Depuis le début de la période industrielle, les activités humaines ont généré une augmentation importante de la concentration atmosphérique en CO2. Une partie de ce CO2 s’accumule dans l’atmosphère, entraînant une augmentation de l’effet de serre naturel et de la température à la surface du globe. Ce processus est plus connu sous le terme réchauffement climatique ou global. De plus, environ 25 % du CO2 produit sont absorbés par les océans. La dissolution du CO2 dans l’eau de mer, entraîne une augmentation de la concentration en protons et en ions bicarbonates (HCO3-) et une diminution de la concentration en ions carbonates (CO32-). Il en résulte une diminution du pH et du taux de saturation de l’eau de mer vis-à-vis du carbonate de calcium. L’ensemble de ces processus est appelé acidification des océans (AO). Le pH des eaux de surface océaniques a déjà diminué de 0,1 unité depuis le début de l’ère industrielle. Ce phénomène devrait s’intensifier au cours du siècle. Selon les prévisions moyennes d’émissions futures de gaz à effet de serre de l’IPCC, la température moyenne des eaux de surface devrait augmenter de 2 à 4 °C et son pH devrait diminuer de 0,3 à 0,4 unité d’ici 2100.<p>Au cours des deux dernières décennies, de nombreuses études ont mis en évidence l’impact négatif de l’AO sur les organismes marins. Les premières études ont été menées principalement en milieu artificiel et ont mis en évidence des conséquences majeures sur la physiologie des organismes, principalement au niveau individuel. Cependant, les dernières études menées dans le domaine ont souligné l'importance de mettre en place des expériences à long terme, à l'échelle de l'écosystème, et dans des conditions plus proches du milieu naturel. Ce type d’étude permet de prendre en compte les interactions écosystémiques et les processus d’acclimatation afin de mieux prévoir les effets directs mais aussi indirects de la diminution du pH dans les océans. <p>L’existence des récifs coralliens tropicaux dépend de la vitesse de formation du socle récifal qui les façonnent (principalement via la calcification des coraux hermatypiques) qui doit rester supérieure à sa (bio)érosion. D’une part, plusieurs études ont montré que le taux de calcification des coraux hermatypiques diminue lorsque la pCO2 augmente. D’autre part, les oursins sont d’importants bioérodeurs des récifs et contribuent donc à la perte de masse calcaire récifale. Cependant, les oursins empêchent également, par leur broutage, le recouvrement des coraux par les algues favorisées par l’AO. Dès lors l’effet de l’élévation de la pCO2 sur les oursins et leur capacité bioérosive peut être déterminant pour l'avenir des récifs coralliens tropicaux au cours du siècle, particulièrement ceux où la densité de ces bioérodeurs est importante. Une telle prédiction est d’autant plus complexe si l’on prend en compte la possible acclimatation des différents acteurs à long terme.<p>Dès lors, le but du présent travail fut d'évaluer l'effet à long terme de l’élévation de la pCO2 prévue en 2100 sur la physiologie et l’activité érosive d’un oursin clé de certains récifs coralliens, Echinometra mathaei, dans un dispositif artificiel reproduisant l’écosystème corallien.<p>La première étape a été la mise en place un outil expérimental permettant de maintenir à long terme un écosystème de récifs coralliens simplifié en condition contrôle et au pH prévu en 2100 tout en maintenant les autres paramètres physico-chimiques identiques et proches du milieu naturel (y compris dans leurs variations journalières). Le système mis en place est composé de scléractiniaires hermatypiques comme constructeurs de récif, d’oursins (E. mathaei) comme bioérodeurs et brouteurs et un substrat calcaire de récif avec ses communautés d’algues, bactéries, archae, champignons et méiofaune. Les variations journalières de pH et de température reproduisent celles mesurées in situ dans le site de La Saline, Ile de La Réunion, d’où proviennent une partie des organismes. Le pH moyen des aquariums contrôles a été maintenu avec succès à une moyenne de 8,09 ± 0,04, celui des aquariums à pCO2 élevée à 7,63 ± 0,02. L’alcalinité totale du système a pu être maintenue entre 2350 et 2450 µmol.kg-1. <p>L’impact de l’AO prévue en 2100 (pH 7,7) sur la physiologie d’E. mathaei été étudié à court terme (sept semaines). La principale source de nourriture des oursins fut la communauté algale se développant sur le substrat, comme en conditions naturelles. Cette étude a permis de mettre en évidence, à court terme, la capacité de résistance de cet oursin à une AO modérée. En effet, la croissance et le métabolisme ne furent pas affectés significativement. Ces observations ont été associées au maintien de la balance acide-base du fluide extracellulaire, le liquide cœlomique, par accumulation de bicarbonates dans celui-ci.<p>Une même expérience a ensuite été réalisée à long terme. La diminution du pH a été induite progressivement durant six mois jusqu'à atteindre un pH moyen de 7,65 qui fut ensuite maintenu à cette valeur pendant sept mois supplémentaires. La capacité de régulation de la balance acide-base du liquide cœlomique et la résistance d’E. mathaei à l’AO a été confirmée à long terme. Tant la croissance que le métabolisme et les propriétés mécaniques du squelette ne furent pas affectés. Cette résistance apparaît liée aux capacités de régulation acide-base d’E. mathaei, un trait apparemment d’origine génétique. Cette résistance pourrait également dépendre de la quantité et de la qualité de la nourriture disponible (calcaire ou non). Il est suggéré que les ions bicarbonates impliqués dans la régulation acide-base proviendraient en partie de la nourriture. <p>Parallèlement à ces mesures physiologiques, l’activité érosive d’E. mathaei a été mesurée. Les résultats indiquent que le taux de bioérosion triple en conditions acidifiées (pH 7,65). Cette augmentation serait liée à l’augmentation de l'activité de broutage des oursins et à la dissolution biologique du substrat, les propriétés mécaniques des dents des oursins et du squelette des coraux ne semblant pas affectés significativement. Nous suggérons que cette activité érosive accrue pourrait avoir un impact sur l'équilibre dynamique entre bioerosion et bioaccrétion des coraux et pourrait déterminer l'avenir des récifs coralliens où E. mathaei est le principal bioérodeur. Il faut toutefois noter que l’activité érosive de cet oursin est liée à une consommation accrue des macro-algues en compétition avec les coraux et algues corallines, favorisant ainsi ces derniers.<p>Les résultats obtenus, associés à ceux provenant de la littérature, indiquent que les changements globaux pourraient provoquer un changement profond des écosystèmes coralliens tropicaux. En effet, l’ensemble des bioérodeurs principaux étudiés jusqu’à présent semblent résistants aux changements climatiques globaux et montrent une augmentation de leur activité érosive. Dans le cas des récifs ayant déjà à l’heure actuelle une faible calcification nette, l’augmentation de la bioérosion pourrait mener à l’érosion nette et à la réduction puis à la disparition du récif. La prédiction du devenir des récifs coralliens tropicaux à l’échelle planétaire doit toutefois prendre en compte de nombreux paramètres :acclimatation, résistance/sensibilité et interactions des différents acteurs des récifs. D’autres études comparables à celles menées dans le présent travail devraient être mises en place afin de tester ces différents facteurs. Les données obtenues pourraient dès lors être utilisées dans la construction d’un modèle mécanistique permettant de mettre en place localement des mesures de conservation du récif, en complément de l’indispensable réduction massive de l’émission de CO2 atmosphérique à l’échelle mondiale.<p><p><p><p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Human activities have contributed to the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2). This anthropogenic gas emission has led to a rise in the average Earth temperature. Moreover, the ocean constitutes the major sink for anthropogenic CO2 and its dissolution in surface waters has already resulted in an increase of seawater acidity since the beginning of the industrial revolution. This is commonly called ocean acidification. The increase in water temperature could induce modifications of the physical and chemical characteristics of the ocean. Also, the structure and the functioning of marine ecosystems may be altered as a result of ocean acidification. <p>Phytoplankton productivity is one of the primary controls in regulating our climate, for instance via impact on atmospheric CO2 levels. Coccolithophores, of which Emiliania huxleyi is the most abundant species, are considered to be the most important pelagic calcifying organisms on Earth. Coccolithophores are characterized by calcium carbonate platelets (coccoliths) covering the exterior of the cells. They form massive blooms in temperate and sub-polar oceans and in particular along continental margin and in shelf seas. The intrinsic coupling of organic matter production and calcification in coccolithophores underlines their biogeochemical importance in the marine carbon cycle. Both processes are susceptible to change with ocean acidification and warming. Coccolithophores are further known to produce transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) that promote particle aggregation and related processes such as marine snow formation and sinking. Thus, the impact of ocean warming and acidification on coccolithophores needs to be studied and this can be carried out through a transdisciplinary approach.<p>The first part of this thesis consisted of laboratory experiments on E. huxleyi under controlled conditions. The aim was to estimate the effect of increasing water temperature and acidity on E. huxleyi and especially on the calcification. Cultures were conducted at different partial pressures of CO2 (pCO2); the values considered were 180, 380 and 750 ppm corresponding to past, present and future (year 2100) atmospheric pCO2. These experiments were conducted at 13°C and 18°C. The cellular calcite concentration decreases with increasing pCO2. In addition, it decreases by 34 % at 380 ppm and by 7 % at 750 ppm with an increase in temperature of 5°C. Changes in calcite production at future pCO2 values are reflected in deteriorated coccolith morphology, while temperature does not affect coccolith morphology. Our findings suggest that the sole future increase of pCO2 may have a larger negative impact on calcification than its interacting effect with temperature or the increase in temperature alone. The evolution of culture experiments allows a better comprehension of the development of a bloom in natural environments. Indeed, in order to predict the future evolution of calcifying organisms, it is required to better understand the present-day biogeochemistry and ecology of pelagic calcifying communities under field conditions.<p>The second part of this dissertation was dedicated to results obtained during field investigations in the northern Bay of Biscay, where frequent and recurrent coccolithophorid blooms were observed. Cruises, assisted by remote sensing, were carried out along the continental margin in 2006 (29 May – 10 June), 2007 (7 May – 24 May) and 2008 (5 May – 23 May). Relevant biogeochemical parameters were measured in the water column (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, Chlorophyll-a and nutrient concentrations) in order to determine the status of the bloom at the time of the different campaigns. Calcification has been shown to be extremely important in the study area. In addition, TEP production was significant at some stations, suggesting that the northern Bay of Biscay could constitute an area of important carbon export. Mortality factors for coccolithophores were studied and the first results of lysis rates measured in this region were presented. <p>Results obtained during culture experiments and comparison with data reported in the literature help to better understand and to predict the future of coccolithophores in a context of climate change. Data obtained during either culture experiments or field investigations allowed a better understanding of the TEP dynamics. Finally, the high lysis rates obtained demonstrate the importance of this process in bloom decline. Nevertheless, it is clear that we only begin to understand the effects of global change on marine biogeochemistry, carbon cycling and potential feedbacks on increasing atmospheric CO2. Thus, further research with a combination of laboratory experiments, field measurements and modelling are encouraged.<p><p> / Doctorat en Sciences / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Long-term forest vegetation changes were studied in the Bohemian Forest and its foothills. New vegetation relevés were taken at sites of typological plots established by forest engineers between 1955 and 1980. Data from 158 semi-permanent plots were analysed using modern statistical methods. The data show significant changes and homogenization of the vegetation. Ellenberg indicator values indicate eutrofication. Repeated measurements of soil pH suggest acidification, but the interpretation of these data is complicated by methodological problems. The forests under study exhibit high spatial variability. No main prevailing trend in vegetation changes was found. The changes are considered to be related to sulphur and nitrogen deposition and forest management. The influence of increasing age of forest stands seems to be unimportant. Discussed are not only vegetation changes and their possible causes but also the possibilities and limitations of using such old forestry data in botanical and ecological studies.

Due to an increasing global population and changes in diets the impact of food consumption on the world’s ecosystems and their services has become more significant. The purpose of this project has been to investigate how the impact on ecosystem services from Swedish food consumption has changed over time and if this development is sustainable or not. A quantitative assessment of six different environmental impact factors has been carried out for each food category. The project clarifies how Swedish food consumption has developed since the 1960s, the origin of the food that has been consumed, which processes that affect the environment as well as the consequences from these impacts. The result showed that Swedish food consumption has increased considering quantity, that the consumption pattern has changed, and that the import of goods has increased since the 1960s. The average Swede eats more animal-based products such as meat, cheese and cream, along with more vegetable-based products such as fruit and berries, and vegetables. Instead, products such as milk and soured based products has decreased, while products made from flour and grains has stayed unchanged. The project shows that animal-based products, especially from ruminant animals, has a significantly higher ecological footprint in comparison with vegetable-based products, concerning most of the categories mentioned above. Considering that the swedes eat more animal-based products today than in the 1960sthefollowing conclusion, that the Swedish impact on ecosystem services has increased since the 1960s even though food production has become more efficient, could be drawn.

A acidificação oceânica, resultante do aumento da concentração de CO2 atmosférico, vem alterando a química dos oceanos resultando na diminuição de seu pH. Diversos estudos avaliaram as consequências dessa diminuição no pH oceânico nas taxas de calcificação, reprodução e desenvolvimento em diversos modelos marinhos, entretanto estudos relacionados a outros processos fisiológicos, como a imunidade, e estudos com indivíduos adultos são escassos. Ouriços-do-mar são espécies aderidas ao substrato, importantes para a ciclagem de nutrientes no ambiente marinho, sendo também animais utilizados como bioindicadores para monitoramento ambiental; assim o estudo da resposta imune inata desses animais frente à acidificação dos oceanos é de extrema importância para prever possíveis alterações fisiológicas desses animais e sua capacidade de adaptação. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar as alterações provocadas pela acidificação oceânica na resposta imune e no balanço ácido base de duas espécies de ouriço-do-mar tropicais: Lytechinus variegatus e Echinometra lucunter durante as estações de verão e inverno; para isso foram analisados os índices fagocíticos, a capacidade de adesão e espraiamento celular dos amebócitos fagociticos além do balanço acido base do liquido celomático após o período de 24 horas e cinco dias de exposição aos pHs 7,6 e 7,3. Foi também avaliada a capacidade de recuperação dessas espécies com o objetivo de verificar se os parâmetros alterados pela exposição conseguiam ser reestabelecidos. Os resultados mostraram que a redução no pH da água do mar alterou a proporção celular, reduziu a capacidade de fagocitose e espraiamento dos amebócitos fagocíticos assim como também afetou o balanço ácido-base do líquido celomático. Foram encontradas diferenças também entre as estações do ano sendo estas encontradas apenas na espécie Lytechinus variegatus. O teste de recuperação mostrou que os parâmetros alterados pela exposição tendem a retornar aos valores controles, mostrando que em curto prazo essas alterações podem não ser irreversíveis, entretanto, mais estudos são necessários principalmente avaliando períodos de exposição prolongados. Juntos nossos resultados mostram que a acidificação oceânica prejudica parâmetros imunes extremamente importantes para a eliminação de patógenos e consequentemente a sobrevivência desses animais em um futuro oceano acidificado. / Ocean acidification due to increased atmospheric CO2 concentration is altering ocean chemistry resulting in the decrease of its pH. Several studies evaluated the effects of this decrease in ocean pH on calcification rates, reproduction and development in different marine models, however studies related to other physiological processes such as immunity and studies with adult animals are scarce. Sea urchins are species adhered to the substrate, important for nutrient cycling in the marine environment, also being used as bioindicators for environmental monitoring. Thus the study of the innate immune response of these animals due to the acidification of the oceans is extremely important to predict possible physiological changes of these animals and their ability to adapt to this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the changes caused by ocean acidification in the immune response and in the acid-base balance of two sea urchin tropical species: Lytechinus variegatus and Echinometra lucunter during seasons of summer and winter; for this, indexes of phagocytosis, cell adhesion and spreading ability were analyzed in addition to the acid-base balance of the coelomic fluid after 24 hours and five days of exposure to pH 7.6 and 7.3The recover ability of these species were also evaluated in order to verify if the parameters altered by exposition could be reestablished. The results shows that a reduction in the seawater pH changed the cell proportion, reduced the ability of phagocytosis and phagocytic amoebocyte spreading as well as affected the acid-base balance of the coelomic fluid. Differences were also found between seasons, but only in the specie Lytechinus variegatus. The recovery test showed that the parameters altered by exposure tend to return to control values, showing that in the short term these changes may not be irreversible, however, further studies are necessary mainly those related to prolonged periods of exposure. Together our results show that ocean acidification impairs immune parameters extremely important for the elimination of pathogens and consequently the survival of these animals in a future acidified ocean.

O aumento da concentração do dióxido de carbono (CO2) na atmosfera vem causando o aquecimento global e a acidificação dos oceanos (AO), os quais cada vez mais são reconhecidos como importantes condutores de mudanças em sistemas biológicos. A AO tem o potencial de alterar de inúmeras maneiras a dinâmica biogeoquímica do carbono orgânico no oceano, levando a uma mudança na qualidade da matéria orgânica (MO) disponível para os organismos marinhos. Até agora, sabe-se muito pouco sobre como os sedimentos, os organismos que nele vivem e os processos que nele ocorrem vão reagir a mudanças na acidez da água do mar. Na costa brasileira, em especial, o estudo sobre os efeitos das mudanças climáticas nos processos bênticos ainda é incipiente. O presente estudo propôs uma investigação experimental com o intuito de seguir a incorporação do carbono orgânico e seu destino através da comunidade bêntica marinha após a chegada de alimento fresco, em condições atuais e de baixo pH. Nossos resultados indicaram que quando há chegada de MO fresca, a comunidade bêntica presente nos primeiros centímetros do sedimento responde de maneira rápida, incorporando esse material. Na biomassa bacteriana, após 2 dias de experimento, altos valores de incorporação (7283,04 &#956;g13C.m-2) foram detectados. Entre os grupos da macrofauna, poliquetas apresentaram a maior incorporação do traçador e, em 4 dias de experimento, os principais agentes na incorporação do traçador foram Prionospio steenstrupi (51291,9 &#956;g13C.m-2, 0-4 cm), Leodice rubra (20971,5 &#956;g13C.m-2, 0-4 cm) e Poecilochaetus perequensis (6171,8 e 7263,2 &#956;g13C.m-2, em 0-4 e 4-10 cm, respectivamente), além do molusco bivalve Eurytellina nitens (10600,4 &#956;g13C.m-2, 0-4 cm). Quando submetidos a condições de AO, o poliqueta Leitoscoloplos sp. (2,02 &#956;g13C.m-2) e o antozoário Edwarsia sp. (0,16 &#956;g13C.m-2) se destacaram na incorporação do traçador em baixo pH (7,3). Em contrapartida, o molusco Dosinia concentrica (2,77 &#956;g13C.m-2) e o poliqueta Poecilochaetus perequenses (2,68 &#956;g13C.m-2) foram importantes agentes do processamento do carbono orgânico marcado nos primeiros centímetros do sedimento no controle (pH 8,1). Nas comunidades bacterianas, não houve diferenças de incorporação na biomassa entre o controle e o tratamento (6298,7 e 6562,2 &#956;g13C.m-2, respectivamente). Assim, nosso estudo mostrou que eventos episódicos de chegada de alimento fresco vindos de processos que intensificam a produção primária adjacente (i.e., intrusão da ACAS e ressuspensão de sedimentos) nessa região meso-oligotrófica parecem ser essenciais não somente para a manutenção e sobrevivência da comunidade bêntica, mas também para a ciclagem de carbono nesses ambientes relativamente pobres em alimentos. Além disso, em condições de mudanças climáticas, a incorporação e o fluxo do carbono orgânico de parte da macrofauna bêntica pode ser potencialmente afetada pela AO. / Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere is causing global warming and ocean acidification (OA) which are increasingly recognized as important drivers of changes in biological systems. The OA has the potential to change in various ways the biogeochemical dynamics of organic carbon in the ocean, leading to a change in the quality of the organic matter (OM) available to marine organisms. So far, very little is known about how the sediments, the organisms that live in it and the processes that occur in it will respond to changes in the acidity of seawater. In the Brazilian coast, in particular, the study on the effects of climate change on benthic processes is still incipient. The present study was an experimental investigation in order to follow the incorporation of organic carbon and its destination over the marine benthic community after the arrival of fresh food, in current conditions and low pH. Our results indicated that when there is arrival of fresh OM, benthic community present in the first few centimeters of sediment responds quickly incorporating this material. In bacterial biomass, after 2 days of experiment, high incorporation values (7283.04 &#956;g13C.m-2) were detected. Among the macrofaunal groups, polychaetes had the highest incorporation of the tracer, and after 4 days of experiment, the key players in the incorporation of the tracer were Prionospio steenstrupi (51291.9 &#956;g13C.m-2, 0-4 cm), Leodice rubra (20971.5 &#956;g13C.m-2, 0-4 cm) and Poecilochaetus perequensis (6171.8 and 7263.2 &#956;g13C.m-2, 0-4 and 4-10 cm, respectively), besides the mollusk bivalve Eurytellina nitens (10600.4 &#956;g13C.m-2, 0-4 cm). Under conditions of OA, the polychaete Leitoscoloplos sp. (2.02 &#956;g13C.m-2) and anthozoa Edwarsia sp. (0.16 &#956;g13C.m-2) stood out in the incorporation of the tracer at low pH (7.3). In contrast, the mollusk Dosinia concentrica (2.77 &#956;g13C.m-2) and the polychaete Poecilochaetus perequenses (2.68 &#956;g13C.m-2) were important agents of processing organic carbon in the first centimeters of sediment in control (pH 8.1). Our results showed that episodic events of fresh food arrival, coming from processes that enhance the primary production (i.e., intrusion of SACW and resuspension of sediment) in this meso-oligotrophic region, appears to be essential not only for the maintenance and survival of benthic community, but also to carbon cycling in these relatively food poor environments. Furthermore, in conditions of climate change, the incorporation and the flow of the organic carbon by part of benthic macrofaunal can be potentially affected by OA.

A Avaliação do Ciclo de Vida (ACV) apresenta quatro fases em sua estrutura metodológica, que podem ser encontradas em normas como a ISO 14.040 e ISO 14.044. A Avaliação de Impacto do Ciclo de Vida (AICV) é a terceira fase da ACV e utiliza métodos e modelos de caracterização para avaliar a importância de intervenções ambientais contidas no Inventário do Ciclo de Vida (ICV). Os métodos para a AICV mais utilizados são em sua maioria desenvolvidos em países da Europa, embora sejam aplicados em diferentes partes do mundo, incluindo o Brasil. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar as características e a aplicabilidade dos principais métodos de AICV e verificar o escopo dos modelos de caracterização para a categoria de impacto acidificação a fim de fornecer subsídios para aplicação desses métodos e modelos no Brasil. Por meio da revisão bibliográfica as informações referentes a cada método foram classificadas de acordo com as categorias de comparação: categorias de impacto abordadas, nível de avaliação do impacto, abrangência de aplicação e existência ou não de metodologias para normalização e ponderação. Dessa forma a análise realizada identifica que a maioria das categorias de impacto dos métodos CML 2002, EDIP 97, EPS 2000, USEtox e IMPACT World+ apresentam escopo de aplicação classificado como global, sendo recomendados, para estas categorias, para uso no Brasil. Com a finalidade de auxiliar com informações sobre os modelos de caracterização para a categoria de impacto acidificação, por meio da revisão bibliográfica foi possível analisar os procedimentos e parâmetros de cálculos utilizados por cada modelo para esta categoria. A análise comparativa entre os modelos, com base na revisão bibliográfica, foi feita a partir dos seguintes critérios: substâncias abordadas, ano e região de referência dos fatores de caracterização, parâmetros usados nos cálculos, dados necessários, ano e área de coleta dos dados, resolução espacial, relevância ambiental, robustez científica e exatidão, e documentação, transparência e reprodutibilidade. O modelo Accumulated Exceedance apresentou a melhor avaliação frente a esses critérios e, portanto, é recomendado como referência inicial para o desenvolvimento de procedimentos metodológicos que suportem a aplicação desse modelo no Brasil. Para que isso seja possível é necessário que esse modelo de caracterização seja complementado por um modelo de destino atmosférico adequado à realidade brasileira. Isto posto, pretende-se subsidiar, tanto pelo procedimento adotado quanto pelos resultados obtidos, pesquisas direcionadas ao desenvolvimento de modelos de caracterização, para diferentes categorias de impacto, que representem as características específicas regionais do Brasil durante a AICV. / Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has four phases in its methodological framework, which can be found in standards such as ISO 14,040 and ISO 14,044. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) is the third phase of LCA and uses characterization models and methods to assess the importance of environmental interventions contained in the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI). The methods most commonly used for LCIA are mostly developed in European countries, although applied in different parts of the world, including Brazil. This research aims to analyze the characteristics and the applicability of the main methods of LCIA and to check the characterization models scope for acidification impact category in order to provide support for application of these methods and models in Brazil. Through the LCIA methods review their information were classified according to the criteria: impact categories addressed, impact assessment level, scope of application and the existence or not of methodologies for normalization and weighting. Thus, the analysis identifies that most impact categories of CML 2002, EDIP 97, EPS 2000, USEtox and IMPACT World+ methods present scope of application classified as global, being recommended for these categories for the use in Brazil. In order to assist with information about the characterization models for acidification impact category through the literature review it was possible to analyze the procedures and the calculation parameters used by each model for this category. The comparative analysis between the models, based on review, was done based on the following criteria: substances addressed, reference year and region of characterization factors, parameters used in the calculations, necessary data, year and area of data collection, spatial resolution, environmental relevance, scientific robustness and accuracy, and documentation, transparency and reproducibility. The Accumulated Exceedance model presented the best assessment against these criteria and is therefore recommended as initial reference for the development of methodological procedures that support the application of this model in Brazil. To make this possible it is necessary that this characterization model is complemented by an atmospheric fate model appropriate to the Brazilian reality. That said, it is intended to subsidize, through the procedures adopted and the results obtained, research directed to the development of characterization models, for different impact categories, which represent the specific regional characteristics of Brazil during the LCIA.

Kanalrhodpsine (ChRs) sind lichtaktivierbare Kationenkanäle, welche als primäre Fotorezeptoren in Grünalgen dienen. In der Optogenetik werden ChRs verwendet um neuronale Membranen zu depolarisieren und mit Licht Aktionspotentiale auszulösen. Das mit blauem Licht aktivierte Chlamydomonas Kanalrhodopsin 2 (C2) und effiziente Mutanten wie C2 H134R stellen die am häufigsten genutzten depolarisierenden, optogenetischen Werkzeuge dar. Komplementär zu ChRs werden Protonen- und Chloridpumpen aus Archaebakterien zur neuronalen Inhibierung durch lichtinduzierte Hyperpolarisation verwendet. In der vorliegenden Arbeit untersuchten wir die ChR-Chimäre C1V1, ein grünlichtaktiviertes ChR, das sich durch hervorragende Membranlokalisierung und hohe Fotoströme in HEK-Zellen auszeichnet. C1V1 und C1V1-Mutanten mit feinabgestimmten spektralen und kinetischen Eigenschaften ermöglichen die neuronale Aktivierung mit Wellenlängen bis 620 nm sowie die unabhängige Aktivierung zweier Zellpopulationen in Kombination mit C2. Um die strukturelle Basis von Kanalöffnung und Ionentransport in ChRs zu verstehen, wurden gezielt Mutationen in C2 und C1V1 eingeführt. Die Fotoströme der entsprechenden Mutanten wurden auf Kationenselektivität und kinetische Veränderungen untersucht. Während Aminosäuren, die den Kanal an der zytosolischen Seite begrenzen, die Kationenfreisetzung und Einwärtsgleichrichtung der ChRs bestimmen, spielen zentral im Kanal gelegende Aminosäuren ein entscheidende Rolle für Kationenselektivität und -kompetition. Ein enzymkinetisches Modell ermöglichte außerdem die Zerlegung der Fotoströme in Beiträge der verschiedenen, konkurrierenden Kationen. Im letzten Teil der Arbeit wurde pHoenix, ein optogenetisches Werkzeug zur Ansäuerung synaptischer Vesikel, entwickelt. In Neuronen des Hippocampus wurde pHoenix verwendet, um die treibenden Kräfte für die vesikuläre Neurotransmitteraufnahme sowie den Zusammenhang zwischen Vesikelfüllstand und Freisetzungswahrscheinlichkeit zu analysieren. / Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are light-activated cation channels functioning as primary photoreceptors in green algae. In the emerging field of optogenetics, ChRs are used to depolarize neuronal membranes, thus allowing for light-induced action-potential firing. The blue light-activated Chlamydomonas channelrhodopsin 2 (C2) and high-efficiency mutants such as C2 H134R represent the most commonly used depolarizing optogenetic tools. Complementary to ChRs, green to yellow light-activated proton and chloride pumps originating from archea enable neuronal inhibition by membrane hyperpolarization. In the present work, we developed the chimeric ChR C1V1, a green-light activated ChR with excellent membrane targeting and high photocurrents in HEK cells. Action spectrum and kinetic properties of C1V1 were further fine-tuned by site-directed mutagenesis. The ensemble of C1V1 variants allows for neuronal activation with wavelengths up to 620 nm and can be used in two-color optogenetic experiments in combination with C2 derivatives. In order to understand the structural motifs involved in channel gating and ion transport, conserved residues in C2 and C1V1 were mutated and photocurrents of the respective mutants were analyzed for kinetic characteristics and cation selectivity. In these experiments, residues of the inner gate region were shown to alter cytosolic cation release and inward rectification, whereas central gate residues determine cation competition and selectivity, as well as the equilibrium between the two open channel conformations. Moreover, an enzyme-kinetic model was used to quantitatively dissect ChR photocurrents into the contribution of different competing cations. Finally, we designed pHoenix, an optogenetic tool enabling green-light induced acidification of synaptic vesicles. In hippocampal neurons, pHoenix was used to study both the energetics of vesicular neurotransmitter uptake and the impact of the vesicular contents on synaptic vesicle release.

The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere observed in recent decades is causing the acidification of the oceans besides the global warming. The amount of carbon dioxide that crosses the air-sea interface is not well known because this amount depends upon the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and the gas transfer velocity. The gas transfer velocity is a variable based on Fick\'s Law of Diffusion and is normally parametrized as a function of wind velocity at the height of 10 meters. However, the result of this parametrization have errors greater than 100%. Newer parametrization include the effects of temperature, friction velocity and the presence of surface waves. Based on the simplest model of air-sea gas transfer model, the stagnant film theory, this study developed a methodology to improve the knowledge of the relation between the gas transfer velocity and the mean square slope. This variable accounts for the mean curvature of the waves in the surface. The data used was gathered within the scope of the DOGEE project in 2007. In that, a drifting buoy measured several parameters relative to the waves and the gas transfer velocity. The results show that the mean square slope calculated with waves whose wavenumber is between 40 and 50 radians per meter has the lowest root mean square errors of the regression between the mean square slope and the gas transfer velocity. This result showed to be very consistent when applied to the QuikSCAT scatterometer data and compared to a recent published study. / O aumento da concentração de dióxido de carbono na atmosfera observado nas últimas décadas é responsável por alterações climáticas e ambientais em escala global. Uma das consequências desse aumento da concentração de gás carbônico é o aquecimento global. Outra consequência é a acidificação dos oceanos. Isto ocorre devido ao dióxido de carbono atravessar a interface ar-mar e se dissolver no oceano. A quantidade de dióxido de carbono que atravessa a interface ar-mar é um dado não conhecido com precisão devido a esta quantidade depender de uma constante conhecida por velocidade de transferência do gás carbônico. Esta velocidade de transferência é normalmente uma parametrização do transporte turbulento do gás na interface oceano-atmosfera. Como o dado mais comum para essa parametrização é o vento à altura de 10 metros, muitos estudos foram desenvolvidos utilizando esta variável. No entanto, os resultados destas parametrizações possuem erros da ordem de 100%. Este estudo desenvolveu uma metodologia para obter uma melhor estimativa da velocidade de transferência. Para isto, optou-se por relacionar esta variável à inclinação quadrática média (MSS) das ondas. Segundo a literatura científica recente, o MSS é uma variável mais relacionada à transferência gasosa do que o vento a 10 metros de altura. Os resultados mostram que a inclinação quadrática média calculado com números de onda entre 40 e 50 radianos por metro possuem o menor erro no ajuste linear com os dados de velocidade de transferência. Este resultado indica uma mudança da dinâmica da interface nesse intervalo de número de onda. Com isso, um novo ajuste linear entre o MSS e a velocidade de transferência é sugerido como parametrização. A aplicação desta nova parametrização a dados de satélite do tipo escaterômetro mostrou-se consistente quando comparado a um estudo recente relacionando a velocidade de transferência do gás carbônico diretamente a dados do satélite oceanográfico QuikSCAT.

The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere observed in recent decades is causing the acidification of the oceans besides the global warming. The amount of carbon dioxide that crosses the air-sea interface is not well known because this amount depends upon the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and the gas transfer velocity. The gas transfer velocity is a variable based on Fick\'s Law of Diffusion and is normally parametrized as a function of wind velocity at the height of 10 meters. However, the result of this parametrization have errors greater than 100%. Newer parametrization include the effects of temperature, friction velocity and the presence of surface waves. Based on the simplest model of air-sea gas transfer model, the stagnant film theory, this study developed a methodology to improve the knowledge of the relation between the gas transfer velocity and the mean square slope. This variable accounts for the mean curvature of the waves in the surface. The data used was gathered within the scope of the DOGEE project in 2007. In that, a drifting buoy measured several parameters relative to the waves and the gas transfer velocity. The results show that the mean square slope calculated with waves whose wavenumber is between 40 and 50 radians per meter has the lowest root mean square errors of the regression between the mean square slope and the gas transfer velocity. This result showed to be very consistent when applied to the QuikSCAT scatterometer data and compared to a recent published study. / O aumento da concentração de dióxido de carbono na atmosfera observado nas últimas décadas é responsável por alterações climáticas e ambientais em escala global. Uma das consequências desse aumento da concentração de gás carbônico é o aquecimento global. Outra consequência é a acidificação dos oceanos. Isto ocorre devido ao dióxido de carbono atravessar a interface ar-mar e se dissolver no oceano. A quantidade de dióxido de carbono que atravessa a interface ar-mar é um dado não conhecido com precisão devido a esta quantidade depender de uma constante conhecida por velocidade de transferência do gás carbônico. Esta velocidade de transferência é normalmente uma parametrização do transporte turbulento do gás na interface oceano-atmosfera. Como o dado mais comum para essa parametrização é o vento à altura de 10 metros, muitos estudos foram desenvolvidos utilizando esta variável. No entanto, os resultados destas parametrizações possuem erros da ordem de 100%. Este estudo desenvolveu uma metodologia para obter uma melhor estimativa da velocidade de transferência. Para isto, optou-se por relacionar esta variável à inclinação quadrática média (MSS) das ondas. Segundo a literatura científica recente, o MSS é uma variável mais relacionada à transferência gasosa do que o vento a 10 metros de altura. Os resultados mostram que a inclinação quadrática média calculado com números de onda entre 40 e 50 radianos por metro possuem o menor erro no ajuste linear com os dados de velocidade de transferência. Este resultado indica uma mudança da dinâmica da interface nesse intervalo de número de onda. Com isso, um novo ajuste linear entre o MSS e a velocidade de transferência é sugerido como parametrização. A aplicação desta nova parametrização a dados de satélite do tipo escaterômetro mostrou-se consistente quando comparado a um estudo recente relacionando a velocidade de transferência do gás carbônico diretamente a dados do satélite oceanográfico QuikSCAT.