Water samples (24 untreated water, 12 treated water and 24 served water) used in different stages of the slaughter process were examined to identify a possible source of pathogenic mycobacteria. The isolates were identified based on microscopy, morphological and biochemical features, mycolic acid analysis and molecular method - PCR-restriction-enzyme analysis. Eighteen mycobacterial strains were isolated from 60 water samples: 11 from untreated water, 5 from treated water and 2 from served water. All mycobacteria isolated were identified as Mycobacterium gordonae and showed the following PRA genotypes: III (27.8%), IV (38.9%) and V (33.3%).

Muestras de aguas usadas en distintas etapas del proceso de matadero (24 de aguas no tratadas, 12 de aguas tratadas y 24 de procesos industriales) fueron analizadas con el propósito de evaluar posibles presencias de micobacterias patogénicas. Los aislamientos fueron identificados a través de microscopia, aspectos morfológicos y bioquímicos, análisis molecular (PCR-restriction-enzyme analysis) y de ácidos micólicos. Dieciocho aislamientos fueron recuperados de 60 muestras: 11 de aguas no tratadas, 5 de aguas tratadas y 2 de aguas utilizadas en procesos industriales. Todos ellos fueron identificados como Mycobacterium gordonae y mostraron los siguientes genotipos de PRA: III (27,8%), IV (38,9%) y V (33,3%).

The production of large quantities of paint sludge is a serious environmental problem. This work evaluates the use of pyrolysis reaction as a process for deactivating paint sludge that generates a combustible gas phase, a solvent liquid phase and an inert solid phase. These wastes were classified into three types: water-based solvent (latex resin) and solvents based on their resins (alkyd and polyurethane). An electrically heated stainless steel batch reactor with a capacity of 579 mL and a maximum pressure of 30 atm was used. Following the reactor, a flash separator, which was operated at atmospheric pressure, partially condensed and separated liquid and gas products. Pressure and temperature were monitored on-line by a control and data acquisition system, which adjusted the heating power supplied to the pyrolysis reactor. Reactions followed an experimental design with two factors (reaction time and temperature) and three levels (10, 50 and 90 minutes; 450, 550 and 650°C). The response variables were liquid and solid masses and net heat of combustion. The optimal operational range for the pyrolysis process was obtained for each response variable. A significant reduction in total mass of solid waste was obtained.