Effect of Biochar Amendments on the Sorption and Desorption Herbicides in Agricultural Soil

Improved understanding of herbicide destinations, effects, and environmental risks through worldwide studies is crucial to minimizing impacts to nontarget organisms, especially in tropical regions rich in biodiversity. In recent years, there has been widespread international concern about the toxic effects of herbicides on humans, faunas, and native floras. Therefore, the adoption of agricultural practices that minimize the environmental effects of herbicides has been frequently studied, for example, the addition of biochar in agricultural soils. Biochar can be defined as the by-product of a thermal process conducted under low oxygen or oxygen-free conditions (pyrolysis) to convert plant biomass to biofuels, where biochar is the solid product of pyrolysis. The addition of biochar to the soil can easily potentiate the herbicide retention process, which, in addition to contributing positively to the reduction of chemical contaminants in the environment, may exert negative effects on herbicide behavior and the efficacy of these products on weed control. Thus, this chapter will present the general characteristics of biochar, as well as the impact of this material on sorption-desorption of herbicides in the soil

Investigando o uso de resíduos do processamento da madeira de eucalipto para a produção de combustíveis sólidos compactados

Este trabalho teve por objetivo analisar os carvões da casca, maravalha e serragem de Eucalyptus pellita, assim como os briquetes produzidos desses materiais, carbonizados em duas temperaturas. Para isso, a casca, maravalha e serragem oriundas do processamento mecânico foram carbonizados sob temperaturas de 400 ºC e 600 ºC. As propriedades físico-químicas dos carvões produzidos foram comparadas com as do lenho carbonizado nas mesmas temperaturas. Em seguida os resíduos carbonizados foram briquetados e analisados através da umidade de equilíbrio, massa específica aparente, taxa de degradação natural e forçada. A carbonização da casca da madeira de Eucalyptus pellita proporcionou aumentos significativos nos rendimentos gravimétricos em carvão. Houve uma relação positiva entre a temperatura de carbonização e a umidade de equilíbrio dos briquetes produzidos com os resíduos carbonizados. Os briquetes produzidos com o carvão da casca carbonizada a 400 ºC apresentaram elevado ritmo de degradação térmica. Palavras-chave: processamento mecânico da madeira, aproveitamento de resíduos, sustentabilidade energética, briquetagem e densificação da biomassa

PRODUÇÃO E ATIVAÇÃO DO CARVÃO VEGETAL DE TRÊS ESPÉCIES FLORESTAIS

Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar as variáveis da produção do carvão vegetal das madeiras de Acacia mangium, Pseudosamanea guachapelle e Eucalyptus grandis e analisar a capacidade de adsorção de pigmentos pelos carvões produzidos e ativados com vapor d’água superaquecido. Para isso, as amostras das madeiras foram carbonizadas sob as temperaturas de 400, 500 e 600 °C numa velocidade de aquecimento de 1,67 °C min-1 e tempo total de carbonização de 4, 5 e 6 horas, respectivamente. Após a carbonização, determinaram-se os rendimentos gravimétricos em carvão, líquido pirolenhoso, gases não condensáveis e realizou-se a análise imediata dos carvões. Os carvões foram ativados sob a ação de vapor d’água superaquecido e testados em relação à adsorção de pigmentos coloridos dissolvidos em água. Para as três espécies analisadas, as menores temperaturas de carbonização proporcionaram os maiores rendimentos em carvão vegetal. As maiores temperaturas de carbonização resultaram nos menores teores de materiais voláteis e maiores teores de carbono fixo nos carvões. A ativação com vapor d’água superaquecido influenciou positivamente a adsorção de pigmentos do carvão de P. guachapelle produzido a 400 °C e dos carvões de A. mangium e E. grandis produzidos a 500 °C. A madeira de P. guachapelle carbonizada à 400 °C se destacou em relação às duas outras espécies florestais analisadas

PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BRIQUETTES PRODUCED FROM CHARCOAL FINES AND WASTE OF Pinus spp.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced with charcoal fines and waste of Pinus spp (sawdust and wood shavings). For the production, the charcoal fines of two particle sizes (less than and greater than 5 mm) were mixed with each type of wood waste of Pinus spp in the proportions of 5, 10, 15, and 20%. Then, the mixtures were compacted under the pressure of 55 kgf.cm-2 in a piston briquetter. As binder, 8% gelatinized maize starch was used. Tests were carried out on the briquettes in order to determine the apparent density, compressive strength, and friability index. Briquettes with the highest densities and compressive strengths were produced with the two lowest proportions of wood waste of Pinus spp (5 and 10%). The use of the charcoal fines combined with sawdust or wood shavings of Pinus spp is recommended for the production of briquettes with good physical and mechanical properties.The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced with charcoal fines and waste of Pinus spp (sawdust and wood shavings). For the production, the charcoal fines of two particle sizes (less than and greater than 5 mm) were mixed with each type of wood waste of Pinus spp in the proportions of 5, 10, 15, and 20%. Then, the mixtures were compacted under the pressure of 55 kgf.cm-2 in a piston briquetter. As binder, 8% gelatinized maize starch was used. Tests were carried out on the briquettes in order to determine the apparent density, compressive strength, and friability index. Briquettes with the highest densities and compressive strengths were produced with the two lowest proportions of wood waste of Pinus spp (5 and 10%). The use of the charcoal fines combined with sawdust or wood shavings of Pinus spp is recommended for the production of briquettes with good physical and mechanical properties

Biological resistance of heat-treated wood of Pinus caribaea and Eucalyptus saligna

This study aimed to analyze the resistance of the thermally treated wood of Pinus caribaea and Eucalyptus saligna to the biological attack of wood rotting fungi. The heat treatment processes were carried out in electric oven under nitrogen atmosphere, starting from 100 °C until reaching each one of the final temperatures of the process: 120, 140, 160, and 180 °C. The resistance assays were performed for white rot, brown rot, and soft rot fungi. The increase in decay resistance was observed for heat-treated wood of Pinus caribaea at higher temperatures. On the other hand, Eucalyptus saligna showed increased resistance to rotting fungi at all tested temperatures, except for white and soft rot at 120 °C. In general, the heat treatment process showed good results for its use as a wood preservative method

Infrared spectroscopy analysis on charcoal generated by the pyrolysis of Corymbia citriodora wood

Wood pyrolysis has been use for centuries to obtain charcoal. Nonetheless, the study of wood componentsaltering by the pyrolysis temperature is crucial to determine the charcoal‟s properties. The present researchaims to evaluate by FTIR the chemical altering of wood submitted to various pyrolysis temperatures. Samplesof Corymbia citriodora species were submitted to temperatures of 240 °C, 280 °C, 320 °C and 400 °C ina fixed bed reactor filled with N2. The FTIR analysis was performed in the wood residues after pyrolysis. Theresults showed that cellulose and hemicelluloses presented more susceptibility to thermal degradation thanother wood components. It could be observed chemical altering in the wood residue obtained between 240 °Cand 280 °C. In addition, the wood residue obtained for treatments over 280 °C presented characteristics similarto vegetal charcoal. There are a continuous change of the wood due to the temperature of the pyrolysis bythe change of bands intensity and by the bands shift. The FTIR analysis allowed the evaluation of the wood‟spyrolysis process and its chemical variations with the temperatures applicate.Keywords: thermal degradation, wood, FTIR

Investigando o tratamento alcalino da fibra de coco (Cocos nucifera L) para geração de etanol celulósico

The coconut husk of Cocos nucifera L. species has a high potential for use in industry and agriculture, and many studies on the use of this biomass are being developed for the production of biofuels. Sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) is one of the oldest and economically viable treatments for reducing the lignin content and improving energy efficiency in biomass. Thus, the objective of this research was to analyze the solubility of the fibers biomass in the mesocarp of Cocos nucifera with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The fibers were separated from the bark, which had their extractives removed, and were subjected to the solubility procedure in 1, 2, 3, and 4% NaOH. The Klason lignin and holocellulose were determined. Changes in functional groups of Klason lignin were observed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). There was a decrease in Klason lignin content due to alkaline treatment. Infrared spectra indicated structural changes between the treatments analyzed, especially when the following bands: 3 433 cm-1 (stretching of OH), 1 271-1 220 cm-1 (vibration of the guaiacyl ring with the contribution of the C=O stretch), and 1 116-1 165 cm-1 (stretching of CO of acid and/or ester). Coconut fibers treated with 4% NaOH maintained the integrity of holocellulose and presented high lignin degradation.A casca de coco da espécie Cocos nucifera L. apresenta alto potencial para uso na indústria e na agricultura, e diversos estudos sobre a utilização dessa biomassa estão sendo desenvolvidos para a produção de biocombustíveis. A solução de hidróxido de sódio (NaOH) é um dos tratamentos mais antigos e economicamente viáveis para reduzir o teor de lignina e melhorar a eficiência energética da biomassa. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a solubilidade da biomassa das fibras no mesocarpo de Cocos nucifera com diferentes concentrações de hidróxido de sódio (NaOH). As fibras foram separadas da casca, que tiveram seus extrativos retirados, e foram submetidas ao procedimento de solubilidade em NaOH 1, 2, 3 e 4%. A lignina Klason e a holocelulose foram determinadas. Alterações nos grupos funcionais da lignina Klason foram observadas por espectroscopia de infravermelho (FTIR). Houve uma diminuição no conteúdo de lignina Klason devido ao tratamento alcalino. Os espectros de infravermelho indicaram mudanças estruturais entre os tratamentos analisados, principalmente quando as seguintes bandas: 3 433 cm-1 (alongamento de OH), 1 271-1 220 cm-1 (vibração do anel guaiacil com a contribuição do trecho C = O ), e 1 116-1 165 cm-1 (estiramento de CO de ácido e / ou éster). As fibras de coco tratadas com NaOH 4% mantiveram a integridade da holocelulose e apresentaram alta degradação da lignina

USINAGEM DA MADEIRA DE CINCO ESPÉCIES NATIVAS BRASILEIRAS

This study was to compare the behavior of five native Brazilian species: angelim (Andira anthelmia), a canela (Anila firmula), cedro (Cedrela fissilis),  ipê amarelo (Tabebuia alba) e a muiracatiara (Astronium lecointein) through testing machining. It was made ten samples for each kind of dimensions following the U.S. ASTM D 1666-87. Still determined the apparent density of the wood (g.cm-3)   based on the NBR 7190 in order to establish possible relations For machining tests, all species behave well with relation to the sanding and drilling for peg no significant differences between the grades obtained. However, the ipê submitted the worst result for the planing test and cedro due to its smaller apparent density obtained the worst result front of drilling tests. With respect to turning test, species of ipê and canela were rated as the best among the tested species. Overall, it was concluded that the species showed potentials of uses in furniture, frames and general finishing occasions.O presente trabalho teve por objetivo comparar o comportamento de cinco espécies nativas brasileiras (ipê, angelim, muiracatiara, cedro e canela) através de ensaios de usinagem. Confeccionou-se dez amostras para cada espécie de dimensões seguindo a norma americana ASTM D-1666-87. Os ensaios de usinagem também seguiram a norma americana e são os seguintes: teste de plaina, furo para dobradiça e para cavilha, teste de rasgo, de lixa, fendilhamento por pregos e ensaio de torneamento. Para os ensaios de usinagem todas as espécies se comportaram bem com relação ao teste de lixa e furação para cavilha não apresentando diferenças significativas entre as notas obtidas. Porém, o ipê apresentou o pior resultado para o ensaio de plaina e o cedro devido a sua menor densidade aparente obteve o pior resultado frente aos ensaios de furação. Com relação ao ensaio de torneamento as espécies de ipê e canela foram classificadas como as melhores dentre as espécies avaliadas. De forma geral, pôde-se concluir que as espécies apresentaram potenciais de usos em móveis, esquadrias e ocasiões de acabamento gerais

Cumprimento dos requisitos da certificação FSC/CoC por indústrias moveleiras do Rio de Janeiro

This research aimed to analyze the ability of the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan furniture industries to meet the requirements of Forest Council Stewardship chain of custody certifications (FSC). Data were collected through the application of questionnaires containing information on forest certification (participatory management, employee training, company legal documentation, certified suppliers, raw material traceability and certification movement report). The questionnaires were completed during visits to the companies, answered by the head of the design and production sector. The requirements “provision of licenses” and “other legal documents”, “availability of chain of custody certification process officer” and “staff training”, which require costs and require bureaucratic compliance procedures, were the ones that influenced the companies not to obtain the chain of custody certificate. The key requirement “raw material traceability” did not present compliance complexity, as all industries claimed to be able to meet it. In the chain of custody certification standard, most furniture industries in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region can meet the required requirements.O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a capacidade das indústrias moveleiras da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, em atender aos requisitos das certificações de cadeia de custódia do Forest Council Stewardship (FSC). Os dados foram coletados através da aplicação de questionários contendo informações sobre a certificação florestal (administração participativa, capacitação dos funcionários, documentação legal da empresa, fornecedores certificados, rastreabilidade da matéria-prima e relatório de movimentação de certificação). Os questionários foram preenchidos durante visitas às empresas, respondidos pelo responsável do setor de projeto e produção. Os requisitos “disposição de licenças e outros documentos legais”, “disponibilidade de um responsável pelo processo de certificação de cadeia de custódia” e “capacitação de funcionários”, que necessitam de custos e que exigem procedimentos burocráticos para cumprimento, foram os que mais interferiram para que as empresas não obtivessem o certificado de cadeia de custódia. O requisito-chave “rastreabilidade da matéria-prima” não apresentou complexidade de cumprimento, visto que todas as indústrias afirmaram ter capacidade em atendê-lo. Em relação à norma de certificação de cadeia de custódia, a maioria das indústrias moveleiras da região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro consegue cumprir os requisitos exigidos

Use of quality tools to evaluate forest seedlings production in the nursery stage

The control of production processes can assist in the standardization of variability, reducing waste, and improving the quality of a service or product. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the non-conformities in a production system of forest seedlings from Atlantic Forest aiming at the standardization of the production system and adjustments for field cultivation. The definition of the attributes was made through a technical visit to the forestry nursery to know the location and the production process of the seedlings. For the process evaluation, statistical process control tools were used. The non-conformities analyzed were: coiled root growth, disintegrated substrates of plants, presence of roots fixed to the ground, presence of phytopathogen attack symptoms and/or herbivory and symptoms of nutritional deficiency. In general, variability was detected in the production process, compromising the success in planting the seedlings in the field, as well as their quality