The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and dissemination of human astroviruses (HAstV) in the environment by analyzing urban sewage samples from a wastewater treatment plant in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A one-year study was performed with a total of 48 raw and treated sewage composite samples, which were collected biweekly from an activated sludge plant. Virus particles were concentrated by the adsorption-elution method using negatively charged membranes associated to a Centriprep Concentrator® 50 (Nihon Millipore). HAstV were detected in 16.7% of the samples in raw and treated sewage by using both qualitative and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR and qPCR, respectively). Positive untreated sewage sample exhibited mean values of 1.1 x 10(4) gEq/mL. The qPCR sensitivity was 18 gEq/reaction. Through utilization of qPCR, a HAstV recovery efficiency of 4.2% and 4.3% was demonstrated for raw and treated sewage samples, respectively. The presence of HAstV in both the raw and treated sewage samples demonstrated the dissemination of these viruses in the environment as well as viral permanence after sewage treatment. There was a reduction in the total and faecal coliform levels, indicating efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant.

A análise do processo produtivo e das condições de trabalho em fábricas de baterias chumbo-ácidas apresenta uma gama de informações mais completas do que as que têm sido discutidas até então. O presente estudo analisa o processo produtivo de duas indústrias de baterias no Rio de Janeiro. A metodologia utilizada aborda o assunto de uma forma qualitativa, utilizando como ferramentas entrevistas estruturadas com os trabalhadores e análise do ambiente de trabalho. O principal objetivo deste artigo é mostrar uma metodologia de análise com visão ambiental ressaltando os riscos inerentes a estas atividades com uso de mapas de riscos, através de sua construção nos ambientes estudados. Os resultados sugerem um conjunto de recomendações, baseadas na literatura científica e nas normas de segurança e medicina do trabalho explicitadas pela legislação brasileira.

The analysis of the productive process and work conditions in companies of lead-acid batteries presents a range of more complete information than the ones that have been discussed for others companies up to now for its low technology profile. The present study analyzes the productive process of two industries of batteries in Rio de Janeiro. The used methodology approaches the subject in a qualitative point of view, using tools as: worker's structured interviews and analysis of the work conditions, under an environmental concept. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to present a methodology including environment concept on work conditions and point out the inherent risks of these activities by construction of risk's maps. The results has suggested some recommendations, based on scientific knowledge so as safety and occupational health norms, adopted in Brazilian Legislation. Besides that it is pointed out the absolute necessity of general discussion with laborers’ participation.

A análise do processo produtivo e das condições de trabalho em fábricas de baterias chumbo-ácidas apresenta uma gama de informações mais completas do que as que têm sido discutidas até então. O presente estudo analisa o processo produtivo de duas indústrias de baterias no Rio de Janeiro. A metodologia utilizada aborda o assunto de uma forma qualitativa, utilizando como ferramentas entrevistas estruturadas com os trabalhadores e análise do ambiente de trabalho. O principal objetivo deste artigo é mostrar uma metodologia de análise com visão ambiental ressaltando os riscos inerentes a estas atividades com uso de mapas de riscos, através de sua construção nos ambientes estudados. Os resultados sugerem um conjunto de recomendações, baseadas na literatura científica e nas normas de segurança e medicina do trabalho explicitadas pela legislação brasileira.

The analysis of the productive process and work conditions in companies of lead-acid batteries presents a range of more complete information than the ones that have been discussed for others companies up to now for its low technology profile. The present study analyzes the productive process of two industries of batteries in Rio de Janeiro. The used methodology approaches the subject in a qualitative point of view, using tools as: worker's structured interviews and analysis of the work conditions, under an environmental concept. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to present a methodology including environment concept on work conditions and point out the inherent risks of these activities by construction of risk's maps. The results has suggested some recommendations, based on scientific knowledge so as safety and occupational health norms, adopted in Brazilian Legislation. Besides that it is pointed out the absolute necessity of general discussion with laborers’ participation.