio oil obtained, which fell within the standards of ANP Resolution No. 14, dated 11.5.2012 - 18.5.2012. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the photobioreactor designed meet expectations about study culture growth and has contributed largely to the development of the chosen species of microalgae. Thus, it can be seen that the microalgae Isochrysis galbana showed a species with potential for biodiesel production

Estudo da influência da temperatura na degradação termoquímica da biomassa de avelós (euphorbia tirucalli Linn)

The bio-oil obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass has appeared as inter-esting alternative to replace fossil fuels. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of temperature on the yield of products originating from the pyrolysis process of the powder obtained from the dried twigs of avelós (Euphorbia tirucalli), using a rotating cylinder reactor in laboratory scale. The biomass was treated and characterized by: CHNS, moisture, volatiles, fixed carbon and ashes, as well as evaluation of lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, besides other instrumental techniques such as: FTIR, TG/DTG, DRX, FRX and MEV. The activation energy was evaluated in non-isothemichal mode with heating rates of 5 and 10 oC/min. The obtained results showed biomass as feedstock with potential for biofuel production, because presents a high organic matter content (78,3%) and fixed-carbon (7,11%). The activation energy required for the degradation of biomass ranged between 232,92 392,84 kJ/mol, in the temperature range studied and heating rate of 5 and 10°C/min. In the pyrolysis process, the influence of the reaction temperature was studied (350-520 ° C), keeping constant the other variables, such as, the flow rate of carrier gas, the centrifugal speed for the bio-oil condensationa, the biomass flow and the rotation of the reactor. The maximum yield of bio-oil was obtained in the temperature of 450°C. In this temperature, the results achieved where: content of bio-oil 8,12%; char 32,7%; non-condensed gas 35,4%; losts 23,8%; gross calorific value 3,43MJ/kg; pH 4,93 and viscosity 1,5cP. The chromatographic analysis of the bio-oil produced under these conditions shows mainly the presence of phenol (17,71%), methylciclopentenone (10,56%) and dimethylciclopentenone (7,76%)

Equilíbrio líquido-líquido para o sistema biodiesel de óleo de semente de melão (Cucumis melo l.) + metanol + glicerina

Rio Grande do Norte, northeast state from Brazil, it is the greatest producer and exporter of yellow melon, well known as Spanish melon. Despite the consumption of this fruit to be mainly its pulp, melon seeds are an important source of lipids considered an industrial residue it has been discharge product. The use of oilseeds in order to produce biodiesel establishes an important raw material and the increase of its production promotes the national development of the agriculture. In this background, the aim of this work has been to use oil from seeds of yellow melon to produce biodiesel and to accomplish a study of the phase equilibrium of the system evolving biodiesel, methanol and glycerin. The biodiesel was obtained by oil transesterification through methylic route with molar ratio 1:9.7 (oil:alcohol) and with a mass of NaOH of 0.5% from the oil mass; the reaction time was 73 minutes at 55 °C. A yield of 84.94% in biodiesel was achieved. The equilibria data present a well-characterized behavior with a great region of two phases. The tie lines indicate that methanol has a best solubility in the phase that is rich in glycerin. Consistency of the experimental data was made based on Othmer-Tobias and Hand correlations which values above 0.99 were found to correlation coefficients, this fact confers a good thermodynamic consistency to the experimental data. NRTL and UNIQUAC models were employed to predict liquid-liquid equilibrium of this system. It was observed a better concordance of the results when NRTL was applied (standard deviation 1.25%) although the UNIQUAC model has presented a quite satisfactory result either (standard deviation 2.70%). The NRTL and UNIQUAC models were also used to evaluate the effect of temperature in the range of 328 K to 358 K, in which a little change in solubility with respect to the data obtained at 298 K was observed, thus being considered negligible the effect of temperature

Extração supercrítica do óleo de linhaça: construção do extrator, estudo de parâmetros de processo, avaliação química e antioxidante do produto

The aim of the present study was to extract vegetable oil from brown linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), determine fatty acid levels, the antioxidant capacity of the extracted oil and perform a rapid economic assessment of the SFE process in the manufacture of oil. The experiments were conducted in a test bench extractor capable of operating with carbon dioxide and co-solvents, obeying 23 factorial planning with central point in triplicate, and having process yield as response variable and pressure, temperature and percentage of cosolvent as independent variables. The yield (mass of extracted oil/mass of raw material used) ranged from 2.2% to 28.8%, with the best results obtained at 250 bar and 50ºC, using 5% (v/v) ethanol co-solvent. The influence of the variables on extraction kinetics and on the composition of the linseed oil obtained was investigated. The extraction kinetic curves obtained were based on different mathematical models available in the literature. The Martínez et al. (2003) model and the Simple Single Plate (SSP) model discussed by Gaspar et al. (2003) represented the experimental data with the lowest mean square errors (MSE). A manufacturing cost of US$17.85/kgoil was estimated for the production of linseed oil using TECANALYSIS software and the Rosa and Meireles method (2005). To establish comparisons with SFE, conventional extraction tests were conducted with a Soxhlet device using petroleum ether. These tests obtained mean yields of 35.2% for an extraction time of 5h. All the oil samples were sterilized and characterized in terms of their composition in fatty acids (FA) using gas chromatography. The main fatty acids detected were: palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2n-6) and α-linolenic (C18:3n-3). The FA contents obtained with Soxhlet dif ered from those obtained with SFE, with higher percentages of saturated and monounsaturated FA with the Soxhlet technique using petroleum ether. With respect to α-linolenic content (main component of linseed oil) in the samples, SFE performed better than Soxhlet extraction, obtaining percentages between 51.18% and 52.71%, whereas with Soxhlet extraction it was 47.84%. The antioxidant activity of the oil was assessed in the β-carotene/linoleic acid system. The percentages of inhibition of the oxidative process reached 22.11% for the SFE oil, but only 6.09% for commercial oil (cold pressing), suggesting that the SFE technique better preserves the phenolic compounds present in the seed, which are likely responsible for the antioxidant nature of the oil. In vitro tests with the sample displaying the best antioxidant response were conducted in rat liver homogenate to investigate the inhibition of spontaneous lipid peroxidation or autooxidation of biological tissue. Linseed oil proved to be more efficient than fish oil (used as standard) in decreasing lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue of Wistar rats, yielding similar results to those obtained with the use of BHT (synthetic antioxidant). Inhibitory capacity may be explained by the presence of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity in the linseed oil. The results obtained indicate the need for more detailed studies, given the importance of linseed oil as one of the greatest sources of ω3 among vegetable oils

Estudo da secagem do pedúnculo do caju em sistemas convencional e solar: modelagem e simulação do processo

This work aims to study the drying of cashew-nut pulp with different lay-out of dryers using conventional and solar energy. It concerns with the use of exceeding of the regional raw material and the suitable knowledge for the applicability of the drying systems as pathway for food conservation. Besides, it used renewable sources as solar energy to dry these agroindustrial products. Runs were carried out using a conventional tray-dryer with temperature, air velocity control and cashew slice thickness of 55°C, 65°C, 75°C; 3.0; 4.5, 6.0 m s-1; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 cm, respectively, in order to compare the studied systems. To evaluate the conventional tray-dryer, it was used a diffusional model of 2nd Fick´s law, where the drying curves were quite well fitted to an infinite flat plate design. For the drying runs where the room temperature had no control, it was developed a phenomenological-mathematical model for the solar dryer with indirect radiation under natural and forced convection based on material and energy balances of the system. Besides, it was carried out assays in the in natura as well as dehydrated, statistic analysis of the experimental drying data, sensorial analysis of the final dry product and a simplified economical analysis of the systems studied

Obtenção de emulsões asfálticas modificadas utilizando resíduos industriais

The main objective of this research was the development and characterization of conventional and modified cationic asphalt emulsions. The asphalt emulsions were developed by using the Petroleum Asphalt Cement (CAP 50-70) from Fazenda Belém (Petrobras -Aracati-Ce). The first step in this research was the development of the oil phase (asphalt + solvent) and the aqueous phase (water + emulsifying agent + acid + additives), separately. During the experiments for the obtaining of the conventional asphalt emulsion, the concentration of each constituent was evaluated. For the obtaining of the oil phase, kerosene was used as solvent at 15 and 20 wt.%. For the development of the aqueous phase, the emulsifying agent was used at 0.3 and 3.0 wt.%, whereas the acid and the additive were set at 0.3 wt.%. The percentage of asphalt in the asphalt emulsion was varied in 50, 55, and 60 wt.% and the heating temperature was set at 120 °C. The aqueous phase in the asphalt emulsion was varied from 16.4 to 34.1 wt.% and the heating temperature was set at 60 °C. After the obtaining of the oil and the aqueous phases, they were added at a colloidal mill, remaining under constant stirring and heating during 15 minutes. Each asphalt emulsion was evaluated considering: sieve analysis, Saybolt Furol viscosity, pH determination, settlement and storage stability, residue by evaporation, and penetration of residue. After the characterization of conventional emulsions, it was chosen the one that presented all properties in accordance with Brazilian specifications (DNER-EM 369/97). This emulsion was used for the development of all modified asphalt emulsions. Three polymeric industrial residues were used as modifier agents: one from a clothing button industry (cutouts of clothing buttons) and two from a footwear industry (cutouts of sandals and tennis shoes soles), all industries located at Rio Grande do Norte State (Brazil).The polymeric residues were added into the asphalt emulsion (1 to 6 wt.%) and the same characterization rehearsals were accomplished. After characterization, it were developed the cold-mix asphalts. It was used the Marshall mix design. For cold-mix asphalt using the conventional emulsion, it was used 5, 6 and 7 wt.% asphalt emulsion. The conventional mixtures presented stability values according Brazilian specification (DNER-369/97). For mixtures containing asphalt modified emulsions, it was observed that the best results were obtained with emulsions modified by button residue

Incorporação de resíduo de perfuração em matriz cerâmica: estabilização por solidificação

One of the waste generated during the drilling of oil wells are gravel which are impregnated of drilling fluid. This residue consists of highly toxic chemicals, including toxic metals. This study suggests an alternative process to the treatment of this waste, by incorporating it the form of raw material in the ceramic matrix , and by solidification and stabilize the metals present, Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn). The raw materials were characterized by the techniques of X ray fluorescence (FRX), X ray diffraction (DRX), laser granulometry (GL), thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (ADT). To evaluate the percentage of gravel effect the environmental and technological properties were obtained from formulations containing 0, 10 and 20 % by weight of gravel in the ceramic matrix. After sintering at temperatures 1080, 1120 and 1160 °C, the samples were tested for water absorption, the linear shrinkage firing, voltage of rupture and solubility. The results obtained showed that the stabilization by solidification, is a viable alternative to safe disposal of waste drilling. Ceramics products can be used in the manufacture of solid bricks

Tratamento de água de produção de petróleo visando o aproveitamento na obtenção de barrilha

The petroleum production is associated to the produced water, which has dispersed and dissolved materials that damage not only the environment, but also the petroleum processing units. This study aims at the treatment of produced water focusing mainly on the removal of metals and oil and using this treated water as raw material for the production of sodium carbonate. Initially, it was addressed the removal of the following divalent metals: calcium, magnesium, barium, zinc, copper, iron, and cadmium. For this purpose, surfactants derived from vegetable oils, such as coconut oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil, were used. The investigation showed that there is a stoichiometric relationship between the metals removed from the produced water and the surfactants used in the process of metals removal. It was also developed a model that correlates the hydrolysis constant of saponified coconut oil with the metal distribution between the resulting stages of the proposed process, flocs and aqueous phases, and relating the results with the pH of the medium. The correlation coefficient obtained was 0.963. Next, the process of producing washing soda (prefiro soda ahs ou sodium carbonate) started. The resulting water from the various treatment approaches from petroleum production water was used. During this stage of the research, it was observed that the surfactant assisted in the produced water treatment, by removing some metals and the dispersed oil entirety. The yield of sodium carbonate production was approximately 80%, and its purity was around 95%. It was also assessed, in the production of sodium carbonate, the influence of the type of reactor, using a continuous reactor and a batch reactor. These tests showed that the process with continuous reactor was not as efficient as the batch process. In general, it can be concluded that the production of sodium carbonate from water of oil production is a feasible process, rendering an effluent that causes a great environmental impact a raw material with large scale industrial use

Estudo da funcionalidade de espécies comestíveis do semiárido nordestino e estratégias para sua utilização como ingredientes para fins alimentícios

The Brazilian caatinga is characterized by low annual rainfall and arid soils. Several cactaceae, either native or adapted species, grow in this semi-arid region, including the prickly pear (Opuntia fícus indica) and facheiro ((Philosocereus pachycladus Ritter) which produce underexploited edible fruits. In addition to these species, the algaroba is a leguminous with little studied technological applications and bioactive potential so far. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the physicochemical, bioactive and functional attributes of the prickly pear and facheiro fruit pulps and the algaroba flour. Specifically, this study approaches the physicochemical characterization, total phenolic compounds (TPC) and the betalain identification and quantification by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. It is also investigated the DPPH antioxidant capacity and the antienzymatic activities against alpha-amylase and alphaglucosidase of water and ethanolic extracts of these food material. In order to address their potential to be used as food ingredients, juice blends prepared with mixtures of cajá and prickly pear, biofilms with facheiro and cereal bars with algaroba flour were elaborated and analyzed. The prickly pear fruits presented low acidity and high sugar content when compared to facheiro. The Philosocereus pachycladus Ritter fruits had higher protein and ash content, but the algaroba flour was the species with higher protein and sugar content among all. The algaroba flour also presented outstanding food fiber content, which reveals its potentiality to be used as a natural intestinal regulator. The TPC of water and ethanol extracts ranged from 3.87 to 16.21 mg GAE/100g for algaroba flour, 79.24 to 110.20 GAE/ 100g for prickly pear and 412.23 to 539.14 mg GAE/100g for facheiro. The 70% (w/v) ethanol extract reached the highest DPPH antioxidant activity, which was linearly correlated to its high TPC content. In regard to the enzymatic inhibitory activities, the best performance was observed for the prickly pear extracts which presented a moderate inhibition for both investigated enzymes, but interestingly, no alpha-glucosidase inhibition was observed for facheiro extracts. This work shows, for the first time in the literature, the functional attributes of facheiro fruits, as well as the presence of betacianins and isobetanin in the pulp of this exotic fruit. When it comes to the food products developed here, the sensory attributes that better described the juice blend cajá-prickly pear were sweetness, acidity, color yellow-orange, body, turbidity and cajá flavor. The discriminative test applied for cereal bars produced with and without algaroba revealed that the texture was the only sensory attribute that differed (p<0.05) between these two samples. It was also observed that the addition of facheiro extracts did not influence the visual characteristics of the biofilms. Overall, this work unveils the physicochemical and bioactive attributes of these commercial and technologically underexploited species widely found in the Brazilian caatinga and presents alternatives for their rational use

Incorporação de lodo de esgoto na massa cerâmica para fabricação de tijolos maciços: uma alternativa para a disposição final de resíduo

The disposal of sewage sludge is a growing problem face up to management of sanitary sevices. Otherwise, because its making process characteristic, the Ceramic Industry can tolerate the presence of this wastes as raw material. This study has as object to confirm the use of the sewage sluge in the Ceramic Industry like a sustentable alternative for its disposal. Futhermore, this study quests to evaluate the maximum proportion for incorporation of sludge wich result in technically and enviromentally suitable bricks. For found this proportion, the research consisted of (1) making of bricks in full scale, adde up 0%, 5%,10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,30%, 35% e 40% sludge, with size 220x105x45 mm, hand-molded by rammer and baked by industrial kiln; and (2) tecnical and enviromental evaluation of this bricks, according to Brazilian norms. The raw material uses were two distinct clays come from Goianinha/RN and sewage comes from a septic system tank and pumped into tank vehicle, of Natal/RN. The technical evaluation allowed to conclude the addiotion of the sludge brings about signifcant lost of mass and the water absorption grew up according to increase of sludge: every sludge-amended clay bricks absorved more water than control group. Thus, the compressive strength was signicantly decreased because the increase of sludge: bricks with 5% sludge added lost 45% of strength achieved at control group; the bricks made with 10 and 20% lost almost 70% of bigger strength. With up to 25% sludge added to the bricks, the streght decreased over 90%. Concerning heavy metal leaching, the two maximum proportion wich have tecnical approval, it means bricks sludge added with 15 and 20%, can say there is no risk of enviromental contamination using those bricks. This way, in this work context, it can to conclude the maximum proportion atends the technical and enviromental criterion is 20%