RESUMO Plantas cultivadas sob salinidade estão sujeitas a muitos distúrbios morfológicos e fisiológicos. Neste sentido, práticas que possam viabilizar o uso de águas salinas são essenciais. Os efeitos deletérios da salinidade podem ser mitigados ao utilizar microrganismos benéficos, especialmente bactérias diazotróficas. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inoculação e co-inoculação bacteriana utilizando Bradyrhizobium spp. e Azospirillum brasilense no crescimento, nodulação e produção de feijão-caupi sob estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 4 × 5, sendo quatro fontes de nitrogênio (F1 - sem nitrogênio e sem inoculante; F2 - adubação com nitrogênio mineral e sem inoculante; F3 - inoculação de Bradyrhizobium ssp. e F4 - coinoculação de Bradyrhizobium ssp. e Azospirillum brasilense) e cinco valores de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa (0,4; 1,9; 3,4; 4,9 e 6,4 dS m-1), com cinco repetições. A coinoculação com Azospirillum brasilense e Bradyrhizobium favoreceu o crescimento, a produção e a nodulação de plantas de feijão caupi quando irrigadas até CEa de 0,4 dS m-1. O aumento da condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação afetou negativamente o crescimento, a produção e a nodulação de plantas de feijão Caupi da variedade Corujinha independentemente da fonte de nitrogênio utilizada.

ABSTRACT Plants grown under salinity are subject to many morphological and physiological disorders. In this context, practices that can enable the use of saline water are essential. The deleterious effects of salinity can be mitigated by using beneficial microorganisms, especially diazotrophic bacteria. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of bacterial inoculation and co-inoculation using Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense on the growth, nodulation and production of cowpea under salt stress. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design, in a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement, corresponding to four nitrogen sources (N1 - without nitrogen and without inoculant; N2 - fertilization with mineral nitrogen and without inoculant; N3 - inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp.; and N4 - co-inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense) and five values of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.4, 1.9, 3.4, 4.9 and 6.4 dS m-1), with five replicates. Co-inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium spp. favors the growth, production and nodulation of cowpea plants up to ECw of 0.4 dS m-1. Increase in the electrical conductivity of irrigation water negatively affects the growth, production and nodulation of cowpea plants in Corujinha variety, regardless of the nitrogen source used.

The dielectric barrier discharge ionization detector (BID) is one of the most modern detectors commercially available for gas chromatography (GC). Its technology based on the sample ionization through the energy released from the helium plasma generation process gives it the ability to act as a universal detector and a greater response to various types of compounds compared to the well-established flame ionization detector (FID). In this study, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphates (OPPs) and organochlorines pesticides (OCPs) were investigated. The parameters that could explain the performance of the BID and FID detectors were: structural factors, ionization energy (IE) and energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO), which were obtained by density functional theory (DFT). The relative (BID/FID) responses to PAHs and pesticides were about 1.8 and 3.0 times greater than FID, respectively. Less structural dependence of the BID signal compared to the FID signal was observed. Among the parameters calculated by DFT, the IE was the one that most seemed to have influenced the response of the two detectors studied. The theoretical data proved to be quite consistent to explain the trends observed experimentally, especially to the BID.

NaA ZEOLITE SYNTHESIZED OVER FIBERGLASS AS A STRATEGY FOR OPTIMIZING HARD WATER SOFTENING. Zeolite NaA has been successfully synthesized over glass fiber surface previously activated by alkaline treatment. By varying the time of the treatment and the amount of silica and alumina precursors used in the reaction mixture, a sample with higher zeolite concentration could be obtained. This material was evaluated for water softening process as an alternative substitute for the use of the zeolite in its powder form, in which several drawbacks related to recovery and reuse limit its application. Water softening experiments, carried out in a continuous flow system, with a column containing the glass fiber-zeolite NaA, showed high performance in decreasing the Ca2+ ions, with complete removal achieved for 20 mL of simulated hard water (Ca2+ 100.0 mg L-1) by using 200 mg of the sample in form of column (10 mm diameter × 300 mm high). The sample maintained this performance in a wide range of pH (3.0-9.0), and also presented a feasible regenerability, with no decrease in its performance during the first four cycles of use, reaching 87.3% of efficiency over the tenth cycle.

Abstract The present study aimed to develop and perform physicochemical and sensory analyses of new vegetable beverage with cashew nuts (C), brown rice, and prunes (P). Four formulations (F) were developed: F1: 3% C + 9% P; F2: 6% C + 9% P; F3: 3% C + 12% P; F4: 6% C + 12% P. All formulations had good acceptance with grades ranging from 6.14 to 7.23. Among formulations, F3 showed more promising from a functional and sensory point of view, since presented a higher content of oleic acid and antioxidant activity, and showed lower values for calories, lipids and viscosity compared to all other formulations. It was concluded that it was technically possible to develop an alternative vegetable beverage for those allergic to cow's milk, those with lactose intolerance, and people with obesity or cardiovascular and digestive problems.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de brassinosteroide sobre os parâmetros de fluorescência da clorofila a, o índice SPAD e a suculência foliar em plantas jovens de tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum) sob estresse salino. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o em blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 5×2 - cinco níveis de salinidade da água (0,5, 1,5, 3,0, 4,5 e 6,0 dS m-1) × duas doses de 24-epibrassinolídeo (0 e 10-6 mol L-1 de EBL). Aos 23 dias, o tratamento sem EBL mostrou que o aumento da salinidade da água reduziu a eficiência fotoquímica máxima, primária e efetiva do PSII, assim como a taxa de transporte de elétrons, o índice SPAD, a suculência foliar, a massa de matéria seca total e o índice de tolerância ao estresse, mas aumentou a fluorescência inicial e o excesso relativo de energia no PSII. Com o aumento da salinidade, nos tratamentos com EBL, houve aumento da eficiência efetiva do PSII, da taxa de transporte de elétrons, do índice SPAD, da suculência foliar, da matéria seca total e do índice de tolerância ao estresse. O epibrassinolídeo promove efeitos benéficos sobre a integridade do PSII, o índice de clorofila e a suculência foliar em plantas jovens de tomate submetidas a níveis de até salinidade 6,0 dS m-1.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of brassinosteroid on chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, the SPAD index, and leaf succulence in young tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plants under salt stress. The experimental design was a randomized complete block, in a 5×2 factorial arrangement - five levels of water salinity (0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 dS m-1) × two rates of 24-epibrassinolide (0 and 10-6 mol L-1 EBL). At 23 days, the treatment without EBL showed that the increase of water salinity reduced the maximum, primary, and effective photochemical efficiency of PSII, as well as the electron transport rate, the SPAD index, leaf succulence, total dry mass, and the stress tolerance index, but increased initial fluorescence and relative excess energy in PSII. With the increase of water salinity, in the EBL treatments, there was an increase in the effective photochemical efficiency of PSII, the electron transport rate, the SPAD index, leaf succulence, total dry mass, and the stress tolerance index. EBL promotes beneficial effects on PSII integrity, the chlorophyll index, and leaf succulence in young tomato plants subjected to salinity levels of up to 6.0 dS m-1 .

ABSTRACT. Salinity is one of the environmental stresses that most cause losses in agricultural systems, including tomato production. Brassinosteroids, such as epibrassinolide (EBL), have multiple actions in essential processes in plants. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the contributions of EBL to the growth, physiology, and production of tomato plants under salinity. The experiment was conducted in a factorial scheme, with five levels of water salinity (0.5 [the control], 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 dS m-1) and two concentrations of EBL (0 and 10-6 M). Salt stress reduced tomato growth, relative water content, membrane integrity, gas exchange, and fruit production. However, the exogenous application of EBL attenuated the adverse effects, partially improving these characteristics at all salinity levels. EBL reduced electrolyte leakage and increased membrane integrity and relative water content in control and stressed plants. Additionally, it increased the content of photosynthetic pigments, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and photosynthesis, which led to higher leaf dry mass production, fruit transverse diameter, and production per plant. Therefore, our results confirmed that foliar application of EBL improved the characteristics of stressed and non-stressed tomato plants.

RESUMO O girassol ornamental tem grande importância no setor de floricultura devido a cor e exuberância de suas flores. Porém, sua produção e qualidade das flores diminuem sob estresse salino, o qual pode ser atenuado com a aplicação de paclobutrazol. O objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes métodos de aplicação de paclobutrazol em girassol ornamental ‘Sol Noturno’ irrigado com águas salobras. O delineamento experimental consistiu em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5 × 3, correspondendo a cinco condutividades elétricas da água de irrigação - CEa (0,4; 1,9; 3,4; 4,9 e 6,4 dS m-1) e três métodos de aplicação de paclobutrazol (aplicação foliar, via solo e uma testemunha - sem paclobutrazol), com quatro repetições. O aumento da salinidade da água de irrigação reduziu as trocas gasosas, eficiência efetiva do fotossistema II, índice SPAD, altura de plantas e diâmetros do capítulo. A aplicação de paclobutrazol na folha e via solo aumentou a condutância estomática e a transpiração por 21,09 e 17,80%, respectivamente, em relação às plantas sem aplicação, enquanto a fotossíntese e eficiência instantânea de carboxilação aumentaram 28,33 e 31,18% via solo, e 14,40 e 16,12% via foliar, respectivamente. A aplicação de paclobutrazol, principalmente via solo, favoreceu as plantas de girassol ‘Sol Noturno’ sob estresse salino, aumentando o índice de clorofila SPAD e o diâmetro externo do capítulo, e mantendo o número de pétalas.

ABSTRACT The ornamental sunflower has great importance in the floriculture sector due to the color and vitality of its flowers. However, the production and quality of flowers decrease under salt stress, which can be mitigated with paclobutrazol application. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different application methods of paclobutrazol in ornamental sunflower ‘Sol Noturno’ irrigated with brackish waters. The experimental design was randomized blocks arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to five electrical conductivities of irrigation water - ECw (0.4; 1.9; 3.4; 4.9, and 6.4 dS m-1) and three paclobutrazol application methods (foliar application, via soil and a control treatment - without paclobutrazol), with four replicates. The increase in salinity of irrigation water reduced gas exchange, photosystem II photochemical efficiency, SPAD index, plant height, and chapter diameter. The paclobutrazol application via soil or foliar increased stomatal conductance and transpiration by 21.09 and 17.80%, respectively, in comparison to plants without application, whereas photosynthesis and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency increased by 28.33 and 31.18% via soil and 14.40 and 16.12% via foliar, respectively. The paclobutrazol application, mainly via soil, favored ‘Sol Noturno’ sunflower plants under salt stress, increasing chlorophyll SPAD index and external chapter diameter, and keeping the number of the petals.

Metabolomics, together with analytical methods and chemometric tools, point to new paths for selecting species that are resistant to pests and diseases. In this work, the forage palm species' metabolomic profile was investigated, and the relation between the chemical composition and resistance to Dactylopius opuntiae (carmine cochineal). The study was performed in cladodes of different non-susceptible cultivars (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck, Opuntia stricta (Haw.), Nopalea cochenillifera and susceptible cultivar (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.)). Metabolic profile showed 28 metabolites detected in the four species. From these total, 18 metabolites were annotated using UPLC-QTOF-MSE (ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry operating in MSE mode). By comparing the chemical profiles of non-susceptible and susceptible species through the application of chemometric tools, it was possible to obtain biomarkers (quercetin-3-O-2',6'-dirhamnosylglucoside, quercetin rhamnosyl dihexoside, and isorhamnetin-3-sophoroside-7-rhamnoside) that may be associated with resistance to carmine cochineal. Metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF-MSE and chemometric allowed to establish the biomarkers knowledge of the resistance present in forage palm species. These results contribute to developing the initial understanding of flavonoids' role in the defense mechanisms of cactaceans and can be useful for application in breeding programs; it can increase the chances of success in creating new varieties of plants not susceptible to carmine cochineal.

RESUMO A produção agrícola tem se tornado um desafio nas regiões áridas e semiáridas devido à escassez de água para irrigação, sendo comum o uso de água salobra. Objetivou-se avaliar as respostas fisiológicas e produtivas de cultivares de tomate cereja sob diferentes salinidades da solução nutritiva em sistema hidropônico. O experimento foi conduzido em parcela subdividida e esquema fatorial 5 × 3, com quatro repetições. Os fatores corresponderam a valores da condutividade elétrica da solução nutritiva (CEsn 2,5, 4,0, 5,5, 7,0 e 8,5 dS m-1) e cultivares (Samambaia, Tomate Vermelho e Caroline). O aumento da salinidade da solução nutritiva afetou negativamente as trocas gasosas, o extravasamento de eletrólitos e os pigmentos fotossintetizantes das cultivares de tomate cereja, principalmente com o prolongamento do estresse. O sistema fotossintético foi eficiente até 4,0 dS m-1, mas, a partir desta condutividade elétrica na solução nutritiva houve fotoinibição ou fotodanos nas plantas de tomate cereja, com 30 dias após o transplantio. As cultivares de tomateiro cereja Samambaia e Caroline foram as mais adaptadas às soluções salobras, enquanto a cultivar Tomate Vermelho mais susceptível.

ABSTRACT Agricultural production has become a challenge in arid and semi-arid regions due to the scarcity of water for irrigation, so brackish water is commonly used. The present study aimed to evaluate the physiological and production responses of cherry tomato cultivars under salinity levels of the nutrient solution in a hydroponic system. The experiment was conducted in a split plot and 5 × 3 factorial scheme with four repetitions. The factors corresponded to different values of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution (ECns 2.5, 4.0, 5.5, 7.0 and 8.5 dS m-1) and cultivars (Samambaia, Tomate Vermelho and Caroline). The increase in nutrient solution salinity negatively affected the gas exchange, electrolyte leakage and photosynthetic pigments of the cherry tomato cultivars, mainly with the prolongation of stress. The photosynthetic system was efficient up to 4.0 dS m-1, but, above this electrical conductivity in the nutrient solution, there was photoinhibition or photodamage in the cherry tomato plants at 30 days after transplanting. The cherry tomato cultivars Samambaia and Caroline were the most adapted to brackish solutions, while Tomate Vermelho was the most susceptible.

This work focuses on the validation and application of solid phase extraction followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (SPE-HPLC) analysis of important endocrine disruptors compounds (EDC) from different classes in highly complex wastewater matrix. The endocrine disruptors investigated included three different categories: pharmaceuticals (sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), trimethoprim (TMP) and diclofenac (DCF)), hormones (estrone (E1), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and 17β-estradiol (E2)) and plastic materials (bisphenol A (BPA)). The method involves pre-concentration by SPE using Strata-X extraction cartridges followed by HPLC coupled with diode array detector (DAD). As the assumption of homoscedasticity was met for analytical data, ordinary linear regression procedure was applied to the data. The method was considered validated for 7 EDC after consistent evaluation of the key analytical parameters. Recoveries were ranged from 52.3 to 179.6%. Limits of quantification were in the range 6.0-0.4 µg L−1. The described method was applied to evaluate the occurrence and removal efficiency of EDC in two biological sewage treatment plants (STPs). The influent mean concentrations of E1, E2 and EE2 hormones were 79.54; 175.09 and 102.19 µg L−1, respectively, while for SMZ, TMP, DCF and BPA were 215.17; 187.01; 218.97 and 87.12 µg L−1 for STP A, respectively. The efficiencies for the removal of EDCs ranged from 0 to 79.4%.

Agroindustrial residues, such as leaves of fruit plants, can be sources of bioactive molecules, thus adding value to co-products that are rarely explored in agroindustry. In this context, this study aimed to look into the phytochemical profiles in detail and to explore the antitumor potential of S. tuberosa and S. mombin leaves. We observed that, S. tuberosa leaf extract was cytotoxic in both tumor and healthy cells. S. mombin extracts selectively inhibited cell proliferation in the tumor cell line for prostate cancer (PC3) and did not significantly affect healthy cells. The metabolic profiles of the extracts were evaluated by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and twenty-three metabolites were identified. The correlation of metabolic profiles with cytotoxic tests indicated possible chemical markers that may be responsible for the inhibition of cell proliferation. This study revealed that the unexplored co-products in agroindustry may have great therapeutic potential, and therefore should be screened for biologically active compounds.

RESUMO olvimento das plantas, tornando-se uma problemática limitante à produção agrícola. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de doses de inoculante de Azospirillum brasilense na emergência e crescimento de milho submetido a concentrações de salinidade da água de irrigação. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa-de-vegetação, com delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, fatorial 3 x 5 [doses de A. brasilense (0.0; 0.32; e 0.48 mL/100 sementes) e níveis de condutividade elétrica da água (0.3; 0.6; 1.1; 1.7; e 2.3 dS m-1)], em 4 blocos, totalizando 60 unidades experimentais. Foram avaliados a porcentagem de emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, altura de planta, diâmetro de colmo, número de folhas, área foliar e massa seca de folhas, colmo, pendão e raízes. Os tratamentos entre salinidade e inoculação não apresentaram efeito sobre a emergência das plântulas. A salinidade afetou significativamente o crescimento; porém, o número de folhas apresentou acréscimos de 12.8 % (V8) e 18.8 % (V10), comparando-se a diferença entre a menor e maior salinidade estudada. Quanto à altura de planta, houve incremento de 3,7 % até a salinidade limiar da cultura (1.1 dS m-1). Ocorreu aumento de massa seca das raízes com a aplicação das doses de inoculante em cada nível salino estudado.

ABSTRACT Salinity, in general, affects the plant growth and development, making it a limiting problem for the agricultural production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculant doses of Azospirillum brasilense on the emergence and growth of maize submitted to salinity concentrations of the irrigation water. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with a randomized blocks design, in a 3 x 5 factorial [A. brasilense doses (0.0, 0.32 and 0.48 mL/100 seeds) and levels of electrical conductivity of the water (0.3, 0.6, 1.1, 1.7 and 2.3 dS m-1)], in 4 blocks, totaling 60 experimental units. The emergence percentage, emergence speed index, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, tassel dry mass and root dry mass were evaluated. The treatments between salinity and inoculation had no effect on seedling emergence. The salinity significantly affected growth; however, the number of leaves increased in 12.8 % (V8) and 18.8 % (V10), when comparing the difference between the lowest and highest studied salinity. As for the plant height, there was an increase of 3.7 % up to the threshold salinity of the crop (1.1 dS m-1). There was an increase in the root dry mass with the application of inoculant doses at each studied salt level.

RESUMO A indicação de cultivares de algodão tolerantes à salinidade pode viabilizar a exploração agrícola irrigada com água salina na região semiárida do Nordeste brasileiro. Deste modo, objetivou-se avaliar as trocas gasosas e o crescimento em cultivares de algodão irrigados com águas salinas. O estudo foi conduzido em vasos adaptados como lisímetros de drenagem sob condições de casa de vegetação, utilizando um Neossolo Regolítico Eutrófico de textura franco-arenosa como substrato. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 5 x 2, relativo aos cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação - CEa de 1,5; 3,0; 4,5; 6,0 e 7,5 dS m-1 e duas cultivares de algodoeiro (BRS 368 RF e BRS Safira). O incremento da salinidade da água de irrigação inibe o crescimento vegetativo e as trocas gasosas do algodoeiro BRS Safira e BRS 368 RF, sendo a área foliar e eficiência instantânea da carboxilação as variáveis mais comprometidas. O desempenho fisiológico e de crescimento da cultivar BRS Safira submetida à salinidade da água superou o da BRS 368 RF.

ABSTRACT Indication of salt-tolerant cotton cultivars can make the agricultural exploitation with saline water irrigation feasible in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the gas exchanges and growth of cotton cultivars irrigated with saline water. The study was conducted in pots adapted as drainage lysimeters under greenhouse conditions, using a sandy loam Entisols as substrate. Treatments were distributed in completely randomized design, in 5 x 2 factorial arrangement, relative to five levels of irrigation water electrical conductivity - ECw (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 dS m-1) and two cotton cultivars (BRS 368 RF and BRS Safira). Increase in irrigation water salinity inhibits the vegetative growth and gas exchanges of the cotton cultivars BRS Safira and BRS 368 RF. Leaf area and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency are the most affected variables. Physiological and growth performance of the cultivar BRS Safira in response to water salinity was higher than that of BRS 368 RF.

Coprecipitation is one of the most practical methods used to synthesize ferrite nanoparticles. Fine characteristics of these materials can be improved by means of a series of modifications in the synthesis method. In this paper we present a study of influence of glycerol as structure directing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of zinc ferrite nanoparticle, exploring its chelating capacity and oxidation. The studied materials include two series of zinc ferrite samples and its precursors obtained with or without glycerol throughout different stages during the synthesis process. The structural and morphological characteristics were evaluated by means of different techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and thermal analysis. The oxidation of glycerol was determined by high-performance liquid chromatograph. The obtained results demonstrate that zinc ferrite crystals synthesized in the presence of glycerol are initially bigger than those synthesized in absence of it, but according to the oxidation process they tend to decrease giving rise to intermediate phases. Interestingly, these samples grow back during more advanced stages and become structurally better organized, compared to the series of samples produced in absence of glycerol. These results indicate that glycerol is capable to modify the synthesis route of zinc ferrite nanoparticles via coprecipitation, acting directly over the size and morphology of the crystals.

The mesoporous material Al-Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (Al-MCM-41) was successfully obtained from kaolin, a low cost raw material, by means of hydrothermal route. The process of synthesis of Al-MCM-41 was based on calcination of kaolin, dealumination by acid treatment, hydrothermal synthesis in alkaline medium and surfactant extraction. The characterization of the obtained mesoporous material was carried out by techniques such as: X-ray diffraction, infrared vibrational spectroscopy, 29Si and 27Al solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption. The X-ray diffraction at low angles allowed the determination of the cell parameter, which was 4.02 nm. The analyses of scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed important morphological properties of the synthesized material. N2 adsorption/desorption showed a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area of 1,303 m2 g-1, pore volume of 1.23 cm3 g-1 and average diameter of 2.45 nm. The mesoporous material presented a maximum adsorption capacity of 316 mg g-1 for the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) in a concentration typical of industrial effluents, which makes it a potential adsorbent for MB removal from wastewaters.