Desenvolvimento e validação de metodologia analítica para a determinação de fármacos em amostyras de água, superficial e tratada, utilizando a cromatografia líquida de ultra performance acoplada a espectrometria de massas tandem (UPLC-MS/MS)

Dissertação (Mestrado)

A Simple Model Describes Development of Early Peaks in Oomycete Zoospore Inoculum Detected in Southern UK Outdoors Horticultural Reservoirs

The numbers of water-borne oomycete propagules in outdoor reservoirs used in horticultural nurseries within the UK are investigated in this study. Water samples were recovered from 11 different horticultural nurseries in the southern UK during Jan-May in two ‘cool’ years (2010.and 2013; winter temperatures 2.0 and 0.4oC below UK Met Office 30 year winter average respectively) and two ‘warm’ years (2008 and 2012; winter temperatures 1.2 and 0.9oC above UK Met Office 30 year winter average respectively). Samples were analysed for total number of oomycete colony forming units (CFU), predominantly members of the families Saprolegniaceae and Pythiaceae, and these were combined to give monthly mean counts. The numbers of CFU were investigated with respect to prevailing climate in the region: mean monthly air temperatures calculated by using daily observations from the nearest climatological station. The investigations show that the number of CFU during spring can be explained by a linear first-order equation and a statistically significant r2 value of 0.66 with the simple relationship: [CFU] = a(T-Tb )-b, where a is the rate of inoculum development with temperature T, and b is the baseload population at temperatures below Tb. Despite the majority of oomycete CFU detected being non-phytopathogenic members of the Saprolegniaceae, total oomycete CFU counts are still of considerable value as indicators of irrigation water treatment efficacy and cleanliness of storage tanks. The presence/absence of Pythium spp. was also determined for all samples tested, and Pythium CFU were found to be present in the majority, the exceptions all being particularly cold months (January and February 2010 and January 2008). A simple scenario study (+2 deg C) suggests that abundance of water-borne oomycetes during spring could be affected by increased temperatures due to climate change.

Urban Ponds as an Aquatic Biodiversity Resource in Modified Landscapes

Urbanization is a global process contributing to the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Many studies have focused on the biological response of terrestrial taxa and habitats to urbanization. However, little is known regarding the consequences of urbanization on freshwater habitats, especially small lentic systems. In this study we examined aquatic macroinvertebrate diversity (family and species level) and variation in community composition between 240 urban and 782 non-urban ponds distributed across the UK. Contrary to predictions, urban ponds supported similar numbers of invertebrate species and families compared to non-urban ponds. Similar gamma diversity was found between the two groups at both family and species taxonomic levels. The biological communities of urban ponds were markedly different to those of non-urban ponds and the variability in urban pond community composition was greater than that in non-urban ponds, contrary to previous work showing homogenisation of communities in urban areas. Positive spatial autocorrelation was recorded for urban and non-urban ponds at 0-50 km (distance between pond study sites) and negative spatial autocorrelation was observed at 100-150 km, and was stronger in urban ponds in both cases. Ponds do not follow the same ecological patterns as terrestrial and lotic habitats (reduced taxonomic richness) in urban environments; in contrast they support high taxonomic richness and contribute significantly to regional faunal diversity. Individual cities are complex structural mosaics which evolve over long periods of time and are managed in diverse ways, promoting the development of a wide-range of environmental conditions and habitat niches in urban ponds which can promote greater heterogeneity between pond communities at larger scales. Ponds provide an opportunity for managers and environmental regulators to conserve and enhance freshwater biodiversity in urbanized landscapes whilst also facilitating key ecosystem services including storm water storage and water treatment.

Sex steroid feedback regulation of pituitary gonadotropins during early secondary oocyte growth in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) – a potential target of endocrine disruption.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2016-06

Chitosan scaffold as an alternative adsorbent for the removal of hazardous food dyes from aqueous solutions

Hypothesis: The dye adsorption with chitosan is considered an eco-friendly alternative technology in relation to the existing water treatment technologies. However, the application of chitosan for dyes removal is limited, due to its low surface area and porosity. Then we prepared a chitosan scaffold with a megaporous structure as an alternative adsorbent to remove food dyes from solutions. Experiments: The chitosan scaffold was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and structural characteristics. The potential of chitosan scaffold to remove five food dyes from solutions was investigated by equilibrium isotherms and thermodynamic study. The scaffold–dyes interactions were elucidated, and desorption studies were carried out. Findings: The chitosan scaffold presented pore sizes from 50 to 200 lm, porosity of 92.2 ± 1.2% and specific surface area of 1135 ± 2 m2 g 1. The two-step Langmuir model was suitable to represent the equilibrium data. The adsorption was spontaneous, favorable, exothermic and enthalpy-controlled process. Electrostatic interactions occurred between chitosan scaffold and dyes. Desorption was possible with NaOH solution (0.10 mol L 1). The chitosan megaporous scaffold showed good structural characteristics and high adsorption capacities (788–3316 mg g 1).

Hidroterapia canina

A hidroterapia é um recurso que pode ser utilizado como meio terapêutico nos animais. Este artigo de revisão bibliográfica tem como finalidade dar a conhecer as propriedades físicas da água, os seus benefícios e indicações no tratamento de cães. São traçadas algumas considerações sobre o plano de tratamento dos cães e expostas as várias modalidades existentes, tal como apresentados alguns dos exercícios terapêuticos que se podem realizar e equipamentos utilizados. Finalmente são abordadas as questões relacionadas com as precauções e contraindicações da hidroterapia, assim como os cuidados com o tratamento da água. Em conclusão, sugere-se a realização de mais investigação nesta área, em que veterinários e fisioterapeutas devem colaborar em conjunto, com vista a beneficiar o melhor amigo do Homem, o cão.

Mitigation of High Alkalinity in Leachates of Aged Steel Slag

Steel slag, an abundant by-product of the steel-making industry, after it is aged, has a huge potential for use as an aggregate in road construction. However, the high pH of steel slag seepage (pH≥12) is a major impediment in its beneficial use. Analyses on aged steel slag samples demonstrated that the alkalinity producing capacity of aged steel slag samples strongly correlated to Ca(OH)2 dissolution and that prolonged aging periods have marginal effects on overall alkalinity. Treatment methods that included bitumen-coating, bathing in Al(III) solutions and addition of an alum-based drinking water treatment residual (WTR) were evaluated based on reduction in pH levels and leachate alkalinity. 10% (wt./wt.) alum-based drinking water treatment residual (WTR) addition to slag was determined to be the most successful mitigation method, providing 65−70% reduction in alkalinity both in batch-type and column leach tests, but final leachate pH was only 0.5−1 units lower and leachates were contaminated by dissolved Al(+III) (≥3−4 mM). Based on the interpretation of calculated saturation indices and SEM and EDX analyses, formation of calcium sulfoaluminate phases (i.e., ettringite and monosulfate) was suggested as the mechanism behind alkalinity mitigation upon WTR-modification. The residual alkalinity in WTR-amended slag leachates was able to be completely eliminated utilizing a biosolids compost with high base neutralization capacity. In column leach tests, effluent pH levels below 7 were maintained for 58−74 pore volumes worth of WTR-amended slag leachate using 0.13 kg compost (dry wt.) per 1 kg WTR-amended slag on average; also, dissolved Al(+III) was strongly retained on the compost.

Método de sedimentación de partículas semiconductores coloidales

Se basa en el control del pH de la suspensión coloidal, modificándolo de tal manera que se alcance el punto isoeléctrico que es característico de cada tipo de partícula en presencia de un determinado electrolito. Una vez terminado el tratamiento de fotocatálisis se almacena la suspensión coloidal en un tanque y tras homogeneizar la misma mediante agitadores convencionales se toma una muestra representativa del volumen total y se añade una base o un ácido a la misma hasta conseguir el punto de carga eléctrica nula de la muestra. A continuación se añade al tanque de almacenamiento la cantidad adecuada de base o de ácido, extrapolada de la etapa anterior, con lo que se conseguirá el punto de carga eléctrica nula del volumen almacenado en el tanque. Finalmente se retira el sobrenadante limpio, una vez que se ha producido la sedimentación del catalizador en el fondo del tanque de almacenamiento.

Relação saúde e ambiente e trabalho de produtores rurais com propriedades de pequeno porte

Introdução: As mudanças no mundo do trabalho vem repercutindo de maneira positiva e negativa na saúde dos trabalhadores, na particularidade do ambiente rural. A inclusão de tecnologias representam parte destas mudanças, que buscam aumentar a produtividade e, consequentemente, a exposição ao riscos. Objetivos: o primeiro objetivo deste estudo incide em identificar o perfil do trabalhador agricultor rural na relação saúde, trabalho e ambiente. O segundo objetivo visa analisar a relação saúde e ambiente rural frente a percepção de agricultores e o terceiro e último, desenvolver um processo de intervenção junto à equipe da EMATER/ASCAR de Uruguaiana/RS, a partir da percepção de risco ocupacional de pequenos produtores rurais do município. Metodologia: a fim de contemplar a primeira produção realizou-se um estudo exploratório, descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa, com amostra intencional pareada de 20 agricultores de Uruguaiana/RS/Brasil. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por meio de questionário, observações não participantes e registro fotográfico. Os dados foram analisados quantitativamente e por meio da leitura dos registros nos diários de campo. O segundo estudo foi qualitativo tipo exploratório, realizado com uma amostra intencional de 27 agricultores, neste incluimos sete agricultores que participaram do estudo piloto. A análise temática resultou em dois temas: características socioeconômicas dos agricultores e ação humana na relação saúde e ambiente com dois significados principais na relação: benefícios e agravos. Resultados: as propriedades rurais eram de difícil acesso para transporte e coleta de lixo, ausência do tratamento de água e rede sanitária de esgoto; a maioria não possuía cuidado com a água e utilizavam agrotóxicos na produção. Todos identificaram a existência da relação entre saúde e ambiente, remetendo-se a siginificados como: ausência da doença e da dor, local natural, manutenção da vida, higiene, bem estar e poluição. Conclusão: os enfermeiros podem fomentar ações de cuidado à saúde dos trabalhadores que têm dificuldades de acesso às informações em saúde, mediante atenção e orientações aos riscos estabelecidos na relação saúde e ambiente, por meio da saúde socioambiental, no intuito de orientar estes trabalhadores para mudanças de hábitos que promoverão melhoras na saúde, ambiente e trabalho, propiciando o bem estar dos seres humanos.