Marçal Pires

BTEX removal from aqueous solutions by HDTMA-modified Y zeolite.

Various technologies have been used for the treatment and remediation of areas contaminated by BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes), which are organic compounds that are of particular concern due to their toxicity. Potential applications of synthetic zeolites for environmental fieldwork have also been reported worldwide. In this work, a hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium (HDTMA) surfactant-modified synthetic zeolite was investigated for its efficiency in removing BTEX from aqueous solutions. Three surfactant-modified zeolites were synthesized, with amounts of surfactant corresponding to 50%, 100%, and 200% of the total cation-exchange capacity (CEC) of the synthetic zeolite Y. The results of the BTEX adsorption experiments onto both synthetic zeolite and surfactant-modified zeolites (SMZ) showed that the SMZ-100 (zeolite modified with surfactant levels at 100% of CEC) was the most efficient modified zeolite for BTEX removal. Kinetics studies indicated that the multicomponent adsorption equilibrium was reached within 6 h and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson and Temkin models were used to evaluate the BTEX adsorption capacity by SMZ-100. The Temkin model was found to be suitable for all BTEX compounds in a multicomponent system. Regeneration cycles of the modified zeolite were also performed, and the results showed that the adsorbent could be used efficiently in as many as four adsorption cycles, except for benzene.

Geochemical distribution of trace elements in coal: modelling and environmental aspects

The present work consists of verifying a theoretical model based on mass distribution of trace elements in coal. Many versions of the model were tested using 42 elements in 8 different coals (5 American, 2 Brazilian and 1 Spanish). The calculated partial concentrations of elements in organic and inorganic (sulfide, carbonate and sulfate) fractions were obtained. These results could be summarised as following: B, Be, Br, Ge and V are associated to organic coal fraction while As, Cd, Co, Cu, Dy, Hg, Lu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, W and Zn occur mainly in sulfide minerals and Ba, Cr, Cs, Ga, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ta, U and Zr are distributed in the non-sulfide fraction. Finally, the volatility of trace elements was estimated using the calculated partial concentrations in organic and sulfide fractions. The applicability of this parameter in related environmental problems was discussed, comparing model results with experimental and theoretical literature data of the mobilisation of these species into atmosphere.

Integrated synthesis of zeolites 4A and Na-P1 using coal fly ash for application in the formulation of detergents and swine wastewater treatment.

Several researchers have reported zeolite synthesis using coal ash for a wide range of applications. However, little attention has been given to green processes, including moderate synthesis conditions, using waste as raw material and effluent reuse or reduction. In this study, Brazilian coal fly ashes were used for integrated synthesis of zeolites 4A and Na-P1 by two different routes and under moderate operating conditions (temperature and pressure). Both procedures produced zeolites with similar conversions (zeolite 4A at 82% purity and zeolite Na-P1 at 57-61%) and high CEC values (zeolites 4A: 4.5meqCa(2+)g(-1) and zeolites Na-P1: 2.6-2.8meqNH4(+)g(-1)). However, process 1 generated less effluent for the zeolite mass produced (7mLg(-1)), with low residual Si and Al levels and 74% of the Si available in the coal fly ash incorporated into the zeolite, while only 55% is used in process 2. For use as a builder in detergents, synthetic zeolite 4A exhibited conformity parameters equal to or greater than those of the commercial zeolite adopted as reference. Treatment of swine wastewater with zeolite Na-P1 resulted in a high removal capacity for total ammoniacal nitrogen (31mgg(-1)).

Geochemical distribution of trace elements in Leao coal, Brazil

Abstract The present work consists of characterizing geochemically the trace elements present in Leao coal, in order to evaluate the emissions from the power station Jacui I (350 MW), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This includes determination of a concentration of these elements and their geochemical association by a theoretical model of the distribution of trace elements in coal. Among the studied elements, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Pd and Zn showed high concentrations in the mineral sulphide compounds and secondary associations in the organic and non-sulphide fractions. The elements Co, Ni, Mn and V showed preferential association with the inorganic fraction and lower concentrations in the organic fraction. From the studied associations of trace elements in Leao coal we suggest that those elements associated with the sulphide and organic fractions (Pb, Mo, As, Cd, Cu, Cr and Zn) probably present a higher tendency towards voltilization and enrichment in the fly ashes produced by the combustion of this coal.

Inspection of Wooden Poles in Electrical Power Distribution Networks in Southern Brazil

This work aims to test an inspection method for wooden utility poles based on a classification system according to qualitative (visual and sounding) and quantitative parameters (excavation and drilling) to assess internal/external wood decay. Ten thousand poles were inspected, distributed over 23 cities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Southern Brazil). The results indicated a significant quantity of poles in advanced decay (14%) with a great variability among cities. Poles treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) presented worse conservation when compared to creosote preserved poles, suggesting possible problems on CCA treatment.

Composição química da precipitação atmosférica no sul do Brasil: estudo preliminar

, NO 3 , F , SO 4 2, Na + , K + , Mg 2+ , NH 4 + , Ca 2+ and Zn, Cu, Fe, Al, Mn. The results showed slightly acidic precipitation and higher concentrations of NH 4 + , Na + , Cl and SO 4 2. Factor analysis applied to the variables studied allowed identifying the major sources. Na + , Cl and Mg 2+ + , Ca 2+ , K + , SO 4 2and NO 3 are from local anthropogenic sources.

Presença de compostos carbonílicos no ar em ambientes internos na cidade de São Paulo

The presence of low carbonyl compounds (C1-C4) and glutaraldehyde was observed in 14 work-locations in Sao Paulo city, Brazil, during January to July 1997 period. The quantification of other carbonyls was not possible due to a sampling artifact caused probably by undesirable reactions between the ambient ozone and the organic substract of C18 cartridge used to collect carbonyls. High indoor concentrations, compared to outdoor levels, were observed for all compounds. Formaldehyde was the most abundant species (29 ppb) followed by acetone and acetaldehyde (25 and 17 ppb) with a small contribution of propanal, crotonaldehyde and C4 isomers (0.7 to 1.5 ppb) when related to the total indoor carbonyls level. Glutaraldehyde was observed only in two different occupational locations in a hospital at high concentrations (121 ppb). In general, high individual carbonyl levels as well as total carbonyls levels found in several locations indicated an unpropitious air quality for the occupants of these non-industrial sites.

Ozonation of azo dye acid black 1 under the suppression effect by chloride ion

The aim of this study is to determine the kinetics of the Acid Black 1 dye by oxidizing action of ozone and to evaluate the influence of chloride ion contamination on the dye degradation. Pseudo-first order kinetics was observed for both decolorization (620 nm) and aromatic structure (321 nm) degradations. A complete color removal was verified in 25 min ([dye]0 = 1.8 × 10-5 mol L-1), while aromatic structures degraded at slower rates. The presence of chloride ion, the principal impurity of the solid dye reagents, influences significantly the ozonation rate (-42%), even at low chloride concentration (5.6 × 10-4 mol L-1). The most probable mechanism for the chloride suppression effect involves a direct reaction between O3 and Cl- generating HOCl, among other by-products. In despite of that, ozonation could be a competitive degradation process for this dye.

Avaliação in vitro da liberação de níquel por braquetes metálicos

Austenitic stainless steel is frequently used to fabricate orthodontic appliances, which contains 8-10% of nickel. Such metal is responsible for hypersensitivity allergic reactions. Thus, nickel release of orthodontic appliances may be responsible for contact dermatitis in sensitive patients. This study assessed the influence of three variables in nickel release of metal brackets: 1) type of metal alloy; 2) type of solution used for immersion; and 3) mechanical stress. Six experimental and two control groups were assessed. The specimens were immersed in saline solution or artificial saliva, maintained in constant agitation in controlled temperature environment (37oC). Nickel present in solutions was measured with atomic spectroscopy (Varian-Spectra A55) in two moments: after one and after two weeks. The results showed that brackets made of low nickel contend alloy released less nickel than standard ones. It was possible to notice that the type of solution alters the pattern of nickel release. Mechanical stress applied in the slots of standard brackets did not influence nickel release.

Decontamination of CCA-treated eucalyptus wood waste by acid leaching

Preservatives such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) are used to increase the resistance of wood to deterioration. The components of CCA are highly toxic, resulting in growing concern over the disposal of the waste generated. The aim of this study was to investigate the removal of Cu, Cr and As present in CCA-treated eucalyptus wood from utility poles removed from service in southern Brazil, in order to render them non-hazardous waste. The removal was carried out by acid leaching in bench-scale and applying optimal extractor concentration, total solid content, reactor volume, temperature and reaction time obtained by factorial experiments. The best working conditions were achieved using three extraction steps with 0.1 mol L(-1) H2SO4 at 75°C for 2h each (total solid content of 15%), and 3 additional 1h-long washing steps using water at ambient temperature. Under these conditions, removal of 97%, 85% and 98% were obtained for Cu, Cr and As, respectively, rendering the decontaminated wood non-hazardous waste. The wastewater produced by extraction showed acid pH, high organic loading as well as high concentrations of the elements, needing prior treatment to be discarded. However, rinsing water can be recycled in the extraction process without compromising its efficiency. The acid extraction is a promising alternative for CCA removal from eucalyptus wood waste in industrial scale.