Abstract Glyphosate affects ecosystems due to exposure of non-target crops and is a persistent contaminant at low concentrations. The application of palygorskite to reduce glyphosate contamination in Brazil is an environmentally friendly way to remediate impacted areas. This research evaluated palygorskite application for glyphosate adsorption present in a synthetic effluent. Palygorskite samples were ore dressed by wet granulometric classification and wet magnetic separation and submitted to organophilization with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide solutions at concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 1.5% (w/w), and the organo-palygorskite was applied in glyphosate adsorption tests. After ore dressing there was an increase in its cation exchange capacity from 19 to 41 meq 100 g-1 and the surface area was 149 g m-2. The 1.0% organo-palygorskite adsorbed about 86% of glyphosate from synthetic aqueous effluent. Based on this high adsorption yield, the organo-palygorskite is a potential adsorbent for remediation of effluents containing the toxic herbicide glyphosate.

ABSTRACT Our previous work reported that palygorskite has potential for application as metal cations adsorbent due to its chemical and mineralogical properties. In this work, kinetic study and adsorption isotherms were performed in order to evaluate Pb (II) ions adsorption rate, maximum capacity and type of adsorption by using palygorskite as adsorbent. Adsorption tests were performed in batch, using pH of 5, 2 g of palygorskite, 40 mL of synthetic effluent solution and stirring for 1 hour. Kinetic experiments were performed using 34 mg L-1 of a lead synthetic effluent at same mass and pH conditions. Furthermore, after adsorption studies, the sample was characterized by X-ray fluorecence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, in order to verify and understand the interaction of lead ions in palygorskite. The results demonstrated that palygorskite presented an equilibrium time of 10 min with 99.14% of removal, following pseudo-second order kinetic. The maximum adsorption capacity was 21.65 mg g-1 and Gibbs’ adsorption-free energy was -21.39 KJ mol-1, with Langmuir model being the most suitable for adjustment of the data. Thus, its presence was confirmed by characterization techniques, indicating that the metal is distributed homogeneously on palygorskite surface, proving its efficiency as lead ions adsorbent.

The corrosion inhibition of mild steel by aqueous extract of cumaru (Dipteryx odorata) seeds and its high molecular weight fraction (HMWF) was investigated in 1 mol L-1 HCl solution. The study was carried out through gravimetric essays, open circuit potential measurements, anodic and cathodic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance analyses, as well as morphological analysis of the mild steel by scanning electron microscopy. Gravimetric tests showed that the inhibition efficiency (IE) increased with immersion time and inhibitor concentration, reaching 98% of IE using 100 mg L-1 of the HMWF, after 6 h immersion time. The activation energy (Ea) increased with the addition of both inhibitors which characterizes a physical adsorption of the constituents of the aqueous extract of cumaru on the metal surface. Polarization curves indicated that both aqueous cumaru seeds extract and its HMWF act as mixed-type inhibitor. Impedance results showed a decrease in double layer capacitance (Cdl) and an increase in charge transfer resistance (Rct) evidencing a typically screening effect. The adsorption of molecules present in the aqueous extract of cumaru followed the Langmuir isotherm. The aqueous cumaru seeds extract was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H, 13C and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

Resumo Nesse texto descrevemos uma experiência pedagógica desenvolvida em escola de Ensino Médio com o objetivo de levar os estudantes à aprendizagem de conhecimentos químicos e da natureza da ciência, através de um processo de pesquisa. Fundamentada na epistemologia da Complexidade (Morin, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2020), foi realizada uma sequência didática em que os estudantes produziram reações de precipitação sobre pano branco, para que os fenômenos envolvidos nas “obras de arte” que daí resultaram fossem interpretados e registrados com o uso da teoria química e de linguagem científica, o que foi finalizado com a validação entre pares. Como resultado temos que a proposta possibilitou a elaboração de saberes escolares a partir de um processo investigativo que buscou apresentar a ciência como uma atividade humana criativa e interessada, cujo princípio é a busca por critérios de confiabilidade. Avaliamos que a proposta, ao fazer uso de experimentação e arte para estimular a investigação, se mostrou bem-sucedida no que diz respeito à construção de conhecimentos da ciência e da prática científica, e que o processo de validação dos conhecimentos formados, envolvendo debates e partilhas, é uma estratégia didática potente para a aprendizagem da natureza complexa da ciência.

Abstract In this article we will describe a pedagogical experience developed in a high school with the goal of getting students to learn about chemical reactions and the nature of science through a research process. Based on the theory of Complexity (Morin, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2015, 2020), a didactic sequence was carried out in which students produced precipitation reactions on a white cloth, so that the phenomena involved in “works of art” resulting from it were interpreted and registered using chemical theory and scientific language, concluded with validation between peers. As a result, the proposal made it possible to elaborate curriculum knowledge based on an investigative process that introduced science as human activity at the same time creative and interested of which the principle is the search for reliability criteria. By utilizing experimentation and art to stimulate investigation, we understand that the proposal was successful regarding the construction of knowledge of science and scientific practice, and that the validation process of such acquired knowledge, involving debating and sharing, is a powerful didactic tool to learn science’s complex nature.

Montmorillonites modified with lanthanum(III) and iron(III) were prepared from two commercial clays. These materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction analysis, X-ray fluorescence, infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy. The incorporation of lanthanum(III) and iron(III) varied from 0 to 4.00%. The amount of these cations governed the adsorption capacity of the material since an increase in the percentage of La by 1.7 times improved the adsorption capacity by 3.3 times. The structural properties of the precursor clay minerals, such as pore size, may have influenced the extension of the modification process. Kinetics and equilibrium studies indicated that adsorption occurs mainly within 24 h, and the pseudo-second order and Lagmuir models described the process. The phosphate adsorption capacity ranged from 2.86 to 17.86 mg g-1 for the modified materials and was mainly dependent on the La content. A laboratory test with a natural water sample from the Jacarepaguá Lagoon showed reduction of the soluble reactive phosphorus concentration from 0.41 to 0.04 mg L-1, for the material with 4.00% La2O3. The materials described in this work were effective for the reduction of the soluble reactive phosphate, contributing to the research of a national product destined to the restoration of eutrophic aquatic environments.

A recuperação de espécies contendo mercúrio utilizando resinas complexantes obtidas a partir da modificação de suportes poliméricos vem atraindo cada vez mais a atenção dos pesquisadores. São muitas as combinações de suportes e grupos complexantes para a síntese desses materiais. Assim, este trabalho apresenta uma revisão sobre os principais grupos funcionais avaliados, bem como as rotas de síntese adotadas para a imobilização desses grupos nos suportes. É abordada também a problemática da síntese de uma resina eficiente, produzida a partir de um processo limpo e acessível às indústrias que utilizam mercúrio em seus processos.

The recovery of mercury and its compounds by using chelating resins produced by modification of polymer supports has been studied by many researchers. There are many combinations of supports and functional groups for producing chelating resins that are appropriate for mercury complexation. This paper presents an overview of the main functional groups applied for mercury complexation and the routes used for immobilization of these groups in polymer supports. Also discussed are the problems involved in the synthesis of an efficient chelating resin, produced through a non-polluting route, which are appropriate for companies employing mercury in their processes.

Este trabalho descreve uma avaliação do método de determinação de grupos clorometila em copolímeros de estireno-divinilbenzeno de diferentes tipos de porosidade baseado na reação de quaternização da piridina. Foram propostas algumas modificações no método descrito por Feinberg e Merrifield de acordo com o tipo de porosidade do copolímero a ser analisado. A reação de quaternização foi limitada pelo acesso da piridina aos grupos clorometila, que é determinado principalmente pelo inchamento do copolímero nesse reagente.

This paper describes an evaluation of the method based on the quaternization of pyridine for determining the chloromethyl groups content in styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers with different kinds of porosity. Some modifications of the method described by Feinberg and Merrifield are proposed depending on the porous characteristic of the copolymer to be analyzed. The quaternization reaction was limited by the access of pyridine to chloromethyl groups that is governed by the swelling equilibrium of the copolymer in the reactant.

This article gives an overview of polymer materials used for lead separation and preconcentration. Different kinds of polymer resins, commercial or not, are cited as well as the most used functional groups attached to polymer backbones. The synthesis of these resins and conditions of lead adsorption and elution are remarked. The influence of the porous structure of the polymer on the resines performance is described as well as the use of spacer arms.

A reação de clorometilação de copolímeros de estireno e divinilbenzeno (S-DVB) em presença de HCl, formaldeído e cloreto de zinco foi estudada em meios aquoso e orgânico. O copolímero S-DVB foi, primeiramente, sintetizado por polimerização em suspensão e caracterizado quanto às suas propriedades porosas. Em meio aquoso, o copolímero foi clorometilado borbulhando-se HCl na mistura de solução aquosa de formaldeído a 37% (formalina 37%) e solução aquosa de cloreto de zinco (catalisador). Em meio orgânico (1,2-dicloroetano), foram usados HCl (borbulhado na solução reacional), paraformaldeído e cloreto de zinco sólido. A presença de grupos clorometila foi identificada por espectroscopia na região do infravermelho e o teor desses grupos foi determinado por titulação potenciométrica dos íons cloreto, liberados após a reação de quaternização com piridina. A reação em meio aquoso originou copolímeros com baixos graus de clorometilação, mesmo sob condições drásticas (uso do catalisador sólido e ácido clorídrico concentrado como meio reacional). Em meio orgânico, devido à maior estabilidade do eletrófilo, foram originados copolímeros com teores mais altos de grupos clorometila. Foi estudada a influência dos parâmetros reacionais sobre o grau de clorometilação dos copolímeros em meio orgânico. A temperatura e a razão copolímero/catalisador foram parâmetros determinantes do grau de clorometilação obtido.

Cloromethylation of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer (S-DVB) in presence of hydrogen chloride, formaldehyde and zinc chloride was studied in aqueous and organic media. S-DVB was first synthesized by suspension polymerization and its porosity was characterized. In aqueous medium, S-DVB was chloromethylated by using a mixture of hydrogen chloride, aqueous formaldehyde solution (formalin 37%) and aqueous zinc chloride solution as catalyst. In organic medium (1,2-dichloroethane), a mixture of hydrogen chloride, paraformaldehyde and solid zinc chloride was employed. The presence of chloromethyl groups in the copolymer was investigated by infrared spectroscopy analysis and titration of chloride ions, after a quaternization reaction between the chloromethylated copolymer and pyridine. The reaction in aqueous medium seems to be very difficult to occur even in the presence of solid zinc chloride (catalyst) and concentrated hydrochloric acid as reaction medium. Organic medium offers a better condition for aromatic eletrophilic substitution, where the reaction occurred in a more satisfactory way. The influence of reaction parameters was studied. Temperature and copolymer/catalyst ratio were the main responsible factors for the attained chloromethylation degree.

Racional - O megacólon tóxico é complicação grave e pouco freqüente na retocolite ulcerativa idiopática. Ocorre, geralmente, em pacientes cuja doença ativa é resistente ao tratamento clínico e, em algumas situações, o fator desencadeante é desconhecido. A infecção pelo cytomelogalovirus em seres humanos em geral é evento subclínico; entretanto, em pacientes imunocomprometidos a primoinfecção ou mesmo a reativação de infecção latente pode ter amplas repercussões clínicas, uma das quais o desencadeamento de megacólon tóxico. Objetivo - Descrever um caso de megacólon tóxico fatal por cytomegalovirose em paciente com retocolite ulcerativa idiopática. Paciente - Masculino, 38 anos, com clínica de diarréia e perda ponderal cuja investigação mostrou tratar-se de retocolite ulcerativa idiopática e para a qual foi instituída terapêutica imunossupressora vigorosa. Resultados - Evoluiu com quadro clínico de megacólon tóxico, sendo submetido a colectomia total. Complicações clínicas culminaram no óbito pós-operatório e o estudo anatomopatológico do cólon revelou doença ativa, associada a ulcerações confluentes na base das quais foram observadas células com alterações características da cytomegalovirose. Conclusão - A cytomegalovirose deve ser considerada como um dos agentes causadores de megacólon tóxico em retocolite ulcerativa.

Background - The toxic megacolon is a rare and severe complication of ulcerative colitis. In general it complicates patients with active colitis that are resistant to clinical treatment and, in some cases, the developing factor is unknown. Cytomegalovirus infection in humans in general is a subclinical condition. However, in patients with immunodeficiency the primary infection or the reactivation of latent infection could have enormous clinical effects. One of these effects is the toxic megacolon. Aim - To report a case of fatal toxic megacólon due to cytomegalovirosis in a patient with ulcerative colitis. Patient - A male patient, 38 years old, with complaints of diarrhea and weight loss. The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis was made and a vigorous immunossupressive therapy was performed. Results - Due to the evolution to a toxic megacolon the patient was submitted to colectomy. In the post-operatory period there were severe clinical complications and the patient died. The pathological study of the colon revealed active ulcerative colitis, associated with confluent ulcerations and numerous cells with cytomegalic nuclear inclusions. Conclusion - The cytomegalovirosis must be considered as one of the causal agent of toxic megacolon in ulcerative colitis.

This paper reviews the most important methods used to characterize the porosity of styrene-divinylbenzene resins. Methods such as adsorption of nitrogen for determination of surface area and mercury intrusion porosimetry for characterization of pore size distribution are related.

RESUMO: Copolímeros de estireno-divinilbenzeno para aplicação em cromatografia de extração foram sintetizados em presença de agentes complexantes seletivos para terras raras, o fosfato monoácido de bis(2-etil-hexila), DEHPA e o 2-etil-hexil fosfonato monoácido de 2-etil-hexila, EHEHPA. Os copolímeros foram preparados através de polimerização em suspensão utilizando como diluentes os agentes complexantes puros ou combinados com o solvente tolueno (TOL). A influência das condições de síntese, tais como: a razão agente complexante/TOL; o grau de diluição dos monômeros e o teor de divinilbenzeno, na estrutura porosa dos copolímeros foi investigada através de suas características físicas tais como densidade aparente, volume de poros fixos, área específica e através de microscopia ótica e eletrônica de varredura. Os copolímeros foram avaliados em relação ao processo de separação de terras raras. Assim foram determinadas a capacidade total e a cinética de complexação em relação ao íon gadolínio. O teor de agente complexante impregnado em cada suporte foi função da quantidade do agente complexante nas misturas. Foi otimizada a quantidade máxima do agente complexante que pode ser utilizada na síntese, de modo a obter suportes com alta capacidade de complexação, sem o comprometimento de sua resistência mecânica. A capacidade total de complexação variou com a quantidade de agente complexante impregnado no suporte e a cinética de complexação variou principalmente com o diâmetro médio de poros, pois este determina a velocidade de difusão dos íons no suporte.

ABSTRACT: Styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers used in extraction chromatography were synthesized in presence of selective chelating agents for rare earths: DEHPA, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid, and EHEHPA, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphonic acid. The copolymers were prepared by suspension polymerization technique using the pure chelating agents and its mixture with toluene (TOL) as diluents. The influence of synthesis conditions such as chelating agent/TOL ratios, dilution degree of monomers and amount of DVB on the porous structure of the copolymers were studied. The porous structure was characterized by the apparent density, fixed pore volume, surface area and by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The performance of the copolymers in the separation process of rare earths was evaluated. The total chelating capacity of each copolymer and the chelating kinetics in relation to gadolinium ion were determined. The chelating agent content of the copolymers depended on the amount of chelating agents employed in the synthesis. The highest amount of chelating agent that can be used in the synthesis in order to produce copolymers with high chelating capacity and good mechanical properties was determined. The total chelating capacity varied with the content of the chelating agents in the copolymer and the chelating kinetics was dependent mainly on the pore diameter, because this parameter determines the diffusion rate of the ions through the copolymer structure.