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Este manuscrito apresenta um relato da aplicação da Metodologia de Sistemas Suaves (MSF) pelo Grupo de Análise de Segurança de Sistemas Sociotécnicos (GASSST) em um problema complexo de segurança no Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares de São Paulo, Brasil (IPEN-CNEN/SP). Baseando-se tanto em fundamentos teóricos, com base na documentação produzida por Peter Checkland e outros pesquisadores, quanto em experiências práticas, o estudo explora a abordagem da MSF para enfrentar desafios que envolvem fatores técnicos e humanos. Os principais resultados incluem a identificação das perspectivas dos principais interessados, o desenvolvimento de uma Figura Rica para capturar a complexidade do problema e a discussão de soluções potenciais. No entanto, a aplicação completa da SSM foi prejudicada devido às intervenções proativas da equipe da instalação, que resolveu o problema inicial antes que todas as etapas da SSM pudessem ser concluídas. O processo foi posteriormente interrompido por uma pausa induzida pela pandemia do SARS-CoV-2, durante a qual a equipe da instalação esteve ausente por 1 ano e 10 meses. O estudo conclui que a aplicação oportuna da SSM e a expertise dos facilitadores são críticas para a navegação eficaz de questões complexas de segurança. Destaca ainda a necessidade de profissionais experientes e uma aplicação mais rápida da SSM para aproveitar plenamente seu potencial na resolução de desafios organizacionais. As reflexões e experiências documentadas pelo GASSST contribuem com insights valiosos para aplicação prática da MSF em contextos semelhantes.

Sorption technologies have been proposed for the treatment of water containing methylene blue (MB), a toxic and persistent pollutant. Despite its environmental risks, the role of process variables in MB removal has not been fully explored through experimental design. The objective of this study is to assess the potential of bone meal powder (BMP), an underexplored agricultural byproduct, as an affordable adsorbent for the removal of MB from water. BMP was subjected to a series of analytical characterization techniques, and its adsorption capacity was evaluated through a comprehensive factorial design, which investigated the effects of biosorbent dosage, solution pH, and initial MB concentration. The study revealed that the highest adsorption level was 14.49 mg g−1, attained under the following conditions: 1 g L−1 BMP, pH 11, and 100 mg L−1 MB. The adsorption equilibrium was reached within 60 min, with a measured capacity (qexp) of 18 mg g−1. Theoretical adsorption isotherms indicated a capacity of 63 mg g−1, which aligned well with the Langmuir model. To predict adsorption outcomes, machine learning models were applied, with multiple linear regression performing best. Optimization of decision trees and neural networks improved accuracy but risked overfitting. FT-IR, XRD, and ICP analyses indicated ion exchange as a significant mechanism of adsorption. In desorption studies, H2SO4 was the most effective agent, achieving 68.72% desorption efficiency. BMP exhibited optimal recyclability for up to four cycles before efficiency declined.

The production of molybdenum-99 (99Mo) using low-enriched uranium targets (< 20% 235U) dispersed in aluminum (UAlx) is a very promising strategy towards the independence in 99Mo local production. A thorough control must be performed to ensure that these targets meet the regulatory requirements to achieve the expected efficiency in the reactor. The determination of the targets’ composition is of high interest, because the distribution of Al in different phases may have an impact on the U concentration. Among the techniques used for this purpose, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) stands out because of its high sensitivity and precision, allowing for simultaneous determination of several elements in a variety of samples and matrices. However, because U exhibits a complex emission spectrum, spectral interferences are prone to affect the analysis of Al, calling for time consuming preparation steps to remove the U from the matrix. This study proposes a method of direct determination of Al in UAlx targets through the selection of specific emission lines enabled by the evaluation of the associated interferences on the recovery values.

Biochar (BC) is a carbon-rich product obtained when biomass is thermally decomposed at relatively low temperatures (under 700ºC) and limited supply of oxygen in a process called pyrolysis. Because of its porous structure, charged surface and surface functional groups, BC exhibits a great potential as an adsorbent. Its characteristics strongly depend on the feedstock and the pyrolysis conditions, in which the temperature is the key parameter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adsorption potential for the removal of uranium, U(VI), from aqueous solutions using BC obtained through the pyrolysis of the macauba coconut endocarp as a function of the final pyrolytic temperature. The influence of parameters such as pH, sorbent dose and initial concentration on the adsorption of U(VI) was investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity (q) was achieved for the BC obtained at 250°C (BC250), which presented a removal percentage of approx. 86%, demonstrating the potential of the BC from macauba endocarp for treatment of wastewaters.

Mercury is a toxic metal used in a variety of substances over the course history. One of its more dubious uses is in dental amalgam restorations. It is possible to measure very small concentrations of this metal in the urine of exposed subjects by the cold vapor atomic absorption technique. The present work features the validation as an essential tool to confirm the suitability of the analytical method chosen to accomplish such determination. An initial analysis will be carried out in order to evaluate the environmental and occupational levels of exposure to mercury in 39 members of the auxiliary dental staff at public consulting rooms in the city of Araguaína (TO).

Abstract Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF) is a suitable technique for the characterization of contaminated mining sites, providing a quick and reliable screening for areas of significant contamination. This study established and validated a non-destructive methodology for quantitative simultaneous determination of major and minor constituents in soil and sediments by WDXRF, which was further applied to quantify soil and sediment samples from Osamu Utsumi uranium mine (Caldas, Minas Gerais, Brazil). Elements such as Ce, La, Nd, Mn and U were found in more concentrated levels in the calcium diuranate deposit (DUCA), whereas Fe and Al were found at higher levels in the soil samples corresponding to sites where accentuated leaching processes have occurred. Comparatively, the levels of U and rare-earth elements were found in significantly higher levels in the sediments retrieved from the mine’s pit as a result of acid mine drainage. These findings are believed to be useful as an initial environmental assessment for the decommissioning process of the mine.