Endophytic fungi from Passiflora incarnata: an antioxidant compound source.

Endophytes are considered one of the most important microbial resources for obtaining biomolecules of therapeutic use. Passiflora incarnata, widely employed by the pharmaceutical industry, shows therapeutic effects on anxiety, nervousness, constipation, dyspepsia and insomnia based on their antioxidant compounds. In this study, from 315 endophytic fungi isolated from P. incarnata leaves, 60 were selected to determinate presence of chemical constituents related with antioxidant activity, based on their production of soluble pigments. The promising fungi were evaluated specifically on their potential to produce phenolic compounds, flavonoids and for antioxidant activity. Five isolates significantly produced flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the ethyl acetate and n-Butanol extracts, also saponins and high antioxidant activity against the DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical. A strain of Aspergillus nidulans var. dentatus (former Emericella dentata) was able to produce tannins as well; its butanolic extract was very similar than the BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) (94.3% × 94.32%) and Rutin (95.8%) reference substances in the DPPH radical scavenging. Similarly, a Chaetomium strain exhibited 93.6% and 94.7% of antioxidant activity in their ethyl acetate and butanolic fractions, respectively. The chromatographic analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction from the Aspergillus strain revealed the production of orcinol (3.19%). Four-methoxymethylphenol (4.79%), sorbicillin (33.59%) and ergosterol (23.08%) was produced by Trichoderma longibrachiatum and isopropenyl-1,4-dimethyl-1,2,3,3a,4,5,6,7-octahydroazulene were found in two Fusarium oxysporum strains. The phytochemical screening showed that all analyzed fungi were able to produce a kind of secondary metabolite (phenols, flavonoids, tannins and/or saponins). The study shows a great underexplored potential for industrial application of P. incarnata endophytes.

Detoxification of sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate with different adsorbents to improve the fermentative process.

Second generation ethanol has the prospect of becoming an important bioenergy alternative. The development of this technology is associated with the lignocellulosic materials' use, with emphasis on agricultural and agroindustrial by-products from which fermentable sugar can be produced. The acid hydrolysis depolymerizes the hemicellulose releasing mainly xylose. Subsequently, the cellulose can be converted into glucose by enzymatic hydrolysis. However, the acid hydrolysis produces toxic compounds, such as furan derivatives, phenolics, and organic acids, which are harmful to fermentative microorganisms. This study investigated different acid concentrations in the sulfuric acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse (1- 5% m/v) and the use of adsorbents with the prerogative to improve the acid hydrolysate (AH) quality for microbial ethanolic fermentation. Cell growth and fermentative yield of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PE-2) and Scheffersomyces stipitis (NRRL Y-7124) were evaluated. AH was used as a source of pentoses (17.7 g L-1) and molasses (ME) sugarcane as source of hexoses (47 g L-1). The following adsorbents were used: activated charcoal, clay, hydrotalcite and active and inactive cells of PE-2 and NRRL Y-7124, at concentrations ranging (1 - 8% m/v). Results of cell growth and chemical characterization allowed to select the most effective adsorbents with emphasis for active cells that removed 66% furfural and 51% 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural) (5-HMF) and alcoholic productivity of 23.5 g L-1 in AH and ME substrates, in the presence of mixed culture. These results indicate the application of active yeast cells in the detoxification of acid hydrolysates of the sugarcane bagasse previously to the fermentation.

Monitoring Heavy Metals in Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom, Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricomycetes).

Agaricus brasiliensis is popular because of its nutritional and medicinal properties. Brazil supplies this edible mushroom to international markets, where quality standards are very restrictive regarding the allowable concentrations of heavy metals, especially cadmium. In order to evaluate the accumulation of cadmium, chromium, and lead in A. brasiliensis, the fungus was grown as producers cultivate it, using plastic bags containing inoculated compost with soil as a covering. We analyzed the soil and compost using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine their physical and chemical properties and natural concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium, chromium, and lead. In addition to the metals naturally found in the soil and compost, 6.6 mgkg-1 cadmium chloride, 13.2 mgkg-1 chromium sulfate, and 1.2 mgkg-1 lead nitrate were added to the soil covering to simulate contaminated soils and to allow us to evaluate potential adsorption by the fungus. An analysis of the fruiting bodies after fructification showed accumulation of the heavy metals, with the greatest amount in those fruiting bodies that had been contaminated with cadmium. Furthermore, the contaminated fruiting bodies had the least raw protein content, were physically deformed, and exhibited variations in the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses.

Assessment of the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects of the commercial black dye in Allium cepa cells before and after bacterial biodegradation treatment.

The present study evaluated the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic actions of different concentrations (50 and 200 µg/L) of BDCP (Black Dye Commercial Product) used by textile industries, before and after bacterial biodegradation, by the conventional staining cytogenetic technique and NOR-banding in Allium cepa cells. Differences in the chromosomal and nuclear aberrations and alterations in the number of nucleoli were observed in cells exposed to BDCP with and without the microbial treatment. The significant frequencies of chromosome and nuclear aberrations noted in the tests with bacterially biodegraded BDCP indicate that the metabolites generated by degradation are more genotoxic than the chemical itself. Losses of genetic material characterize a type of alteration that was mainly associated with the action of the original BDCP, whereas chromosome stickiness, nuclear buds and binucleated cells were the aberrations that were preferentially induced by BDCP metabolites after biodegradation. The significant frequencies of cell death observed in the tests with biodegraded BDCP also show the cytotoxic effects of the BDCP metabolites. The reduction in the total frequency of altered cells after the recovery treatments showed that the test organism A. cepa has the ability to recover from damage induced by BDCP and its metabolites after the exposure conditions are normalized.

Water Quality Index (WQI) of Jaguari and Atibaia Rivers in the region of Paulínia, São Paulo, Brazil.

Due to the concern with the quality of hydric resources, the monitoring is essential to evaluate and identify the anthropogenic and environmental interferences in a quantitative and qualitative level. In order to assist the interpretation of the water status of hydric bodies, the gathering of analytical data often considers the Water Quality Index (WQI). This index transforms technical information in description of the water quality status, highlighting the effectiveness of its use and guiding the decision-making process when necessary. The aim of this research is to assess the water quality of a region in São Paulo State, Brazil, by means of the WQI of Jaguari and Atibaia Rivers. The period of intense drought, which affected the Brazilian southeast in 2014, was evaluated and compared to the mean values recorded from October 2009 to March 2015, correlating the values of Escherichia coli and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). One hundred nine samples were collected, being 53 from dry seasons, between October and March, and 56 from rainy seasons, between April and September. The WQIs in Jaguari and Atibaia Rivers, during dry season, were of 42.2 (medium) and 36.7 (bad), respectively. The same pattern was registered for the dry season, for both rivers, with indices values of 40.1 for Jaguari River (medium) and 34.9 for Atibaia River (bad). This research presented the need of an effective evaluation of the environmental quality and preservation by competent organs for both rivers. Due to the detected conditions, special attention should be given to the Atibaia River.

Avaliação do potencial de compostos naturais (argila, turfa e carvão) na remoção de chumbo e toxicidade de um efluente industrial / Evaluation of the potential of natural compounds (clay, peat and activated carbon) for the removal of lead and toxicity of an industrial effluent

Métodos de tratamento avançado utilizando-se de materiais adsorventes alternativos podem substituir ou complementar tratamentos convencionais existentes, auxiliando na remoção de substâncias tóxicas provindas de diversos processos industriais. Espectrometria e testes biológicos (toxicidade aguda e crônica) auxiliam no monitoramento dos rejeitos industriais, avaliando a eficiência desses sistemas alternativos de tratamento de efluentes. O trabalho objetivou promover a redução da concentração do chumbo (Pb) e da toxicidade de um efluente industrial utilizando o potencial de compostos naturais (argilominerais e turfa) e do carvão ativado (controle) como adsorventes em ensaios em batelada. O carvão ativado permitiu remover 99,4% do Pb no efluente (15 min), e para os demais adsorventes a remoção ocorreu progressivamente até 24 horas, resultando em eficiências de remoção de 88,0% (argila do Vale do Paraíba - VP), 73,6% (argila de Ajapí - A) e 63,5% (turfa). A toxicidade aguda foi completamente removida com a utilização do carvão ativado, enquanto eficiências de remoção maiores do que 50% foram obtidas utilizando compostos naturais. Efeito tóxico significativo não foi observado após o tratamento com o carvão ativado e argila VP com relação à toxicidade crônica. Os resultados indicam a possibilidade de utilização da argila VP como adsorvente de baixo custo comercial em métodos de tratamento avançado.

Advanced treatment methods using alternative adsorbent materials may replace or complement existing conventional treatments, aiding the removal of toxic substances coming from industrial processes. Spectrometry and biological tests (acute/chronic toxicity) aid the monitoring of industrial wastewater discharge, evaluating the effectiveness of these alternative systems of wastewater treatment. The study aimed to promote the reduction of lead (Pb) and toxicity concentration of an industrial effluent using the potential of natural compounds (clay and peat) and activated carbon (control) as adsorbents in batch tests. The activated carbon allowed a removal efficiency of 99.4% of Pb in the effluent (15 min.), and for others the removal occurred progressively up to 24 hours, resulting in removal efficiencies of 88.0% (Vale do Paraiba clay - VP), 73.6% (Ajapí clay - A) and 63.5% (peat). The acute toxicity was completely removed using activated carbon, as removal efficiencies higher than 50% were obtained using natural compounds. It was not observed significant toxic effect after the treatment with activated carbon and VP clay in relation to chronic toxicity. The results indicate the possibility of using VP clay as inexpensive commercial adsorbent in advanced treatment methods.

Evaluation of the Atibaia River water quality using Lecane bulla as a test organism / Avaliação da qualidade das águas do Rio Atibaia usando Lecane bulla como organismo teste

In view of the diversity of environments found in the Brazilian territory, it is understandable that the use of native species can provide more relevant information for ecotoxicological studies. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the quality of water samples from the Atibaia River in an area that is under the influence of petroleum refinery using a native test-organism and submitting the data to PCA statistical analysis. Therefore, acute toxicity assays with Lecane bulla (Rotifera) were performed in four locations of the river, as well as physical-chemical analyses. Sampling was drawn in the dry and rainy seasons. The bioassays were static and lasted 48 hours; dead organisms were quantified at the end of the tests. Toxicological differences among the samples/per location and control were compared by means of the Analysis of Variance. Physicalchemical and mortality variables were simultaneously analyzed by multivariate analysis of the principal components and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Water samples from the exit of the refinery stabilization pond (location S.1) were toxic to L. bulla in both seasons, with significant differences in relation to the control and between the seasons. The statistical treatment of data showed that mortality was strong and positively correlated with total hardness, chlorides and EC, which together with pH presented higher values in location S.1, in the dry and in the rainy seasons. Due to its sensibility to the quality of the Atibaia river water samples, the potential use of L. bulla for ecotoxicological studies as an alternative test organism could be demonstrated.(AU)

Em virtude da diversidade de ambientes encontrada no território nacional, o uso de espécies nativas em estudos toxicológicos constitui assunto de extrema relevância. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade das águas do rio Atibaia, em uma região sob influência de uma refinaria de petróleo utilizando-se um organismo-teste nativo, e aplicando-se o método estatístico multivariado análise de componentes principais (PCA). Ensaios de toxicidade aguda com o rotífero Lecane bulla (Rotifera) e análises físico-químicas foram realizados com amostras obtidas em quatro diferentes pontos do rio em questão. As amostragens ocorreram nas estações seca e chuvosa. Os bioensaios foram estáticos e duraram 48 horas; organismos mortos foram quantificados no final dos testes. Diferenças toxicológicas entre as amostras de cada ponto e o controle foram comparadas por análise de variância. As variáveis físico- -químicas e a mortalidade foram simultaneamente submetidas à análise multivariada dos componentes principais e pela correlação de Pearson. Amostras de água retiradas da saída da lagoa de estabilização (ponto S.1) foram tóxicas ao organismo L. bulla nas duas estações, com diferenças significativas em relação ao controle e entre as estações. O tratamento estatístico dos dados demonstrou que a mortalidade correlacionou-se forte e positivamente com parâmetros como dureza total, cloretos e EC, e, com o pH, apresentou valores maiores no ponto S.1 em ambas as estações. A sensibilidade apresentada pela espécie L. bulla em relação à qualidade das amostras da água do rio Atibaia indicou que este organismo apresenta potencial de uso para estudos de ecotoxicologia, podendo ser futuramente empregado como organismo-teste alternativo.(AU)

Evaluation of the Atibaia River water quality using Lecane bulla as a test organism

In view of the diversity of environments found in the Brazilian territory, it is understandable that the use of native species can provide more relevant information for ecotoxicological studies. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the quality of water samples from the Atibaia River in an area that is under the influence of petroleum refinery using a native test-organism and submitting the data to PCA statistical analysis. Therefore, acute toxicity assays with Lecane bulla (Rotifera) were performed in four locations of the river, as well as physical-chemical analyses. Sampling was drawn in the dry and rainy seasons. The bioassays were static and lasted 48 hours; dead organisms were quantified at the end of the tests. Toxicological differences among the samples/per location and control were compared by means of the Analysis of Variance. Physical-chemical and mortality variables were simultaneously analyzed by multivariate analysis of the principal components and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Water samples from the exit of the refinery stabilization pond (location S.1) were toxic to L. bulla in both seasons, with significant differences in relation to the control and between the seasons. The statistical treatment of data showed that mortality was strong and positively correlated with total hardness, chlorides and EC, which together with pH presented higher values in location S.1, in the dry and in the rainy seasons. Due to its sensibility to the quality of the Atibaia river water samples, the potential use of L. bulla for ecotoxicological studies as an alternative test organism could be demonstrated.

Em virtude da diversidade de ambientes encontrada no território nacional, o uso de espécies nativas em estudos toxicológicos constitui assunto de extrema relevância. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade das águas do rio Atibaia, em uma região sob influência de uma refinaria de petróleo utilizando-se um organismo-teste nativo, e aplicando-se o método estatístico multivariado análise de componentes principais (PCA). Ensaios de toxicidade aguda com o rotífero Lecane bulla(Rotifera) e análises físico-químicas foram realizados com amostras obtidas em quatro diferentes pontos do rio em questão. As amostragens ocorreram nas estações seca e chuvosa. Os bioensaios foram estáticos e duraram 48 horas; organismos mortos foram quantificados no final dos testes. Diferenças toxicológicas entre as amostras de cada ponto e o controle foram comparadas por análise de variância. As variáveis físico-químicas e a mortalidade foram simultaneamente submetidas à análise multivariada dos componentes principais e pela correlação de Pearson. Amostras de água retiradas da saída da lagoa de estabilização (ponto S.1) foram tóxicas ao organismo L. bulla nas duas estações, com diferenças significativas em relação ao controle e entre as estações. O tratamento estatístico dos dados demonstrou que a mortalidade correlacionou-se forte e positivamente com parâmetros como dureza total, cloretos e EC, e, com o pH, apresentou valores maiores no ponto S.1 em ambas as estações. A sensibilidade apresentada pela espécie L. bulla em relação à qualidade das amostras da água do rio Atibaia indicou que este organismo apresenta potencial de uso para estudos de ecotoxicologia, podendo ser futuramente empregado como organismo-teste alternativo.

Evaluation of the Atibaia River water quality using Lecane bulla as a test organism / Avaliação da qualidade das águas do Rio Atibaia usando Lecane bulla como organismo teste

In view of the diversity of environments found in the Brazilian territory, it is understandable that the use of native species can provide more relevant information for ecotoxicological studies. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the quality of water samples from the Atibaia River in an area that is under the influence of petroleum refinery using a native test-organism and submitting the data to PCA statistical analysis. Therefore, acute toxicity assays with Lecane bulla (Rotifera) were performed in four locations of the river, as well as physical-chemical analyses. Sampling was drawn in the dry and rainy seasons. The bioassays were static and lasted 48 hours; dead organisms were quantified at the end of the tests. Toxicological differences among the samples/per location and control were compared by means of the Analysis of Variance. Physical-chemical and mortality variables were simultaneously analyzed by multivariate analysis of the principal components and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Water samples from the exit of the refinery stabilization pond (location S.1) were toxic to L. bulla in both seasons, with significant differences in relation to the control and between the seasons. The statistical treatment of data showed that mortality was strong and positively correlated with total hardness, chlorides and EC, which together with pH presented higher values in location S.1, in the dry and in the rainy seasons. Due to its sensibility to the quality of the Atibaia river water samples, the potential use of L. bulla for ecotoxicological studies as an alternative test organism could be demonstrated.(AU)

Em virtude da diversidade de ambientes encontrada no território nacional, o uso de espécies nativas em estudos toxicológicos constitui assunto de extrema relevância. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade das águas do rio Atibaia, em uma região sob influência de uma refinaria de petróleo utilizando-se um organismo-teste nativo, e aplicando-se o método estatístico multivariado análise de componentes principais (PCA). Ensaios de toxicidade aguda com o rotífero Lecane bulla (Rotifera) e análises físico-químicas foram realizados com amostras obtidas em quatro diferentes pontos do rio em questão. As amostragens ocorreram nas estações seca e chuvosa. Os bioensaios foram estáticos e duraram 48 horas; organismos mortos foram quantificados no final dos testes. Diferenças toxicológicas entre as amostras de cada ponto e o controle foram comparadas por análise de variância. As variáveis físico-químicas e a mortalidade foram simultaneamente submetidas à análise multivariada dos componentes principais e pela correlação de Pearson. Amostras de água retiradas da saída da lagoa de estabilização (ponto S.1) foram tóxicas ao organismo L. bulla nas duas estações, com diferenças significativas em relação ao controle e entre as estações. O tratamento estatístico dos dados demonstrou que a mortalidade correlacionou-se forte e positivamente com parâmetros como dureza total, cloretos e EC, e, com o pH, apresentou valores maiores no ponto S.1 em ambas as estações. A sensibilidade apresentada pela espécie L. bulla em relação à qualidade das amostras da água do rio Atibaia indicou que este organismo apresenta potencial de uso para estudos de ecotoxicologia, podendo ser futuramente empregado como organismo-teste alternativo.(AU)

Evaluation of the Atibaia River water quality using Lecane bulla as a test organism / Avaliação da qualidade das águas do Rio Atibaia usando Lecane bulla como organismo teste

In view of the diversity of environments found in the Brazilian territory, it is understandable that the use of native species can provide more relevant information for ecotoxicological studies. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the quality of water samples from the Atibaia River in an area that is under the influence of petroleum refinery using a native test-organism and submitting the data to PCA statistical analysis. Therefore, acute toxicity assays with Lecane bulla (Rotifera) were performed in four locations of the river, as well as physical-chemical analyses. Sampling was drawn in the dry and rainy seasons. The bioassays were static and lasted 48 hours; dead organisms were quantified at the end of the tests. Toxicological differences among the samples/per location and control were compared by means of the Analysis of Variance. Physicalchemical and mortality variables were simultaneously analyzed by multivariate analysis of the principal components and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Water samples from the exit of the refinery stabilization pond (location S.1) were toxic to L. bulla in both seasons, with significant differences in relation to the control and between the seasons. The statistical treatment of data showed that mortality was strong and positively correlated with total hardness, chlorides and EC, which together with pH presented higher values in location S.1, in the dry and in the rainy seasons. Due to its sensibility to the quality of the Atibaia river water samples, the potential use of L. bulla for ecotoxicological studies as an alternative test organism could be demonstrated.

Em virtude da diversidade de ambientes encontrada no território nacional, o uso de espécies nativas em estudos toxicológicos constitui assunto de extrema relevância. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade das águas do rio Atibaia, em uma região sob influência de uma refinaria de petróleo utilizando-se um organismo-teste nativo, e aplicando-se o método estatístico multivariado análise de componentes principais (PCA). Ensaios de toxicidade aguda com o rotífero Lecane bulla (Rotifera) e análises físico-químicas foram realizados com amostras obtidas em quatro diferentes pontos do rio em questão. As amostragens ocorreram nas estações seca e chuvosa. Os bioensaios foram estáticos e duraram 48 horas; organismos mortos foram quantificados no final dos testes. Diferenças toxicológicas entre as amostras de cada ponto e o controle foram comparadas por análise de variância. As variáveis físico- -químicas e a mortalidade foram simultaneamente submetidas à análise multivariada dos componentes principais e pela correlação de Pearson. Amostras de água retiradas da saída da lagoa de estabilização (ponto S.1) foram tóxicas ao organismo L. bulla nas duas estações, com diferenças significativas em relação ao controle e entre as estações. O tratamento estatístico dos dados demonstrou que a mortalidade correlacionou-se forte e positivamente com parâmetros como dureza total, cloretos e EC, e, com o pH, apresentou valores maiores no ponto S.1 em ambas as estações. A sensibilidade apresentada pela espécie L. bulla em relação à qualidade das amostras da água do rio Atibaia indicou que este organismo apresenta potencial de uso para estudos de ecotoxicologia, podendo ser futuramente empregado como organismo-teste alternativo.

Evaluation of the Atibaia River water quality using Lecane bulla as a test organism

In view of the diversity of environments found in the Brazilian territory, it is understandable that the use of native species can provide more relevant information for ecotoxicological studies. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the quality of water samples from the Atibaia River in an area that is under the influence of petroleum refinery using a native test-organism and submitting the data to PCA statistical analysis. Therefore, acute toxicity assays with Lecane bulla (Rotifera) were performed in four locations of the river, as well as physical-chemical analyses. Sampling was drawn in the dry and rainy seasons. The bioassays were static and lasted 48 hours; dead organisms were quantified at the end of the tests. Toxicological differences among the samples/per location and control were compared by means of the Analysis of Variance. Physical-chemical and mortality variables were simultaneously analyzed by multivariate analysis of the principal components and the Pearson correlation coefficient. Water samples from the exit of the refinery stabilization pond (location S.1) were toxic to L. bulla in both seasons, with significant differences in relation to the control and between the seasons. The statistical treatment of data showed that mortality was strong and positively correlated with total hardness, chlorides and EC, which together with pH presented higher values in location S.1, in the dry and in the rainy seasons. Due to its sensibility to the quality of the Atibaia river water samples, the potential use of L. bulla for ecotoxicological studies as an alternative test organism could be demonstrated.

Em virtude da diversidade de ambientes encontrada no território nacional, o uso de espécies nativas em estudos toxicológicos constitui assunto de extrema relevância. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a qualidade das águas do rio Atibaia, em uma região sob influência de uma refinaria de petróleo utilizando-se um organismo-teste nativo, e aplicando-se o método estatístico multivariado análise de componentes principais (PCA). Ensaios de toxicidade aguda com o rotífero Lecane bulla(Rotifera) e análises físico-químicas foram realizados com amostras obtidas em quatro diferentes pontos do rio em questão. As amostragens ocorreram nas estações seca e chuvosa. Os bioensaios foram estáticos e duraram 48 horas; organismos mortos foram quantificados no final dos testes. Diferenças toxicológicas entre as amostras de cada ponto e o controle foram comparadas por análise de variância. As variáveis físico-químicas e a mortalidade foram simultaneamente submetidas à análise multivariada dos componentes principais e pela correlação de Pearson. Amostras de água retiradas da saída da lagoa de estabilização (ponto S.1) foram tóxicas ao organismo L. bulla nas duas estações, com diferenças significativas em relação ao controle e entre as estações. O tratamento estatístico dos dados demonstrou que a mortalidade correlacionou-se forte e positivamente com parâmetros como dureza total, cloretos e EC, e, com o pH, apresentou valores maiores no ponto S.1 em ambas as estações. A sensibilidade apresentada pela espécie L. bulla em relação à qualidade das amostras da água do rio Atibaia indicou que este organismo apresenta potencial de uso para estudos de ecotoxicologia, podendo ser futuramente empregado como organismo-teste alternativo.

Application of micronucleus test and comet assay to evaluate BTEX biodegradation.

The BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) mixture is an environmental pollutant that has a high potential to contaminate water resources, especially groundwater. The bioremediation process by microorganisms has often been used as a tool for removing BTEX from contaminated sites. The application of biological assays is useful in evaluating the efficiency of bioremediation processes, besides identifying the toxicity of the original contaminants. It also allows identifying the effects of possible metabolites formed during the biodegradation process on test organisms. In this study, we evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of five different BTEX concentrations in rat hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) cells, using comet and micronucleus assays, before and after biodegradation. A mutagenic effect was observed for the highest concentration tested and for its respective non-biodegraded concentration. Genotoxicity was significant for all non-biodegraded concentrations and not significant for the biodegraded ones. According to our results, we can state that BTEX is mutagenic at concentrations close to its water solubility, and genotoxic even at lower concentrations, differing from some described results reported for the mixture components, when tested individually. Our results suggest a synergistic effect for the mixture and that the biodegradation process is a safe and efficient methodology to be applied at BTEX-contaminated sites.

In vitro susceptibility of environmental isolates of Exophiala dermatitidis to five antifungal drugs.

Several dematiaceous fungi frequently isolated from nature are involved in cases of superficial lesions to lethal cerebral infections. Antifungal susceptibility data on environmental and clinical isolates are still sparse despite the advances in testing methods. The objective of this study was to examine the activities of 5-flucytosine, amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and terbinafine against environmental isolates of Exophiala strains by minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) determination. The strains were obtained from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, ant cuticle and fungal pellets from the infrabuccal pocket of attine gynes. Broth microdilution assay using M38-A2 reference methodology for the five antifungal drugs and DNA sequencing for fungal identification were applied. Terbinafine was the most active drug against the tested strains. It was observed that amphotericin B was less effective, notably against Exophiala spinifera, also studied. High MICs of 5-flucytosine against Exophiala dermatitidis occurred. This finding highlights the relevance of studies on the antifungal resistance of these potential opportunistic species. Our results also contribute to a future improvement of the standard methods to access the drug efficacy currently applied to black fungi.

Evaluation of the use of vinasse as a biostimulation agent for the biodegradation of oily sludge in soil

This work aimed to study the effect of vinasse on the biodegradation in soil of oily sludge from the Replan-Petrobras oil refinery. The Bartha respirometric method was used to verify the efficiency of the treatments with soil, oily sludge (7 and 14 percent m/m) and soil moisture adjustment with or without vinasse (0.11 mL/g dry soil) for 121 days. Although an increase in the soil microbial population was obtained with the vinasse, it demonstrated not to be adequate to enhance the biodegradation efficiency of the oily sludge in soil, since there was no difference between the CO2 produced from treatments with or without vinasse after the complete consumption of the vinasse. Thus, the use of vinasse as an amendment to biodegradation processes showed not to be efficient under the studied conditions.

Este trabalho objetivou estudar o efeito da vinhaça na biodegradação em solo da borra oleosa proveniente da refinaria de petróleo Replan-Petrobras. Foi utilizado o método respirométrico de Bartha para verificar a eficiência de tratamentos constituídos de solo, borra oleosa nas concentrações 7 e 14 por cento (m/m) e ajuste da umidade do solo com e sem vinhaça (0,11 mL/g solo seco) durante 121 dias. Embora a adição da vinhaça tenha proporcionado um aumento da população microbiana nos tratamentos, esta não se mostrou adequada para aumentar a eficiência de biodegradação da borra oleosa em solo, uma vez que não houve diferença entre o CO2 produzido nos tratamentos com ou sem vinhaça após o consumo total da vinhaça. Assim, o uso da vinhaça como agente estimulante em processos de biodegradação mostrou-se ineficiente nas condições estudadas.

Avaliação da dispersão de efluente líquido de refinaria de petróleo / Evaluation of the dispersion of oil refinery liquid effluent

Neste trabalho são apresentadas duas técnicas para a avaliação da dispersão, num corpo d'água receptor, do efluente líquido de uma refinaria de petróleo. Assim, a pluma de dispersão foi caracterizada por medidas em campo de condutividade elétrica e por simulação computacional (simulador Cormix). Como caso de estudo, escolheu-se uma refinaria de petróleo cujo efluente é lançado no rio Atibaia (Paulínia/SP). O comportamento do efluente foi avaliado em um trecho de 1000 m após o ponto de lançamento. Os resultados demonstraram que a medição da condutividade elétrica é uma técnica adequada para a avaliação da dispersão de efluentes líquidos de refinaria de petróleo, pois apresentam alta condutividade elétrica e, com isso, há um forte contraste entre os valores do efluente e do rio. Além disso, outros parâmetros de qualidade da água do rio seguiram comportamento de dispersão semelhante ao da condutividade. A pluma de dispersão gerada pelo simulador computacional apresentou uma elevada concordância com os dados obtidos em campo. Nesse sentido, a simulação computacional pode ser uma ferramenta útil para a avaliação da dispersão do efluente considerando-se cenários hipotéticos, e para projetos de emissários.

In this paper, two techniques to evaluate the dispersion of the effluent of an oil refinery are presented. Thus, the dispersion plume was characterized by field measurements of electrical conductivity and by computational simulation (Cormix simulator). An oil refinery whose effluent is discharged on the Atibaia river (Paulínia/SP) is taken as study case. The behavior of the effluent was evaluated until 1000 m after the discharge. The results show that the measurement of electrical conductivity is a suitable technique to evaluate the dispersion of oil refinery wastewaters, since they have high conductivity and for this reason there is a strong contrast between the values of the wastewater and the ambient background. Furthermore, other water quality parameters had a dispersion behavior similar to that shown by the conductivity. The dispersion plume generated by the computational simulator showed high concordance with the field data. In this manner, computational simulation can be a useful tool to evaluate the dispersion of discharges considering hypothetic scenarios, as well as to design the discharge channel.

BTEX biodegradation by bacteria from effluents of petroleum refinery.

Groundwater contamination with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) has been increasing, thus requiring an urgent development of methodologies that are able to remove or minimize the damages these compounds can cause to the environment. The biodegradation process using microorganisms has been regarded as an efficient technology to treat places contaminated with hydrocarbons, since they are able to biotransform and/or biodegrade target pollutants. To prove the efficiency of this process, besides chemical analysis, the use of biological assessments has been indicated. This work identified and selected BTEX-biodegrading microorganisms present in effluents from petroleum refinery, and evaluated the efficiency of microorganism biodegradation process for reducing genotoxic and mutagenic BTEX damage through two test-systems: Allium cepa and hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) cells. Five different non-biodegraded BTEX concentrations were evaluated in relation to biodegraded concentrations. The biodegradation process was performed in a BOD Trak Apparatus (HACH) for 20 days, using microorganisms pre-selected through enrichment. Although the biodegradation usually occurs by a consortium of different microorganisms, the consortium in this study was composed exclusively of five bacteria species and the bacteria Pseudomonas putida was held responsible for the BTEX biodegradation. The chemical analyses showed that BTEX was reduced in the biodegraded concentrations. The results obtained with genotoxicity assays, carried out with both A. cepa and HTC cells, showed that the biodegradation process was able to decrease the genotoxic damages of BTEX. By mutagenic tests, we observed a decrease in damage only to the A. cepa organism. Although no decrease in mutagenicity was observed for HTC cells, no increase of this effect after the biodegradation process was observed either. The application of pre-selected bacteria in biodegradation processes can represent a reliable and effective tool in the treatment of water contaminated with BTEX mixture. Therefore, the raw petroleum refinery effluent might be a source of hydrocarbon-biodegrading microorganisms.

Dynamics and control strategies for a butanol fermentation process.

In this work, mathematical modeling was employed to assess the dynamic behavior of the flash fermentation process for the production of butanol. This process consists of three interconnected units as follows: fermentor, cell retention system (tangential microfiltration), and vacuum flash vessel (responsible for the continuous recovery of butanol from the broth). Based on the study of the dynamics of the process, suitable feedback control strategies [single input/single output (SISO) and multiple input/multiple output (MIMO)] were elaborated to deal with disturbances related to the process. The regulatory control consisted of keeping sugar and/or butanol concentrations in the fermentor constant in the face of disturbances in the feed substrate concentration. Another objective was the maintenance of the proper operation of the flash tank (maintenance of the thermodynamic equilibrium of the liquid and vapor phases) considering that oscillations in the temperature in the tank are expected. The servo control consisted of changes in concentration set points. The performance of an advanced controller, the dynamic matrix control, and the classical proportional-integral controller was evaluated. Both controllers were able to regulate the operating conditions in order to accommodate the perturbations with the lowest possible alterations in the process outputs. However, the performance of the PI controller was superior because it showed quicker responses without oscillations.

Investigation about the efficiency of the bioaugmentation technique when applied to diesel oil contaminated soils

This work investigated the efficiency of the bioaugmentation technique when applied to diesel oil contaminated soils collected at three service stations. Batch biodegradation experiments were carried out in Bartha biometer flasks (250 mL) used to measure the microbial CO2 production. Biodegradation efficiency was also measured by quantifying the concentration of hydrocarbons. In addition to the biodegradation experiments, the capability of the studied cultures and the native microorganisms to biodegrade the diesel oil purchased from a local service station, was verified using a technique based on the redox indicator 2,6 -dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP). Results obtained with this test showed that the inocula used in the biodegradation experiments were able to degrade the diesel oil and the tests carried out with the native microorganisms indicated that these soils had a microbiota adapted to degrade the hydrocarbons. In general, no gain was obtained with the addition of microorganisms or even negative effects were observed in the biodegradation experiments.

Este trabalho investigou a eficiência da técnica do bioaumento quando aplicada a solos contaminados com óleo diesel coletados em três postos de combustíveis. Experimentos de biodegradação foram realizados em frascos de Bartha (250 mL), usados para medir a produção microbiana de CO2. A eficiência de biodegradação também foi quantificada pela concentração de hidrocarbonetos. Conjuntamente aos experimentos de biodegradação, a capacidade das culturas estudadas e dos microrganismos nativos em biodegradar óleo diesel comprado de um posto de combustíveis local, foi verificada utilizando-se a técnica baseada no indicador redox 2,6 - diclorofenol indofenol (DCPIP). Resultados obtidos com esse teste mostraram que os inóculos empregados nos experimentos de biodegradação foram capazes de biodegradar óleo diesel e os testes com os microrganismos nativos indicaram que estes solos previamente apresentavam uma microbiota adaptada para degradar hidrocarbonetos. Em suma, nenhum ganho foi obtido com a adição dos microrganismos ou mesmo efeitos negativos foram observados nos experimentos de biodegradação.

The use of vinasse as an amendment to ex-situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with diesel oil

This work investigated the possibility of using vinasse as an amendment in ex-situ bioremediation processes. Groundwater and soil samples were collected at petrol stations. The soil bioremediation was simulated in Bartha biometer flasks, used to measure the microbial CO2 production, during 48 days, where vinasse was added at a concentration of 33 mL.Kg-1of soil. Biodegradation efficiency was also measured by quantifying the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) by gas chromatography. The groundwater bioremediation was carried out in laboratory experiments simulating aerated (bioreactors) and not aerated (BOD flasks) conditions. In both the cases, the concentration of vinasse was 5 percent (v/v) and different physicochemical parameters were evaluated during 20 days. Although an increase in the soil fertility and microbial population were obtained with the vinasse, it demonstrated not to be adequate to enhance the bioremediation efficiency of diesel oil contaminated soils. The addition of the vinasse in the contaminated groundwaters had negative effects on the biodegradation of the hydrocarbons, since vinasse, as a labile carbon source, was preferentially consumed.

Este trabalho investigou a possibilidade de se usar a vinhaça como um agente estimulador de processos de biorremediação ex-situ. Amostras de água subterrânea e solo foram coletadas em três postos de combustíveis. A biorremediação do solo foi simulada em frascos de Bartha, usados para medir a produção de CO2, durante 48 dias, onde a vinhaça foi adicionada a uma concentração de 33 mL.Kg-1 de solo. A eficiência de biodegradação também foi medida pela quantificação de hidrocarbonetos totais de petróleo (TPH) por cromatografia gasosa. A biorremediação da água subterrânea foi realizada em experimentos laboratoriais simulando condições aeradas (bioreatores) e não aeradas (frascos de DBO). Em ambos os casos, a concentração de vinhaça foi de 5 por cento (v/v) e diferentes parâmetros físico-químicos foram avaliados durante 20 dias. Embora um aumento da fertilização e da população microbiana do solo foram obtidos com a vinhaça, esta estratégia não se mostrou adequada em aumentar a eficiência da biorremediação dos solos contaminados com óleo diesel. A adição de vinhaça às águas subterrâneas contaminadas teve efeitos negativos na biodegradação dos hidrocarbonetos, uma vez que a vinhaça, como uma fonte de carbono facilmente assimilável, foi preferencialmente consumida.

Performance of the constructed wetland system for the treatment of water from the Corumbataí river

The aim of this work was to study the constructed wetland system for the treatment of water from the Corumbataí river simulated on a laboratory scale. The parameters analyzed at different points of the system were ammonia, biochemical demand for oxygen (BDO), chemical demand for oxygen (CDO), chlorides, apparent color, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), silicon (Si), total phosphorous, total coliforms and Escherichia coli, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, and macrophyte biomass. The results demonstrated that this alternative water treatment system was effective in removing the microorganisms (total coliforms and E. coli), among other parameters analyzed, for varying periods of the treatment, promoting notable improvement in the quality of the water treated from the Corumbataí River.

Na intenção de reduzir nutrientes e microrganismos das águas de rio, foi estudado um processo alternativo de tratamento, como o sistema construído de áreas alagadas (CWs), em escala de laboratório. Os parâmetros analisados em diferentes pontos do sistema utilizado foram amônia, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO), demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), cloretos, cor aparente, condutividade, oxigênio dissolvido, magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), silicium (Si), fósforo total, coliformes totais e Escherichia coli, sólidos totais dissolvidos (TDS), turbidez e biomassa da macrófita. Os resultados demonstraram que este sistema alternativo de tratamento de água do rio Corumbataí foi eficiente na remoção dos microrganismos: coliformes totais e Escherichia coli dentre outros parâmetros analisados, em diferentes tempos de tratamento, promovendo melhoria acentuada na qualidade da água tratada.