Fabrício Molica de Mendonça

Environmental and Socioeconomic Analysis of Producing Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil in Rio De Janeiro

This study analyzes the potential environmental impacts and socioeconomic benefits of installing a pilot plant for biodiesel production from used cooking oil (UCO) collected from hotels, restaurants, and bars in the Copacabana district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Currently much of this oil is used to produce soaps or simply disposed of directly into the sewage system, contributing to the eutrophication of bodies of water. An analysis is made of the production of biodiesel by the alkaline transesterification of UCO with ethanol using a sodium hydroxide catalyst. In order to analyze the environmental impacts, the ten stages of the life cycle of biodiesel made from UCO are assessed. The environmental impact of producing 1 metric ton of biodiesel is evaluated on the basis of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. In order to assess the economic feasibility of the pilot plant, a cash flow deterministic method was employed to evaluate the investment required. The social performance of the project was assessed using Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators. The environmental analysis showed that ethanol production and fuel combustion are the stages that had the highest environmental impact. The findings of the economic analysis showed that it would be feasible for the Rio de Janeiro city council to implement a pilot plant in the Copacabana district of the city. The results of the social performance analysis indicated that the project would have a positive impact on local job and income generation.

Model of reverse logistics by means of a logistics operator

This study describes a reverse logistics model that can be used for the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from small businesses, which includes its collection, dismantling, sorting, storage and destination by a logistics operator. The logistics operator will only collect WEEE after the minimum volume it stipulates has been accumulated, which has proved a barrier for small businesses. This could be solved by setting up an intermediate public or private management structure that would take over responsibility for the receipt, storage and transfer of the WEEE to the logistics operator in exchange for a fee. This business model brings social, environmental and economic benefits.

Análise de robustez com o método Electre III: o caso da região de Campo das Vertentes em Minas Gerais

This study sought to apply the ELECTRE III to classify four production clusters of micro and small enterprises, located in Minas Gerais, according to the ability to develop a survival strategy through the relationship with the supplier, customer, distributor, competitors and public and private support companies. The combined effect of these variables defines the ability they have to develop competitive strategies. The results showed that the grouping of demolition wood manufacturers is the most appropriate regarding the success factors of a cluster, followed by clusters of and iron and weaving loom products, which apparently are not different from one another. The cluster of tin artifacts was the last one in the classification, showing a lower capacity for firms in developing joint strategies for survival. Robustness analysis was performed to confirm the results obtained with the application of ELECTRE III, confirming the initial ranking.