Caracterização e classificação quanto ao risco ambiental do estéril da mina de cromita do município de Andorinha, Bahia

The mineral waste studied was host rock from a chromite mine located in Andorinha/Bahia, extracted and stockpiled in yards without specific application. Host rock was submitted to chemical analysis, XRD, SEM-EDS, IR and TGA and classified according to ABNT standards for solid waste classification. Analyses confirmed that this host rock, classified as ultrabasic, consists mainly of dolomite, calcite and diopside. Hazard assessment results showed this host rock should be classified as class II B - inert waste, important for its potential application in agriculture as a soil acidity correction agent.

Impacto ambiental de kartódromos situados na cidade do Rio de Janeiro: monitoramento de BTEX no ar e do nível de ruído

In this work, noise and aromatic hydrocarbons levels of indoor and outdoor karting circuits located in Rio de Janeiro were assessed. The sampling was perfomed using active charcoal cartridges, followed by solvent desorption and analysis by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. This study demonstrated that the karting circuits, venues for entertainment, were a major source of air pollution with the detection of considerable amounts of these compounds (2.0 to 19.7 µg m-3 of benzene; 4.1 to 41.1 µg m-3 of toluene; 2.8 to 36.2 µg m-3 of ethylbenzene; 0.7 to 36.2 µg m-3 of xylenes) and high noise levels.

A política de inovação e a formação do químico

In December 2004, Brazil's President signed Law number 10.973, which provides for incentives toward innovation, scientific and technological research in the production environment and other measures, also known as the Law of Innovation. Although Brazil has advanced greatly in the number of scientific articles published, currently accounting for about 3% of world scientific output, this progress has not been replicated in the production of patents. This article presents a discussion on the importance of introducing patent issues into national undergraduate courses.

Sustentabilidade ambiental: um estudo com pesquisadores químicos no Brasil

A study evaluating Brazilian chemical researchers understanding of the scope of the terms Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Development, and their assessment of how to deal with environmental fragility and limits, is reported. Results showed a certain degree of acknowledgement of the need for a more sustainable development, but little agreement on the magnitude of the environmental limits. The researchers recognized the limitations of the classical paradigms "of dilution" and "of risk", but showed no agreement on the requirements of the new "ecological paradigm" based on Environmental Sustainability and the 12 principles of Green Chemistry, important to assess the role of Green Chemistry for Sustainability.

Inovação & propriedade industrial & indústria química

ABSTRACT The main aim of this paper was to contribute to reflections in Brazil on the need to transfer knowledge held at universities and R&D institutions over to companies, i.e. to transfer scientific knowledge of chemistry to technology. It discusses how the competitiveness of countries is increasingly dependent on their technological capacity. The chemicals industry is a fundamental driver of social, environmental, economic and industrial indicators of sustainable development. In Brazil, the chemicals industry's deficit has grown over the last three decades. Patents are important sources of information because patent documents contain 75% of all technological information available. The National Institute of Industrial Property in Brazil has created a Technology Observatory with the purpose of identifying and analyzing technological information contained in patent documents within the ambit of partnerships with government entities or business associations, in order to support their technology-related decision-making processes. The paper gives examples of ethanol and biotechnology patent documents, including pharmaceuticals, of which there are very few in Brazil. However, a few of the patent applications identified are filed in Brazil, giving the country the opportunity to transform this scientific knowledge into technology by means of partnership agreements with companies. Finally, the paper presents information on the patent applications filed by the world's leading chemicals companies as measured by their revenues, and the respective numbers of patent applications in the last five years in organic chemistry and polymers, sectors in which Brazil is currently dependent on imports for over 50% of its needs. The patent assignees in these sectors in Brazil are also identified, and the paper concludes that Brazil needs to invest in the development of professionals, providing clearly-defined career paths in technology innovation teams at R&D institutions, and to foster more initiatives such as the creation of a new research and innovation entity, EMBRAPII, since investing in science and technology is a prerequisite for knowledge production, industrial property, economic development and, consequently, the competitiveness of the country.

Panorama de propriedade intelectual, transferência de tecnologia e inovação da química brasileira e a comparação com os países do BRIC

Based on Science, Technology & Innovation (ST&I) indicators, Brazil is a competitive and interesting country from the point of view of technological foreign investment. However, it is still incipient with regard to national investments, production of technological knowledge, inbound mobility of scientists and technology transfer to the productive sector. Among many other factors, global patent production is considered as an important indicator of innovation. Likewise, the balance between revenue and expenses obtained through royalties and licensing fees of technologies is also critical in mapping the diffusion and absorption of knowledge. The understanding of intellectual property and its strategic management brings a significant advantage to the economic and technological development of nations, especially in the field of chemistry, which greatly contributes to biotechnology, new materials and microelectronics - three fundamental areas for innovation in developed countries. Therefore, this article aims to map out competencies in chemistry in Brazil and evaluate science, technology and innovation indicators in the country, comparing this dynamic to the one of other BRIC members (Russia, India and China). Chemistry is the fourth biggest field of interest in Brazil based on the number of researchers registered at the governmental platform for researchers, Plataforma Lattes/CNPq, and is preceded by education, medicine and agronomy. The majority of research groups are registered in the area of materials, followed by macromolecules and polymers, pharmaceutical products and basic materials chemistry. These groups represent approximately 77% of research groups analyzed, therefore, indicating a tendency in the country. The analyses of patents in different sub-areas of chemistry reveal that non-residents file most deposits in the country, a probable reflection of the low internal intellectual property culture. Pharmaceutics and Fine Chemistry are prominent areas in the country, in line with the global trend. Among BRIC countries, China has the highest number of patents and of requests for protection in international offices. On the other hand, Brazil has the lowest number of chemical patents published at USPTO, EPO and JPO. An analysis of the transfer of technology data indicates an increase in this activity in various sub-areas of chemistry in the country. Despite the great efforts made by the country to consolidate its national innovation system, more needs to be done to put Brazil in a competitive position. In a globalized world dominated by large players, Brazil needs a lot of progress on ownership and generation of chemistry technologies to strengthen its national sovereignty. It is essential to strengthen chemical research at all levels, from elementary school to university, as an inexhaustible source of knowledge and technology that, when properly protected, may generate real public achievement and social return.

Inovação para a sustentabilidade

The transition to sustainable standards of production and consumption within a scenario of decreased availability of natural resources, growing population and climate change is essential to meet current challenges facing mankind. A strategy to meet these challenges should contain elements different from current approaches for industrial production. This work concentrates on the possibilities for the intensive use of sustainable biomass, abundant minerals and every type of residue, a task that can largely benefit from the application of nanotechnology and biotechnology platforms for material design and transformation. This strategy cannot be solely based on existing knowledge and requires new science, new knowledge including supposedly well-known themes, like the tribochemistry of electrostatic charging and friction. It is especially relevant within the Brazilian context, where many recent successful innovations are related to biomass production and transformation. Implementation of this strategy requires converging efforts by personnel from many different organizations and professions, while making sound risk assessment to produce significant innovation leading to sustainable development.

Questões ambientais na voz dos formadores de professores de química em disciplinas de cunho ambiental

This paper shows the investigation results related to identifying the prospects of addressing environmental issues in the discipline of environmental studies, included in the bachelor degree course in chemistry at nine institutions of higher education in the south and southeast. From the analysis of the interviews we found that environmental issues are part of the initial licensing, but still require a deepening of possible interfaces and convergences between the dimensions of environmental chemistry and green chemistry, as well as a greater approach to and association with the field of environmental education in addressing environmental issues.

Avaliação de risco ambiental de ambientes aquáticos afetados pelo uso de agrotóxicos

Ecological risk assessment is a process evaluating the likelihood that adverse ecological effects may occur or are occurring as a result of exposure to one or more substances. Relevant information needed to predict risks from pesticides includes their physical chemical properties, mobility in soil, persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulation and toxicity in relevant organisms. Although currently a requirement for pesticide registration in Brazil, this process is not yet fully implemented in the country. This review aims to outline the principles of environmental risk assessment for pesticides, focusing on aquatic organisms, and to discuss the studies and efforts conducted in Brazil in this area.

Inovação curricular nos cursos de graduação em medicina: o ensino da bioética como uma possibilidade

O estudo tem por objetivos sistematizar o estado da arte do ensino da bioética na graduação médica brasileira, com base nos trabalhos publicados nos anais dos congressos da Sociedade Brasileira de Bioética, da Associação Brasileira de Educação Médica e da Rede Unida, e nas revistas Bioética, Brasileira de Bioética, Brasileira de Educação Médica e Olho Mágico dos anos 2000 até 2005, e identificar concepções, conceitos, métodos e pressupostos bioéticos adotados no material pesquisado. Situa-se entre os campos da educação e do trabalho médicos, aqui entendidos como duas práticas sociais que devem dialogar permanentemente, razão pela qual a Pedagogia das Competências e as noções de competência e autonomia, como fundamentação e categorias teóricas, respectivamente, nele se inserem como aportes para compreender o processo de inclusão do ensino de bioética nos cursos de graduação médica, como uma possibilidade de inovação curricular.

Três casos de inovação curricular no panorama recente (1964-1988) da Educação Médica Brasileira: subsídios de um retrospecto baseado na revisão de documentos

No intervalo de uma década (1966-1975), três escolas médicas - nas universidades de Brasília (UnB), São Paulo (USP) e Minas Gerais (UFMG) - estabeleceram novos currí-culos a fim de preparar médicos com potencial ampliado no trato de necessidades de saúde no cenário comunitário. As três escolas diferiam entre si no contexto geopolítico, na totalidade de recursos e na experiência de vida. Embora suas propostas tivessem traços em comum, cada qual definiu de forma peculiar os elementos da organização programática, dos enfoques estratégicos e da gestão do processo curricular, os quais se expressaram diferentemente na característica global de orientação comunitária, bem como no impacto de seus efeitos na formação dos médicos e no sistema de saúde. Este relato reúne informações documentais referenciadas e algumas ilações sobre os elementos básicos da inovação curricular e seus efeitos, nos três casos.

Diagnóstico ambiental no contexto da paisagem de fragmentos florestais naturais "ipucas" no município de Lagoa da Confusão, Tocantins

Este estudo foi conduzido em uma área localizada no município de Lagoa da Confusão, Estado do Tocantins, com os objetivos de diagnosticar fragmentos florestais naturais, denominados regionalmente de "ipucas", e mapear as diferentes feições fisionômicas e o uso antrópico da área. Para realização deste estudo utilizou-se um sistema de informações geográficas, IDRISI 2.0. O principal resultado obtido foi o histórico de perturbação que se intensificou a partir da criação do Estado do Tocantins e da implantação do Projeto Rio Formoso para o cultivo de arroz irrigado; em relação à classificação fisionômica e ao uso antrópico foram individualizadas 73 "ipucas". A partir das variáveis consideradas verificou-se que, em relação à área, 56,16% dos fragmentos possuem áreas de até 5,00 ha e apenas quatro apresentaram áreas superiores a 100,00 ha. Aproximadamente 50% destas possuem formas alongadas, o que indica alta relação perímetro/área. Apenas três "ipucas" apresentaram índice de circularidade (C) próximo de 1. Foram identificadas oito feições circunvizinhas às "ipucas". Destas, cinco são ambientes naturais (varjão-sujo, varjão-limpo, pastagem natural, corpos d'água e afloramento rochoso) e as demais resultantes de ações antrópicas (área agrícola, pastagem plantada e rede viária).

Perfil ambiental do empreendimento denominado de "praias fluviais", Estado do Tocantins

No Estado do Tocantins há um tipo de empreendimento impactante denominado de "praias fluviais". Estas surgem entre os meses de junho e setembro, exatamente quando ocorre a diminuição da vazão dos rios, o que permite o aparecimento dos bancos de areia. Nestes locais são implantadas infra-estruturas para atrair os visitantes, o que leva à descaracterização acentuada do ambiente ribeirinho. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo listar os impactos ambientais decorrentes dessas "praias fluviais", a partir da identificação e descrição de suas atividades impactantes. Lançou-se mão do método do check-list para a listagem dos impactos, enquanto a identificação e a descrição das atividades impactantes resultaram de consultas à literatura especializada e de contatos via Internet. Foram identificadas 21 atividades impactantes, sendo 10, 6 e 5 para as etapas de Implantação, Utilização e Desativação, respectivamente. Identificaram-se 35 impactos ambientais, sendo 21 (60%) negativos e 14 (40%) positivos. A principal conclusão é a de que o presente estudo pode ser utilizado como referencial teórico para nortear o processo de licenciamento ambiental do empreendimento denominado de "praias fluviais", no Estado do Tocantins.

Análise técnico-jurídica do licenciamento ambiental e sua interface com a certificação ambiental

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi promover uma análise comparativa do licenciamento e da certificação ambiental, para daí extrair uma fundamentação técnica e jurídica que possibilite verificar a interface entre eles. Utilizou-se uma abordagem teórico-metodológica da pesquisa social aplicada e jurídica, através de uma vertente jurídico-dogmática, bem como uma pesquisa dos fundamentos técnicos e sociais, para avaliação dos processos de certificação ambiental. Objetivou-se comprovar a existência de uma nítida interface entre licenciamento e certificação ambiental, embora não se possa admitir a suplantação da atividade estatal ou sequer a modificação das estruturas básicas da certificação. Recomenda-se um diálogo maior entre o Poder Público e as organizações privadas na busca de um desenvolvimento econômico que concretamente visa a sustentabilidade.

Disgnóstico ambiental de ruas e bairros da cidade de Teixeira, PB

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar o ambiente de Teixeira, PB, analisando-se os impactos ambientais observados na cidade. A metodologia constou de visitas a todas as ruas, momento em que foram registrados os problemas ambientais. Em seguida, definiram-se os percentuais de cada parâmetro averiguado e priorizados pela metodologia de "Pareto". As análises dos dados indicaram, em ordem decrescente de ocorrências, os problemas ambientais, que foram: terrenos baldios; esgotos a céu aberto; entulho; lixo doméstico em terrenos baldios, lixos diversos (exceto os domésticos); lixo doméstico na rua; ruas e calçadas servindo de depósito para material de construção; e edificações deterioradas.