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The present study evaluated the potential for biogas generation from microalgae (MA) biomass and macrophytes used in vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW). The samples were obtained by separation and collection of MA after a hydraulic retention time of 14 days, frozen and taken to the laboratory, while the macrophytes of VFCW were obtained, by pruning, every 6 months. The obtained results presented reductions of 63.22% and 61.18% for COD and BOD

A avaliação da sustentabilidade ambiental e dos custos econômicos de um sistema combinado de tratamento e reuso de efluentes composto por reatores anaeróbios (RAs), Wetlands construídos híbridos (WCs) e ozonização foram investigadas neste estudo. O software de Avaliação de Ciclo de Vida (ACV) SimaPro 8.04 foi aplicado nos dados de construção e monitoramento do sistema, que tratava águas residuais de um campus universitário. A avaliação econômica foi realizada considerando os custos de construção, aquisição de equipamentos e operação. Em relação à construção do sistema, os RAs e WC2 apresentaram os maiores impactos potenciais devido ao polietileno de alta densidade e à fibra de vidro, respectivamente. Em relação à operação do sistema, a Ozonização foi responsável por 95% dos impactos totais através da análise da rede, devido ao seu alto consumo de energia, sendo as categorias de impactos ambientais Aquecimento global, Energia não renovável, Efeitos respiratórios, Não cancerígeno e eutrofização foram as mais significativas. Quanto à avaliação econômica, o custo do tratamento considerando apenas os RAs foi estimado em 6,5 US $/m³, considerando que a integração com os WCs híbridos quase dobrou (13,5 US $ / m³), com o sistema combinado aumentou para 28,6 US $/m³. A maioria das despesas estava relacionada à demanda de energia e remoção e tratamento de lodo. Portanto, embora o sistema atinja os padrões locais para reutilização de águas residuais, estudos futuros devem investigar a geração local de energia renovável e materiais de construção alternativos para reduzir impactos e custos.

RESUMO O gerenciamento coletivo de resíduos sólidos industriais é uma alternativa que visa à redução de custos e à centralização de atendimento a requisitos legais. Para unir esforços na gestão de tal tipo de resíduo, conglomerados industriais têm se instalado em distritos onde desenvolvem suas atividades e gerenciam seus resíduos de forma coletiva, numa espécie de simbiose que traz benefícios ambientais e econômicos. Este artigo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre alguns aglomerados industriais brasileiros e o gerenciamento coletivo de seus resíduos, utilizando como estudo de caso uma central de resíduos industriais localizada no sul do Brasil. Na revisão, foram pesquisados publicações e autores referência mediante duas combinações de expressões-chave: “Avaliação de Ciclo de Vida + Simbiose Industrial” e “Gerenciamento de Resíduos + Indústria do Tabaco”. O primeiro tema apresentou-se mais atual, com maior quantidade de publicações oriundas do continente europeu. O segundo tema foi mais constante, sem grandes variações no número de publicações, destacando-se os Estados Unidos como a origem dos autores referência. As conclusões apontam para a tendência de expansão dos estudos acerca de avaliação do ciclo de vida e a consolidação do conceito de simbiose industrial. Com relação à gestão de resíduos da indústria do tabaco, a abordagem foca nos malefícios do cigarro à saúde e no problema dos resíduos pós-consumo (bitucas). ABSTRACT Collective management of industrial solid waste (ISW) is an alternative that aims to reduce costs and centralize compliance with legal requirements. To unite efforts in the management of ISW, industrial conglomerates have been installed in districts where they develop their activities and manage their waste collectively, in a kind of symbiosis that brings environmental and economic benefits. This article aimed to carry out a systematic review on some Brazilian industrial clusters and the collective management of their waste, using as a case study an Industrial Waste Center located in southern Brazil. Publications and reference authors were searched using two combinations of key expressions: “Life Cycle Assessment + Industrial Symbiosis” and “Waste Management + Tobacco Industry”. The first theme was more current, with a greater number of publications from the European continent. The latter is more constant, without major variations in the number of publications, highlighting the United States as the origin of the reference authors. Conclusions point to a trend toward expansion of studies on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the consolidation of the concept of industrial symbiosis. Regarding the management of waste from the tobacco industry, the approach focuses on the harmful effects of cigarettes on health and the problem of post-consumption waste (butts).

Os produtos eletrônicos descartados incorretamente podem causar muitos danos ambientais e, consequentemente, à saúde humana. Nesse contexto, foi realizada uma revisão teórica das leis e normas brasileiras sobre resíduos sólidos eletrônicos, empresas que atuam na área e a avaliação do descarte de resíduos eletrônicos na cidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, além da potencial revalorização de computadores descartados localmente. Verificamos que existem soluções para a disposição de resíduos eletrônicos de pessoas físicas e jurídicas, principalmente empresas de informática da cidade, destacando que para as primeiras existe um local adequado na cidade denominado CEPREL (Centro de Coleta de Pneus e Lixo Eletrônico), mantido pela Prefeitura Municipal. As empresas têm seus próprios processos. Consideramos como benefício social que uma das melhores soluções municipais é o BTEC (Banco Social de Tecnologia do Vale do Rio Pardo), que coleta computadores desativados de empresas, os repara e doa a escolas e entidades beneficentes.

RESUMO Neste estudo foi avaliada a capacidade de produção de carvão por meio de resíduos classe II A aterrados em uma fundação de proteção ambiental na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As amostras foram compostas (em proporção massa/massa) de 40% plástico, 25% papel/papelão, 25% espumas e borrachas sintéticas e 10% tecido de algodão e tripas de celulose. Empregou-se técnica de pirólise de baixa temperatura (350°C) com uma rampa de aquecimento de 2,70°C min-1 e tempo de residência de 30 minutos. Os experimentos foram feitos com e sem catalisador, sendo 25% de catalisador constituído de argila vermelha. Nas amostras brutas e pirolisadas foram avaliados o poder calorífico inferior (PCI), o poder calorífico superior (PCS) e o poder calorífico útil (PCU). Nas mesmas amostras também se caracterizaram carbono orgânico, teor de cinzas, cloretos, bem como alumínio, antimônio, bário, cádmio, cálcio, chumbo, cobalto, cobre, cromo total, ferro, magnésio, manganês, níquel, potássio, prata, sódio e zinco. As amostras pirolisadas com catalisador apresentaram valores de PCU de 5.473 kcal kg-1, tendo característica interessante para geração de energia, porém a presença de metais pesados, especialmente Ni e Cr, merece atenção quanto ao uso como combustível. A potencialidade para formulação de adubos também é crítica, sendo discutida na presente pesquisa. ABSTRACT In this study, the capacity to produce coal from Class IIA residues landed in an Environmental Protection Foundation in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul was evaluated. The samples were composed (in mass/mass ratio) of 40% plastic, 25% paper/cardboard, 25% foam and synthetic rubbers, and 10% cotton fabric and cellulose casings. Low temperature (350°C) pyrolysis technique was used with a heating ramp of 2.70°C min-1 and a residence time of 30 minutes. The experiments were done with and without catalyst, with 25% catalyst, consisting of red clay. In the pre-crude and pyrolysates, the Lower Calorific Power (LCP), the Higher Calorific Power (HCP), and the Useful Calorific Power (UCP) were obtained. The samples also characterized organic carbon, ash content, chlorides, as well as aluminum, antimony, barium, cadmium, calcium, lead, cobalt, copper, total chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, silver, sodium, and zinc. Pyrolyzed samples with catalyst showed PCU values of 5,473 kcal kg-1, having an interesting characteristic for energy generation. However, the presence of heavy metals, especially Ni and Cr, deserves attention regarding their use as fuel. The potential for fertilizer information is also critical, being discussed in this research.

Atividades humanas, como a descarga de qualquer tipo de efluente em sistemas lóticos e lênticos, geralmente sem nenhum tipo de tratamento, estão atualmente se tornando uma das principais preocupações ambientais. Por exemplo, efluentes de lavanderia hospitalar são caracterizados como tendo alto impacto ambiental entre os setores das unidades de saúde. Dessa forma, sistemas integrados de tratamento de efluentes têm sido propostos para melhorar sua eficiência. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de um sistema de tratamento multifuncional de baixo custo, integrando o uso de uma célula de combustível microbiana (CCM) com Wetland Construído de Fluxo Vertical (WCFV) para tratamento de águas residuárias da lavanderia do Hospital Santa Cruz, Município de Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brasil, utilizando ensaios ecotoxicológicos. Os resultados indicaram que P1, ponto de coleta correspondente ao efluente bruto, apresentou uma toxicidade aguda média de CE(I)50 48h% = 29,3 ± 15,5% (Coeficiente de Variação, CV = 52,8%), sendo classificado como altamente tóxico. Já P2, ponto de coleta correspondente ao efluente tratado, apresentou uma toxicidade aguda média de CE(I)50 48h% = 100,0 ± 0,0 %, sendo classificado como não tóxico. Concluímos, desta forma, que o sistema de tratamento multifuncional de baixo custo para remediação de efluentes de lavanderia hospitalar, fui altamente eficiente, uma vez que houve a completa detoxificação do mesmo, representando uma alternativa promissora para a remoção de toxicidade de efluentes hospitalares.

Traditional methodologies of conventional drinking water treatment are unable to remove some chemical compounds, such as those that cause odor and taste in drinking water. The present work aims to evaluate the efficiency of advanced oxidations processes, using UV radiation, O

The increasing demand for animal protein, mainly for porcine protein, has led companies and producers to investigate techniques capable of optimizing current production systems, as well as the use of drugs such as veterinary antibiotics. The incomplete absorption of these drugs by the digestive system of the animals generates effluents whose composition presents veterinary drug residues. Swine waste treatment systems (ponds) have reduced capacity to degrade these residues; thus, it is necessary to find treatment alternatives such as composting. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the composting technique in degrading 17 veterinary antibiotics often used in pig production systems. The herein adopted composting process comprised eucalyptus shavings and swine waste at the ratio 1:8 (1 kg of shavings to 8 L of swine waste). First, 25 L of swine waste were contaminated with 17 antibiotics and mixed in a bench-scale composting system for 150 days. The sample preparation consisted of the solid-liquid extraction followed by a clean-up by dispersive solid phase extraction, and then the extracts were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Antibiotic groups such as quinolones, tetracyclines, and sulfonamides recorded fractions cumulative removal of 99.4%, 99.4% and 97.2%, respectively, at the end of the composting process. On the other hand, antibiotics such as sulfathiazole, chlortetracycline, and tetracycline recorded 100% degradation during the composting process.

Water contamination by discharge of untreated or poorly treated wastewater into water bodies is a current issue that may cause harm to humans. Water quality assessment targets general parameters, which often misleads to underestimation of their implication in the environment. Acute and genotoxicity assays using Daphnia magna is a reliable tool for testing deleterious effects of wastewater exposure. This paper aimed at evaluating acute ecotoxicity as well as genotoxicity of a biological treatment system composed by an anaerobic bioreactor (AR), algal turf scrubber (ATS), followed by two downflow constructed wetlands (CW). The university's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) composed by an equalization tank (ET), an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB), followed by an aerobic bioreactor (AB) was also assessed for acute and genotoxicity. Our results showed the acute ecotoxicity ranged from moderately to extremely toxic, and from nontoxic to moderately toxic for ET and AB. For AR, most samples were moderately toxic. The outflow from ATS and CW's tanks completely eliminated acute toxicity and genotoxicity evidencing that the proposed system combining ATS and vertical CWs is suitable for treating sanitary wastewater.

Wastewater treatment using constructed wetlands (CWs) based on natural wetlands constitute a viable alternative with excellent cost and benefit, presenting themselves as efficient technologies in the secondary and tertiary treatment of wastewaters with low implementation, operation, and maintenance costs. The present study aims to evaluate the use of bamboo species, as an alternative to macrophytes, frequently used in CWs, through bibliometric analysis, besides to a review based on case studies. The maps generated by the VOSviewer software and by the analyses of the Web of Science and Scopus databases allowed for a review of typical concepts of CWs, in addition to revealing potential benefits of using bamboos in CWs, such as their hyperaccumulation capacity and bioproduct generation. Other promising aspects were identified, for example the use of bamboo charcoal as a substrate used in subsurface wetlands and the application of ornamental bamboo species for landscape improvements, among other observations. The efficiencies found in six case studies showed values between 89-99.7%, 47.6-99.7%, 58.3-99.9%, and 85.5-99.8% for BOD

In this work, KNbO3 perovskite nanostructures were prepared at different Nb2O5:KOH molar ratios via microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis. The structural and optical properties of the samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, diffuse reflectance, and photoluminescence analysis. The [1:16] sample showed an improved electron-hole separation when compared to the other synthetic pathways. Photocatalytic activities of the materials in the degradation of rhodamine B were also evaluated. The results indicate that the perovskite with the molar ratio [1:16] showed higher photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of rhodamine B, with a 23-fold decrease in the initial concentration. Such improved performance is accounted for by its large values of specific surface area and a more efficient conversion of UV photons into effective charge carriers. Photodegradation intermediates were identified by micrOTOF-Q III liquid chromatography, which indicated a large amount of N-de-ethylated cleavage products and simple organic acids, thus demonstrating the excellent applicability potential of these KNbO3 ferroelectrics in the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater.

People that consumed treated water from Dourado Lake, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil perceived alterations in its taste and odor. Based on this, we focused our study on the monitoring of 2-MIB and GSM in samples collected from Dourado Lake, using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The monitoring was done by performing exploratory evaluations at several points on the lake during the summers of 2017 and 2018 and in all seasons of 2019, considering points of water in an inlet and an outlet of the lake. At the inlet point, the average concentration of GSM was 7.56 ± 1.94 ng L-1 and that of 2-MIB was 33.09 ± 6.89 ng L-1. However, for the outlet point, the average concentrations of GSM and 2-MIB were 10.62 ± 2.51 ng L-1 and 28.72 ± 10.47 ng L-1, respectively. In all cases, the presence of GSM and 2-MIB was perceptible by the people consuming the water (during all seasons), showing the need for correct management of water resources. People that consumed treated water from Dourado Lake, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil, perceived alterations in its taste and odor. Based on this, it was studied the monitoring of 2-mthylisoborneol (2-MIB) and geosmin (GSM) in samples collected from Dourado Lake, using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The monitoring was done by performing exploratory evaluations at several points on the lake during the summers of 2017 and 2018 and in all seasons of 2019, considering points of water in an inflow and an outflow of the lake. At the inlet point, the average concentration of GSM was 7.56 ± 1.94 ng L-1 and that of 2-MIB was 33.09 ± 6.89 ng L-1. However, for the outlet point, the average concentrations of GSM and 2-MIB were 10.62 ± 2.51 ng L-1 and 28.72 ± 10.47 ng L-1, respectively. In all cases, the presence of GSM and 2-MIB was perceptible by the people consuming the water(during all seasons), showing the need for correct management of water resources.

The present study aimed to develop a pilot-scale integrated system composed of anaerobic biofilter (AF), a floating treatment wetland (FTW) unit, and a vertical flow constructed wetland coupled with a microbial fuel cell (CW-MFC) and a reactive bed filter (RBF) for simultaneously decentralized urban wastewater treatment and bioelectricity generation. The first treatment stage (AF) had 1450 L and two compartments: a settler and a second one filled with plastic conduits. The two CWs (1000 L each) were vegetated with mixed plant species, the first supported in a buoyant expanded polyethylene foam and the second (CW-MFC) filled with pebbles and gravel, whereas the RBF unit was filled with P adsorbent material (light expanded clay aggregate, or LECA) and sand. In the CW-MFC units, 4 pairs of electrode chambers were placed in different spacing. First, both cathode and anode electrodes were composed of graphite sticks and monitored as open circuit. Later, the cathode electrodes were replaced by granular activated carbon (GAC) and monitored as open and closed circuits. The combined system efficiently reduced COD (> 64.65%), BOD5 (81.95%), N-NH3 (93.17%), TP (86.93%), turbidity (94.3%), and total coliforms (removal of three log units). Concerning bioenergy, highest voltage values were obtained with GAC electrodes, reaching up to 557 mV (open circuit) and considerably lower voltage outputs with closed circuit (23.1 mV). Maximum power densities were obtained with 20 cm (0.325 mW/m2) and 30 cm (0.251 mW/m2). Besides the electrode superficial areas, the HRT and the water level may have influenced the voltage values, impacting DO and COD concentrations in the wastewater.

A Demanda Química de Oxigênio (DQO) é um indicador global de matéria orgânica presente em águas residuais e superficiais, sendo amplamente utilizada em efluentes líquidos que monitoram a descarga de efluentes líquidos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um método alternativo de espectrofotometria para leitura e determinação de DQO em efluentes urbanos, utilizando aquisição de imagens digitais por smartphone e o tratamento das mesmas por meio de ImageJ e Photometrix. Através da construção de curvas analíticas foi possível validar o método utilizando o vetor Photometrix e RGB, resultando em um intervalo de trabalho linear de 55-600 mg O2.L-1 e um método mais sensível, preciso e preciso que o método padrão referenciado. O uso de amostras reais também obteve melhores resultados com este método, com recuperação média de 93,5% (n = 4), capaz de quantificar o analito em amostras de efluentes com a mesma confiabilidade. No entanto, o uso do ImageJ proporcionou linearidade em um intervalo restrito de 163-400 mg O2.L-1, necessitando de ajustes no modo de aquisição de imagens digitais. Porém, o uso de smartphones para obtenção das imagens permitiu o desenvolvimento de um método muito mais prático, simples e acessível quando comparado ao método padrão referenciado.

RESUMO O sistema integrado com microalgas (MA) e wetland construído de fluxo vertical (wetland construído pós-microalgas - WCPMA) foi aplicado para a realização de ensaios de tratamento de efluentes no campus da Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, no Rio Grande do Sul (UNISC-RS). Águas negras e amarelas foram alimentadas para esse sistema em regime de batelada a partir de um tanque equalizador da estação de tratamento de efluentes da universidade, considerando tempo de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de três dias para cada unidade do sistema integrado. O comparativo de desempenho foi feito com unidades também envolvendo a sequência de tanque de armazenamento de efluentes (TAE) + sistema de controle (C), somente com suporte de areia e brita, em triplo estágio, bem como wetlands construídos de fluxo vertical, também em triplo estágio. O abastecimento utilizou fatores de carga em termos de demanda química de oxigênio (DQO) de 2,4±0,9 g m-1dia-1 para o TAE e de 26,7±11,2 g m-1dia-1 para as unidades de wetlands construídos, de MA+WCPMA e de C (sem o cultivo da Hymenachne grumosa). Em relação à unidade TAE+MA+WCPMA, as reduções dos parâmetros de cargas poluentes foram mais significativas em termos de demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO5) (58%), fósforo total (63%) e, principalmente, nitrogênio amoniacal no sistema integrado, com redução de 100%. Em termos de toxicidade aguda com Daphnia magna, a detoxificação foi efetiva, com variações de valores de EC50 de 58 a 100%. O estudo obteve resultados expressivos que indicam que o sistema MA+WCPMA é uma alternativa promissora no tratamento de águas residuárias para unidades geradoras descentralizadas, possibilitando maior redução da ação eutrofizante. ABSTRACT The application of integrated systems with microalgae (MA) and Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland Post Microalgae (CWPMA) was performed for campus wastewater treatment assays located in Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC-RS). Black and yellow waters were fed to systems in batch regime from equalizer university wastewater treatment plant tank, considering hydraulic detention time (HDT) of three days for each unity of the integrated system (MA+CWPMA). The comparison of performances was also made with units involving storage tank wastewater (STW)+Control System (C), only supported with sand and gravel in triple stage, as well as CWs, also triple stage. The supply used load factors in terms of COD 2.4±0.9g m-1 day-1 (for STW) and 26.7±11.2 COD m-1day-1 for the units of CWs; MA+CWPMA and Control (without the cultivation of Hymenachne grumosa). Reductions of the parameters of pollution loads were more significant in terms of BOD5 (58%), total phosphorous (63%) and especially in terms of ammonia nitrogen in integrated STW+MA+CWPMA, with a reduction of 100%. In terms of acute toxicity with Daphnia magna, detoxification was effective, with EC50 values ranging from 58 to 100%. The study developed obtained significant results that indicate this is a promising alternative in the treatment of wastewater for decentralized generating units, allowing greater reduction in eutrophic action.

The pulp and paper industry has been researching different treatments for the degradation of adsorbable organohalogens (AOX). In this work, two agitation processes (mechanical and ultrasound) were analyzed in the AOX degradation of the bleaching wastewater using nano zero valent iron (nZVI). The work used different variables for the AOX removal process, such as pH, time, nZVI, and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O2) concentration. Results show an increase in AOX degradation when a higher nZVI concentration is used. The optimal combination of variables for the treatment with mechanical agitation was found in the ratio 2:5 (nZVI : H 2 O2), degrading 85% of AOX in 60 min, with acid pH. Ultrasound treatment consisted of half process time and less degradation than mechanical agitation treatment. The 2:5 ratio in ultrasound agitation degraded 55% of AOX within 30 min at the end of the process. Both methods of the homogenization process of zero valent iron nanoparticles in the bleaching wastewater of the paper and cellulose industry are efficient. However, the mechanical stirring process has a more significant potential for AOX degradation. The variables (pH, concentration of nZVI and H 2 O2 and duration of the process) used in the bleaching wastewater treatment process must be considered for future implementation in the pulp and paper industry.

The palaeolimnological conditions of Mirim Lagoon, a large coastal shallow lagoon under the influence of historical human impacts related to the development of the primary sector of the economy were reconstructed. The first significant human impact consisted of locking the estuarine system to induce the transition from brackish to freshwater conditions. During this transition, the sedimentation rate consistently increased from pre-disturbance values of 0.25 cm yr-1 to >1 cm yr-1. A concomitant increase in nitrogen and carbon values was recorded indicating a related eutrophication process. The highest nutrient levels were achieved during the 1990s after the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies for agricultural production such as high-yielding varieties of rice resistant to climate variability and pests, and the use of inorganic fertilisers, pesticides and water supply controlled by irrigation. After 2011, the soybean production boosted and the area cultivated with this oilseed equalled the area of rice paddies, i.e., 2 × 105 ha. A sharp decrease in δ13C from -19 to -24‰ and in δ15N from 6 to 2‰ were observed in the sedimentary record, indicating a major shift in the composition of the organic matter after the agricultural intensification. Trace elements Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn showed a high positive correlation with Al and Fe, and enrichment factors near 1, indicating a natural and terrigenous source of these elements and also unpolluted conditions. However, the increase of As after 1990 and the positive correlation with Pb was associated with agricultural practices. All elemental ratios (K/Al, Ti/Al and V/Cr) showed constant pre-disturbance trends and a turning point ca. the 1990s. Microplastics were detected from the beginning of the 1990s and increased towards recent sediments, thus corroborating an anthropogenically impacted scenario. Therefore, the development of the primary sector of the economy exerted clear impacts on the environmental quality of the system.

Os sistemas wetlands construídos são uma ecotecnologia de tratamento de águas residuárias enquadrados como soluções baseadas na natureza. Inúmeros elementos físicos e biológicos – em destaque os materiais filtrantes, as macrófitas e os microrganismos – atuam em consonância nas remoções da matéria orgânica suspensa e dissolvida presentes nos afluentes submetidos ao tratamento, bem como, nas transformações dos nutrientes presentes. Os wetlands construídos compõem inúmeros arranjos tecnológicos de tratamento de esgotos, são consolidados no mundo e no Brasil como mais uma opção para o controle da poluição hídrica. Inúmeras empresas, operadoras de saneamento, universidades e centros de pesquisa vêm aplicando e estudando as diversas modalidades de wetlands construídos. O Grupo Wetlands Brasil, o qual congrega inúmeros pesquisadores e praticantes distribuídos em todo o território nacional, foi estabelecido há uma década tendo como premissa a disseminação da utilização desta ecotecnologia na busca da universalização do esgotamento sanitário.

Floating treatment wetlands (FTW) are technologies that have stood out for their efficiency, ease of installation and maintenance. They consist of macrophytes emerging in a floating structure that keep the plant roots in direct contact with the effluent regardless of the water flow variation over time, allowing the removal of pollutants by various processes. The application of FTWs for the treatment of domestic wastewater has the advantage of low costs in terms of removing nutrients and at the same time reducing the cost of maintenance and energy consumption when compared to the conventional centralized treatment of effluent. The lack of wastewater treatment in areas distant from urban centers is even more limited, mainly due to the high cost of tubing and pumps for the effluent to reach the treatment plants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to research FTW systems applied to the decentralized treatment of domestic wastewater. First, a bibliometric analysis was conducted comparing the main issues involving FTW, and the challenges regarding the integration of FTW and domestic wastewater treatment systems. The feasibility of the floating system as a decentralized treatment approach were discussed, as well as the removal of nutrients in domestic wastewater, which was the most covered topic by researchers who developed studies in the area. In addition, other technologies are being integrated into the phytoremediation systems seeking to improve the quality of the treated effluent and assessing the potential reuse in the homes where they are generated and treated, determining the costs and space requirements for the entire process. There is a large research gap regarding the treatment of domestic wastewater by FTW in decentralized systems, mainly in terms of operation, cost assessment and reuse Therefore, further investigations in order to better understand the performance of the process and the reactions that occur with physical, chemical and microbiological removal mechanisms are still necessary.

This study evaluated the performance of urban wastewater treatment in pilot-plant by an integrated system consisting of anaerobic reactor, microalgae cultivation, Venturi tube ozone recirculation, coagulation/flocculation with tannin-based agent natural coagulant, and dissolved air flotation (DAF). Ozone concentrations (without ozone, 0.13 and 0.25 mg O

Resource management should follow a circular flow so that important substances such as phosphorus are not wasted in the form of water bodies’ pollutants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate innovations focussing on the recovery of phosphorus in constructed wetland (CW) treatment systems, as well as related removal mechanisms and the more recent development and application of new substrates with high removal efficiency and potential for phosphorous recovery. Using bibliometric analysis, the most important P removal pathways were identified and investigated, concluding that substrate choice is one of the main aspects to be considered when aiming for phosphorous removal, and many improvements were obtained through the application of materials from either natural or artificial origins as well as construction waste and by-products of industrial processes. Thus, it is important that the chosen materials for a wetland substrate must present affinity with phosphorous, recycling possibility, low cost and local availability, in order to approach the concepts of circular economy and sustainable development.

Anticancer drugs are chemically spoken a broad group of pharmaceuticals especially designed to treat cancer. Many have been widely used for chemotherapy for decades. They are intrinsically toxic. After administration the active compound is excreted together with its metabolites because of incomplete mineralization in the human or animal body. Thereby they end up in hydrosphere and the pedosphere. In the hydrosphere they are present at the microgram per litre range or below. Therefore, they are part of the so-called micropollutants. During the last 20 years, researchers have focused their attention on the environmental fate of anticancer drugs as well as on the risks that these compounds may pose to humans and the environment. In general, these compounds are characterized by a poor environmental biodegradability and often they are not completely removed by conventional wastewater treatments. So called advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), i.e. additional oxidative treatment of wastewater treatment plant effluents has therefore been taken into consideration to solve the problem. Such processes are also used as a final treatment for the treatment of potable water. Among them is the treatment with UV light. Some advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been shown to eliminate pharmaceuticals in general at a high degree. However, often incomplete mineralization results in the formation of unwanted transformation products (TPs) of unknown chemical structure, toxicity and fate. In some cases, it was shown that TPs were easier to biodegrade compared to the parent compounds. Nevertheless, it was also found that many TPs are not biodegradable and are more toxic or exhibiting a different toxicity profile than the parent compounds.

Tobacco is the most widespread non-food crop in the world. In Brazil, tobacco cultivation is one of the main commodities of the southern region. However, its production is associated with environmental impacts and risks to human health, which have yet to be quantified. This paper uses midpoint and endpoint life cycle assessment (LCA) to analyze the potential environmental damage and human health risk associated with agricultural production of conventional Virginia (CV), organic Virginia (OV), and Burley (BU) tobacco varieties. Organic tobacco production substitutes synthetic fertilizers and pesticides with organic compounds in the cropping stage. The results show that for one ton of dried tobacco, BU, CV, and OV emit 1,610, 1,426, and 1,091 kg CO2 eq, respectively. For organic production, greater impacts are linked to the land use (LU) impact category. The endpoint results showed that OV production resulted in a higher potential for human and environmental damage than BU and CV. The drying of green OV and CV tobacco requires the burning of firewood, which emits high levels of particulate matter and is associated with human health (HH) damage. Overall, the HH damage category accounts for 68%, 82%, and 78% of the total score points associated with the production of BU, CV, and OV.

Introduction. The management of health solid waste is seen as an emerging and urgent need in Brazil. Objective. This paper aims at diagnosing the real situation in the management of health solid waste produced in different hospitals in cities located in the west of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Materials and Methods. Brainstorming was one of the management tools used for identifying failures in the waste management system. After identifying the problem, the Leopold Matrix was used as a method of evaluating the magnitude and importance of the management steps and their different aspects. Also, the GUT Matrix was used to evaluate the seriousness, urgency and tendency of waste management problems aiming at setting priority indexes for subsequent adjustments. Finally, based on the situational diagnosis, the 5W2H tool was used as a forecast. Results. After the tools were applied, it was verified that the hospitals face relatively serious problems regarding their waste management. Besides, it was observed that the professionals involved in the process need qualification and training and the hospital units do not have internal waste storage shelters, which is considered a relevant problem in the transmission of vectors as well as an occupational safety hazard. Hospitals units also present sorting errors related to waste classes, packaging and identification. On the prognosis, improvement actions were planned objectively, with a schedule draft, cost estimate and the people in charge. Conclusion. It is possible to conclude that a more effective environmental management in the hospital units is needed, prioritizing professional training for those involved in the Health Solid Waste Management Plan in accordance to the legislation. Resumen Introducción. El gerenciamiento de los residuos sólidos de salud se presenta como una necesidad emergente y urgente en Brasil. Objetivo. Diagnosticar la situación del gerenciamiento de los residuos sólidos de salud producidos en los distintos hospitales de ciudades en el oeste del estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Materiales y Métodos. Una de las herramientas de gerenciamiento utilizadas fue el Brainstorming, visando identificar fallas en el sistema de gerenciamiento de residuos. Tras la identificación del problema, se hizo uso de la Matriz de Leopold, como método de evaluación de la magnitud y de la importancia de las fases del gerenciamiento y sus diferentes aspectos. Se utilizó también la Matriz de GUT para evaluar la gravedad, urgencia y tendencia, visando construir índices de prioridad para posteriores adecuaciones y, finalmente, con base en el diagnóstico de la situación, se utilizó la herramienta 5W2H como pronóstico. Resultados. Tras la aplicación de las herramientas, se constató que los hospitales están con problemas relativamente graves en cuanto a su gerenciamiento de los residuos. Además, se observó que los profesionales involucrados en el proceso, necesitan de capacitación y entrenamiento. Se observó, aún, que las unidades hospitalarias no poseen alojamientos internos de almacenamiento de residuos, siendo este un problema relevante en la transmisión de vectores y seguridad ocupacional, y presentan errores en la segregación de las clases de los residuos, en el acondicionamiento e identificación de los mismos. En el pronóstico, fueron planeadas acciones de mejora, de forma objetiva, con elaboración de cronograma, estimativa de costos y responsables. Conclusion. Se puede concluir que hay necesidad de una gestión ambiental más adecuada en las unidades hospitalarias, priorizando la capacitación de los profesionales involucrados en el Plano de Gerenciamiento de Residuos Sólidos de Salud y obedeciendo a la legislación. Resumo Introdução. O gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos de saúde apresenta-se como uma necessidade emergente e urgente no Brasil. Objetivo. Diagnosticar a situação do gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos de saúde produzidos nos diferentes hospitais de cidades no oeste do estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Materiais e Métodos. Uma das ferramentas de gerenciamento utilizadas foi o Brainstorming, visando identificar falhas no sistema de gerenciamento de resíduos. Após a identificação do problema, fez-se uso da Matriz de Leopold, como método de avaliação da magnitude e da importância das fases do gerenciamento e seus diferentes aspectos. Utilizou-se também a Matriz de GUT para avaliar a gravidade, urgência e tendência, visando construir índices de prioridade para posteriores adequações e, finalmente, com base no diagnóstico da situação, utilizou-se a ferramenta 5W2H como prognóstico. Resultados. Após a aplicação das ferramentas constatou-se que os hospitais estão com problemas relativamente graves quanto ao seu gerenciamento dos resíduos. Além disso, observou-se que os profissionais envolvidos no processo necessitam de capacitação e treinamento. Observou-se, ainda, que as unidades hospitalares não possuem abrigos internos de armazenamento de resíduos, sendo este um problema relevante na transmissão de vetores e segurança ocupacional, e apresentam erros na segregação das classes dos resíduos, no acondicionamento e identificação dos mesmos. No prognóstico, foram planejadas ações de melhoria, de forma objetiva, com elaboração de cronograma, estimativa de custos e responsáveis. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que há necessidade de uma gestão ambiental mais adequada nas unidades hospitalares, priorizando a capacitação dos profissionais envolvidos no Plano de Gerenciamento de Resíduos Sólidos de Saúde e obedecendo à legislação.

The present research investigated the efficiency of an integrated system for the treatment of wastewaters generated at a rural property located in the city of Vera Cruz do Sul, southern Brazil. The integrated system was composed of an anaerobic unit (UASB/AB), 4 subsurface constructed wetlands (SSFCWs), and two photoreactors (UV-254 nm). The evaluation of the performance was based on the reduction of the load parameters and mainly on the detoxification of the wastewaters. The ecotoxicological analysis included short-term assays with the microcrustacean Daphnia magna whereas the cytogenetic potential of the wastewaters was assessed by using the Allium cepa test system. On the one hand, the raw wastewaters presented a strong pollution potential due to high COD, BOD5, TKN, N-NH3 and total P values. On the other hand, the effluents treated by the integrated system showed high reductions of the abovementioned parameters and fully attend the Brazilian and International legal requirements. Furthermore, the treated wastewaters presented a complete absence of the acute ecotoxicity (100%) as well as significant reductions of the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity when compared to the raw wastewaters. Therefore, the investigated system can be considered an interesting low-cost sanitation alternative, especially for wastewaters produced in rural areas, where decentralized systems are more suitable. Besides, the results obtained in the present work demonstrate the importance of including toxicity analysis in the monitoring of waters and wastewaters in order to obtain a broader evaluation concerning the efficiency of different treatment systems.

Sustainable and decentralized sanitation is essential for a continental country like Brazil to mitigate its untreated sewage liabilities. This may be directly related to the constructed wetlands (CWs), since these systems are considered clean technology alternatives for the treatment of wastewaters. So, the present research investigated the treatment of university campus wastewaters by a hybrid system composed of: anaerobic reactors (AR) + vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) + floating treatment wetlands (FTW) + horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSSFCW). Effluents were treated in batch mode, with a loading time of 1 h, a flow after preliminary treatment of 1.6 m3 h−1 to load the system and hydraulic detention time of 3 days for the AR, and 7 days for each CW unit. CW were planted with 4 different macrophytes: Hymenachne grumosa, Vetiveria zizanoides, Papyrus and Lemna minor sp. The obtained results showed removal rates of 67 % for COD, 53 % for BOD5, 94 % for Total N, 90 % for DOC, 98 % for turbidity and of 5log for E. coli. Almost all the investigated parameters of the treated wastewaters were in accordance the emission limits established by current Brazilian legislation. Moreover, the good performance of the hybrid system brings new reuse possibilities for the treated wastewaters, so that they would be adequate to be reused in orchards, cereals, forages, pastures for livestock and other crops through runoff or by punctual irrigation system.

The present study investigated the performance of an integrated system, combining the sequential use of microalgae (MA) and vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) for the treatment of wastewaters produced at a university campus. Ecotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays were performed using respectively Daphnia magna and Lactuca sativa, whereas the genotoxicity of the wastewaters was assessed by using D. magna and Allium cepa. The results revealed that the major environmental impacts of the studied wastewaters are associated with the high eutrophication potential, due to high N-NH3 (68.8 ± 25.7 mg L-1), total P (7.71 ± 2.5 mg L-1), and BOD5 (526.4 ± 177 mg L-1) values, pathogenic load, and genototoxicity (p

The present research investigated the treatment of hospital laundry wastewaters by the combined use of photochemical VUV and UVC reactors. Seven different configurations were tested and the performances of each of them were evaluated based on the removal of the load parameters, detoxification and life cycle assessment (LCA). The characterization of studied wastewaters included analysis of the following parameters: COD, BOD5, TKN, total P, pH, turbidity and conductivity. Acute ecotoxicity was evaluated using Daphnia magna. Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy was performed to determine the organic fraction and chromatography coupled to the mass spectrometer (GC–MS) was used for the qualitative characterization of priority pollutants. Characterization parameters showed the presence of drugs like lidocaine and dipyrone and a high organic load with a poor biodegradability. Wastewaters presented an extreme acute toxicity against D. magna (EC50 6.7%). The ozonation process (mainly generated by the VUV reactor) obtained the best results concerning the ratio between the consumed energy and the removed COD and the UVC process presented the lowest environmental impacts for the characterization and normalization parameters of the LCA. Normalization revealed that the highest environmental burdens were associated with human toxicity, ecotoxicity and eutrophication of surface waters as well as to the use of non-renewable resources. VUV/UVC/O3 process presented the best results considering detoxification (EC50 100%).

Studies identifying treatment technologies that combine low costs, high efficiencies, and lower environmental impacts are of great value. Thus, the present study investigated the performance of a wastewater treatment system located on a rural property by life cycle assessment. The system consisted of an anaerobic unit (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket combined with an anaerobic filter), four subsurface flow constructed wetlands, and two photoreactors. The reductions in chemical oxygen demand varied between 93% and 97%, whereas the biochemical oxygen demand decreased by 97–98%. Additionally, 97% of the total Kjedahl nitrogen, 100% of the ammoniacal nitrogen, and more than 90% of total phosphorus were removed from the wastewater. These data were used with reference to the life cycle inventory. The results obtained by the analysis of the endpoint H inventory network showed that 67.3% of the environmental impacts were related to the construction while 32.7% were associated to the operation of the system. The phototreament (45%) and anaerobic (36%) units were responsible for the highest environmental burdens of the constructions phase. By considering the operation of the system with a lifespan of 10 years, again the anaerobic unit accounted for most of the environmental impacts, mainly related to climate change. However, the system presents several potentialities, which might turn it, more environmental friendly and life cycle assessment showed that some of them such as energy recovery from the anaerobic unit will greatly reduce the environmental pressure indexes. Thus, the present study showed that the application of a life cycle assessment can give valuable insights for setting the best configurations for a wastewater treatment system in rural areas by identifying the most critical parameters and by the evaluation of actions which might reduce the environmental impacts.

The research developed a combined system in batch flow and in pilot scale for the treatment and reuse of urban effluents. The system was fed raw effluent from a university campus in Brazil and composed of four anaerobic reactors, three constructed wetlands (CWs) and an ozonation unit. The three sequential hybrid constructed wetlands were composed of a floating treatment wetland, an aerobic-anoxic baffled constructed wetland (CW) and a saturated vertifcal flow CW. Later, during the last trimester, weekly samples of the treated effluent were ozonated by bubbling with an application rate of 240 mg.h-1 O3. The system presented high removal rates efficiencies in terms of carbonaceous organic matter (78.9%), nitrogen (91.0%), color (96.7%) and turbidity (99.1%). In addition, it worked well for disinfection and acute ecotoxicity, but P was only efficiently (75%) removed in the first 8 months, with removing efficiency declining after this period. Ozonation provided significant color removal and an increased pH. The combination of floating, alternated upflow and downflow and saturated vertical flows improved the treatment of wastewater. This was due to the presence of both aerobic and anaerobic zones, as well as the filter substrate, through an integrated system with simple construction and operation and increased lifespan.

RESUMO O presente trabalho avalia os efeitos da adição de glicerol sobre a porosidade e resistência mecânica de um material cerâmico. As amostras foram compactadas por prensagem uniaxial e submetidas a temperaturas de queima de 950 °C e 1100 °C, com taxa de aquecimento de 7 °C min-1. Foram realizados ensaios físicos e mecânicos para analisar porosidade aparente, absorção de água, retração linear e resistência mecânica a flexão. Os resultados mostram que a adição de 10% de glicerol à argila melhora principalmente suas propriedades mecânicas, podendo ser um aditivo promissor para gerar materiais cerâmicos estruturais com microestrutura mais resistente. ABSTRACT The present work evaluates the effects of the glycerol addition on the porosity and mechanical resistance of a ceramic material. Samples were compacted by uniaxial pressing and were submitted to different sintering temperatures, 950 °C and 1100° C, with a heating rate of 7 °C min-1. Physical and mechanical analysis were performed to evaluate porosity, water absorption and linear retraction. The results show that the addition of 10% of glycerol into the clay mainly improves its mechanical properties, being able to be a promising additive to generate structural materials with more resistant microstructure.

The present study aimed to develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) study of municipal solid waste management in Vera Cruz, RS, Brazil, to evaluate conventional waste management system, sorting of rec...

The universalization and decentralization of wastewater treatment is one of the greatest challenges faced in Brazil. In this context, Constructed Wetlands (CWs) may be considered environment friendly and economically viable alternative for geographically remote locations, having fewer financial resources and infrastructure. During the last years, studies have investigated different configurations aiming to increase the capacity of CW to remove nutrients, mainly phosphorus (P) and reinforced its importance in ecological and landscape contexts. Thus, the present study evaluated the performance of a hybrid system combining Floating, Vertical and Horizontal Flow CWs to treat urban wastewaters. A removable adsorbent barrier was developed to improve the removal of P and a polyculture with ornamental plants was used to add landscape potential. The obtained results showed a promising nutrients removal capacity of the hybrid system, with mean removal rates of 94.0% for total P, 93.8% for ammonium nitrogen (N−NH3), 93.8% for total nitrogen (N), 80.0% for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), 84.0% for biochemical oxygen demand (BDO5), 77.0% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 99.7% for turbidity. The integrated system kept its ability to remove pollutants during the 11 months of operation (January to December 2019), without substrate saturation, and also maintaining P values within the limits allowed by current Brazilian (CONSEMA Resolution 355/17 (3 mg L−1)) and international legislation (UWTD 91/271/EEC (2 mg L−1)). The landscape benefits were extremely positive mainly due to the flowering of Canna generalis and its greater biomass production. By crossing the biomass data and the accumulation of nutrients in the tissues of the aerial part it was possible to verify that the contribution of the plants in the N removal from the system reached 8.08% while the P decrease attained 17.92% in the horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetland (HSSFCWs). Therefore, the developed system enabled an efficient removal of nutrients throughout the monitoring period, enhancing the wastewater quality and potentializing its reuse for different purposes.

Because of the generation of high volumes of wastewaters with known toxicological properties, hospital laundry wastewaters constitute an unquestionable source of pollution for water bodies. So, the present research aimed to summarize, analyze and discuss studies carried out by different work groups that focus their researches on the characterization and the treatment of these effluents. An initial section briefly discussed the integrated management, including treatment alternatives, for hospital wastewaters. In a second step, bibliometric analysis based on the Web of Science database and using the VOSviewer software were carried out. Based on the obtained data, a literature review of characterization studies and of the main alternatives for the treatment of hospital laundry wastewaters was performed. Finally, five of the discussed treatments were selected and submitted to life cycle assessment (LCA) in order to identify the main aspects associated with the environmental burdens of the treatments and so help to propose alternatives that may mitigate these impacts. The results of the bibliometric analysis showed that despite the threat that hospital laundry wastewaters can pose to human and environmental health, a scare number of studies address the treatment of these effluents. Furthermore, the few researches dedicated to this important topic, evaluate the treatment efficiency based only in reduction/removal of load parameters, i.e., disregarding the potential toxic effects of the wastewaters. LCA also showed that most of the investigated treatments alternatives presented relevant negative impacts, so that, the benefits obtained by the treatments might be lower than the environmental burdens and even increase the direct and indirect toxic effects of the effluents. LCA also showed that most of the investigated treatments alternatives presented relevant negative impacts, so that, the benefits obtained by the treatments might be lower than the environmental burdens and even increase the direct and indirect toxic effects of the effluents. In the vast majority of the analyzed categories, these negative impacts were mainly associated with the consumption of electricity. Therefore, treatment systems with high energy requirements should be avoided, even when achieving good pollutant removal rates due to relevant “environmental costs”. So, LCA results showed that the replacement of fossil fuels by cleaner energy sources, such as solar energy, may significantly lower the negative environmental impacts.