The characteristics of a test liquid formulation for use in evaluating the performance of handling and metering systems

Injection metering systems are an important option for the development of pesticide application equipment, with advantages relating to minimising the need for disposal of unused pesticide, improving the ease of cleaning and optimising the accuracy of chemical application. For all injection systems, characteristics such as the steady-state accuracy of delivered dose, dose stability and the time response for dose step changes are related to the ability of the system to operate with different chemical formulations. A system designed to inject liquids should be able to accommodate changes in viscosity and density. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology for testing chemical injection systems using liquids with different viscosities. The experimental arrangement simulating applications with injection metering systems used dye and salt solutions as tracers. Tests were conducted to analyse the influence of salt on the characteristics of the water and a viscous solution. Results showed that the salt interfered with the dye stability in the water solution. In tests with a viscous test liquid, the salt was introduced at different steps during the mixing process, providing four different liquids to be analysed in terms of viscosity, density and pH. Some differences in liquid characteristics were found which could influence the performance of the injection systems.

Structural analyzes of the use of residues of tires in reinforced concrete

The search for an adequate destination to the tires without use is a problem for many countries. The use of tire rubber in concrete through the partial substitution of the small aggregate has for objective the withdrawal of this material of the environment besides serving as alternative material in places that present sand scarcity. However, to use this type of concrete in civil construction it's necessary to verify its structural behavior. The behavior of the adherence enters the bar of armor and the concrete surrounding it has decisive importance with relation to the load capacity of the structures of reinforced concrete. In this context, this work presents, argues and evaluates the results of the experimental studies for determination of the adherence tension according to pulling up assays pull-out normalized for CEB RC6 and also related in the ASTM C-234 in concrete with and without rubber residues. Armors of nominal diameter of 10,0; 12,5 and 16 mm had been used and concrete contend 10% of rubber fibres in substitution to the sand in volume.

Residues of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in some Brazilian municipal solid waste compost

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), listed as per the Stockholm Convention (α -HCH, β -HCH, γ -HCH, p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, PCBs 28, 52, 118, 138, 153, and 180), were analyzed in municipal solid waste (MSW) compost samples from three different Brazilian composting plants located in three São Paulo State cities: Araras, Araraquara and São Paulo (Vila Leopoldinha). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out using gas chromatography electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Ion Trap, electron impact ionization), respectively. The samples were analyzed in triplicate and the target POPs were not detected by GC-ECD. Twelve pollutants were identified in two samples when qualitative analysis (GC-MS) was used (β -HCH, γ -HCH, p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, and p,p′-DDE, PCBs 28, 118, 138, 153 and 180). The composting process has advantages such as urban solid waste reduction and landfill life-span increase, however the MSW compost quality, which can be utilized for agricultural purposes, should be evaluated and be controlled. This kind of study is the first step in making available information to answer questions regarding MSW compost for sustainable agricultural use, such as the pollutants accumulation in soil and in groundwater, and plants uptake. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Development of starch biobased and biodegradable plastics for their use in trays for food-packaging

This research work develops new methods to produce biodegradable starch-based trays for the purpose of replacing expanded polystyrene in the food packaging market. The starch based biopolymers present several drawbacks like poor mechanical properties and very high density. In order to overcome these drawbacks two research lines have been set up: blending thermoplastic starch with biobased reinforcements from agricultural wastes like barley straw and grape wastes, and testing the foamability of these materials with a Microwave-foaming method.

From coffee industry waste materials to skin-friendly products with improved skin fat levels

Spent coffee grounds (SCG), which are the residue obtained from the treatment of coffee with hot water or steam, can be used for industrial applications, due to the high content in lipids. The cosmetic products might be a suitable application for these types of residues because the barrier properties of the stratum corneum (SC) are largely dependent on the intactness of the lipid lamellae that surrounds the corneocytes. The purpose of this work was to assess the feasibility of using the lipid fraction of SCG extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide in the development of new cosmetic formulations with improved skin lipids (sebum) and hydration. The use of spent coffee lipid extract in cosmetic industry seems to be a suitable approach to recycle the wastes from coffee industry. Emulsion containing 10% of the lipid fraction of SCG (SpentCofOil cream) presented promising characteristics in the improvement of sebum skin levels with a good acceptance by consumers when compared to an emulsion containing 10% w/w of green coffee oil (GreenCofOil cream) and a placebo without coffee oil (NoCofOil cream). Practical applications: In this work, the authors develop and characterize a cream containing 10% of the lipid fraction of SCG extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide with improved skin lipids (sebum) and hydration. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Potentially hazardous waste produced at home

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the sources of waste generation household consisting of biological material and to investigate the knowledge presented by those responsible for the generation of waste in the home environment on the potential health risk human and environmental. Method. It is a quantitative survey performed in Parque Capuava, Santo André (SP). The questionnaire was administered by the community employers and nursing students during the consultation with nursing supervision through interview question/answer. The exclusion criteria were patients who were not in the area served by the Basic Health Unit which covers the area of Pq Capuava. The sample was consisted of 99 persons and the data collection a questionnaire was used. Results: We observed that 63.3% of people said to use disposables, with the majority (58.7%) of these use the public collection as the final destination of these materials. It was reported that 73.7% of those surveyed reported having knowledge about the risk of disease transmission. Public awareness of the importance of proper packaging and disposal of potentially hazardous household waste may contribute significantly to the preservation of human and environmental health and this procedure can be performed and supervised by professional nurses. Conclusion: We suggest implementation of workshops for community health workers and the general population in order to enhance their knowledge about the storage and disposal of potentially infectious waste generated at home, thereby reducing the potential risk of disease transmission by improper management. © 2013 Chaves et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Use of slag/sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) blends in the production of alkali-activated materials

Blast furnace slag (BFS)/sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) blends were assessed for the production of alkali-activated pastes and mortars. SCBA was collected from a lagoon in which wastes from a sugar cane industry were poured. After previous dry and grinding processes, SCBA was chemically characterized: it had a large percentage of organic matter (ca. 25%). Solutions of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate were used as activating reagents. Different BFS/SCBA mixtures were studied, replacing part of the BFS by SCBA from 0 to 40% by weight. The mechanical strength of mortar was measured, obtaining values about 60 MPa of compressive strength for BFS/SCBA systems after 270 days of curing at 20 °C. Also, microstructural properties were assessed by means of SEM, TGA, XRD, pH, electrical conductivity, FTIR spectroscopy and MIP. Results showed a good stability of matrices developed by means of alkali-activation. It was demonstrated that sugar cane bagasse ash is an interesting source for preparing alkali-activated binders. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Prospects for the use of municipal tree pruning wastes in particleboard production

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard made with pruning wastes from Ipê (Tabebuia serratifolia) and Chapéu-de-Sol (Terminalia catappa) trees. Particleboards were prepared with both wood species, using all the material produced by grinding the pruning wastes. The particleboards had dimensions of 45×45 cm, a thickness of approximately 11.5 mm and an average density of 664 kg/m3. A urea-formaldehyde adhesive was used in the proportion of 12% of the dry particle mass. The particleboards were pressed at a temperature of 130 C for 10 mins. The physical and mechanical properties analyzed were density, moisture content, thickness swelling, percentage of lignin and cellulose, modulus of resilience, modulus of elasticity and tensile strength parallel to the grain, accordingly to the standards NBR 14810 and CS 236-66 (1968). The particleboards were considered to be of medium density. The particle size significantly affected the static bending strength and tensile strength parallel to the grain. Ipê presented better results, demonstrating a potential for the production and use of particleboard made from this species. © The Author(s) 2013.

Production and application of amylases of Rhizopus oryzae and Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus from industrial waste in acquisition of glucose

Amylases from Rhizopus oryzae and Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus were obtained using agro-industrial wastes as substrates in submerged batch cultures. The enzymatic complex was partially characterised for use in the production of glucose syrup. Type II wheat flour proved better than cassava bagasse as sole carbon source for amylase production. The optimum fermentation condition for both microorganisms was 96 hours at 30°C and the amylase thus produced was used for starch hydrolysis. The product of the enzymatic hydrolysis indicated that the enzyme obtained was glucoamylase, only glucose as final product was attained for both microorganisms. R. oligosporus was of greater interest than R. oryzae for amylase production, taking into account enzyme activity, cultivation time, thermal stability and pH range. Glucose syrup was produced using concentrated enzyme and 100 g L-1 starch in a 4 hours reaction at 50°C. The bioprocess studied can contribute to fungus glucoamylase production and application. © 2013 Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences.

Sugarcane vinasse: Environmental implications of its use

The inadequate and indiscriminate disposal of sugarcane vinasse in soils and water bodies has received much attention since decades ago, due to environmental problems associated to this practice. Vinasse is the final by-product of the biomass distillation, mainly for the production of ethanol, from sugar crops (beet and sugarcane), starch crops (corn, wheat, rice, and cassava), or cellulosic material (harvesting crop residues, sugarcane bagasse, and wood). Because of the large quantities of vinasse produced, alternative treatments and uses have been developed, such as recycling of vinasse in fermentation, fertirrigation, concentration by evaporation, and yeast and energy production. This review was aimed at examining the available data on the subject as a contribution to update the information on sugarcane vinasse, from its characteristics and chemical composition to alternatives uses in Brazil: fertirrigation, concentration by evaporation, energy production; the effects on soil physical, chemical and biological properties; its influence on seed germination, its use as biostimulant and environmental contaminant. The low pH, electric conductivity, and chemical elements present in sugarcane vinasse may cause changes in the chemical and physical-chemical properties of soils, rivers, and lakes with frequent discharges over a long period of time, and also have adverse effects on agricultural soils and biota in general. Thus, new studies and green methods need to be developed aiming at sugarcane vinasse recycling and disposal. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microbiological and physicochemical characterization of surimi obtained from waste of piramutaba fillet

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a caracterização físico-química e microbiológica do surimi obtido de resíduos da filetagem de piramutaba. Os resultados da caracterização físico-química dos resíduos e surimi foram: umidade (76,37 e 79,11%), lipídios totais (5,35 e 0,74%), proteínas (14,92 e 10,79%), cinzas (3,03 e 2,35%), pH (6,9 e 7,4), valor calórico (109,15 e 77,86 kcal.g^-1) e atividade de água (ambos 0,98), respectivamente. Os resultados dos valores de bases voláteis totais foi de 7,29 mgN/100^-1 g (resíduos) e carboidratos de 7,01% (surimi). Os valores de lipídios totais e proteínas foram reduzidos durante o preparo do surimi, provavelmente, devido a sucessivas lavagens durante o processamento. Os resíduos e o surimi foram analisados microbiologicamente estando em conformidade com os parâmetros exigidos. Os resultados mostraram que houve uma perda da cor vermelha (parâmetro a*) e amarela (parâmetro b*). Por outro lado, o parâmetro L* (luminosidade) aumentou após o processamento do surimi. Conclui-se que os resíduos de piramutaba podem ser empregados como matéria-prima de qualidade na elaboração de surimi e como fonte de nutrientes para a alimentação humana, constituindo-se também como uma alternativa para destino dos resíduos, antes lançados no ambiente.

Assessing the replacement of lead in solders: effects on resource use and human health

Human health and environmental concerns are not usually considered at the same time. Tin-lead solders are still widely used in several countries, including Brazil, by manufacturers of electronic assemblies. One of the options to reduce or eliminate lead from the manufacturing environment is its replacement with lead-free alloys. This paper applies emergy synthesis and the DALY indicator (Disability Adjusted Life Years) to assess the impact of manufacturing soft solder using tin, lead and other metals on the environment and on human health. The results are presented together with the company's financial results and the results calculated from the Brazilian statistical value of life. The calculation of emergy per unit showed that more resources are used to produce one ton of lead-free solders than to produce one ton of tin-lead solders, with and without the use of consumer waste recovered through a reverse logistics system. The assessment of air emissions during solder production shows that the benefits of the lead-free solution are limited to the stages of manufacturing and assembling. The tin-lead solder appears as the best option in terms of resource use efficiency and with respect to emissions into the atmosphere when the mining stage is included. A discussion on the influence of the system's boundaries on the decision-making process for materials substitution is presented. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MOISTURE SORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF PINEAPPLE PROCESSING WASTE: SHELL AND CENTRAL CYLINDER

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

An innovative material based on natural rubber and leather tannery waste to be applied as antistatic flooring

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

Bioactive compounds of the lipid fractions of agro-industrial waste

This study aimed at evaluating the oils extracted from seeds originating from agro-industrial waste, in order to identify the presence of bioactive compounds. Therefore, determinations of fatty acid profile, triacylglycerols, tocopherol composition, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity were performed in the oils of grape, guava, melon, passion fruit, pumpkin, soursop, and tomato seeds. Antioxidant capacity analysis was performed by the methods DPPH• , ABTS•+, FRAP, and β-carotene/linoleic acid, besides measure of oxidative stability in the oils. The oils showed to be predominantly unsaturated with high percentage of linoleic essential fatty acid (38.8 to 79.4%), besides presenting significant quantities of tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds. Tomato and guava oils showed better results in the antioxidant capacity tests and pumpkin oil had higher induction period in the oxidative stability test (65.3 h). The results obtained in this study collect information that enables the use of new alternative sources of vegetable oils, obtained from agroindustrial waste, which may serve as raw material for food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries.