Studies on Advanced Oxidation Processes for the Removal of Acetamiprid from Wastewater

Pollution of water with pesticides has become a threat to the man, material and environment. The pesticides released to the environment reach the water bodies through run off. Industrial wastewater from pesticide manufacturing industries contains pesticides at higher concentration and hence a major source of water pollution. Pesticides create a lot of health and environmental hazards which include diseases like cancer, liver and kidney disorders, reproductive disorders, fatal death, birth defects etc. Conventional wastewater treatment plants based on biological treatment are not efficient to remove these compounds to the desired level. Most of the pesticides are phyto-toxic i.e., they kill the microorganism responsible for the degradation and are recalcitrant in nature. Advanced oxidation process (AOP) is a class of oxidation techniques where hydroxyl radicals are employed for oxidation of pollutants. AOPs have the ability to totally mineralise the organic pollutants to CO2 and water. Different methods are employed for the generation of hydroxyl radicals in AOP systems. Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide widely used to control sucking type insects on crops such as leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, pome fruits, grapes, cotton, ornamental flowers. It is now recommended as a substitute for organophosphorous pesticides. Since its use is increasing, its presence is increasingly found in the environment. It has high water solubility and is not easily biodegradable. It has the potential to pollute surface and ground waters. Here, the use of AOPs for the removal of acetamiprid from wastewater has been investigated. Five methods were selected for the study based on literature survey and preliminary experiments conducted. Fenton process, UV treatment, UV/ H2O2 process, photo-Fenton and photocatalysis using TiO2 were selected for study. Undoped TiO2 and TiO2 doped with Cu and Fe were prepared by sol-gel method. Characterisation of the prepared catalysts was done by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Influence of major operating parameters on the removal of acetamiprid has been investigated. All the experiments were designed using central compoiste design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Model equations were developed for Fenton, UV/ H2O2, photo-Fenton and photocatalysis for predicting acetamiprid removal and total organic carbon (TOC) removal for different operating conditions. Quality of the models were analysed by statistical methods. Experimental validations were also done to confirm the quality of the models. Optimum conditions obtained by experiment were verified with that obtained using response optimiser. Fenton Process is the simplest and oldest AOP where hydrogen peroxide and iron are employed for the generation of hydroxyl radicals. Influence of H2O2 and Fe2+ on the acetamiprid removal and TOC removal by Fenton process were investigated and it was found that removal increases with increase in H2O2 and Fe2+ concentration. At an initial concentration of 50 mg/L acetamiprid, 200 mg/L H2O2 and 20 mg/L Fe2+ at pH 3 was found to be optimum for acetamiprid removal. For UV treatment effect of pH was studied and it was found that pH has not much effect on the removal rate. Addition of H2O2 to UV process increased the removal rate because of the hydroxyl radical formation due to photolyis of H2O2. An H2O2 concentration of 110 mg/L at pH 6 was found to be optimum for acetamiprid removal. With photo-Fenton drastic reduction in the treatment time was observed with 10 times reduction in the amount of reagents required. H2O2 concentration of 20 mg/L and Fe2+ concentration of 2 mg/L was found to be optimum at pH 3. With TiO2 photocatalysis improvement in the removal rate was noticed compared to UV treatment. Effect of Cu and Fe doping on the photocatalytic activity under UV light was studied and it was observed that Cu doping enhanced the removal rate slightly while Fe doping has decreased the removal rate. Maximum acetamiprid removal was observed for an optimum catalyst loading of 1000 mg/L and Cu concentration of 1 wt%. It was noticed that mineralisation efficiency of the processes is low compared to acetamiprid removal efficiency. This may be due to the presence of stable intermediate compounds formed during degradation Kinetic studies were conducted for all the treatment processes and it was found that all processes follow pseudo-first order kinetics. Kinetic constants were found out from the experimental data for all the processes and half lives were calculated. The rate of reaction was in the order, photo- Fenton>UV/ H2O2>Fenton> TiO2 photocatalysis>UV. Operating cost was calculated for the processes and it was found that photo-Fenton removes the acetamiprid at lowest operating cost in lesser time. A kinetic model was developed for photo-Fenton process using the elementary reaction data and mass balance equations for the species involved in the process. Variation of acetamiprid concentration with time for different H2O2 and Fe2+ concentration at pH 3 can be found out using this model. The model was validated by comparing the simulated concentration profiles with that obtained from experiments. This study established the viability of the selected AOPs for the removal of acetamiprid from wastewater. Of the studied AOPs photo- Fenton gives the highest removal efficiency with lowest operating cost within shortest time.

When Australian construction SME implementing TQM

Statistics show that construction industry contributes steadily and significantly to the national economy and SME always plays a major role. In order to offer "value for money" to the client and lower the operating cost, practising quality program is crucial. The aim of this paper is to investigate, via extensive literature reviews, how Australian construction SME should manage when implementing TQM strategy in the business model. In summary, there are four management implications: construction management, knowledge management, supply chain management and marketing management, which can enhance competitive advantage and favor commercial viability. One can reasonably conclude that quality improvements will lead to long term commercial advantages.

Sistemas de contabilidade de custos em instituições financeiras

O objetivo deste estudo é identificar e descrever uma amostra dos sistemas de custos bancários existentes e em operação no País, inferindo por este meio o grau de desenvolvimento destes sistemas. O assunto foi tratado através de e utilização pesquisa de campo, dividida em três fases, distintas e diferenciadas. Na primeira etapa foram enviados questionários pelo correio a 54 bancos nacionais. Destinavam-se a formar um quadro geral do estágio de desenvolvimento dos sistemas de custos em instituições financeiras. A primeira fase da pesquisa forneceu resultados modestos, basicamente quantitativos e poucas conclusões firmes. Dessa abordagem genérica, o trabalho evoluiu para as outras fases. A segunda fase consistiu em 5 entrevistas levadas a efeito em bancos com experiências diferenciadas na área de custos. A terceira fase, também sob a forma de entrevistas pessoais, foi efetivada a partir da constatação de diversas questões que haviam ficado em aberto a partir da abordagem dada ao assunto na segunda fase. Estas duas últimas fases particularizaram e melhoraram os resultados obtidos, formando um quadro representativo da situação dos sistemas de custos em instituições financeiras. Este quadro indicou uma grande preferência por sistemas de custeio direto, com alocação de "overhead", em detrimento de sistemas de custeio-padrão. Informações de rentabilidade,particularmente em relação aos clientes, estão entre os objetivos mais citados. A pesquisa evidenciou os problemas enfrentados na operacionalização dos sistemas, basicamente na coleta de dados físicos e nos diversos critérios de aproximação que são utilizados. Observou-se que as soluções que melhoram a qualidade da informação gerada pelo sistema passam necessariamente pela otimização da coleta e atualização dos dados físicos. Observouse, ainda, que todos os sistemas estudados tem restrições de ordem metodológica, apontando-se a ampla discussão dos problemas como alternativa para o seu constante aperfeiçoamento.

Economic analysis of cucumber and lettuce intercropping under greenhouse in the winter-spring

A análise econômica complementa a avaliação da eficiência dos cultivos consorciados, considerando além da produção física das culturas, o preço dos produtos segundo sua classificação qualitativa e época do ano. Avaliou-se economicamente consórcios de alface crespa e pepino, em duas populações de plantas, no inverno-primavera, em casa de vegetação, em Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil. Foram calculados o custo operacional total (COT), a receita bruta (RB) e o lucro operacional (LO) das culturas do pepino e alface em monocultura e em consórcio. A mão-de-obra foi a componente com maior participação no COT das culturas em consórcio e monocultura. Maiores RB e LO foram observadas nos cultivos consorciados estabelecidos com o transplante da alface e do pepino no mesmo dia, independente da densidade populacional. Considerando-se o lucro operacional e o índice de uso eficiente da área, recomenda-se o cultivo consorciado com transplante da alface até 10 dias após o transplante (DAT) do pepino, com duas linhas, e ao 0 DAT do pepino cultivado com uma linha no canteiro

Influência do relevo na produtividade e custos do harvester

Among the several variables that influence timber harvesting is the slope, which influences the productivity of forest machines. In this experiment the harvester was evaluated technically and economically while cutting and processing eucalyptus activity on different slope classes. The technical analysis included a study of time and movements by the method of continuous time; productivity was determined by the volume in cubic meters of wood processing. The economic analysis included the parameters of operational cost, production cost and energy consumption. The analysis of the data showed that productivity decreased according to the increase of the percent slope inclination, resulting in an effective work hour productivity increase from 18.72 to 39.71 m(3)sc, with a mean of operating cost of US$ 78.78 per work hour.

Custo de produção e rentabilidade de abacaxizeiro cv. pérola em Cassilândia (MS), sob diferentes doses de potássio

The pineapple crop are high potential for economic expression and social, but problems with productivity and management of production costs can be solved in order to ensure the sustainability of the farming system. The objective of this study was determine the cost of production and profitability of the pineapple's cultivation Pearl in Cassilandia-MS, under application of potassium doses fertilizer. The treatments consisted of the following doses of potassium (K2O): 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 kg ha(-1), used as a commercial source of potassium chloride (60% K2O). Were determined by estimating the effective operational cost (EOC), total operating cost (TOC), gross (RB), operating profitability (LO), profitability index (%), productivity of balance and equilibrium price. It was found that all treatments had operating profitability and positive profitability index. Potassium fertilization with 200 kg ha(-1) gave an average productivity of 50416.58 kg ha(-1), and also promoted the highest operating profit of R$ 9,108.97, the profit margin of 36.13% and best benefit cost (R$ 1.57).

Custos e viabilidade econômica da produção de lambari-do-rabo amarelo em Monte Castelo/SP: um estudo de caso

The aim of this study was to analyze the cost of production and economic viability of production of Lambari in Monte Castelo/SP, with the primary market for the live-bait for sport fishing of carnivorous fish. To calculate the operating cost structure was used the model proposed by the Instituto de Economia Agricola from São Paulo/Brazil. In analyzing the economic viability of investment, we determined the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Pay Back Period. It was noted that the inputs represented approximately 74.0% of the EOC (Effective Operating Cost). In the rentability analysis (short term), there was an operating profit of R$ 3,133.45 for a cycle, with a profitability of 18.65% for four months of production, a cost price of R$ 13.02 kg(-1). For viability of the activity (long term), the results were attractive to recovery capital from the 3(rd) year (Pay Back), with an IRR of 25.68% and 89.0% return on the producer in 5 years (BCR - benefit cost ratio). The study of costs and economic viability analysis reinforce the importance of rational management in the productive system and the importance of planning and managing the profitability of the activity.

Análise econômica da produção de feijão em função de doses de nitrogênio e coberturas vegetais

O nitrogênio é o nutriente aplicado em maior quantidade à cultura do feijão, o mais limitante ao crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas e o que mais onera o custo de produção. Uma boa opção para o produtor diminuir custos, com a utilização de fertilizantes nitrogenados, é a utilização de plantas de cobertura do solo, também conhecidas como adubos verdes. Assim, este trabalho objetivou avaliar os custos de produção e índices de lucratividade de diferentes tratamentos envolvendo coberturas vegetais e doses de nitrogênio em cobertura, na cultura do feijoeiro irrigado, em sistema plantio direto, nas safras de inverno de 2010 e 2011. O trabalho foi realizado em área experimental localizada no município de Selvíria (MS), em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de seis coberturas vegetais (Crotalaria juncea, milheto, guandú, Crotalaria juncea + milheto, guandú + milheto e pousio) e quatro doses de N (0 kg ha-1, 30 kg ha-1, 60 kg ha-1 e 90 kg ha-1). Foram estimados o custo operacional total, receita bruta, lucro operacional, índice de lucratividade, produtividade de equilíbrio e o preço de equilíbrio. Concluiu-se que o uso da Crotalaria juncea, como cobertura vegetal do solo, proporcionou os maiores valores de custo operacional total e lucro operacional e os melhores índices de lucratividade, e que o incremento nas doses de nitrogênio aumentou o custo operacional total, com tendência de aumento na produtividade e, consequentemente, no preço de equilíbrio.

Viabilidade econômica para produção de mel em propriedade familiar

Em 2009, o Brasil quebrou o seu recorde de exportação de mel, gerando receita superior a US$ 65 milhões. Entretanto, existe uma lacuna nos aspectos econômicos, para grande parte dos apicultores inseridos nesta cadeia. Desta forma, levantou-se o investimento necessário para a produção de mel, em uma propriedade familiar de Cajuru (SP), com estimativas de investimento e custos de produção baseados no Custo Operacional Total (COT) utilizado pelo Instituto de Economia Agrícola, obtendo-se R$ 97.093,00 como valor total do investimento. Para a análise econômica, avaliando-se a produção de mel originária de flor de laranjeira e silvestre, o custo operacional total foi de R$ 16.400,13, considerando-se que as despesas com insumos perfizeram 70% do Custo Operacional Efetivo (COE) e 26% do COT, obtendo-se índice de lucratividade de 46%. em relação ao ponto de nivelamento, o apicultor precisa produzir 4.659 kg de mel, ou vender ao preço mínimo de R$ 1,93/kg a produção obtida, para cobrir os custos. Constatou-se, com base no fluxo de caixa, TIR de 7,24% e que o investimento inicial retorna em 10 anos, mostrando resultados atrativos para este segmento agropecuário, considerando-se a racionalidade de uso dos fatores de produção, bem como um aumento progressivo na quantidade produzida.

Lucratividade do milho em razão das fontes, doses e épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio

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

Aspectos econômicos da adubação fosfatada para cultura do milho

Estudos econômicos da adubação fosfatada fazem-se necessários, em razão da sua participação expressiva no custo de produção da cultura do milho, especialmente em solos sob vegetação de cerrado e face à competitividade da atividade no mercado globalizado. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar alguns aspectos econômicos de modos de aplicação da adubação fosfatada a lanço e sulco simples comparados ao modo alternativo em sulco duplo, utilizando o híbrido de milho BR 3123. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelos modos de aplicação em sulco duplo, sulco simples e a lanço nas doses: 0; 0,50; 0,75; 1,00; 1,25; 1,50 vez a dose recomendada para adubação de manutenção para o milho, ou seja, 90 kg de P2O5 ha-1. Para a análise, considerou-se o preço médio da década de 90 para a tonelada do milho e do superfosfato triplo em R$189,33 e R$494,32, respectivamente, e o custo operacional total de R$ 752,90 ha-1. O aumento das doses de adubo fosfatado, em geral, incrementou a produção, o valor da produção e a receita líquida por hectare; a aplicação do adubo fosfatado a lanço não se mostrou viável economicamente; o modo alternativo em sulco duplo permitiu maior receita líquida e uma relação benefício/custo 17,7% superior, em relação ao sulco simples.

Constrained optimization model for the design of an adaptive (X)over-bar chart

An economic-statistical model is developed for variable parameters (VP) (X) over bar charts in which all design parameters vary adaptively, that is, each of the design parameters (sample size, sampling interval and control-limit width) vary as a function of the most recent process information. The cost function due to controlling the process quality through a VP (X) over bar chart is derived. During the optimization of the cost function, constraints are imposed on the expected times to signal when the process is in and out of control. In this way, required statistical properties can be assured. Through a numerical example, the proposed economic-statistical design approach for VP (X) over bar charts is compared to the economic design for VP (X) over bar charts and to the economic-statistical and economic designs for fixed parameters (FP) (X) over bar charts in terms of the operating cost and the expected times to signal. From this example, it is possible to assess the benefits provided by the proposed model. Varying some input parameters, their effect on the optimal cost and on the optimal values of the design parameters was analysed.

Custos e rentabilidade do milho em função do manejo do solo e da adubação nitrogenada

Agronomic practices that help farmers to raise yield and reduce costs must be studied to ensure agricultural sustainability. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze economically the effect of soil management and nitrogen fertilization in maize crops. Treatments consisted of a combination of 3 soil management techniques (plow harrows + floating harrows, chisel + floating harrows, and no-tillage), 5 periods of nitrogen fertilization (control - 0 kg ha -1 N; 120 kg ha -1 after sowing (S); 120 kg ha -1 in the V 6 stage; 30 kg ha -1 (S) + 90 kg ha -1 in V 6; 30 kg ha -1 (S) + 45 kg ha -1 in V 4 + 45 kg ha -1 in V 8 The total operating cost (TOC), gross revenue (GR), operating profit (OP), profitability index (PI), break-even yield, and break-even price were estimated. It was concluded that the no-tillage system, after 11 years of management, associated with nitrogen fertilization promotes positive PI and OP, being useful to farmers.

Infuěncia do relevo na produtividade e custos do harvester

Among the several variables that influence timber harvesting is the slope, which influences the productivity of forest machines. In this experiment the harvester was evaluated technically and economically while cutting and processing eucalyptus activity on different slope classes. The technical analysis included a study of time and movements by the method of continuous time; productivity was determined by the volume in cubic meters of wood processing. The economic analysis included the parameters of operational cost, production cost and energy consumption. The analysis of the data showed that productivity decreased according to the increase of the percent slope inclination, resulting in an effective work hour productivity increase from 18.72 to 39.71 m 3sc, with a mean of operating cost of US$ 78.78 per work hour.

Análises técnicas e econômicas no sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária submetido à adubação nitrogenada

Sustainable agriculture, reduced production costs and adding value to the system are achieved through the use of agricultural areas throughout the year, in integrated or mixed system. The study aimed to determine the technical coefficients to estimate and evaluate the operational cost and profitability indicators of the consortium of corn with two species of Brachiaria (B. brizantha, MG-5 and B. ruziziensis). The crops were submitted to N rates (0, 100, 200, 300 e 400kg ha-1year-1) at sidedressing, using urea, and winter common bean in succession, in crop-livestock integration under no-tillage, in irrigated conditions, in 2008/2009 agricultural year in Cerrado region (Selvíria - MS). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications in a 2 x 5factorial. It was concluded thatcathe inputs were the components that most increased the producing cost of corn and common bean in the ILP study. The total operational cost has increased as a function of increasing doses of N. In all treatments the levels of profitability were positive indicating the viability of the system. The treatment that showed the best technical and economic performance was intercropped with corn and B. brizantha, fertilized with 100kg ha-1year-1N and common bean in succession.