Droplet spectrum characteristics and drift potential of different droplet classes and spray volumes application of atrazine with nicosulfuron / Características do espectro de gotas e potencial de deriva de diferentes classes de gotas e volumes de aplicação da mistura de atrazine com nicosulfuron

In this research, the Volumetric Median Diameters (VMDs), Relative Span (RS), percentage of droplets with a diameter smaller than 100 µm (V100), and percentage ofdrift (% drift) of four droplet classes (Fine, Medium, Coarse, and Very Coarse) were analyzedin two spray volumes (77 L.ha-1and 144 L.ha-1) employinga tank-mix of atrazine and nicosulfuron herbicides (2500 + 15 gaiha-1), usingParticle/Droplet Imaging Analyze (PDIA) and wind tunnel techniques. The experiments were performed under Completely Randomized Design, in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme (droplet classes × sprayvolumes). Data underwent analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5%, and the correlation between variables was computedconsidering Pearson's coefficient at 1% and 5%. The VMD of all droplet classes was considerably distinct in the two spray volumes. In both application spray volumes, the minimum VMD for the Coarsedropletclass classification was not attained. The highest means of RS were detectedin the spray volume of 77 L.ha-1. All treatments demonstratedsignificant differences in the analysis of V100 and % drift, with the highest means observed in the Fine droplet (144 L.ha-1) and Medium (77 L.ha-1). A negative correlation existed between VMD × V100 and VMD × % drift and a positive correlation between V100 × % drift in the two spray volumes. RS was negatively correlated with VMD and positively with V100 and % drift, in the spray volume of 77 L.ha-1. In the spray volume of 144 L.ha-1, the correlation between RSand VMD, V100, and % drift was insignificant.

Nesta pesquisa foram avaliados os Diâmetros Medianos Volumétricos (DMVs), Amplitude Relativa (AR), percentual de gotas com diâmetro menor que 100 µm (V100) e porcentagem de deriva (% deriva) de quatro classes de gota (Fina, Média, Grossa e Muito Grossa) em dois volumes de aplicação (77L.ha-1e 144L.ha-1) utilizando a mistura dos herbicidas atrazine e nicosulfuron (2500 + 15 gi.a. ha-1), utilizando os métodos de PDIA e de túnel de vento. Os experimentos foram realizados sob o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, no esquema fatorial 4 × 2 (classes de gota × volumes de aplicação), com cinco repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey a 5%, e a correlação entre as variáveis calculada considerando o coeficiente de Pearson a 1% e 5%. O DMV de todas as classes de gotas foi significativamente diferente nos dois volumes. O DMV mínimo para a classificação da classe de gota Grossa não foi atingido nos dois volumes de aplicação. As maiores médias de AR foram observadas no volume de 77 L.ha-1. Todos os tratamentos apresentaram diferenças significativas na análise de V100 e % deriva com as maiores médias observadas nas classes de gota Fina (144 L.ha-1) e Média (77 L.ha-1). Verificou-se correlação negativa entre DMV × V100 e DMV × % deriva e correlação positiva entreV100 × % deriva nos dois volumes. No volume de 77 L.ha-1 a AR correlacionou-se negativamente com o DMV e positivamente com V100 e % deriva. No volume de 144 L.ha-1 a correlação entre AR e DMV, V100 e % deriva não foi significativa.

Evaluation of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Produced with Interesterified Buriti Oil.

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Extracted from the pulp of an Amazonian fruit, buriti oil is rich in micronutrients with antioxidant properties and high biological value. The few studies available indicate that this oil could be used in a wide range of applications; however, there are no studies that work on the improvement in the characteristics of this oil for commercial application. The enzymatic interesterification is one of the tools available to improve the properties of oils and fats and our recent studies have demonstrated that the lipase could specifically act on buriti oil to produce structured lipids rich in oleic acid, while preserving most of the minor compounds present in this oil. Still looking for ways to expand the applicability of this raw oil, in this work, we are interested in studying the behaviour of this structured oil in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The NLCs were produced with interesterified buriti oil and the stability, droplet size, electrical charge, microstructure, polymorphism and antioxidant activity of the samples were evaluated by ORAC and FRAP methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the interesterification formed more unsaturated triacylglycerols (TAGs), and NLCs prepared with interesterified buriti oil had smaller droplets than NLCs with crude buriti oil. Particles remained stable throughout the storage period and NLCs exhibited complex polymorphism with the presence of three crystalline forms. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value was approx. 23% higher in nanolipid carries with structured lipids than in the nanolipid carriers with crude buriti oil, and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value 16% higher, demonstrating the influence of interesterification on the antioxidant activity of nanocarriers. Thus, NLCs prepared with interesterified buriti oil had small droplets, high stability and antioxidant capacity, and have a potential for nutritional and biological applications. NOVELTY AND SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION: This research showed that interesterification positively influenced the physicochemical properties of NLCs, producing the oil rich in oleic acid, high stability and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, it may be interesting to use these nanocarriers to obtain efficient carrier systems for future applications.

A herbal oil in water nano-emulsion prepared through an ecofriendly approach affects two tropical disease vectors

ABSTRACT Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, Verbenaceae, is considered a great source of a bioactive volatile oil. Due to the wide range of known chemotypes, its chemical analysis is very important. Among the several activities of this volatile oil, a potential larvicidal action against Culicidae species is highlighted. However, the low water miscibility of volatile oils limits their application in aqueous media. Oil in water nano-emulsions are in the spotlight of novelty to solve this main problem. Thus, the aim of the present study was to obtain this nanostructured system with L. alba volatile oil (citral chemotype) and evaluate its larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. The major compounds were geranial (30.02%) and neral (25.26%). Low mean droplet size (117.0 ± 1.0 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.231 ± 0.004) were observed and no major changes were observed after seven days of storage. LC50 values against C. quinquefasciatus and A. aegypti third-instar larvae were respectively 38.22 and 31.02 ppm, while LC90 values were, respectively, 59.42 and 47.19 ppm. The present study makes use of a low energy, solvent-free and ecofriendly method with reduced costs. Thus, this paper contributes significantly to phyto-nanobiotechnology of larvicidal agents, opening perspectives for the utilization of L. alba volatile oil in integrated practices of vector control.

Physicochemical characterization and antimicrobial activity in novel systems containing buriti oil and structured lipids nanoemulsions.

Buriti oil nanoemulsions were prepared using non-interesterified buriti oil or buriti oil interesterified for 6 or 24 h (NBO, NBO6h, and NBO24 h), respectively. The aim was to investigate the effects of interesterified oils on the physicochemical and biological properties of nanoemulsions. Samples were stored at 4 and 25 °C for 30 days, and their physicochemical properties and biological activities were evaluated. The mean droplet diameter of nanoemulsions ranged from 196 to 270 nm. NBO24 h had the smallest droplet size and was the most stable during the storage period. Furthermore, NBO24 h demonstrating the good oxidative stability, had a high antioxidant capacity, and was less susceptible to droplet aggregation. NBO and NBO24 h had similar biological activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli O157: H7); bacterial growth was inhibited by at least 60% at 3.12 mg mL-1. The nanoemulsions have interesting properties for the production of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food formulations with antimicrobial activity.

Diesel uptake by an indigenous microbial consortium isolated from sediments of the Southern Gulf of Mexico: Emulsion characterisation.

In this study a microbial consortium, dominated by members of the genera Marinobacter and Alcanivorax (Gammaproteobacteria) isolated from marine sediments of Southern Gulf of Mexico, was assessed to grow in a bubble column bioreactor using 13 g L-1 of diesel (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons mix including nonane and hexadecane) as the sole carbon source. The consortium was able to produce 3.3 g L-1 of biomass, measured as suspended solids. Microbial growth was detectable, even substrate depletion, after 8 days of cultivation. The emulsifier activity and its influence on the droplet size were also evaluated: it was observed that droplet diameter decreases as emulsifier activity increases. The bubble column bioreactor system proposed in this research could be used as a biotechnological process for the remediation of a contaminated body in important petrochemical regions, for example, Veracruz, México, where some points of sea and fresh-water bodies were analysed to find nonane and hexadecane in all sample water. It is important due to a lack of information, regarding hydrocarbon pollution in this port area, is filled.

Food grade microemulsion systems: Sunflower oil/castor oil derivative-ethanol/water. Rheological and physicochemical analysis.

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable systems that have attracted considerable attention in the food industry as delivery systems for many hydrophobic nutrients. These spontaneous systems are highly dependent on ingredients and composition. In this work phase diagrams were constructed using two surfactants (Kolliphor RH40 and ELP), water, sunflower oil, and ethanol as cosurfactant, evaluating their physicochemical properties. Stability of the systems was studied at 25 and 60 °C, monitoring turbidity at 550 nm for over a month to identify the microemulsion region. Conductivity was measured to classify between water-in-oil and oil-in-water microemulsions. The phase diagram constructed with Kolliphor RH40 exhibited a larger microemulsion area than that formulated with Kolliphor ELP. All formulations showed a monomodal droplet size distribution with low polydispersity index (<0.30) and a mean droplet size below 20 nm. Systems with higher water content presented a Newtonian behavior; increasing the dispersed phase content produced a weak gel-like structure with pseudoplastic behavior under flow conditions that was satisfactorily modeled to obtain structural parameters.

Colloidal properties of sodium caseinate-stabilized nanoemulsions prepared by a combination of a high-energy homogenization and evaporative ripening methods.

Nanoemulsions stabilized by sodium caseinate (NaCas) were prepared using a combination of a high-energy homogenization and evaporative ripening methods. The effects of protein concentration and sucrose addition on physical properties were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Turbiscan analysis, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Droplets sizes were smaller (~100nm in diameter) than the ones obtained by other methods (200 to 2000nm in diameter). The stability behavior was also different. These emulsions were not destabilized by creaming. As droplets were so small, gravitational forces were negligible. On the contrary, when they showed destabilization the main mechanism was flocculation. Stability of nanoemulsions increased with increasing protein concentrations. Nanoemulsions with 3 or 4wt% NaCas were slightly turbid systems that remained stable for at least two months. According to SAXS and Turbiscan results, aggregates remained in the nano range showing small tendency to aggregation. In those systems, interactive forces were weak due to the small diameter of flocs.

Eficiência de diferentes ramais de pulverização e volumes de calda no controle de Brevipalpus phoenicis na cultura do café / Efficiency of different spraying lances and spraying volumes on the control of Brevipalpus phoenicis in coffee crops

O ácaro Brevipalpus phoenicis é encontrado nos cafezais do Brasil desde a década de 50. Responsável por perdas indiretas por ser o vetor de uma doença virótica requer constantes medidas de controle, sendo a mais utilizada baseada na pulverização de acaricidas. Avaliou-se a mortalidade do ácaro B. phoenicis em função da cobertura de calda aplicada em plantas de café, com dois tipos de ramais utilizados em pulverizadores de jato transportado e quatro volumes de aplicação. O produto utilizado para o trabalho foi o acaricida abamectina (Vertimec 18 CE® na dose de 0,4 L/ha). Os tratamentos utilizados foram a aplicação do acaricida abamectina, nos volumes de 250, 400, 550 e 700 L/ha, com dois tipos de ramais de bicos. Em cada tratamento foram avaliadas a eficiência de controle de B. phoenicis, a deposição e a cobertura da calda nas plantas de café. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com oito tratamentos mais uma testemunha e quatro repetições. A análise estatística foi realizada no esquema fatorial 2x4+1. Verificou-se que não houve diferenças significativas no número de ácaros encontrados entre os tratamentos. Para a deposição de calda, observou-se um aumento em função do volume de aplicação, sendo que a parte superior das plantas apresentou maior deposição de produto. A duplicação dos ramais resultou em um aumento significativo da eficiência de controle de B. phoenicis comparado ao ramal convencional e à testemunha, independe do volume de aplicação entre os limites avaliados.

Efficiency of different spraying lances and spraying volumes on the control of Brevipalpus phoenicis in coffee crops. The mite Brevipalpus phoenicis is found on coffee plantations in Brazil since the 1950's. Responsible for indirect losses due to its role as vector of a virus disease, this mite species often requires control measures, the most common based on mitecide spraying. It was evaluated the mortality of B. phoenicis due the coverage of spraying liquid applied on coffee plants, with two types of lances used in air assisted sprayers and four spraying volumes. Treatments were applied with mitecide abamectin (Vertimec 18 CE® at 0.4 L per hectare), in volumes of 250, 400, 550 and 700 L per hectare, with two types of lances for the nozzles. The control efficiency against B. phoenicis, deposition and coverage by spray liquid on coffee plants was evaluated. Experimental delineation was in randomized blocks, with eight treatments plus a check plot in four replications. The statistical analysis was carried in a factorial scheme 2x4+1. No significant differences in the number of mites were found between treatments. As regards spraying liquid deposition, it was observed an increment with increasing spraying volumes, with the plant tops showing the best deposition of spraying liquid. The duplication of the lances (nozzle branches) resulted in a significant increase in control efficiency for B. phoenicis compared with conventional branch and with check plot, without dependence of spraying volume.

Simulação da deriva de agrotóxicos em diferentes condições de pulverização / Pesticide drift simulation under different spray conditions

A deriva nas aplicações de agrotóxicos é considerada um dos maiores problemas da agricultura. Entre os fatores que a influenciam, o tamanho das gotas pulverizadas e a velocidade do vento têm-se mostrado primordiais. Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, determinar a distância horizontal teórica percorrida por gotas de tamanho conhecido, submetidas a diferentes alturas de lançamento e velocidades do vento. Utilizando-se de equações clássicas da mecânica dos fluidos e da metodologia de superfície de resposta, determinou-se a distância que as gotas podem ser arrastadas quando liberadas de alturas variadas, em função do tamanho das gotas pulverizadas, da densidade do líquido e da velocidade horizontal. A análise dos dados permitiu estimar a distância horizontal percorrida por gotas de pulverização, em diversas condições de lançamento, estando os resultados simulados altamente correlacionados com o diâmetro das gotas e com a velocidade de deslocamento horizontal. Nas condições avaliadas, a distância horizontal máxima percorrida pelas gotas foi inferior a 40 m.

Pesticide spray drift is a major problem in agriculture today. Among the factors affecting drift, droplet size and wind velocity are of paramount importance. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the theoretical horizontal distance traveled by droplets of known size, subjected to different discharge heights and wind velocities. Using traditional equations of Fluid Mechanics and response surface methodology, the distance traveled by droplets discharged from different heights was determined by droplet size, liquid density and wind velocity. Data analysis allowed to simulate the horizontal distance traveled by droplets in several discharge conditions. Drift has shown to be highly related to droplet diameter and wind velocity. In the simulated conditions, the maximum horizontal distance traveled by droplets was less than 40 m.