Síntese do Poli (ácido láctico) por policondensação direta utilizando um planejamento fatorial

The environmental impact caused by the disposal of non-biodegradable polymer packaging on the environment, as well as the high price and scarcity of oil, caused increase of searches in the area of biodegradable polymers from renewable resources were developed. The poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a promising polymer in the market, with a large availability of raw material for the production of its monomer, as well as good processability. The aimed of this study was synthesis PLA by direct polycondesation of lactic acid, using the tool of experimental design (DOE) (central composite rotatable design (CCRD)) to optimize the conditions of synthesis. The polymer obtained was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), viscosimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The results confirmed the formation of a poly (lactic acid) semicrystalline in the syntheses performed. Through the central composite rotatable design was possible to optimize the crystallization temperature (Tc) and crystallinity degree (Xc). The crystallization temperature maximum was found for percentage of catalyst around the central point (0,3 (%W)) and values of time ranging from the central point (6h) to the upper level (+1) (8h). The crystallization temperature maximum was found for the total synthesis time of 4h (-1) and percentage of catalyst 0,1(W%) (-1). The results of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed higher molecular weights to 0,3 (W%) percent of catalyst and total time synthesis of 3,2h

Aproveitamento de resíduo de beneficiamento do caulim na produção de porcelanato cerâmico

Nowadays, industries from all sectors have great concerns over the disposition of the residues generated along the productive process. This is not different in the mineral sector, as this generates great volumes of residues. It was verified that the kaolin improvement industry generates great volumes of residue basically constituted of kaolinite, muscovite mica and quartz, which are basic constitution elements to formularisations of ceramics masses to the production of covering of stoneware tiles type. This happens because the methodology applied to the improvement process is still very rudimentary, what causes a very low yield, only ¼ from all the material volume that enters the improvement process, in the end, is marketable. The disposal of this residue, in a general way, causes a very big negative environmental impact, what has justified the researches efforts aiming to find a rational solution to this problem. In this way, the intention of this present work is the utilization of this residue in the manufacture of products to high quality ceramics covering, stoneware tiles in an industrial scale. For this purpose, the influence of the addition of the residue to a standard ceramics mass used by a ceramics sector company, already established in the market, with the intention of verifying the possibility of use of this residue as the mass complementary raw material and even the possible partial or total substitution of one of the components of the mass for the raw material in evidence will be studied. To the accomplishment of this work, the kaolin improvement residue generated by an industry of exploitation and improvement of kaolin, located in the region of Equador-RN, in the levels 1,2,4,8, 16 and 32% will be added to the standard mass already used for the production of stoneware tiles. The raw materials used, kaolin residue and the standard mass, were characterized through DRX, FRX, DTA, TGA and dilatometry. After the sintering of the bodies of test, tests of water absorption, apparent porosity, post burning linear retraction, apparent specific mass and flexural strength (3 point bending) were realized to determinate the technological properties of these materials. The results show the studied residue can be considered raw material of great potential to the industry of floor and ceramics covering of the stoneware tiles type

Estudo de reatores eletroquímicos para remoção de Cu2+ , Zn2+, Fenol e BTEX em água produzida

The production of water has become one of the most important wastes in the petroleum industry, specifically in the up stream segment. The treatment of this kind of effluents is complex and normally requires high costs. In this context, the electrochemical treatment emerges as an alternative methodology for treating the wastewaters. It employs electrochemical reactions to increase the capability and efficiency of the traditional chemical treatments for associated produced water. The use of electrochemical reactors can be effective with small changes in traditional treatments, generally not representing a significant additional surface area for new equipments (due to the high cost of square meter on offshore platforms) and also it can use almost the same equipments, in continuous or batch flow, without others high costs investments. Electrochemical treatment causes low environmental impact, because the process uses electrons as reagent and generates small amount of wastes. In this work, it was studied two types of electrochemical reactors: eletroflocculation and eletroflotation, with the aim of removing of Cu2+, Zn2+, phenol and BTEX mixture of produced water. In eletroflocculation, an electrical potential was applied to an aqueous solution containing NaCl. For this, it was used iron electrodes, which promote the dissolution of metal ions, generating Fe2+ and gases which, in appropriate pH, promote also clotting-flocculation reactions, removing Cu2+ and Zn2+. In eletroflotation, a carbon steel cathode and a DSA type anode (Ti/TiO2-RuO2-SnO2) were used in a NaCl solution. It was applied an electrical current, producing strong oxidant agents as Cl2 and HOCl, increasing the degradation rate of BTEX and phenol. Under different flow rates, the Zn2+ was removed by electrodeposition or by ZnOH formation, due the increasing of pH during the reaction. To better understand the electrochemical process, a statistical protocol factor (22) with central point was conducted to analyze the sensitivity of operating parameters on removing Zn2+ by eletroflotation, confirming that the current density affected the process negatively and the flow rate positively. For economical viability of these two electrochemical treatments, the energy consumption was calculated, taking in account the kWh given by ANEEL. The treatment cost obtained were quite attractive in comparison with the current treatments used in Rio Grande do Norte state. In addition, it could still be reduced for the case of using other alternative energy source such as solar, wind or gas generated directly from the Petrochemical Plant or offshore platforms

Análise das emissões gasosas de um veículo flex funcionando com diferentes combustíveis

Efforts in research and development of new technologies to reduce emission levels of pollutant gases in the atmosphere has intensified in the last decades. In this context, it can be highlighted the modern systems of electronic engine management, new automotive catalysts and the use of renewable fuels which contributes to reduce the environmental impact. The purpose of this study was a comparative analysis of gas emissions from a automotive vehicle, operating with different fuels: natural gas, AEHC or gasoline. To execute the experimental tests, a flex vehicle was installed on a chassis dynamometer equipped with a gas analyzer and other complementary accessories according to the standard guidelines of emission and security procedures. Tests were performed according to NBR 6601 and NBR 7024, which define the urban and road driving cycle, respectively. Besides the analysis of exhaust gases in the discharge tube, before and after the catalyst, using the suction probe of the gas analyzer to simulate the vehicle in urban and road traffic, were performed tests of fuel characterization. Final results were conclusive in indicating leaded gasoline as the fuel which most contributed with pollutant emissions in atmosphere and the usual gasoline being the fuel which less contributed with pollutant emissions in atmosphere

Análise de Sustentabilidade em Projetos de Instalações de Produção de Petróleo

A proposal for a global analysis of sustainability in projects related in oil facilities is presented. By considering economic, environmental and social aspects in the early stages of design, the suggested method is more comprehensive and can be used to complement the analysis commonly applied in the petroleum industry, such as: Study of Technical and Economic Feasibility; Environmental Impact Assessment and Risk Analysis. Several authors, associations, certification bodies and oil companies suggest different approaches to study sustainability in some specific activities (or industries). In this study, a checklist of significant sustainability aspects for the oil industry (surface facilities) was assembled. In addition, a matrix was developed to assess the sustainability items relevant to these projects. In this work, the checklist interacts with the matrix to perform a "Preliminary Analysis of Sustainability of the Enterprise" (APSE). This method allows the identification of aspects that contribute significantly to global sustainability. From this analysis, which includes economic, social and environmental aspects, is built a report that is used to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the impact of the sustainability aspects of the project. In this analysis are identified items that strongly influence the economic, social or environmental aspects and evaluated alternatives that can increase the overall sustainability of the project. Finally, the alternatives that can be used to indicate the most sustainable option are identified. This method was applied in a project (design) of a small offshore platform. This case study shows how the APSE can contribute to the identification of sustainability initiatives for the enterprise. The results showed that relevant aspects can contribute decisively to global sustainability. Finally, it was observed that the proposed method can contribute to increased rates of sustainability, even after application of analysis commonly used in these projects

Uma metodologia para a análise do desempenho sustentável dos postos de revenda de combustível na cidade de Natal/RN, com o uso de data envelopment analysis-DEA

The increasing use of fossil fuels in line with cities demographic explosion carries out to huge environmental impact in society. For mitigate these social impacts, regulatory requirements have positively influenced the environmental consciousness of society, as well as, the strategic behavior of businesses. Along with this environmental awareness, the regulatory organs have conquered and formulated new laws to control potentially polluting activities, mostly in the gas stations sector. Seeking for increasing market competitiveness, this sector needs to quickly respond to internal and external pressures, adapting to the new standards required in a strategic way to get the Green Badge . Gas stations have incorporated new strategies to attract and retain new customers whom present increasingly social demand. In the social dimension, these projects help the local economy by generating jobs and income distribution. In this survey, the present research aims to align the social, economic and environmental dimensions to set the sustainable performance indicators at Gas Stations sector in the city of Natal/RN. The Sustainable Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) framework was create with a set of indicators for mapping the production process of gas stations. This mapping aimed at identifying operational inefficiencies through multidimensional indicators. To carry out this research, was developed a system for evaluating the sustainability performance with application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) through a quantitative method approach to detect system s efficiency level. In order to understand the systemic complexity, sub organizational processes were analyzed by the technique Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) figuring their micro activities to identify and diagnose the real causes of overall inefficiency. The sample size comprised 33 Gas stations and the conceptual model included 15 indicators distributed in the three dimensions of sustainability: social, environmental and economic. These three dimensions were measured by means of classical models DEA-CCR input oriented. To unify performance score of individual dimensions, was designed a unique grouping index based upon two means: arithmetic and weighted. After this, another analysis was performed to measure the four perspectives of SBSC: learning and growth, internal processes, customers, and financial, unifying, by averaging the performance scores. NDEA results showed that no company was assessed with excellence in sustainability performance. Some NDEA higher efficiency Gas Stations proved to be inefficient under certain perspectives of SBSC. In the sequence, a comparative sustainable performance and assessment analyzes among the gas station was done, enabling entrepreneurs evaluate their performance in the market competitors. Diagnoses were also obtained to support the decision making of entrepreneurs in improving the management of organizational resources and promote guidelines the regulators. Finally, the average index of sustainable performance was 69.42%, representing the efforts of the environmental suitability of the Gas station. This results point out a significant awareness of this segment, but it still needs further action to enhance sustainability in the long term

Critical periods of weed control in naturally green colored cotton BRS Verde

Cotton with naturally colored fiber is increasing as a commercial crop due specially to its textile processing with reduced environmental impact, as dying is not necessary. The critical period of weed control and the weed community were studied in a field with the naturally green colored fiber cv. BRS Verde cultivated in Missao Velha, Brazil. Without weed control during all the cycle, a reduction of 82.9% in yield was observed. The critical period of weed control was between 31 and 74 days after emergence for a reduction of 5% in yield. The weed community was composed of 21 species, with higher relative importance and dominance of monocotyledonous species. The beginning of the critical period was found to be more influential on yield than the ending. Thus, defining the right moment to start weed control can be more important to yield than determining the moment to cease it. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeitos do manejo de Eichhornia crassipes sobre a qualidade da água em condições de mesocosmos

As macrófitas, apesar da enorme importância na dinâmica do ambiente aquático, quando formam extensas e densas colonizações, promovem uma série de prejuízos ao ambiente e aos usos múltiplos dos reservatórios. Nessas situações, há necessidade de redução de seu tamanho populacional, seja reduzindo as condições favoráveis ao crescimento, seja por meio do controle direto das plantas. Dentre as macrófitas aquáticas que promovem esses tipos de problema, o aguapé (Eichhornia crassipes) é considerada a mais importante. Seu controle é praticado em todo o mundo. O diquat tem sido bastante utilizado para o controle desta planta, em razão de seu baixo custo, eficácia, rapidez de controle e baixa toxicidade no ambiente aquático. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os possíveis impactos causados pelo controle de Eichhornia crassipes sobre algumas características de qualidade da água em mesocosmos. Para isso, cinco situações experimentais foram estudadas: CPCH - mesocosmo colonizado por aguapé, o qual foi controlado pela aplicação do herbicida diquat; CPCG - mesocosmo colonizado por aguapé, o qual foi morto por congelamento; CPSH - mesocosmo colonizado com aguapé, sem controle; SPCH - mesocosmo sem macrófitas e com aplicação de diquat na superfície da água; e SPSH - mesocosmo sem macrófitas aquáticas e sem aplicação. O herbicida diquat foi utilizado na dose de 7,0 L da formulação comercial Reward/ha. A temperatura foi mais elevada nos mesocosmos sem plantas, devido à maior incidência de raios solares na coluna d'água. As concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido foram menores nos mesocosmos colonizados pelo aguapé e também tiveram rápida queda após o controle das plantas tanto com diquat como por congelamento. O pH da água foi maior nos mesocosmos sem a cobertura da macrófita. Os valores de sólidos totais dissolvidos (STD) e de condutividade elétrica foram maiores nos tratamentos com morte por congelamento e pelo diquat e em mesocosmos colonizados sem controle da macrófita. Esse efeito pode ser devido à presença de material orgânico em suspensão e à maior concentração de nutrientes presentes na água. Comparando os mesocosmos sem plantas, sem e com a aplicação de diquat na superfície da água, os valores das características avaliadas foram estatisticamente similares, levando à conclusão de que as alterações observadas nos fatores analisados decorrem principalmente da decomposição das plantas.

Anaerobic biodigestion of pigs feces in the initial, growing and finishing stages fed with diets formulated with corn or sorghum

Objetivou-se avaliar a produção e a qualidade do biogás e do biofertilizante obtidos em biodigestores abastecidos com dejetos de suínos, nas fases inicial, crescimento e terminação, alimentados com dietas formuladas à base de milho ou sorgo. Foram utilizados 20 biodigestores de bancada, com tempo de retenção hidráulica de 30 dias, e cargas diárias que continham 4,0 a 6,0% de sólidos totais (ST) e 3,6 a 5,2% de sólidos voláteis (SV). Nos efluentes dos biodigestores, foram verificados teores médios de ST variando de 1,6 a 2,0% e de SV entre 1,2 e 1,6%. As reduções médias de ST foram de 57,7 a 64,7% e de SV de 61,7 a 69,0%, sendo que houve diferença somente na fase de terminação, na qual as maiores reduções médias foram para biodigestores abastecidos com dejetos de animais alimentados com dietas à base de milho. Nos biodigestores abastecidos com dejetos de animais em fase inicial e de crescimento, alimentados com dietas formuladas à base de milho, foram verificadas maiores produções médias de biogás e os maiores potenciais médios de produção de biogás. Os potenciais médios obtidos foram 0,033; 0,181; 0,685; 0,788 e 1,132 m³ por kg de afluente, estrume, ST adicionados, SV adicionados e SV reduzidos, respectivamente. Não foram verificadas diferenças quanto ao teor médio de metano no biogás entre dietas e fases. As concentrações médias dos nutrientes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn e Cu no afluente e efluente dos biodigestores variaram entre as dietas e fases.

O princípio constitucional da eficiência aplicado à outorga e à cobrança da água produzida na exploração petrolífera

Water production is unavoidable during a petrol well s lifetime. The amount of produced water associated with oil varies a lot. It can reach values which account to 50% in volume up to nearly 100%, at the end of the well s economic life. It could be verified that, once the water reaches the productive wells, there must be a management of this produced water. Its destiny is defined after a precise study, after which the best option is chosen between relieving it into the environment, re-injecting it into the producing container or disposing it into non-producing formations. Whichever option is made by the involved professionals, after the necessary analysis, it shall consider, besides the technical and economical aspects, also the alternatives which entail less environmental impact. The purpose of the present research is to conduct a study about the application of the constitutional principle of efficiency on the instruments worked out by the public administration on water management, specifically the water use licence and charging for the use in the management of water resources applicable to water production at the petrol wells. In this attempt, before entering the proper approach of the efficiency of the mentioned instruments, it was necessary not only bring to light the doctrinal perception about the constitutional principle of administrative efficiency, but also make some considerations concerning to the structure of the national water resources management, set by the Federal Constitution (1988) and the federal legislation (9433/97)

Topographical characteristics and evaluating water quality in watershed management

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

Poder poluente de águas residuárias de suinocultura após utilização de um tratamento integrado

Em experimento de campo, avaliou-se o potencial de impacto ambiental de águas residuárias de suinocultura, acondicionadas em um tanque de estocagem, com distintos tempos de retenção hidráulica e aplicadas, posteriormente, em lisímetros preenchidos com solos arenosos, argilosos e de texturas médias. Para tal, foram determinados os valores de pH nos solos e as quantificações das concentrações de zinco e cobre na água residuária in natura e, após os quatro tempos de retenção hidráulica do tanque de estocagem, nos percolados dos lisímetros e nos solos. Os resultados mostram que a estocagem não foi eficiente na redução, aos níveis exigidos pela legislação, das concentrações de zinco e cobre nos efluentes do tanque de estocagem. A aplicação no solo gerou reduções eficientes nas concentrações de zinco e cobre. Por fim, enfocando a contribuição fertilizante destas águas residuárias, o solo argiloso foi o mais beneficiado com este sistema integrado de tratamento, contribuindo para a redução das concentrações de zinco e cobre para valores abaixo dos permitidos pelas legislações, o que protegeria o lençol freático da contaminação por esses dois metais pesados.

Potencial de erosão da bacia do Rio Uberaba

Este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar qualitativamente as áreas suscetíveis à erosão laminar na bacia do Rio Uberaba, localizada em Uberaba -MG, apoiado no modelo matemático da Equação Universal de Perda de Solo (EUPS). Foram utilizadas cartas de: solos, uso e ocupação das terras, redes de drenagem, declividade e dados pluviográficos, utilizando-se de um Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG -IDRISI). A espacialização do potencial de erosão só foi possível a partir da estimativa da tolerância às perdas laminares para cada tipo de solo da bacia, e da profundidade dos solos, por entender que as perdas são mais significativas em solos mais rasos do que em solos muito profundos. Na análise dos resultados, verificou-se que 37% da área total da bacia do Rio Uberaba (905,24 km²) sofrem perdas de solos acima do limite de tolerância, sendo 12% em solos profundos e 25% em muito profundos, e a espacialização deste evento favorece a adoção de ações efetivas quanto à conservação dos solos da bacia.

Análise do Comportamento Mecânico de Concretos Produzidos com Incorporação de Cinza do Bagaço da Cana-de-Açúcar de Variedades SP911049, RB92579 E SP816949

Concrete is the second most consumed product in the world and the incorporation of the Sugar Bagasse Ash (SBA) into this material can provide solutions for the utilization of by-products from other industries, thus reducing the environmental impact. The general aim of this dissertation focuses on analyzing the mechanical behavior of concrete with addition of SBA from three different species of sugar cane, through tests of consistency, compressive strength, porosity, absorption, voids and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Were prepared 13 specimens for each specific pattern and level of incorporation of SBA (10%, 20% and 30%) of the three varieties collected, totaling 130 samples of concrete. The trait was employed 1:2:3 (cement: sand: aggregates) in relation to the cement mass with a water / cement ratio of 0.532 and 1% additive Tec 400 Mult also based on the weight of cement. According to the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that the variety of cane sugar, used in the production of the CBC, influenced the mechanical behavior of the resulting concrete. All concrete with addition of SBA, reported a reduction of at least 10% in the properties related to permeability and an increase in the compressive strength of at least 16% compared to standard concrete at 28 days

Gestão ambiental na saúde pública: um estudo sobre a percepção ambiental de gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde, dos servidores do Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes do Rio Grande do Norte

This research has aimed at studying the perception of University Hospital Onofre Lopes (HUOL) s workers on the environmental management plan of RSSS. They have been interviewed 250 workers: doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, and cleaners. It was used an exploratory and descriptive research of the type Survey, which aims at obtaining of data or information on characteristics, actions or opinions of any group of people. The questions of the questionnaire were of the kind objective", formulated in a model "scale", analyzed in according to the positioning of the interviewee. The wastes of health service have high potential for environmental impact in the activities from HUOL. Actions or environmental protective policy can improve the image of HUOL. They have been detected divergences on the rigor in application of law of ANVISA. The HUOL s workers unaware of the law of ANVISA and they have little or no knowledge about the practices of environmental control, public health and, they do not know the Environmental Management System ISO 14001. They have divergent views on the degree of importance of ISO 14001. There is not a Waste Management Plan for Health Service and / or is not disclosed for most of HUOL workers. It has not carried out audits or defined the goals and objectives. Besides, it has not been identified legal requirements, and there has not been communication about the service is performed or has been made a critical analysis and no control of documents the environmental management plan. The HUOL have not had a committee of environmental management. The direction of HUOL has not been organized courses, training and recycling of waste on environmental control of the health service. On a scale from 01 to 05, the level of aware level concerning to the waste management from health services of the workers, so is at the threshold between 01 and 02. For the reversal of this situation, the first and urgent step is the creation and institutionalization the environmental management committee of the University Hospital Onofre Lopes