Abstract This study aims to assess methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the ventilation systems of two coal mines (A and B) in the Santa Catarina coal deposit in southern Brazil (Paraná Basin, Bonito Formation), and estimate their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The highest CH4 levels (1.8%) were recorded in strong methane emanation areas in mine A, below the lower explosive limit (5%). The IPCC-recommended methods significantly overestimated the methane emission (up to 80%) when compared to the experimental data measured for each mine. Application of an alternative method made it possible to estimate direct CO2 emissions, indicating that CO2 accounted for 22 to 77% of total GHG emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions are generally not included in GHG emission inventories, indicating that the coal industry underestimates the contribution of this gas. As such, it is recommended that the methodology used for these calculations be revised and that specific emission factors be applied for each mine. In order to improve the accuracy of inventories, more sampling needs to be carried out in all operational and abandoned mines.

The objectives of this study were twofold: to assess two chromatographic methods for the analysis of greenhouse gases (GHG) and carbon monoxide, and to propose and evaluate a low-cost and reusable alternative system for their sampling and storage, using 10 different container configurations (flasks and bags). To that end, standard samples containing the gases of interest (CO2, CH4 and CO) and different types of real samples were tested. Finally, procedures for the sampling, storage and analysis of CO2 and CH4 were evaluated and optimized. Two chromatographic methods were applied, using different analysis conditions and columns. Gas chromatography analysis of sample stability and container reusability demonstrated that borosilicate flasks with butyl rubber and PTFE/silicone septa are ideal for storing samples, allowing up to 5 successive sampling cycles with no significant loss of recovery. For larger volume samples, multilayer foil bags are the most stable for the compounds analyzed. The tests conducted with real and synthetic gas samples under optimized chromatography conditions using both methods indicated satisfactory performance for CO2 and CH4 quantification. However, CO analysis in the column with a polystyrene-divinylbenzene stationary phase (Method 1) produced an artifact due to the presence of oxygen in the samples, restricting its quantification.

We evaluated solid-state sensors (MOS) manufactured using nanostructured tin oxide (SnO2) obtained by different synthesis methods for selectivity, response and repeatability at different operating temperatures and methane concentrations. In addition, Zeolite 13X pellets were placed in front of the sensors to improve CH4 selectivity in the presence of CO2. The palladium doped sensor (1.4% w/w) showed the highest sensitivity at 80 ºC (83%) and shorter response times (16 s), whereas non-doped sensors exhibited the best sensitivity (78%) and response times (14 s) for those with smaller particle size (8 nm). Zeolite 13X pellets proved to be efficient at making the sensor more selective for CH4 in the presence of CO2.

The high Si and Al contents in the amorphous phase of coal fly ash have been used for its conversion into zeolites. This process converts a toxic low-value by-product into a product used in a number of environmental applications, but has the disadvantage of introducing contaminants. Despite the large number of studies on the conversion of fly ash into zeolites, few report this drawback or discuss the efficiency of the proposed processes from a technical or ecological perspective. In this respect, the present study conducts a detailed assessment of two routes for integrated hydrothermal synthesis of zeolites 4A and Na-P1 obtained from coal fly ash. The processes are evaluated and compared in relation to the presence of undesirable metals and elements in the different steps of synthesis, as well as the feedstock and final product. Different performance parameters are presented and applied in the assessment of both processes and the most sustainable is recommended.

Coal fly ash has been proposed as an alternative raw material for zeolite synthesis, however, the mobilization of toxic elements of this material into zeolite products, washing water and effluent is rarely addressed. In this study, Brazilian coal fly ash was used in the integrated synthesis (two steps) of zeolites Na-P1 and 4A and the distribution of approximately 40 major, minor and trace elements was investigated in all the input and output flows involved in the process. The mobilization of several elements was observed in the zeolite products, a number of which are highly toxic, such as As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. With regard to the amount present in the ash, both zeolites were enriched in several elements, such as Ni in zeolite Na-P1 and As in zeolite 4A. The latter exhibited high purity, with most of the elements investigated having concentrations close to those measured in commercial zeolite 4A. Important information was gathered regarding zeolite synthesis using fly ash, which will ensure safer application of these materials and, if necessary, propose a contaminant-free synthesis route.

The species and density of Eucalyptus wood poles installed in the electrical network are useful parameters which must be considered when it is necessary to establish the service life of these structures. In this work, eucalyptus poles samples were collected and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). SEM image analysis showed that the lumen diameter average of fiber substantially is variable between the three species studied, in line with the wood density obtained in laboratory, for poles with several years in service in the electricity network, as well as for not used poles. In addition, EDS microanalysis was utilized for identify the presence of chemical preservatives employed in the conservation these poles. The analysis method proposed proved effective for characterization for this timber.

The use and characterization of the first Certified Reference Material (CRM) of Brazilian coal for analytical quality control are presented. All results were determined within the limits of repeatability and reproducibility allowed under the standards. Notable among the characterization parameters was the mineral matter content (45.39%) obtained by an alternative procedure showing a low relative error (-2.1%) compared to the standard technique (low ashing temperature). The possible expanded application of this CRM application in national laboratories, beyond the certificated and reference parameters, has advantages such as lower cost and easy availability, but round robin tests must be performed.

Este trabalho apresenta correlações obtidas entre propriedades mecânicas, densidade e o estado de deterioração de postes de eucalipto novos e retirados de serviço. O estado de deterioração foi determinado por inspeções em campo de postes da rede de distribuição de energia elétrica no sul do Brasil. Postes em diferentes estados de deterioração foram retirados da rede para os ensaios de flexão estática e medidas de densidade. Os testes mecânicos indicaram que os valores médios da resistência a flexão e da rigidez decrescem com o estado de deterioração do eucalipto. Entretanto, verificou-se uma grande variação nessas medidas com diferentes classes de deterioração apresentando resistência mecânica residual similar. Esse comportamento pode ser explicado pela influência da densidade da madeira nas correlações entre propriedades mecânicas e o estado de deterioração dos postes. Madeiras menos densas podem apresentar baixa resistência mecânica residual mesmo sem apresentar sinais de deterioração. O estudo da caracterização da madeira de eucalipto indicou que o estado de deterioração avaliado pela inspeção em campo, por si só não é um bom indicativo para prever a durabilidade das estruturas de madeiras, fazendo-se necessária uma análise preliminar da densidade da mesma.

This paper presents the correlations obtained among mechanical properties, density and deterioration status of new eucalyptus poles and those removed from service. The deterioration status was determined in the field in sections of poles of the distribution of electric energy in southern Brazil. Poles in various status of deterioration were removed from the network for static bending tests and density measurements. The mechanical tests indicated that the average values of bending strength and stiffness decline with the deteriorating state of eucalyptus. However, there was a large variation in these measures with different classes of deterioration presenting similar residual mechanical strength. This behavior can be explained by the influence of wood density on the correlations between mechanical properties and the state of deterioration of the poles. Less dense woods can have residual mechanical strength low even without present signs of deterioration. The study of the characterization of eucalyptus wood indicated that the state of deterioration measured by field inspection alone is not a good indicator for predicting the durability of wood structures, making necessary a preliminary analysis of the density.

An alternative system was tested for the determination of CO2 in air using recyclable materials. The results indicate that the proposed system allows for reliable, accurate, robust and efficient collection, comparable to the standard gravimetric method. Laboratory wastes are easily treated using a filtrate that can be discharged into the sewer and solids that can be reused. The proposed system is a simple and low-cost tool that encompasses important aspects of environmental education, which should be part of the education in chemistry of undergraduate students and technicians.

Classification of waste wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and boron/fluorine preservatives, according to NBR 10004, was investigated. The leaching test (ABNT NBR 10005) for As and Cr, and solubilization test (ABNT NBR 10006) for F, were applied to out-of-service wooden poles. Concentrations of As and Cr in leachates were determined by ICP-MS and of F by ESI. Values for As were higher than 1 mg L-1 classifying the waste as hazardous material (Class I) whereas values for F (> 1.5 mg L-1) were non-hazardous but indicated non-inert material (Class IIA).

Esse trabalho tem como objetivo testar o emprego das escamas da pinha da árvore Araucaria angustifolia na remoção de cromo e ferro de efluentes líquidos de galvanoplastia. Também é feito um comparativo com outros métodos de tratamento com vistas ao atendimento da legislação ambiental. As escamas da pinha são resíduos da coleta do pinhão, que é um alimento muito consumido na região sul do país. Nos ensaios de biossorção, foi otimizado o melhor desempenho desses resíduos para remoção dos metais em função do pH, tamanho de partículas e dosagem do adsorvente, tempo de contato e concentração inicial dos metais. Os resultados foram comparados com os tratamentos de adsorção com o carvão ativado e precipitação com bissulfito. As escamas mostraram-se eficientes, tanto na remoção do cromo(VI) (> 99 %), quanto na do ferro (> 62 %) presentes no efluente, mesmo em dosagem baixas (3 g.L-1, 1 h contato, < 250 mm), atendendo os limites ambientais. As escamas também se mostraram competitivas frente aos processos tradicionais, permitindo, também, uma utilização mais nobre de um material que seria descartado.

This work aims to test the use of scales from the cones of the Araucaria angustifolia tree in the removal of chromium and iron encountered in the wastewaters from the galvanoplasty process. A comparison with other treatment methods was also performed for compliance with environmental legislation. The cone scales are obtained from "pinhão", which is consumed in the south Brazil. Some parameters were optimized for the best performance of metal removal, such as biosorbent particles size and dosage, pH, time of contact and initial metal concentrations. The results were compared with adsorption treatment using activated carbon and chemical precipitation with bisulfite. The cone scales are efficient for the removal of chromium(VI) (> 99%), while the iron concentration was 62% lower after 1 hour of the contact with 3 g.L-1 of the sorbent (particle size <250 mm). The scales showed to be competitive with the traditional processes, allowing also a more noble use a material that would be discarded.

Esse trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar as emissões de dióxido de carbono (CO2) emitido pela queima do carvão fóssil no Brasil. Uma metodologia é proposta para o cálculo dessas emissões utilizando coeficientes de emissão de carbono específicos para os carvões nacionais. Foram, também, considerados a utilização de combustíveis secundários e a geração de eletricidade nos cálculos. Os resultados obtidos indicaram emissões de carbono de 1.794 Gg.ano-1 para o ano de 2002. Em alguns casos, o valor obtido foi 20% menor que o calculado com a metodologia oficial (MCT), que desconsidera o teor de umidade do carvão e utiliza coeficientes genéricos não adaptados aos carvões nacionais. Os resultados evidenciam a necessidade da revisão dos inventários de emissão e a modernização dos sistemas de combustão, como alternativa para o uso sustentável do carvão fóssil no país.

This study aims to evaluate the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal combustion in Brazil. A methodology using the emission factors estimated specifically for Brazilian coals is proposed. The use of secondary fuels and the electricity produced by the power plants were also considered in the calculations. The results obtained indicated carbon emissions of 1,794 Gg year-1 for 2002. In some cases 20% lower emissions were observed in comparison to the official methodology (MCT) that does not consider coal moisture and uses generic emission coefficients not adapted for Brazilian coal. The results suggest that national inventories must be revised and combustion systems should be updated in order to increase efficiency and to reduce CO2 emissions as a sustainable measure for the coal use in the country.

O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a cinética degradação do corante Acid Black 1 por ação oxidante do ozônio e avaliar a influência da contaminação de íons cloreto na degradação deste corante. Foram observadas cinéticas de pseudo-primeira ordem, tanto para a degradação das estruturas cromóforas (620 nm), quanto das aromáticas (321 nm). A completa remoção da coloração foi verificada em 25 min ([corante]0 = 1,8 × 10-5 mol L-1), enquanto que as estruturas aromáticas foram degradadas com menor velocidade. A presença de íon cloreto, principal impureza do reagente sólido, influencia significantemente a velocidade de ozonização (-42%), mesmo em baixa concentração (5,6 × 10-4 mol L-1). O mecanismo mais provável para o efeito supressor do íon cloreto envolve a direta reação entre O3 e Cl- gerando HOCl, dentre outros subprodutos. Apesar deste aspecto, a ozonização pode ser um processo de degradação competitivo para este corante.

The aim of this study is to determine the kinetics of the Acid Black 1 dye by oxidizing action of ozone and to evaluate the influence of chloride ion contamination on the dye degradation. Pseudo-first order kinetics was observed for both decolorization (620 nm) and aromatic structure (321 nm) degradations. A complete color removal was verified in 25 min ([dye]0 = 1.8 × 10-5 mol L-1), while aromatic structures degraded at slower rates. The presence of chloride ion, the principal impurity of the solid dye reagents, influences significantly the ozonation rate (-42%), even at low chloride concentration (5.6 × 10-4 mol L-1). The most probable mechanism for the chloride suppression effect involves a direct reaction between O3 and Cl- generating HOCl, among other by-products. In despite of that, ozonation could be a competitive degradation process for this dye.

The present work is a preliminary study of total and wet precipitation in the Candiota region, RS. The samples were collected from January to June 2001 at four different sites. The following variables were analysed: pH, conductivity, alkalinity, Cl-, NO3-, F-, SO4(2-), Na+, K+, Mg2+, NH4+, Ca2+ and Zn, Cu, Fe, Al, Mn. The results showed slightly acidic precipitation and higher concentrations of NH4+, Na+, Cl- and SO4(2-). Factor analysis applied to the variables studied allowed identifying the major sources. Na+, Cl- and Mg2+ have their origin in sea salts and NH4+, Ca2+, K+, SO4(2-) and NO3- are from local anthropogenic sources.

O aço inoxidável austenítico é utilizado para confecção de dispositivos ortodônticos e contém cerca de 8-10% de níquel em sua composição, metal este responsável por reações alérgicas de hipersensibilidade. Acredita-se que a liberação de níquel dos dispositivos metálicos pode provocar dermatites de contato em pacientes suscetíveis. Este estudo laboratorial avaliou a influência de três variáveis na liberação de níquel: 1) o tipo de liga do braquete; 2) o tipo de solução de imersão e 3) o esforço mecânico nas canaletas dos braquetes de aço inoxidável austenítico. Foram avaliados seis grupos experimentais e dois grupos controles. As amostras foram imersas em tubos de ensaio contendo saliva artificial ou solução salina, sendo mantidas sob agitação e temperatura constante (37ºC). A quantidade de níquel presente nas soluções foi avaliada com espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica (Varian - Spectra A55) em dois momentos: após uma semana e após duas semanas. Os resultados revelaram que os braquetes de aço inoxidável com baixo teor de níquel apresentaram menor liberação deste elemento. Foi possível constatar que o tipo de solução alterou o padrão de liberação de níquel pelos dispositivos avaliados. O esforço mecânico aplicado sobre os braquetes de aço inoxidável austenítico não alterou a quantidade de níquel liberada.

Austenitic stainless steel is frequently used to fabricate orthodontic appliances, which contains 8-10% of nickel. Such metal is responsible for hypersensitivity allergic reactions. Thus, nickel release of orthodontic appliances may be responsible for contact dermatitis in sensitive patients. This study assessed the influence of three variables in nickel release of metal brackets: 1) type of metal alloy; 2) type of solution used for immersion; and 3) mechanical stress. Six experimental and two control groups were assessed. The specimens were immersed in saline solution or artificial saliva, maintained in constant agitation in controlled temperature environment (37ºC). Nickel present in solutions was measured with atomic spectroscopy (Varian-Spectra A55) in two moments: after one and after two weeks. The results showed that brackets made of low nickel contend alloy released less nickel than standard ones. It was possible to notice that the type of solution alters the pattern of nickel release. Mechanical stress applied in the slots of standard brackets did not influence nickel release.