ABSTRACT In semi-arid regions, the use of saline water for irrigation has become an increasingly frequent reality due to the qualitative and quantitative scarcity of water sources occurring most of the year. Thus, the use of hydrogen peroxide can be a strategy capable of mitigating the deleterious effects of salt stress on plants and guaranteeing the agricultural production of crops such as soursop. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of hydrogen peroxide on the physiological and growth indices of soursop plants cv. Morada Nova irrigated with waters of different salinity levels. The treatments were distributed in a randomized block design, in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, corresponding to four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water and four concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, with three replicates. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of 12, 18 and 15 µM, respectively, attenuated the effects of salt stress on stomatal conductance, CO2 assimilation rate and chlorophyll a synthesis of soursop, at 780 days after transplanting. The 30 µM hydrogen peroxide concentration intensified salt stress on gas exchange, variable fluorescence and electrolyte leakage in the leaf blade of soursop plants cv. Morada Nova, 780 days after transplanting. semiarid semi arid regions year Thus cv design scheme replicates 12 1 respectively conductance CO 78 transplanting 3 exchange 7

RESUMO Em regiões semiáridas, a utilização de água salina para irrigação, tem se tornado uma realidade cada vez mais frequente em função da escassez qualitativa e quantitativa das fontes hídricas que ocorre na maior parte do ano. Assim, a utilização de peróxido de hidrogênio pode ser uma estratégia capaz de amenizar os efeitos deletérios do estresse salino sobre as plantas e garantir a produção agrícola de culturas, como a gravioleira. Deste modo, objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar os efeitos da aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio sobre os índices fisiológicos e de crescimento de plantas de graviola cv. Morada Nova irrigadas com águas de diferentes níveis salinos. Os tratamentos foram distribuídos em um delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 × 4, correspondendo a quatro níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação e quatro concentrações de peróxido de hidrogênio, com três repetições. A aplicação foliar de peróxido de hidrogênio nas concentrações de 12, 18 e 15µM, respectivamente, atenuaram os efeitos do estresse salino sobre a condutância estomática, a taxa de assimilação de CO2 e a síntese de clorofila a de gravioleira, aos 780 dias após o transplantio. A concentração de peróxido de hidrogênio de 30 µM intensificou o estresse salino sobre as trocas gasosas, a fluorescência variável e o extravasamento de eletrólitos no limbo foliar de plantas de graviola cv. Morada Nova, aos 780 dias após o transplantio. semiáridas ano Assim culturas gravioleira modo objetivouse objetivou cv salinos casualizados repetições 12 1 15µM respectivamente estomática CO 78 transplantio 3 gasosas 7

Low-cost adsorbents promote the valorization of locally sourced waste materials and are still a significant challenge for removing toxic metal ions from industrial effluents. In this sense, Castor (Ricinus communis L.) stalks (CS) were activated with an alkaline solution and tested as an adsorbent to remove nickel, copper, cadmium, and lead ions. A 24-1 factorial design was carried out and showed a correlation and influence of the variables, such as pH, adsorbent mass, agitation rate, and initial concentration in the adsorption process. The adsorbents in their natural, activated, and saturated states were characterized. After activation, X-ray diffraction results revealed a change from cellulose I to cellulose II. The X-ray fluorescence showed that the ion exchange adsorption mechanism occurred. For the kinetic adsorption studies, the equilibrium time was reached up to 15 min. Different isotherm models described the adsorption process, with the Sips model providing the best fit to the experimental data. Five cycles of sorption/desorption using 0.1 mol L-1 HCl elution were carried out with a minimal loss in sorption capacity and physical degradation. Nickel and copper ions exhibited the lowest desorption rates. Due to their efficiency, CS can be a promising and low-cost alternative for removing metal ions. Lowcost Low cost effluents sense Ricinus L. L (CS nickel cadmium 241 24 1 24- variables pH mass rate process natural characterized activation Xray X ray II occurred studies min data sorptiondesorption 01 0 0. L1 L- degradation rates efficiency lowcost low 2

The catalytic oxidation of glycerol was investigated in assays with palladium-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Pd-Ag) immobilized on cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4). Bimetallic nanoparticles were prepared by the galvanic replacement method, immobilized on CoFe2O4 by wet impregnation. Bimetallic Pd-Ag nanoparticles with 35 wt.% Pd content effectively catalyzed the selective oxidation reaction of glycerol to glyceraldehyde. Catalytic oxidation was carried out at 60-80 °C for 2-4 h in an aqueous NaOH solution (NaOH:glycerol ratio = 4 mol:mol) under O2 pressure of 4 bar; the selectivity of glyceraldehyde reached 99.35% and the conversion of glycerol of 49.07% at a temperature of 60 °C and a reaction time of 2 h. Glyceric acid and traces of tartronic acid and mesoxalic acid were also detected. The catalyst was also very stable, showing activity up to 4 runs without significant loss of activity and selectivity. palladiumsilver palladium silver PdAg Ag (Pd-Ag CoFe2O4. CoFeO . CoFe O (CoFe2O4) method CoFe2O impregnation 3 wt wt. 6080 80 60-8 C 24 2- NaOHglycerol molmol mol mol:mol bar 9935 99 99.35 4907 49 07 49.07 6 detected stable (CoFe2O4 608 8 60- 993 9 99.3 490 0 49.0 (CoFe2O 99. 49.

The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals is a significant concern, as understanding their presence, spread, and harm in coastal regions remains limited. The occurrence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), namely, mefenamic acid (MFN), diclofenac (DCF) and naproxen (NPX) were studied in river waters. Four sample collections were carried out in five points in the dry and rainy seasons. Solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME) coupled with high performance liquid chromatography using diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) were applied to quantify the presence of MFN, DCF and NPX in river water samples. DCF had the highest concentration (640 ng L-1), followed by NPX (410 ng L-1). MFN was not detected in any point within the used working range (limit of detection (LOD) of 0.07 µg L-1). Additionally, an assessment was conducted to evaluate the environmental risk associated with the pharmaceuticals detected in freshwater, specifically in various organisms including algae, mollusks, amphibians, fish, and cnidarians, spanning different trophic levels. The ecotoxicological assessment showed risks ranging from low to high, indicating deleterious effects on several exposed species. No high environmental risk was detected in the sampling areas. Although no immediate negative effects were detected, the potential impact on non-target species should not be disregarded. concern spread limited nonsteroidal non steroidal antiinflammatory anti inflammatory NSAIDs, NSAIDs , (NSAIDs) namely (MFN) (DCF (NPX waters seasons SFODME (SFODME HPLCDAD HPLC DAD (HPLC-DAD samples 640 (64 L1, L1 L 1 L-1) 410 (41 L1. . limit LOD (LOD 007 0 07 0.0 Additionally freshwater algae mollusks amphibians fish cnidarians levels areas nontarget target disregarded (NSAIDs (MFN 64 (6 L-1 41 (4 00 0. 6 ( L- 4

ABSTRACT Salinity is considered an obstacle to the production system that limits the growth and yield of crops around the world. Therefore, it is essential to develop strategies to minimize the effects of salinity and increase yield, especially in the semi-arid region of the Northeast, which has limited water resources of good quality for irrigation. The objective was to evaluate the effects of applying paclobutrazol on zucchini crop under salt stress. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in a randomized block experimental design, in a 2 × 5 factorial scheme, with two salinity levels of irrigation water (0.6 and 4.0 dS m-1) and five concentrations of paclobutrazol - PBZ (0; 2; 4; 6 and 8 g L-1), and with four repetitions. Application of 8 mg L-1 PBZ increases stem diameter in zucchini under irrigation of 4.0 dS m-1. Chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents increase with PBZ concentration of 4 mg L-1 and irrigation of 0.6 dS m-1. PBZ concentration of 4 mg L-1 increases the relative water content while reducing electrolyte leakage in zucchini under salinities of 4.0 and 0.6 dS m-1 respectively. Root, stem and leaf dry mass of zucchini increases when plants are irrigated with water of 0.6 dS m-1 and subjected to PBZ concentration of 8 mg L-1. PBZ concentrations do not attenuate the effects of salinity on leaf area, crown volume and diameter, vegetative vigor index, chlorophyll a and carotenoids. world Therefore semiarid semi arid Northeast stress greenhouse design scheme 06 0 (0. 40 4. m1 m 1 (0 L1, L1 L , L-1) repetitions L- m1. 1. 0. m- respectively Root L1. area index carotenoids (

RESUMO A salinidade é considerada um obstáculo ao sistema de produção que limita o crescimento e a produtividade das culturas em todo o mundo. Dessa forma, é essencial desenvolver estratégias para minimizar os efeitos da salinidade e aumentar a produtividade, especialmente na região semiárida do Nordeste, que possui recursos hídrico limitados de boa qualidade para a irrigação. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de paclobutrazol no cultivo de abobrinha sob estresse salino. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 × 5, sendo dois níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (0,6 e 4,0 dS m-1) e cinco concentrações de PBZ (0; 2; 4; 6 e 8 g L-1), e com quatro repetições. A aplicação de paclobutrazol de 8 mg L-1 aumenta o diâmetro do caule em abobrinha sob irrigação de 4,0 dS m-1. Os teores de clorofila b e total aumenta com concentração 4 mg L-1 de paclobutrazol e irrigação de 0,6 dS m-1. As concentração de PBZ de 4 mg L-1 eleva o teor relativo de água enquanto reduz o extravasamento de eletrólitos sob salinidade de 4,0 e 0,6 dS m-1 respectivamente. A fitomassa seca da raiz, caule e folha da abobrinha aumenta quando irrigada com água de 0,6 dS m-1 e concentração de 8 mg L-1 de paclobutrazol. As concentrações de PBZ não atenuam os efeitos da salinidade sob as variáveis área foliar, volume e diâmetro de copa, índice de vigor vegetativo, clorofila a e carotenoides. mundo forma Nordeste Objetivouse Objetivou se salino vegetação casualizados 5 06 0 (0, 40 4, m1 m 1 (0 L1, L1 L , L-1) repetições L- m1. 1. 0, m- respectivamente raiz foliar copa vegetativo carotenoides (

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. 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.

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 .

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%.