Repositório RCAAP

ABSTRACT In order to design effective Brazilian hydraulic structures, it is necessary to obtain data relating to short-duration intense rainfall from historical series of daily rainfall. This recurring need can be fulfilled by rainfall disaggregation methodology. The objective of this study was to determine the intense rainfall disaggregation constants for the State of Tocantins and to compare these constants with those obtained for other regions of Brazil. For the modeling of the frequency of intense rainfall of different durations of less than 24 hours, the Gumbel probability distribution (GPD) was employed using rainfall series from 10 locations in Tocantins state. The results showed that the GPD was adequate by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-square tests. The disaggregation constants presented low variability values for different return periods (from 10 to 100 years); the values for Tocantins state are: h12h/h24h=0.93, h6h/h24h=0.86, h4h/h24h=0.82, h3h/h24h=0.78, h2h/h24h=0.72, h1h/h24h=0.61, h50min/h1h=0.92, h40min/h1h=0.83, h30min/h1h=0.68, h20min/h30min=0.76 e h10min/h30min=0.46. The comparison of the results with those from studies developed for other Brazilian regions showed variations of up to -62.30%, allowing us to conclude that the use of local constants is important in the process of rainfall disaggregation.

Abstract The physical structures of streams are subjected to intense changes throughout the seasons. Intense drought in dry periods has been frequent and potentially harmful to aquatic species. In this study, we tested whether the changes in the habitat structure of the streams during the dry period determine the organization of fish communities. Five streams in the Upper Tocantins River were studied in the dry and rainy seasons. The species were characterized by 13 functional traits based on morphological measurements. The descriptors of functional diversity were: mean pairwise functional distance of species in the community (MPD) and mean functionally nearest species distance (MNTD). We also calculated the standardized effect size for MPD and MNTD, an indicator of functional redundancy, and compared the observed patterns with those expected by chance. Streams differed between seasons with respect to environmental variables. Functional diversity in the rainy season did not differ from the pattern expected by chance for both metrics. While functional diversity in the dry season has not differed from the pattern expected by chance for SESMPD, a greater functional redundancy for SESMNTD was found in this season. These results indicate that environmental changes in the streams during the dry season are important constraints for fish occurrence, preventing the occurrence of functionally original species. Therefore, a prospective scenario of dry-period intensification could result in functionally redundant communities, with functional homogenization of the regional species pool.

Abstract Due to the current scarcity of water, which may be aggravated by climate changes, it is important to develop cultivars tolerant to water stress. For this, information regarding the variability of the tolerance of cultivars to this stress is required. This information can be obtained by using phenotyping platforms, which allow a large-scale and automated assessment of crop traits related to productivity under water stress. This study took place in a greenhouse and used a phenotyping platform to evaluate some agronomic and physiological traits of two cotton cultivars with differing tolerances to this stress. The experiment was performed in a randomized block design, in a split-plot scheme with four replicates. The main plots were composed of five water regimes and the subplots of two cultivars, Acala SJ 2 and Auburn 2. The water regimes consisted of a well-irrigated treatment (daily replacement of 100% of evapotranspired water) and four water restriction regimes (20%, 40%, 60% and 80% of evapotranspired water at the well-irrigated treatment). The phenotyping platform and protocol (different percentages of daily replacement of evapotranspired water) employed were suitable to the evaluated cotton cultivars for water-stress tolerance, and allowed the determination of the cultivar most tolerant (Acala SJ 2) and of the cultivar most sensitive (Auburn 2) to water stress. ‘Acala SJ 2’ displayed better physiological and agronomic traits in all water regimes, including higher root density in the upper soil layer, as well as higher water use than ‘Auburn 2’, which explained its higher seed yield under the conditions employed.

Abstract Whey is the liquid that results from the coagulation of milk during cheese manufacture. Cheese whey is also an important environmental pollution source. The present experiment sought to compare β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) production by Aspergillus oryzae from deproteinized and un-deproteinized CWP solutions. β-galactosidase was produced by submerged fermentation in deproteinized or un-deproteinized CWP solutions. To determine the activity of the enzyme, a reaction mixture containing cell-free extract and ortho-Nitrophenyl-β-galactoside (ONPG) was used. The results indicated that β-galactosidase induction was greater when using deproteinized CWP solution compared to the un-deproteinized CWP solution. These results may enable an alternative management of cheese whey, thereby decreasing its impact on the environment and producing value-added biomacromolecules.

Resumen El agua subterránea es una de las principales fuentes de abastecimiento para los habitantes de las parroquias de Limoncocha y de Pompeya, ubicadas en la Amazonía ecuatoriana donde, además, se encuentra la Reserva Biológica Limoncocha (RBL) y su área de influencia (AI), cuyo ecosistema subterráneo recibe un aporte de agua proveniente de flujos externos a su límite. Tradicionalmente, el agua subterránea ha sido considerada protegida por el subsuelo, sin embargo, la disposición de contaminantes estables en zonas de infiltración favorable, podría causar que este recurso se contamine, poniendo en riesgo la salud de la población y la sostenibilidad de la reserva. Por ello, se propuso evaluar el peligro de contaminación del agua subterránea de dicha reserva, a través de la superposición de un mapa de vulnerabilidad del acuífero aplicando el método GODS, con un inventario de cargas contaminantes usando el método POSH y en función a esto, priorizar medidas en la protección de este recurso. Se determinó que, en la mayor parte del área de estudio, no existe peligro de contaminación del agua subterránea, no obstante, también se encontraron zonas de moderado y alto peligro para las que se propusieron medidas para prevenir el deterioro de la calidad del agua subterránea.

Resumo Neste estudo investigou-se a variação espacial e sazonal da comunidade zooplanctônica e sua relação com as características físicas, químicas e biológicas da água em cinco reservatórios (Jaguari, Jacareí, Cachoeira, Atibainha e Paiva Castro) do sistema Cantareira. Amostragens foram realizadas em maio/junho e novembro/dezembro de 2013 em 19 pontos. Para verificar a similaridade dos atributos zooplanctônicos, efetuou-se uma análise de similaridade bifatorial e um ordenamento multidimensional não-métrico. A relação entre os descritores biológicos e ambientais foi examinada usando-se correlação de Pearson. Um total de 35 táxons foi identificado. Os rotíferos predominaram em termos de riqueza e os juvenis de Copepoda seguidos por Bosmina freyi foram os mais abundantes. Em geral, os locais apresentaram condições mesotróficas com exceção do reservatório Jaguari considerado eutrófico. Com base nas análises, foi evidenciado uma variação espaço-sazonal e correspondência entre descritores ambientais e a densidade. A morfometria do reservatório, o tempo de residência, as interações ecológicas e as mudanças de qualidade da água podem ser fatores que explicam a variabilidade observada.

Resumo A bacia do rio Moju apresenta diferentes padrões de usos da terra decorrentes de um histórico de expansão do setor agrícola e extrativista no estado. Está inserida na área de projetos desenvolvimentistas da região, com ênfase para a cadeia produtiva do dendê. No presente trabalho, realizou-se um zoneamento da bacia do rio Moju evidenciando a interconexão entre os principais usos e cobertura da terra e os usos da água, demonstrando as pressões sobre os recursos naturais que a bacia está sofrendo. O zoneamento é o produto resultante da associação entre o mapeamento de uso e cobertura da terra e as categorias de usuários da água dos municípios componentes da bacia. Os resultados demonstraram que a maior parcela de usos outorgados tem finalidade industrial, sendo a captação subterrânea massivamente superior a superficial, onde o principal outorgado é a agroindústria do dendê. Somente um pequeno número de habitantes são atendidos pela distribuição de água e ocorrem grandes perdas no sistema de distribuição. A sub-bacia Alto Moju sofre alta pressão sobre os seus recursos naturais. Nota-se que a bacia como um todo ainda possui a maior parte de seu território com cobertura florestal, entretanto a pastagem e a vegetação secundária ocupam áreas expressivas. Em geral, percebe-se que o maior desafio está em alinhar o gerenciamento dos recursos hídricos com uma gestão eficiente de uso do solo.

Abstract Reuse reduces the consumption of freshwater supplies and the negative environmental impact caused by the discharge of industrial effluents. Some industries have already adopted this practice; however, no studies were found in the literature regarding this subject in the pharmaceutical industry. This work investigated the potential reuse of effluent (concentrate) generated from the Reverse Osmosis/Electro-deionization System (RO/EDI) that is used for the production of purified water in a Brazilian pharmaceutical plant. This industrial complex consumed about 200,000 m3 of water per year between 2012 and 2013 to produce one million of doses of vaccines, i.e., 2 L of water per dose of vaccine produced. During this period, the RO/EDI produced 27,000 m3 of purified water annually and generated 24,000 m3 of effluent (concentrate). This amount of effluent could be used to supply the production of industry steam (boilers) and/or cold water (cooling towers) that annually consumed an average of 12,000 m3 and 40,000 m3, respectively. The reuse of this effluent would result in a gross financial savings of 96,000 USD per year, excluding the costs of installation and control. From what has been researched in the literature, this work showed for the first time the possibility of reuse of effluent from RO/EDI System in the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract This work analyzed water leached from soil treated with leachate from plant biomass ash. The ash was generated by industrial boilers used in the pulp and paper industry. Experiments were carried out in columns filled with soil, and the ash was then added to the soil to simulate field conditions. The ash was applied at 30 and 60 tons per hectare rate. The simulated rainwater was prepared for three scenarios: pH 3.0, 6.5 and 8.0. Each leaching experiment simulated an annual precipitation of 2,045 mm. The results showed that the parameter that demands more attention is aluminum concentration. In this context, in acidic conditions (pH 3.0) and with a significant amount of ash added (60 tons per hectare), the level of aluminum may reach the maximum level for drinking water. Despite the potential impact of aluminum, the use of ash from plant biomass in soil for agricultural purposes may serve as an alternative strategy for disposal of this waste.

Abstract Household food-waste composting is an attractive alternative for Brazilian waste management; however, there are few programs or studies regarding the implementation or management of this small-scale process. This study investigates the performance of food-waste composting using a simple and small-scale domestic composter. Three composting trials were conducted using food waste and wood chips in 10 L plastic bins using different filling schemes. In the first trial, the composter was filled weekly over two months. In the second, the composter was filled once with a mixture of food waste and 100% of the used wood chips from the previous trial. In the last third trial, the composter was filled with food waste and wood chips (50% of wood chips used in the second trial and 50% of untreated wood chips). The physical chemical parameters of the compost were monitored and the total coliforms and E. coli were measured. In all trials, the temperature varied between 26.7°C and 46.2°C throughout the process. The reduction in wet mass was 58-69%, while the reduction in dry mass was 37-61%. The pH value, the contents of carbon and nitrogen and the C/N ratio were in accordance with the values recommended in norm 25 (July, 2009) adopted by Brazil's Agriculture Ministry. Only the compost from Trial 2, which had 1900 MPN g-1 total solids, did not meet the E. coli standards; this was likely due to the fact that when the temperatures did not reach the thermophilic phase, the relatively long time the waste remains in the composter allows these pathogenic microorganisms to decay naturally.

Abstract The most common problems in the fish processing industry relate to high water consumption and the generation of effluents with concentrated organic loads. Given that reuse can represent an alternative for sustainable development, this study sought to assess the potential for recycling effluents produced in a fish-processing plant. In order to do so, the final industrial effluent was analyzed using the American Public Health Association standard effluent-analysis method (APHA, 2005). In addition, the study assessed treatments which produce effluents meeting the requirements prescribed by different countries' regulations for reuse and recycling. The results found that effluents with smaller organic loads, such as those from health barriers and monoblock washing, can be treated in order to remove nutrients and solids so that they can be subsequently reused. For effluents produced by the washing and gutting cylinders, it is recommended that large fragments of solid waste be removed beforehand. Effluents can in this way attain a quality compatible with industrial reuse. This study further highlights the possibility of treating effluents so as comply with drinking water standards. This would potentially allow them to be used within the actual fish-processing procedure; in such a case, a revision of standards and measures for controlling use should be considered to prevent microbiological damage to products and risks to handlers and final consumers.

Abstract Long-term changes in important weather variables such as evapotranspiration (ET) and precipitation are expected as a response to climate change. These changes may require adjustments to current strategies of planning and management of water resources. The objective of this work was to conduct a spatiotemporal characterization of evapotranspiration in the State of Paraná, Brazil, including in this approach a temporal trend analysis. A similar analysis was also conducted for precipitation. Thus, the historical data (1980-2010) from 33 weather stations were analyzed. The spatial distribution of the data was carried out by geostatistical techniques (ordinary kriging) and the trend analysis by the tests Mann-Kendall and Sen. According to the results, evapotranspiration increases from the coast to the interior of the state, with the highest values in the northeast and northwest regions, reaching levels of about 1200 mm yr-1. The temporal variability of the ET presented a significant upward trend in 12% of the locations, with increases from 2.5 to 7.0 mm yr-1. Precipitation was higher in the coastal and south-central regions and the lowest amounts were identified in the northeast and northwest regions. The precipitation trend analysis indicated a significant downward trend in precipitation volume of five locations. The evapotranspiration and precipitation showed, in general, no statistically significant trends in most of the stations analyzed; however, the upward trends for ET and downward trends for precipitation indicate local changes in the State of Paraná.

Abstract Caçapava do Sul, RS, Brazil produces 80% of the State’s rock-dust, and its 1st district is located near four marble quarries. A significant increase in Brazilian mineral extraction has caused serious environmental problems, such as the development and proliferation of diseases directly related to water resources. This study sought to investigate the water composition in the 1st district area. Geochemical investigation revealed waters classified as soft and hard, neutral and alkaline pH. Electric conductivity ranged from 95.7 to 548 μs cm-1, and total alkalinity ranged from 57 to 241 mg L-1. Ca and Mg ranged from 6.01 to 54.1 and from 4.6 to 32.75, respectively. All measured values met the potability standards for human consumption established by Ordinance Nos. 2914 (2011), 36-GM/1990, and1469/2000.

Abstract This paper compares the structural characteristics of aquatic humic substances (AHS) with humic substances from peat (HSP) through different analytical techniques, including elemental analysis, solid state 13C cross polarization/magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C CP-MAS NMR), ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and total organic carbon (TOC). The AHS were extracted from water collected in a tributary of the Itapanhaú River (Bertioga/SP) using XAD 8 resin, and the HSP were extracted from peat collected in the Mogi Guaçu River bank (Luis Antonio/SP) with a KOH solution. After dialysis, both AHS and HSP extracts were filtered in membrane of 0.45 µm pore size (Fraction F1: < 0.45 µm) and fractioned by ultrafiltration in different apparent molecular sizes (AMS) (F2: 100 kDa-0.45 μm; F3: 30 kDa-100 kDa and F4: < 30 kDa). The extracts with the lowest AMS (F3 and F4) showed a higher number of aliphatic carbons than aromatic carbons, a higher concentration of groups containing oxygen and a higher percentage of fulvic acids (FA) than humic acids (HA) for both AHS and HSP. However, the AHS presented higher FA than HA content in relation to the HSP and distinct structural properties.

Abstract In the drilling and production of oil at sea, a large quantity of potable water used is most commonly transported to oil platforms using offshore supply vessels (OSVs). Sea water desalination is used as well, but only in a few oil platforms. To minimize energy consumption, water supply options were studied. The desalination of seawater and the reusing of streams of grey water and black water were evaluated and compared with the characteristics of the current supply via OSVs. In both desalination and OSV water supply options an electrolytic wastewater treatment plant is used. The objective of this study was to analyze the current situation regarding water supply on offshore platforms located in the Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to propose measures to take advantage of opportunities to reuse water and reduce energy expenditure. Two alternative scenarios were developed that involved the reuse of water that comes from the effluent of a biological wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Information on the logistics of supplying water to platforms was obtained through direct consultation with companies and sources in the literature. The results show that annual energy consumption (uptake, treatment, transportation, use and waste water treatment) of water on offshore platforms is currently 1.89 GWh, and that a reduction of 1.8 GWh of the energy consumed can be achieved using advanced reuse treatments. Energy consumption in the water reuse treatment is more competitive than those of transport by OSVs or seawater desalination.

Abstract The aim of the present study is to assess the use of rapid assessment protocols (RAPs) of rivers as environmental education (EE) instruments in elementary schools. Therefore, EE activities were proposed to students from a Brazilian public elementary school. The activities included ranged from environmental-monitoring workshops to RAPs adapted to the level of schooling of the students. The students completed questionnaires before and after the activities in order to check their degree of knowledge prior to the activities and to assess the information acquired after participation in the activities. The results established that the RAP provided and/or helped to instill social values, knowledge, skills, actions, and competences linked to the environmental conservation of local rivers. The study therefore proves that the use of the RAP would be a valuable addition to EE projects and programs in elementary schools.

Resumo Os municípios da Amazônia brasileira são constantemente influenciados por secas e cheias, onde riscos socioeconômicos e ambientais afetam principalmente a população ribeirinha. Esses extremos de precipitação causam mudanças severas na hidrologia dos rios tanto em escala temporal quanto espacial. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o índice do risco socioeconômico e ambiental dos municípios que recebem influência dos afluentes e da calha principal do Rio Amazonas, comparando com eventos extremos de precipitação. Utilizaram-se dados mensais e anuais de precipitação de 1982-2012 e dados sociais (população urbana, idosa, feminina e de crianças, nível de rendimento e de escolaridade) de 2010 para 47 municípios na Bacia Amazônica. Contudo, conclui-se que o risco foi maior durante eventos de cheia, principalmente, nos menores estados (Acre e Roraima) e maior vulnerabilidade nos maiores estados (Amazonas e Pará). Assim, as populações nos municípios ao longo do Rio Amazonas possuem risco socioeconômico e ambiental de moderado a muito forte devido à vulnerabilidade alta associada com a urbanização e com a pobreza, além de ameaça de enchentes e estiagens variando de moderada a alta.

Resumo No Brasil e no estado de São Paulo existem poucos levantamentos sobre a presença do gastrópode Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774). Os moluscos invasores representam uma importante ameaça às espécies nativas, em consequência da sua agressividade na competição pelo uso dos habitats e dos diferentes recursos. Melanoides tuberculataé originário da Ásia e África e a sua introdução no Brasil data da década de 60. Estudos recentes ressaltam a importância de realizar novas pesquisas sobre a distribuição espacial desta espécie e seu possível impacto à biodiversidade. O presente estudo documenta a ocorrência da espécie Melanoides tuberculata na bacia hidrográfica do rio Sorocaba, sua abundância e distribuição espacial em 5 sistemas aquáticos em diferentes estágios de conservação. As amostragens foram realizadas nos meses de junho de 2013 até agosto de 2014, onde foram registrados 522 indivíduos, dos quais 67% foram encontrados no Rio Verde, localizado na zona de amortecimento da Floresta Nacional de Ipanema. Os resultados mostraram que esta espécie pode estar amplamente distribuída na bacia principalmente em locais com substrato arenoso, mata ripária degradada e sujeito a lançamento de esgoto. Deve ser ressaltada ainda a correlação com valores de temperatura da água mais altos, o que pode estar ligado à ausência de sombreamento propiciado pela mata ripária. O controle na proliferação desta espécie, deve ser realizado pela melhoria da qualidade ambiental do ambiente aquáticos uma vez que a erradicação se torna inviável por remoção física.

Resumo O estudo da vulnerabilidade socioambiental associado às mudanças climáticas é uma das temáticas mais discutidas pela comunidade científica internacional. Os efeitos das mudanças do clima sobre a sociedade têm origem em diferentes causas, e sua análise deve levar em consideração os contextos cultural, econômico e social de uma população. Deste modo, os estudos envolvendo riscos associados a eventos extremos de clima devem ser feitos de forma integrada e interdisciplinar. Neste contexto, a presente pesquisa visa contribuir para análise da vulnerabilidade na mesorregião metropolitana de Belém, com vistas à redução dos efeitos causados pelas mudanças climáticas e sociais. Para tanto, se aplicou o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Geral (IVG), com base em indicadores socioeconômicos, epidemiológicos e climáticos no período de 2000 a 2010. Os resultados mostram que o município de Belém apresentou o maior valor de IVG (0,61), com alta vulnerabilidade, apresentando os maiores índices de vulnerabilidade climática (1,00) e epidemiológica (0,76). Em contrapartida o município de Bujaru apresentou uma baixa vulnerabilidade, com o valor do IVG (0,14), explicada pelo valor mínimo do índice de vulnerabilidade climática (0,00) e baixos índices de vulnerabilidade epidemiológica (0,03) e socioeconômica (0,38). Espera-se que este estudo possa subsidiar a gestão de políticas públicas para os municípios, e motivar estudos da vulnerabilidade socioambiental na região amazônica, com abordagem interdisciplinar.

Resumo A baixa densidade espacial da rede hidrométrica nacional tem resultado em grandes limitações para a representação do comportamento dos recursos hídricos. Dessa forma, a regionalização de vazões é uma alternativa para melhor explorar os dados já existentes, transferindo informações de um local para outro dentro de uma área com comportamento hidrológico semelhante. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as estimativas da vazão mínima de permanência Q95 obtidas através dos métodos Tradicional e Conservação de Massas na bacia do Rio Taquari-Antas, pertencente ao Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, visando auxiliar o planejamento dos recursos hídricos, além de facilitar as tomadas de decisão em relação aos processos de outorga do direito de uso das águas. Como variável explicativa para a regressão matemática foi utilizada a área de drenagem proveniente do Modelo Digital de Elevação Hidrograficamente Condicionado (MDEHC). Foram obtidas as equações de regionalização da vazão de referência Q95 e as respectivas regiões hidrologicamente homogêneas para os dois métodos testados, sendo a magnitude dos erros relativos inerente às metodologias empregadas. Consideradas as particularidades deste trabalho, ambos os métodos avaliados apresentaram resultados satisfatórios na obtenção de modelos para estimativa da vazão Q95, entretanto destaca-se que as técnicas aplicadas não substituem as informações hidrológicas obtidas com uma rede hidrométrica suficientemente densa.