O gesso agrícola (CaSO4.2H2O) destaca-se como fonte eficiente de cálcio e enxofre e na redução da saturação de alumínio no solo. O 34S como traçador isotópico pode elucidar aspectos importantes no ciclo do enxofre. Para tanto o Ca34SO4.2H2O foi obtido por reação química entre o Ca(OH)2 e solução de H2(34)SO4, realizada sob agitação lenta. O ácido foi produzido por cromatografia de troca iônica, utilizando resina catiônica Dowex 50WX8 e solução eluente de Na2(34)SO4. Após a precipitação foi separado o precipitado e realizada a secagem em estufa ventilada à temperatura de 60ºC. Nos testes, a partir de 2,2 L de H2SO4 0,2 mol L-1 e 33,6 g de Ca(OH)2, foram produzidos em média 73,7 ± 0,6 g de Ca34SO4.2H2O representando um rendimento médio de 94,6 ± 0,8%, com pureza de 98%. A partir do Ca34SO4.2H2O na presença de NaPO3, em linha de alto vácuo, obteve-se o gás 34SO2 utilizado para a determinação isotópica do S no espectrômetro de massas ATLAS-MAT modelo CH-4.

Agricultural gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) stands out as an effective source of calcium and sulfur, and to control aluminum saturation in the soil. Labeled as 34S it can elucidate important aspects of the sulfur cycle. Ca34SO4.2H2O was obtained by chemical reaction between Ca(OH)2 and H2(34)SO4, performed under slow agitation. The acid was produced by ion exchange chromatography using the Dowex 50WX8 cation exchange resin and a Na2(34)SO4 eluting solution. After precipitation, the precipitate was separated and dried in a ventilated oven at 60ºC. From 2.2 L H2SO4 0.2 mol L-1 and 33.6 g Ca(OH)2, 73.7 ± 0.6 g Ca34SO4.2H2O were produced on average in the tests, representing a mean yield of 94.6 ± 0.8%, with 98% purity. The 34SO2 gas was obtained from Ca34SO4.2H2O in the presence of NaPO3 in a high vacuum line and was used for the isotopic determination of S in an ATLAS-MAT model CH-4 mass spectrometer.

A system for disposal and recovery of the main effluents and chemical waist from isotope separation plants and enriched compounds-15N and 34S production has been carried out at the Stable Isotope Laboratory (LIE) of the CENA/USP. Around four hundred thousand liters of effluents has been recovered yearly. Among the recovered chemical wastes, the more relevant are: ammonia; brome; ammonium and sodium sulfate; sodium hydroxide; sulfur dioxide; and hydrochloric acid. Chemical wastes containg recoverable heavy metals (Ag, Cr and Cu) and solvents (methanol, ethanol and acetone) are processed and recovered. Gaseous emissions, mainly H2S are used for recovery of heavy metals solutions. The minimization of the residues waters, as well the reduction of electric energy consume was established using a water deionization system. A cost/effect balance of the process is reported.