A preliminary experimental study simulating evapotranspiration process in TEvap tanks cultivated with different forages.

The evapotranspiration tank (TEvap) is a 'zero-discharge' ecotechnology for toilet water disposal. This work refers to a preliminary study to evaluate the influence of forages and the addition of a vertical soil strip on evapotranspiration (ET), electrical conductivity (EC) and pH in TEvap receiving fresh water. The factors studied were the forages and the soil strip, resulting in four treatments with three replications. Two plant growing seasons, cycle 1 and cycle 2, were monitored, during which the variables were measured every three and seven days, respectively. Weather variables were used to estimate the reference evapotranspiration and determine the TEvap coefficient (KTEvap). The accumulated ET for TEvap with Capiaçu was 27.93% and 45.89% greater than for TEvap cultivated with Tifton-85 during the first and second cycles, respectively. There were no significant differences in ET for TEvap with and without the soil strip. BRS Capiaçu also showed lower values for EC and pH. High values were obtained for KTEvap: 2.37 and 1.76 for TEvap cultivated with BRS Capiaçu and Tifton-85 grass, respectively. Considering the period of this study, the minimum area for 'zero-discharge' would be 5.70 m2 inhab-1 and 7.77 m2 inhab-1 by TEvap planted with BRS Capiaçu and Tifton-85 grass, respectively. Due to its greater capacity for evapotranspiration, it can be concluded that the BRS Capiaçu forage is suitable for a 'zero-discharge' constructed wetland systems. It is suggested that further, more-thorough studies be carried out to design a 'zero-discharge' TEvap, considering different weather conditions, crops and inlet toilet water.HIGHLIGHTS Evapotranspiration tank (TEvap) is a 'zero discharge' ecotechnology for disposing toilet water;A preliminary study was conducted to simulate the evapotranspiration in TEvap receiving fresh water;Two forages - Cynodon spp. (Tifton-85 grass) and Pennisetum spp. (BRS Capiaçu) - were cultivated in the tanks;5.70 m2 inhab-1 were estimated for evapotranspiration with BRS Capiaçu and 7.77 m2 inhab-1 with Tifton-85 grass.

Exogenous Auxin and Gibberellin on Fluoride Phytoremediation by Eichhornia crassipes.

High rates of fluorosis were reported worldwide as a result of human consumption of water with fluoride contents. Adjusting fluoride concentration in water as recommended by the World Health Organization (<1.5 mg L-1) is a concern and it needs to be conducted through inexpensive, but efficient techniques, such as phytoremediation. The application of phytohormones was investigated as a strategy to improve this process. Thus, the main goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of exogenous auxin and gibberellin on the tropical duckweed Eichhornia crassipes performance for fluoride phytoremediation. Definitive screening and central composite rotatable designs were used for experiments where fluoride concentration (5~15 mg L-1), phosphorus concentration (1~10 mg L-1), and pH (5~9) were assessed as well throughout 10 days. Fluoride contents were determined in solution and plant tissues by potentiometry. Higher concentrations of fluoride reflected on greater absorptions by plants, though in relative terms removal efficiencies were quite similar for all treatments (~60%). Auxin and acidic conditions favored fluoride removals per mass of plant. Fluoride accumulated mostly in leaves and auxin probably alleviated toxic effects on E. crassipes while gibberellin showed no effect. Therefore, E. crassipes could be employed as a fluoride accumulator plant for water treatment and exogenous auxin may be used to improve the process.

Removing Mn, Cu and Fe from Real Wastewaters with Macrophytes: Reviewing the Relationship between Environmental Factors and Plants' Uptake Capacity.

Heavy metal pollution creates environmental health concerns. Among these, iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) are commonly found in aquatic environments due to the release of wastewaters. Phytoremediation in hydroponics uses macrophytes to treat contaminated environments, and this is influenced by environmental factors. However, the relationship between these factors and the removal of Fe, Cu and Mn by macrophytes is not known. Therefore, a meta-analysis serves to determine the correlations between environmental factors and the removal of these metals in real wastewater by macrophytes, as well as to identify the role of different aquatic forms of macrophytes in phytoremediation. Emergent macrophytes had higher concentrations of manganese in their tissues, and higher bioconcentrations factor of iron and manganese than floating plants. Regardless of the biotope, higher concentrations of Fe and Cu decreased the ability of plants to bioconcentrate them. The correlations among exposure time, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, photoperiod and metal phytoremediation by plants were also found. It can be concluded that the emergent macrophytes showed better performance in terms of the removal of Fe, Cu and Mn, and that the significant correlations between environmental factors and removal vary with the type of metal and the environmental factor analyzed.

Performance of an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor operating under high organic loading in treatment of biodiesel wastewater.

Studies reporting the performance of anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (AnSBR) operating with high organic loadings are scarce. This study aimed to contribute to the technical and scientific literature by reporting the experience obtained when biodiesel wastewater was treated in an AnSBR applying organic loading rates (OLR) above those commonly used in batch reactor projects. For this, physicochemical and chromatographic analysis of the effluent were carried out. Further, the biomass was assessed chemically and morphologically, along with bacterial diversity characteristics. Supported by these analyses, the system performance was discussed in terms of COD remotion efficiency and buffering capacity. The AnSBR reached 10% of COD removal at the steady-state, which caused the biomass defragmentation and facilitated washout. This suggests that the startup and operation of AnSBR under optimized conditions with an average applied OLR of 11.3 gCOD L-1 d-1 worked as a pressure for the microbiota selection, stimulating the production of total volatile acids, which promoted system reduction efficiency and souring. In this context, food/microorganism ratios above 1.0 gCOD gTVS -1 d-1 can favor acidogenic activity, and total volatile acids/bicarbonate alkalinity concentration ratios above 1.9 may indicate acidification. The addition of support material for immobilizing/increasing biomass retention and/or operation under two-stage may be interesting alternatives for increasing AnSBR efficiencies under high OLRs.

Statistical process control in assessing water quality in the Doce river basin after the collapse of the Fundão dam (Mariana, Brazil).

The process of extracting information from data generated in environmental monitoring programs is often carried out using statistical tools, with Statistical Process Control (SPC) showing great potential for application in environmental monitoring. In November 2015, millions of cubic metres of tailings were dumped into the basin of the River Doce with the collapse of the Fundão dam. A study of the impact of this incident requires new approaches in data monitoring and processing, so it was sought to evaluate, using SPC tools, changes in water quality in the basin of the River Doce following the collapse of the dam. Using process charts and the process capability index (PCI), water quality parameters in the Doce and Carmo rivers were evaluated between 2009 and 2020. There, turbidity has improved since 2018, and Mn since 2016. Control charts showed that by December 2020 dissolved Fe was still not within normal pre-event fluctuation patterns. The PCI value showed that the situation worsened after the event for each of the parameters, with the lowest values for Mn and E. coli. By using a reference period, SPC makes it possible to infer the permanence of the impact of extreme pollution on the waterbody, which can be used in the routine monitoring of water quality in such events.

A simpler statistical approach to estimate the allowable effluent discharge into a low monitored river network.

The goal of the study was to illustrate how the variation in streamflow patterns affects the magnitude of pollutants that can be loaded into the hydrography in a more straightforward manner. For that, two basins in the Doce River basin (Brazil) were evaluated in order to estimate the variation in the allowed wastewater in streamflow units (m3s-1) into the hydrography without impairing the rivers' water quality. The main water quality parameters of the basin were considered for the analysis: E. coli, total phosphorus (P), nitrate­nitrogen (N-NO3-), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Because the already existing E. coli in the system is too high, the allowable streamflow, considering this pollutant, was null. For N-NO3-, the model was not valid because the concentration of it the wastewater is smaller than the allowed in the legislation. For last, considering P and BOD, it was observed that, for most gauges, it was possible to load more wastewater in the hydrography during wet months, especially when the effluent goes through some treatment. For example, considering P, a significant difference between the allowable pollutants in the wet season in comparison to the dry season, indicating that for one gauge, more wastewater is allowed in the dryer season. For BOD, contrarily, the allowable wastewater in the hydrography increased by about 50% in both seasons, without much variation. With that, we conclude that the dilution capacity in the waters is variable, so should be the allowed amount of pollutants into the river network throughout the year.

Chemically enhanced primary treatment of dairy wastewater using chitosan obtained from shrimp wastes: optimization using a Doehlert matrix design.

Dairy operations generate large volumes of polluted wastewater that require treatment prior to discharge. Chemically enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) is a widely utilized wastewater treatment strategy; but it requires the use of non-biodegradable coagulants that can lead to toxic-byproducts. In this study, chitin from shrimp shell waste is extracted and converted into chitosan. Chitosan was demonstrated to be a natural, low-cost alternative coagulant compatible with the CEPT. Following treatment, dissolved air flotation allowed for the removal of turbidity, COD, and UV254 from the synthetic dairy effluent (SDE). Doehlert matrix was used to optimize the chitosan dosage and pH of the CEPT; as well as to model the process. The mechanisms behind the coagulation-flocculation were revealed using zeta potential analysis. FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to confirm the functional groups present on the chitosan. Chitosan with a degree of deacetylation equal to 81% was obtained. A chitosan dose of 73.34 mg/L at pH 5.00 was found to be optimal for the removal of pollutants. Removals of COD, turbidity and UV254 were 77.5%, 97.6%, and 88.8%, respectively. The amount of dry sludge generated to treat 1 m³ of SDE was 0.041 kg. Coagulation-flocculation mechanisms involved in chitosan-mediated treatment of SDE involve the neutralization of electrostatic charges carried on the amine groups present in cationic chitosan at pH 5.00. Doehlert matrix proved to be a useful tool in optimizing parameters throughout the coagulation-flocculation process. Chitosan from shrimp waste is a low-cost, eco-friendly coagulant alternative for the removal pollutants from dairy effluent using the CEPT.

Lítio, dextrana e rodamina na avaliação da hidrodinâmica de sistemas alagados construídos / Lithium, dextran, and rhodamine in the hydrodynamic evaluation of constructed wetlands

RESUMO Sistemas alagados construídos (SACs) são alternativas de engenharia para tratamento de águas residuárias. Entretanto, ainda são limitadas as pesquisas relacionadas à hidrodinâmica desses sistemas, quando comparados a outras unidades de tratamento, como filtros biológicos, reatores anaeróbios, lagoas de estabilização, dentre outros. Dessa forma, neste estudo teve-se como objetivo avaliar o comportamento hidrodinâmico de três SACs de escoamento horizontal subsuperficial (plantados e não plantados) em escala piloto, por meio da injeção dos traçadores cloreto de lítio, dextrana azul e rodamina WT. Utilizaram-se diferentes metodologias de normalização, para vazão constante e para vazão variável, para avaliar o efeito da variação da taxa de escoamento no sistema. Além disso, determinaram-se os índices hidrodinâmicos e o grau de dispersão dos sistemas por meio dos modelos de escoamento tanques em série e escoamento disperso. Os valores recuperados de rodamina WT e de lítio foram satisfatórios, maiores do que 80% da massa injetada nos três SACs. Para a dextrana azul, a taxa recuperação não foi validada. Não foram verificadas diferenças nas curvas de distribuição de tempo de retenção submetidas às duas metodologias de normalização. Os índices hidrodinâmicos determinados revelaram baixo grau de curtos-circuitos, boa eficiência hidráulica e mistura nos sistemas. Os sistemas apresentaram grau de dispersão moderada, o que está de acordo com os resultados obtidos pelos índices hidrodinâmicos.

ABSTRACT Constructed wetlands (CWs) are engineering alternatives for wastewater treatment. However, the scientific literature related to the hydrodynamics of these systems is still scarce when compared to other treatments, such as trickling filters, anaerobic reactors, stabilizations ponds, among others. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the hydrodynamic behavior of three subsurface horizontal flow CWs (vegetated and unvegetated) on a pilot scale by injecting the tracers lithium chloride, blue dextran, and rhodamine WT. Different normalization methodologies for constant and variable flows were used to evaluate the effect of flow rate variation on the system. In addition, hydrodynamic indices and the system dispersion degree were determined by tank-in-series and dispersion models. The recovered mass of rhodamine WT and lithium was greater than 80% in the three systems, considered satisfactory. For the blue dextran, the recovery rate was not validated. Residence time distribution curves were submitted to two normalization methodologies. No difference was detected. The hydrodynamic indices found revealed low short circuit level, good hydraulic efficiency and mixing in the systems. The systems presented a moderate degree of dispersion, agreeing with the results obtained by the hydrodynamic indices.

Comparison of first-order kinetic models for sewage treatment in horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands.

There are several techniques for sizing horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands systems (CWs), and mathematical models have been frequently used for this purpose because they more accurately represent the liquid behaviour in these reactors. The P-k-C* model has already been used in the prediction of organic matter removal in CWs, but it has been little explored in the literature. On other hand, the model proposed by Chan and Chu [Modeling the reaction kinetics of Fenton's process on the removal of atrazine. Chemosphere. 2003;51(4):305-311] was not known for prediction of organic matter removal in CW systems. In the present work, the kinetic data for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 28 horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands were used to compare the performance of two pseudo-first-order kinetic models (P-k-C* model and model from Chan and Chu. The comparisons of nonlinear regressions were performed considering Akaike information criterion (AIC), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and adjusted coefficient of determination (Radj2). In general, both models were able to provide good predictions of relative remaining concentration (C/C0). However, the Chan and Chu model produced higher adjustment coefficients, showing the potential to be used in modelling and simulation of the degradation kinetics of organic matter in wetlands.

Green coagulants recovering Scenedesmus obliquus: An optimization study.

The recovery of microalgae by means of coagulation-flocculation is efficient, simple and low operating costs. The addition of coagulants makes it possible to destabilize the microalgae surface loads and recover their biomass. Chemical coagulants can contaminate the environment and negatively affect human health. Thus, the exploration of natural coagulants, such as Moringa oleifera and Guazuma ulmifolia, are innovative. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of biomass separation from the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquuos by means of coagulation-flocculation. M. oleifera and G. ulmifolia were used in order to optimize the variables dose, pH and settling time, through a central composite rotational design, which presented recovery efficiencies above 80.0% and 60.0%, respectively. In relation to M. oleifera, optimum regions were obtained for biomass recovery at both pH 4.0 with a dose of 40.0 mg L-1 and pH 9.0 with a dose of 80.0 mg L-1, both in 30 min of settling times. For G. ulmifolia, an optimum dose of 30.0 mg L-1 at pH 4.0 with a 3 min settling time demonstrated that this new coagulant for microalgae recovery has potential for application. Thus, these natural coagulants are promising and can be used in coagulation-flocculation to recover biomass from Scenedesmus obliquuos and, thus, minimize the use of synthetic or metallic products.

Guazuma ulmifolia: an environmentally friendly coagulant aid for water treatment.

In the present work the use of a promising novel coagulant aid, Guazuma ulmifolia, was optimized to treat synthetic water using central composite being highly efficient at rotatable design (CCRD). The factors evaluated for the coagulation-flocculation process were coagulants dosages and pH. A model to describe the coagulation-flocculation process was successfully obtained. The model was validated using 5 mg L-1 aluminum sulfate, 2.5 mg L-1 G. ulmifolia and pH 9, achieving excellent agreement with observed values.

Assessment and optimization of the use of a novel natural coagulant (Guazuma ulmifolia) for dairy wastewater treatment.

A feasible, novel, and natural coagulant extracted from G. ulmifolia stem bark was characterized and used in experiments of coagulation/dissolved air flotation (C/DAF) to treat synthetic dairy wastewater (SDW). The performance of G. ulmifolia to remove turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and UV254 was evaluated by using response surface methodology (Doehlert matrix). G. ulmifolia dosage and pH were evaluated and optimized in the C/DAF process and its characterization was performed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and also zeta potential. Results showed that G. ulmifolia stem bark is composed of large quantities of condensed tannins represented by the groups C=C-C and CO of pyran (flavonoid C-rings), which serve as bridges during coagulation. Moreover, the presence of porous cavities in surface of G. ulmifolia, shown by SEM, indicated capacity for adsorption. G. ulmifolia dosage and pH were significant (p ≤ 0.05) for pollutant removal from the SDW. Jar test results revealed that 95.8% of turbidity, 76.0% of COD, 81.2% of BOD, and 85.6% of UV254 were removed from SDW by using G. ulmifolia stem bark at a dose of 775.8 mg L-1 and pH 5.00. Finally, our results showed promising use of G. ulmifolia as a coagulating agent due to its novelty, efficiency, low-cost, and eco-friendly properties as an alternative for the treatment of dairy wastewaters.

Dinâmica do fósforo em sistemas alagados construídos tratando água residuária da suinocultura / Phosphorus dynamics in constructed wetlands systems treating swine wastewater

RESUMO Neste estudo, teve-se por objetivo avaliar a remoção de fósforo e obter coeficientes cinéticos em sistemas alagados construídos (SAC) utilizados no tratamento das águas residuárias da suinocultura (ARS), sob diferentes taxas de carregamento de fósforo (TCP). Para isso, foram utilizados oito tanques de 2,0 × 0,5 × 0,6 m. Em SAC3, SAC5, SAC7 e SAC9, foi plantado o capim tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.) e, em SAC2, SAC4, SAC6 e SAC8, foi plantada a taboa (Typha latifolia). As TCP médias aplicadas foram de 6,2 (SAC2 e SAC3), 12,4 (SAC4 e SAC5), 17,5 (SAC6 e SAC7) e 21,5 kg.ha-1.d-1 (SAC8 e SAC9). As eficiências de remoção de fósforo variaram entre 65 e 78%, valores que podem ser considerados satisfatórios, visto que a remoção de fósforo total nesses sistemas é baixa e varia entre 40 e 60%. Em relação aos ajustes de modelos cinéticos, verificou-se que o de primeira ordem não se ajustou bem aos dados obtidos neste trabalho, enquanto os de Brasil et al. (2007) e Kadlec & Wallace (2008) proporcionaram bom ajuste e descreveram com precisão a cinética de remoção de fósforo nos SAC avaliados, apresentando R2 superior a 90%.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate phosphorus removal and to obtain kinetic parameters in SACs used in the treatment of swine wastewater (ARS), under different phosphorus loading rates (TCP). For this, eight tanks of 2.0 × 0.5 × 0.6 m were used. SAC3, SAC5, SAC7, and SAC9 were planted with Tifton-85 bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) and SAC2, SAC4, SAC6, and SAC8 were planted with cattail (Typha latifolia). The average TCP applied were 6.2 (SAC2 and SAC3), 12.4 (SAC4 and SAC5), 17.5 (SAC6 and SAC7) and 21.5 kg ha-1 d-1 (SAC8 and SAC9). The efficiency of phosphorus removal ranged between 65 and 78%, values which can be considered satisfactory, since the removal of phosphorus in these systems is low and ranges between 40 and 60%. Regarding adjustment of the kinetic models, it was found that the first order model did not fit well to the data obtained in this work, while the models of Brasil et al. (2007) and Kadlec & Wallace (2008) provided good fit and accurately described the kinetics of phosphorus removal in the evaluated SACs, with R2 greater than 90%.

Phytoremediation of arsenic-contaminated water by Lemna Valdiviana: An optimization study.

Phytoremediation is a technique in which plants are used to treat contaminated media. The objective of this study was to monitor the influence of the parameters pH, phosphate concentration, and nitrate concentration in the process of arsenic absorption by Lemna valdiviana Phil. The response surface methodology was used to analyze the data to subsidize actions that maximize the phytoremediation process. A central composite rotational design (CCRD) was used with 3 variables including 6 axial points and 6 repetitions at the central point, totaling 20 trials. The plants were exposed to a constant concentration of arsenic in the optimization test of 0.5 mg L-1 (NaAsO2) and varied levels of pH, P-PO4, and N-NO3 in a period of 7 d. At the end of the experiment, the mass of arsenic removed from water and arsenic accumulated in the plants, the arsenic species present, the relative growth rate of plants (RGR), the tolerance index (TI), and the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) were calculated. Lemna valdiviana absorbed a greater amount of As when cultivated under pH conditions between 6.3 and 7.0, readily available phosphorus (P-PO4) concentration of 0.0488 mmol L-1, and nitrogen in the form of 7.9 mmol L-1 nitrate. Under these conditions, the plants were able to accumulate 1190 mg kg-1 As (in dry weight) from the aqueous media and reduce 82% of its initial concentration. Therefore, Lemna valdiviana has been shown to be an arsenic bioaccumulating macrophyte with high phytoremediation potential for media contaminated with the metalloid.

Effects of gibberellic acid on Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) in constructed wetland systems.

This study aimed to evaluate 1) the influence of gibberellic acid (GA3) in the development of Tifton 85 bermudagrass grown in constructed wetland systems (CWs) and 2) the plant's capacity to remove nutrients and sodium from synthetic municipal wastewater (SMW). The experiment was carried out in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and consisted of foliar applications of GA3 set in randomized blocks design, with four replicates and 6 treatments as following: NC (control with plants); 0 µM GA3; N1: 5 µM GA3; N2: 25 µM GA3; N3: 50 and N4: 100 µM GA3 per CWs, NC* (control with no plants): 0 µM GA3. The study was conducted over two crop cycles in the spring 2016. The parameters used to evaluate the performance of the Tifton 85 bermudagrass were its plant height, productivity, chlorophyll measurement, number of internodes, nutrients and Na removals. Chemical analyses of the effluents were conducted. In response to the application of GA3, the increase in height of Tifton 85 bermudagrass in the first crop cycle was higher than the increase in height in the second crop cycle. The decrease in plant growth in response to GA3 in the second crop cycle may be linked to the age of the plant tissue and climatic conditions. The greater growth of the plants cultivated in the CWs allows a more efficient removal of pollutants, using simple management and low cost. The results suggest that applying 50 µM of GA3 to the development of Tifton 85 bermudagrass provides higher dry matter yield and removal of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium for the first crop cycle in CWs. However, in the second crop cycle, the application of GA3 had no effect on dry matter production and nutrient removal by Tifton 85 bermudagrass in CWs.

Kinetics of arsenic absorption by the species Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna valdiviana under optimized conditions.

This work aimed to study the kinetics of arsenic absorption by Eichhornia crassipes and Lemna valdiviana under pre-established conditions of pH phosphate and nitrate in the nutrient solution. Additional aims were to evaluate the conversion kinetics between As(III) and As(V), and the effect of arsenic concentrations on development of the species. The plants were cultivated in nutrient solutions containing different arsenic concentrations: 0, 0.56, 0.89 and 1.38 mg L-1 for the water-hyacinth, and 0, 0.13, 0.48, 0.99 and 1.4 mg L-1 for Lemna. Monitoring of arsenic removal by the plants was performed by sampling at intervals of 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 96, 144, 192 and 240 h for the water hyacinth, and 0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 96, 144 and 168 h for Lemna. The samples were submitted to analysis of total arsenic, As(III), As(V) and phosphorus. The first-order kinetics was fit to the arsenic removal kinetics by the plants, and it was observed that the decay coefficient (k) decreased with the increase of its initial concentration in the nutrient solution. For the, absorption was observed after 96 h of culture, the time coinciding with the greatest As(V) concentrations. For Lemna, the metal was only absorbed by the plant after decay of the phosphate levels of the medium, which occurred at 48 h. Concentrations above 1 mg L-1 implied deleterious effects in both plant species and in the phytoremediation process, and the bioaccumulation factor decreased for concentration above this for both E. crassipes and L. valdiviana.

Optimization of arsenic phytoremediation using Eichhornia crassipes.

This study aimed to evaluate the pH, phosphate, and nitrate in the process of arsenic absorption by Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), using the surface response methodology, in order to optimize the process. The plants were exposed to a concentration of arsenic of 0.5 mg L-1 (NaAsO2) over a period of 10 days. The results indicated optimal levels for the absorption of arsenic by E. crassipes at pH equal to 7.5, absence of phosphate, and minimum nitrate level of 0.0887 mmol L-1. For the tested concentration, E. crassipes was able to accumulate 498.4 mg kg-1 of As (dry base) in its plant tissue and to reduce 83% of the initial concentration present in the aqueous medium where it was cultivated. The concentration of phosphorus in solution linearly increased the phosphorus content in the plants and negatively influenced the absorption of arsenic. The concentration of 0.5 mg L-1 of As did not significantly affect the relative growth rate (RGR) and the tolerance index (TI). 94% of As (III) initially solubilized in water was converted by the end of the experiment period into As (V). The water hyacinth was important in the phytoremediation of arsenic when cultivated under optimal conditions for its removal.

Degradation kinetics of organic matter in dairy industry wastewater by flotation/ozonation processes / Cinética de degradação da matéria orgânica nas águas residuárias da indústria de laticínios pelos processos de flotação/ozonização

This study evaluated the adjustment of four kinetic models and their respective parameters on data of dairy wastewater treatment by the physico-chemical process of flotation and ozonation. The experiment was implemented during the year 2014, with all the tests in triplicate. The treatments were carried out at different pH levels (3.6, 7.0 and 10.4), and flotation/ozonation was catalyzed by manganese (Mn2+) in neutral level (pH 7.0). Best removal efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (COD) were obtained in acidic medium, with removals greater than 75% after 20 min of treatment. There was no significant difference with regards to addition of Mn2+ on COD removal by the physicochemical process. The kinetic models that best fit to the experimental data, for all treatments, were the asymptotic (residual) model and that of Chan and Chu. Treatment in acidic medium showed the highest values of the kinetic parameters for the adjusted model, obtaining a k coefficient equal to 0.2394 min-1 for the asymptotic model and kinetic coefficient 1/ of 0.4816 min-1 for the Chan and Chu model, both presenting a determination coefficient greater than 99%.

Neste estudo, avaliou-se o ajuste de quatro modelos cinéticos (modelo de escoamento pistonado, mistura completa, assintótico ou residual e de Chan e Chu e seus respectivos parâmetros, na degradação da matéria orgânica presente no efluente de laticínios pelo processo físico-químico de flotação e ozonização. O experimento foi implementado durante o ano de 2014, com todos os testes em triplicata, os s tratamentos foram realizados sob diferentes pHs (3,6; 7,0 e 10,4), além da flotação/ozonização catalisada pelo manganês (Mn2+) em meio neutro. Observando que em meio ácido ocorreram as melhores eficiências de remoção da demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), tendo sido obtida uma remoção superior a 75% em 20 min de tratamento. Não houve diferença significativa em relação à adição de Mn2+ ao processo físico-químico. Os modelos que mais se ajustaram aos dados experimentais, para todos os tratamentos realizados, foram o modelo assintótico e o de Chan e Chu. O tratamento em meio ácido foi o que apresentou os maiores valores dos parâmetros cinéticos para os modelos ajustados, obtendo-se para o modelo assintótico, coeficiente k igual a 0,2394 min-1, e para o modelo de Chan e Chu, coeficiente cinético 1/ de 0,4816 min-1, apresentando para ambos os modelos um coeficiente de determinação superior a 99%.

Modelagem da progressão da DBO obtida na incubação de esgoto doméstico sob diferentes temperaturas / Modeling of BOD progression obtained in sewage incubated under different temperatures

RESUMO Confiável quantificação da demanda bioquímica de oxigênio exercida (DBO exercida) poderá ser obtida com incubação das amostras sob temperaturas diferentes, desde que o valor da demanda bioquímica de oxigênio última (DBOU) não seja alterado nessas condições. Alguns autores têm relatado aumento no valor da DBOU com a elevação da temperatura de incubação das amostras, o que pode ser decorrente da ocorrência da nitrificação, da aclimatação diferenciada ou do mau ajuste dos modelos de progressão da demanda bioquímica carbonácea de oxigênio (DBO exercida). Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da temperatura sobre a progressão da DBO exercida e o valor da DBOu em amostras de esgoto doméstico bruto, avaliando-se qual modelo melhor se ajusta aos dados obtidos. Os resultados indicaram pequena influência da temperatura de incubação das amostras nos valores da DBOU do esgoto sanitário e que os modelos de primeira e segunda ordens descreveram adequadamente a progressão da DBO exercida.

ABSTRACT Reliable quantification of biochemical oxygen demand exerted (exerted BOD) can be obtained by incubating samples at different temperatures, since the amount of ultimate biochemical oxygen demand (UBOD) does not change in these conditions. Some authors have found increased UBOD values with rise in temperature of incubating samples, which could be due to the occurrence of nitrification, the acclimatization or the inadequacy of modeling of carbonaceous oxygen demand (exerted BOD) progression. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature on the progression of exerted BOD and UBOD values in samples of raw domestic sewage, checking which model best fits the data. The results indicated low influence of incubating sewage samples temperature on UBOD values, being that both models, first and second order, described properly the exerted BOD progression.

Efeito da vegetação em sistemas alagados construídos para tratar águas residuárias da suinocultura / Effect of vegetation in constructed wetlands treating swine wastewater

RESUMO No presente trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a influência da vegetação em sistemas alagados construídos (SACs) na remoção de poluentes da água residuária da suinocultura (ARS). O experimento foi constituído por três SACs, construídos em escala piloto. O SAC1 foi utilizado como controle, não sendo nele cultivada nenhuma espécie vegetal. No SAC2 foi plantada a taboa (Typha latifolia ), e no SAC3, o capim tifton-85 (Cynodon spp.). Quanto à remoção de demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO) e de sólidos suspensos totais (SST), não se constatou diferença entre os SACs (p>0,05), no entanto a eficiência de remoção de demanda química de oxigênio (DQO) foi diferente entre os SACs (p<0.05) - o SAC1 foi mais eficiente que o SAC2. Com exceção de Mg, o cultivo do capim tifton-85 e da taboa não influenciou (p>0,05) a remoção de macro nem de micronutrientes. A forma de cultivo nos SACs nem mesmo o tipo de espécie cultivada tiveram influência considerável na remoção de matéria orgânica, de macro e de micronutrientes da ARS.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of vegetation in constructed wetlands (CWs) in removing swine wastewater (SWW) pollutants. The experiment consisted of three CWs, built on a pilot scale. CW1 was used as control, and no plant species were cultivated in it. In CW2, cattail (Typha latifolia ) was planted, and in CW3, bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). No difference was observed between the CWs regarding the removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) (p>0.05). Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was different between the CWs (p<0.05) - CW1 was more efficient than CW2. With the exception of Mg, bermudagrass and cattail cultivation did not influence (p>0.05) the removal of macro and micronutrients. The form of cultivation in the CWs and even the type of species cultivated had considerable influence in the removal of organic matter and nutrients of SWW.