Environmental impact assessment of end-of-life fluorescent lamps in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under different recycling rate scenarios.

Fluorescent lamps are hazardous materials, as they contain toxic elements, which may lead to environmental contamination. Therefore, assessing potential environmental impacts arising from inadequate lamp disposal is paramount. Studies addressing the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of end-of-life fluorescent lamps are, however, still scarce, and inappropriate lamp disposal remains a matter of concern, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. In Brazil, fluorescent lamps are still used countrywide and are often inadequately discarded. However, studies assessing fluorescent lamp impacts and potential impact reduction through enhanced recycling are still scarce in the country, despite Brazil's size and high waste generation rates. Furthermore, Brazil's lamp recycling program is a recent measure and still falls short of the country's needs. Thus, this study aimed to assess potential environmental impacts of end-of-life fluorescent lamps in Rio de Janeiro, the second largest capital in Brazil, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. Potential impact reductions due to higher recycling program adherence considering 5, 20, 80 and 100 % recycling rates were also assessed. The findings indicate that the impact categories most influenced by end-of-life lamps were terrestrial ecotoxicity, human non-carcinogenic toxicity, global warming potential, and fossil resource scarcity. Increased recycling rates, in turn, reduced the environmental impact potential for all evaluated categories, reaching an almost 90 % reduction in most categories when applying a 100 % recycling rate. The current national program target recycling rate of 20 %, however, already contributes to an average impact reduction of over 70 %, comprising a more viable national application rate and already significantly contributing to reduced impacts.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Silicoaluminophosphate with AEL Structure Using a Residue of Fluorescent Lamps as Starting Material.

Silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieves of SAPO-11 type (AEL structure) were synthesized by the hydrothermal method, from the residue of a fluorescent lamp as a source or Si, Al, and P in the presence of water and di-propyamine (DPA) as an organic template. To adjust the P2O5/SiO2 and Si/Al and ratios, specific amounts of silica, alumina, or alumina hydroxide and orthophosphoric acid were added to obtain a gel with molar chemical composition 1.0 Al2O3:1.0 P2O5:1.2 DPA:0.3 SiO2:120 H2O. The syntheses were carried out at a temperature of 473 K at crystallization times of 24, 48, and 72 h. The fluorescent lamp residue and the obtained samples were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and BET surface area analysis using nitrogen adsorption isotherms. The presence of fluorapatite was detected as the main crystalline phase in the residue, jointly with considered amounts of silica, alumina, and phosphorus in oxide forms. The SAPO-11 prepared using aluminum hydroxide as Al source, P2O5/SiO2 molar ratio of 3.6 and Si/Al ratio of 0.14, at crystallization time of 72 h, achieves a yield of 75% with a surface area of 113 m2/g, showing that the residue from a fluorescent lamp is an alternative source for development of new materials based on Si, Al, and P.

Rationally designed dipicolinate-functionalized silica for highly efficient recovery of rare-earth elements from e-waste.

Composition of the immobilized layer plays a crucial role in metal adsorption properties of complexing organo-mineral materials. Ignoring the specific features of chemical reactions on solid surface can lead to a significant deterioration in the target properties of the resulted materials. In this research we demonstrated that rationally designed surface-assembling synthesis of organo-silica with covalently immobilized fragments of dipicolinic acid (DPA) resulted in the adsorbent that is capable quantitively recover almost all Rare Earth elements (REEs) from multielement solution with pH > 1.7. In ten consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles no noticeable loss of its efficiency was found, with a mean value of REEs recovery larger than 97%. The adsorbent has been used to recover REEs from model solutions (22 metal ions in 0.5 mol L-1 NaCl) and real leaching solution of waste of fluorescent lamps. It was demonstrated that even 3200-fold excess of Fe and Cu ions only slightly reduces REEs recovery. The adsorbent is capable to recover above 80% of all (except La) REEs from acidic leaching solution from fluorescent lamps with enrichment factors above 600. After adsorption of Eu3+ and Tb3+, the resulting materials exhibited strong red and green luminescence, respectively, indicating chelating mechanism of REEs adsorption on SiO2-DPA.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la adherencia al lavado de manos en personal de salud / Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to the adherence of handwashing in health personnel

Introducción: El lavado de manos deficiente, sigue siendo un problema hospitalario. Cumplir con las recomendaciones internacionales ofrece seguridad en el cuidado. Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas en la técnica del lavado de manos en personal de salud en un hospital pediátrico de La Habana. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo a 145 trabajadores (31,7 por ciento médicos, 35,2 por ciento enfermeros, 22,8 por ciento médicos residentes y 10,3 por ciento estudiantes). De 13 servicios el cuerpo de guardia, sala de respiratorio, cirugía, neurocirugía y quemados, fueron los que más participación tuvieron. El estudio se realizó en tres etapas: 1. Observación directa de la técnica del lavado de manos. 2. Observación de la calidad del lavado de manos mediante lámpara fluorescente. 3. Medida del conocimiento acerca del lavado de manos y actitud mediante encuesta. Resultados: En la primera etapa, el 51,7 por ciento calificó de inadecuado, en la segunda etapa el 64,8 por ciento también tuvo una evaluación inadecuada y en las encuestas, el conocimiento alcanzó solo 52,4 por ciento, considerado inapropiado. La actitud ante esta actividad fue calificada de inadecuado en el 53,1 por ciento, con un mejor porcentaje en el personal de enfermería. Conclusiones: Los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre el lavado de manos es deficiente, por lo que debe diseñarse un programa de capacitación en todos los niveles, sea pregrado, posgrado o formación continua, donde exista responsabilidad individual de cada profesional sanitario, y se insista en ello(AU)

Introduction: Deficient handwashing is still a problem in hospitals. The compliance of the international recommendations on this matter provides security in the care. Objective: To identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices in the technique of handwashing in a pediatric hospital in Havana. Methodology: Descriptive study applied to 145 workers (31.7 percent doctors, 35.2 percent nurses, 22.8 percent residents, and 10.3 percent students) of 13 services. Emergencies, Respiratory, Surgery, Neurosurgery and Caumatology were the services with more participation. The study was conducted in three stages: 1. Direct observation of the technique of handwashing. 2. Quality observation of the handwashing using fluorescent lamp. 3. Extent of knowledge on handwashing and attitudes through survey. Results: In the first stage, the 51.7 percent the handwashing was assessed as inappropriate, in the second stage the 64.8 percent was also evaluated as inadequate, and in the surveys, the 52.4 percent had an incorrect knowledge; the attitude towards this activity was described as inappropriate in the 53.1 percent , with a better percentage in the nursing staff. Conclusions: The knowledge, attitudes and practices on handwashing were poor, so it must be designed a training program at all levels, whether undergraduate, graduate or continuing training, where individual responsibility of each healthcare professional exists, and should be highlithed(AU)

Study of the influence of wavelengths and intensities of LEDs on the growth, photosynthetic pigment, and volatile compounds production of Lippia rotundifolia Cham in vitro.

Lippia rotundifolia Cham. is in the family Verbenaceae and is endemic to the Cerrado. This species is aromatic and characterized by the presence of glandular trichomes on its leaves that are rich in monoterpenes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth, photosynthetic pigment production, and chemical composition of L. rotundifolia grown in vitro under different light wavelengths and intensities. The light intensities consisted of five treatments using cool white fluorescent lamps at 20, 54, 78, 88, and 110 µmol m-2 s-1. The light quality consisted of six treatments using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in different light wavelengths, namely, white, red, blue, and their interactions: 1R:1B, 2.5R:1B, and 1R:2.5B. After 45 days, the biometric parameters, photosynthetic pigment content, and volatile compounds were evaluated. The lower light intensities of 20 and 54 µmol m-2 s-1 generated higher growth, photosynthetic pigment content, and biomass accumulation. Myrcene and pentadecane were highest under light intensities of 88 and 110 µmol m-2 s-1, respectively. The highest limonene and ocimenone levels were obtained at 20 and 54 µmol m-2 s-1 intensity, respectively, and the highest myrcenone content was obtained at 78 µmol m-2 s-1 intensity. Regarding the light wavelengths, the combination of red and blue spectra further stimulated plantlet growth, and the 2.5R:1B combination obtained the best biometric data and total chlorophyll content. The z-ocimenone chemical compound contents were highest under the 1R:2.5B light spectrum. The monochromatic blue spectrum increased the myrcene and limonene content but decreased the myrcenone content, which was increased by red light. The highest pentadecane contents were obtained with the white spectrum and the red and blue combinations.

Sugarcane micropropagation using light emitting diodes and adjustment in growth-medium sucrose concentration / Micropropagação de cana-de-açúcar com diodos emissores de luz e ajuste da concentração de sacarose do meio de cultivo

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of white fluorescent lamps as light source and adequate growth-medium sucrose concentration for sugarcane micropropagation (Saccharum officinarum L.). Sugarcane (RB 872552 variety) bud explants were evaluated during the multiplication and rooting phases under controlled growth-room conditions. Different light sources (blue, red and green LEDs; Growlux and white fluorescent lamps) and different medium sucrose concentrations (0; 15; 30 and 45g L-1) were used, maintaining constant light intensity (20µmol m-2 s-1), photoperiod (16h) and temperature (25+2°C). The experiment was a completely randomized design, and treatments were arranged in a 5x4 factorial (five light sources and four medium sucrose concentrations) with six replications. Sugarcane bud growth was satisfactory under the three LED types studied. The presence of sucrose in growth media was essential for bud multiplication and rooting. Nevertheless, each light source requires the respective medium sucrose concentration adjustment for best results. Red LEDs provided a significantly high multiplication rate (although not the highest) with 8.5 buds per sub-culture and 34.9g L-1 of sucrose; also, the highest bud length (33.3mm) and the best plantlet acclimatization. Therefore, LED sources can advantageously substitute fluorescent lamps in laboratories of sugarcane micropropagation.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de diodos emissores de luz (LEDs) em substituição a lâmpadas fluorescentes brancas e adequar a concentração de sacarose na micropropagação de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.). Brotações da variedade RB 872552 foram avaliadas nas fases de multiplicação e enraizamento, utilizando as fontes de luz LEDs azuis, LEDs vermelhos, LEDs verdes, lâmpadas Growlux e lâmpadas fluorescentes brancas, e as concentrações de sacarose de 0, 15, 30 e 45g L-1, fixando-se a intensidade luminosa em 20µmol m-2 s-1. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em fatorial 5x4 (fontes de luz x concentrações de sacarose). O desenvolvimento das brotações foi satisfatório sob os três tipos de LEDs estudados. A presença de sacarose no meio de cultivo foi indispensável para multiplicação e enraizamento das brotações, sendo necessário ajuste da concentração para cada fonte de luz. Os LEDs vermelhos não proporcionaram a maior taxa de multiplicação, porém esta foi bastante alta (8,5 brotos por subcultivo, com adição de 34,9g L-1 de sacarose), com maior comprimento dos brotos (33,3mm) e maior eficiência de aclimatização das plantas. Concluiu-se que os LEDs podem ser utilizados como substitutos das lâmpadas fluorescentes em laboratórios de micropropagação de cana-de-açúcar.

Sugarcane micropropagation using light emitting diodes and adjustment in growth-medium sucrose concentration

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of white fluorescent lamps as light source and adequate growth-medium sucrose concentration for sugarcane micropropagation (Saccharum officinarum L.). Sugarcane (RB 872552 variety) bud explants were evaluated during the multiplication and rooting phases under controlled growth-room conditions. Different light sources (blue, red and green LEDs; Growlux and white fluorescent lamps) and different medium sucrose concentrations (0; 15; 30 and 45g L-1) were used, maintaining constant light intensity (20µmol m-2 s-1), photoperiod (16h) and temperature (25+2°C). The experiment was a completely randomized design, and treatments were arranged in a 5x4 factorial (five light sources and four medium sucrose concentrations) with six replications. Sugarcane bud growth was satisfactory under the three LED types studied. The presence of sucrose in growth media was essential for bud multiplication and rooting. Nevertheless, each light source requires the respective medium sucrose concentration adjustment for best results. Red LEDs provided a significantly high multiplication rate (although not the highest) with 8.5 buds per sub-culture and 34.9g L-1 of sucrose; also, the highest bud length (33.3mm) and the best plantlet acclimatization. Therefore, LED sources can advantageously substitute fluorescent lamps in laboratories of sugarcane micropropagation.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de diodos emissores de luz (LEDs) em substituição a lâmpadas fluorescentes brancas e adequar a concentração de sacarose na micropropagação de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.). Brotações da variedade RB 872552 foram avaliadas nas fases de multiplicação e enraizamento, utilizando as fontes de luz LEDs azuis, LEDs vermelhos, LEDs verdes, lâmpadas Growlux e lâmpadas fluorescentes brancas, e as concentrações de sacarose de 0, 15, 30 e 45g L-1, fixando-se a intensidade luminosa em 20µmol m-2 s-1. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em fatorial 5x4 (fontes de luz x concentrações de sacarose). O desenvolvimento das brotações foi satisfatório sob os três tipos de LEDs estudados. A presença de sacarose no meio de cultivo foi indispensável para multiplicação e enraizamento das brotações, sendo necessário ajuste da concentração para cada fonte de luz. Os LEDs vermelhos não proporcionaram a maior taxa de multiplicação, porém esta foi bastante alta (8,5 brotos por subcultivo, com adição de 34,9g L-1 de sacarose), com maior comprimento dos brotos (33,3mm) e maior eficiência de aclimatização das plantas. Concluiu-se que os LEDs podem ser utilizados como substitutos das lâmpadas fluorescentes em laboratórios de micropropagação de cana-de-açúcar.

Sugarcane micropropagation using light emitting diodes and adjustment in growth-medium sucrose concentration

The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of white fluorescent lamps as light source and adequate growth-medium sucrose concentration for sugarcane micropropagation (Saccharum officinarum L.). Sugarcane (RB 872552 variety) bud explants were evaluated during the multiplication and rooting phases under controlled growth-room conditions. Different light sources (blue, red and green LEDs; Growlux and white fluorescent lamps) and different medium sucrose concentrations (0; 15; 30 and 45g L-1) were used, maintaining constant light intensity (20µmol m-2 s-1), photoperiod (16h) and temperature (25+2°C). The experiment was a completely randomized design, and treatments were arranged in a 5x4 factorial (five light sources and four medium sucrose concentrations) with six replications. Sugarcane bud growth was satisfactory under the three LED types studied. The presence of sucrose in growth media was essential for bud multiplication and rooting. Nevertheless, each light source requires the respective medium sucrose concentration adjustment for best results. Red LEDs provided a significantly high multiplication rate (although not the highest) with 8.5 buds per sub-culture and 34.9g L-1 of sucrose; also, the highest bud length (33.3mm) and the best plantlet acclimatization. Therefore, LED sources can advantageously substitute fluorescent lamps in laboratories of sugarcane micropropagation.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o uso de diodos emissores de luz (LEDs) em substituição a lâmpadas fluorescentes brancas e adequar a concentração de sacarose na micropropagação de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.). Brotações da variedade RB 872552 foram avaliadas nas fases de multiplicação e enraizamento, utilizando as fontes de luz LEDs azuis, LEDs vermelhos, LEDs verdes, lâmpadas Growlux e lâmpadas fluorescentes brancas, e as concentrações de sacarose de 0, 15, 30 e 45g L-1, fixando-se a intensidade luminosa em 20µmol m-2 s-1. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em fatorial 5x4 (fontes de luz x concentrações de sacarose). O desenvolvimento das brotações foi satisfatório sob os três tipos de LEDs estudados. A presença de sacarose no meio de cultivo foi indispensável para multiplicação e enraizamento das brotações, sendo necessário ajuste da concentração para cada fonte de luz. Os LEDs vermelhos não proporcionaram a maior taxa de multiplicação, porém esta foi bastante alta (8,5 brotos por subcultivo, com adição de 34,9g L-1 de sacarose), com maior comprimento dos brotos (33,3mm) e maior eficiência de aclimatização das plantas. Concluiu-se que os LEDs podem ser utilizados como substitutos das lâmpadas fluorescentes em laboratórios de micropropagação de cana-de-açúcar.