Characterization and Assessment of a Novel Plate and Frame MD Module for Single Pass Wastewater Concentration−FEED Gap Air Gap Membrane Distillation

Membrane distillation (MD) is an up and coming technology for concentration and separation on the verge of reaching commercialization. One of the remaining boundaries is the lack of available full-scale MD modules and systems suitable to meet the requirements of potential industrial applications. In this work a new type of feed gap air gap MD (FGAGMD) plate and frame module is introduced, designed and characterized with tap water and NaCl–H2O solution. The main feature of the new channel configuration is the separation of the heating and cooling channel from the feed channel, enabling a very high recovery ratio in a single pass. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as flux, gained output ratio (GOR), recovery ratio and thermal efficiency are used to analyze the performance of the novel module concept within this work. A recovery rate of 93% was reached with tap water and between 32–53% with salt solutions ranging between 117 and 214 g NaCl/kg solution with this particular prototype module. Other than recovery ratio, the KPIs of the FGAGMD are similar to those of an air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) channel configuration. From the experimental results, furthermore, a new MD KPI was defined as the ratio of heating and cooling flow to feed flow. This RF ratio can be used for optimization of the module design and efficiency.BMBF, 02WAV1406E, WavE - Verbundprojekt HighCon: Konzentrate aus der Abwasserwiederverwendung, Teilprojekt

Alternative biodigesters for organic waste treatment

The uncontrolled generation of organic waste causes the decrease of the life of landfills. Alternative treatment processes such as anaerobic digestion of organic wastes may be a viable alternative to disposal of such organic waste, and the use of this technology can still generate gains using biofertilizer in agriculture. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the anaerobic digestion of Ceasa vegetables wastes from Cascavel-PR by adding swine manure doses (inoculum) in order to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills. Alternative 12 digesters were developed, and are added 29 liters of effluent (fruit and vegetable wastes) in each reactor, by adding inoculum 3 levels: 0, 1, 2, 3 liters (pig manure). During 50 days of digestion were analyzed the following physical and chemical parameters of the effluent: pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, TS, VS, TOC and P concentrations. Satisfactory results were obtained in most of assessed parameters, TS reductions were observed in the levels of 60% in the treatment with 2 liters of inoculum. With respect to TOC was possible to obtain a reduction of 57%. With the obtained results it can be concluded that the manufactured biodigesters were effective in the digestion of Ceasa waste, however, the effluent can be used for biofertilization by pH correction, due to its acidity.The uncontrolled generation of organic waste causes the decrease of the life of landfills. Alternative treatment processes such as anaerobic digestion of organic wastes may be a viable alternative to disposal of such organic waste, and the use of this technology can still generate gains using biofertilizer in agriculture. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the anaerobic digestion of Ceasa vegetables wastes from Cascavel, Paraná State, Brazil, by adding swine manure doses (inoculum) in order to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills. Twelve alternative digesters were developed, and are added 29 L of effluent (fruit and vegetable wastes) in each reactor, by adding three levels of inoculum: 0, 1, 2 and 3 L (pig manure). During 50 days of digestion were analyzed the following physical and chemical parameters of the effluent: pH, temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and phosphorus (P) concentrations. Satisfactory results were obtained in most of assessed parameters. TS reductions were observed in the levels of 60% in the treatment with 2 L of inoculum. With respect to COD was possible to obtain a reduction of 57%. With the obtained results it can be concluded that the manufactured biodigesters were effective in the digestion of Ceasa waste, however, the effluent just can be used for biofertilization by pH correction, due to its acidity

Removal of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cr(III) from water using modifed residues of Anacardium occidentale L

The pollution of water has been one of the greatest problems faced by the modern society, due to industrialization and urban growth. Rivers, lakes and seas have been continually suffering from the rising concentration of various pollutants, especially toxic elements. This study aimed to evaluate the use of cashew nut shell (Anacardium occidentale) (CNS), after chemical modification with H2O2, H2SO4 and NaOH, as an new and renewable adsorbent material, for the removal of metals Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cr3+ in aqueous medium. The adsorbents were characterized by its chemical constitution, structure, infrared spectroscopy, morphology, by means of scanning electron microscopy, determination of the point of zero charge, thermogravimetrical analysis and porosimetry assessments. Tests were conducted to determine the optimal conditions (pH vs. adsorbent mass) for adsorption, by means of multivariate analysis using a central composite design. The adsorption kinetics was evaluated by models of pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion, while adsorption isotherms were linearized by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich. The effect of initial concentration, temperature and desorption was also performed. The adsorbents exhibited irregular, spongy and heterogeneous structure. FTIR analysis confirms the presence of hydroxyl, aliphatic, phenolic and carboxylic acid groups, which are favorable adsorption characteristics. The pHPZC of adsorbent is 4.35, 2.50 e 6.92, respectively, for CNS H2O2, H2SO4 and NaOH. The optimum adsorption conditions were as follows: pH 5.0; relation of adsorbent mass/volume of water: 4 g L−1; 40 min of contact time for reaching the equilibration. Results suggest the predominance of chemisorption of Cd2+ and Cr3+. Most of biosorbents exhibited good fit by Langmuir and Freundlich, suggesting the occurrence of adsorption on mono- and multilayers. The adsorbents of cashew nut shell exhibited high removal efficiency of Cd, Pb and Cr from watersTo Capes and CNPq for the funding of this researchS

TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTES DE HOSPITAL VETERINÁRIO POR MEIO DO USO DE BIODISCOS

O Hospital Veterinário da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, campus Toledo, apresenta um sistema de esgoto contendo fossas sépticas para os efluentes oriundos de banheiros, cozinha, lavagem de salas, centro cirúrgico, lavagem do piso onde ficam alguns animais e onde acontecem aulas práticas. Todas as substancias químicas são descartadas em recipientes específicos para cada tipo. Com tudo, o objetivo do estudo é avaliar o desempenho de um protótipo de biodiscos aplicado no tratamento dos efluentes. Diante disso o trabalho foi realizado no laboratório de Análises Ambientais da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná Campus Toledo-PR onde foi desenvolvido um sistema de tratamento de efluente com reator de biodiscos, em escala laboratorial. A unidade piloto consiste em um recipiente contendo um conjunto de discos de policloreto de vinila (PVC), dispostas em paralelo, formando um cilindro, que, suportadas por um eixo central, são ligadas a um motor de 12 W que promove a rotação do conjunto. O mesmo ficou em operação constante durante 8 dias, e não apresentou falhas construtivas. Os materiais escolhidos para os discos foram manta abrasiva e PVC, os quais se mostraram eficientes, entretanto a manta abrasiva destacou-se na avaliação da maioria dos parâmetros como N, P e DQO. No tratamento com PVC, apresentou boa remoção em alguns parâmetros, apesar de não visualizar presença de microrganismos e bactérias (biofilme) aderidas no mesmo. &nbsp

Use of Co-Products from the Processing of Cassava for the Development of Adsorbent Materials Aiming Metal Removal

Nowadays the contamination of water resources by the most varied pollutants have been accelerated. Technologies of decontamination of water are too costly, however, the development of low cost adsorbents, have proven to be efficient, promising and cheap alternatives for this purpose. The use of adsorbents from cassava residues has shown great potential for use as an adsorbent. The productive chain of this crop involves the production and processing of its roots, generating a large volume of solid waste. Aiming the sustainability of production systems, productive chains should optimize the production of cassava barks residues, since these do not present significant uses or benefit. In this scenario, this chapter gathers information from the literature on the use of solid waste from the cassava agroindustry and its use as adsorbents, aiming the removal of toxic metals, as well as their potential for the treatment of other contaminants. Several authors have demonstrated through studies the potentiality of the use of agroindustrial cassava residues as adsorbents. Because of a range of characteristics observed these adsorbents present viability for large-scale use, being in very similar to activated carbon. Thus, the use of these adsorbent materials represents an extremely viable and sustainable alternative

PRODUTIVIDADE E COMPONENTES DE PRODUÇÃO DO MILHO ADUBADO COM Cu E NPK EM UM ARGISSOLO

Soil fertilizing deficiencies can be connected to one of the main responsible factors for the incapacity of maize growing expressing all its productive genetic potential. On this way, it was done a work with the purpose of evaluating the production components and the maize growing productivity due fertilizing with different dose of copper, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This work has been accomplished in the municipality of Palotina–PR, in an typic hapludalf. The experiment was conducted on a delineation of arranged blocks on a 3x3 factorial scheme with 4 repetitions, constituted by 3 NPK fertilization doses: without fertilization (control), dose recommended (30:100:50 kg ha-1); twice the dose recommended fertilization (60:200:100 kg ha-1) and three doses of copper: 0,0; 5,0 e 10,0 mg dm-3. About NPK fertilization the 60:200:100 kg ha-1 dose, gave the best results. About fertilization with copper, a considerable increasing was not verified on the treatments for the evaluated components and productivity.As deficiências de fertilidade dos solos podem ser relacionadas como um dos principais fatores responsáveis pela incapacidade dos cultivares de milho expressarem todo o seu potencial genético produtivo. Desta forma realizou-se um trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar os componentes de produção e a produtividade da cultura do milho em função da adubação com diferentes doses de cobre, nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio. O trabalho foi realizado no município de Palotina–PR, em um Argissolo Vermelho–Amarelo Eutrófico. Conduziu-se o experimento no delineamento blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 3x3, com 4 repetições, constituído por três doses de adubação NPK: sem adubação (testemunha); dose recomendada (30:100:50 kg ha-1); duas vezes a dose recomendada de adubação (60:200:100 kg ha-1) e três doses de cobre: 0,0; 5,0 e 10,0 mg dm-3. Com relação à adubação de NPK a dose 60:200:100 kg ha-1 proporcionou os melhores resultados. Em relação à adubação com o cobre, não ocorreu aumento significativo dos tratamentos para os componentes avaliados e a produtividade

PRESENÇA DE Dioctophyma renale EM DOIS FURÕES NA REGIÃO CENTRAL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL

The giant kidney worm is the only known parasite capable of reaching the organ parenchyma. Dioctophyma renale has a worldwide distribution and is often parasitizing canids and other accidental hosts. The adult parasite mainly inhabits the right renal parenchyma, from where it eliminates its eggs along with urine. Hosts acquire the parasite by ingesting infected annelids or paratenic hosts (fish and frogs). The objective of the present work was to report the infection of two Ferrets (Galictis cuja) by D. renale. Both ferrets were found dead in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, victims of a run over. At necropsy, thin and long specimens were found in the abdominal cavities of ferrets. The parasites were identified at the Parasitology Laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Maria, campus Palmeira das Missões-RS. The finding of two infected ferrets in habitats with strong anthropic changes may be indicative of imbalance caused by coexistence with domestic animals, especially dogs. Since it has been shown that dogs can be important reservoirs for this parasitosis. The study of wild animal endoparasites is important in order to understand the ecology, the life cycle and the relationship between parasites and hosts.O verme gigante do rim é o único parasito conhecido capaz de atingir o parênquima do órgão. Dioctophyma renale tem distribuição mundial e é frequentemente descrito parasitando canídeos, entre outros hospedeiros acidentais. O parasito adulto habita principalmente o parênquima renal direito, de onde elimina seus ovos juntamente com a urina. Os hospedeiros definitivos adquirem o parasito ao ingerir anelídeos ou hospedeiros paratênicos (peixes e rãs) infectados. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi relatar a infecção de dois Furões-pequenos (Galictis cuja) por D. renale. Ambos os furões foram encontrados mortos na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, vítimas de atropelamento. Na necropsia, foram encontrados espécimes delgados e longos, nas cavidades abdominais dos furões. Os parasitos foram identificados no Laboratório de Parasitologia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, campus Palmeira das Missões-RS. O achado de dois furões infectados em habitats com fortes alterações antrópicas pode ser indicativo de desequilíbrio causado pela coexistência com animais domésticos, especialmente cães, uma vez que têm sido demonstrados que cães podem ser reservatórios importantes para esta parasitose. O estudo de endoparasitos de animais silvestres é importante, a fim de compreender a ecologia, o ciclo de vida e a relação entre parasitos e hospedeiros

Efeito agroeconômico de adubos formulados contendo zinco de diferentes marcas comerciais no cultivo da soja em um Latossolo vermelho

To increase the productivity of soybeans and reducing its costs, the use of micronutrients has been intensified in recent years. The objective is to evaluate productivity and yield components of soybeans, with the application of chemical fertilizer formulated with different sources of Zn and trademarks, as well the economic analysis of two application doses. The experimental design was a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and a factorial 5x2. Consisting of the five fertilizer sources (4 with and 1 without Zn), and two fertilizer doses (300 and 600 kg ha-1). The fertilizers are formulas of NPK (2 - 20 - 18 and 0.3% Zn when Prezento), applied at the base. The Data were subjected to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. The application of 300 kg ha-1 gave rise, in relation to the use of double dosage in Zn leaf contents, since the double fertilization (600 kg ha-1) gave rise of the parameters and yield components of soybeans, as well the levels of P, K and Zn in the soil as residual effect of fertilizer. The economic analysis demonstrated the viability of using double fertilizer dose.  Para o aumento da produtividade de grãos de soja e redução de seus custos, o uso de micronutrientes tem se intensificado nos últimos anos. O objetivo do trabalho é avaliar a produtividade e componentes de produção da soja, com a aplicação de adubo químico formulado com diferentes fontes de Zn e marcas comerciais, bem como a análise econômica de duas doses de aplicação. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com três repetições e esquema fatorial 5x2. Constituído de 5 fontes de fertilizantes (4 com Zn e 1 sem Zn), e duas doses de adubação (300 e 600 kg ha-1). Os fertilizantes possuem as fórmulas de NPK (2 - 20 - 18 e 0,3% de Zn quando presente), aplicados na base. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. A aplicação da dose de 300 kg ha-1 proporcionou elevação, em relação à utilização do dobro da dose, dos teores foliares de Zn, já o dobro da adubação (600 kg ha-1) proporcionou elevação dos parâmetros componentes da produção e produtividade da soja; bem como dos teores de P, K e Zn no solo como efeito residual da adubação. A análise econômica demonstrou viabilidade no uso do dobro da dose de adubação. &nbsp