As mandiocas utilizadas na produção da farinha contêm elevadas concentrações de glicosídeos cianogênicos, compostos que, após degradação, liberam cianeto na forma de ácido cianídrico (HCN) conferindo toxicidade à raiz. O processamento adequado da mandioca, para produção da farinha, resulta na degradação dos glicosídeos cianogênicos e na obtenção de um alimento com baixo teor de cianeto, o que gera a hipótese de liberação de HCN durante o processo. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar a exposição de trabalhadores de casas-de-farinha ao HCN proveniente da mandioca, assim como identificar possíveis alterações clínicas e laboratoriais associadas a tal exposição. Foram incluídas no estudo 4 casa-de-farinha localizadas no Agreste Alagoano, microrregião de Arapiraca. A determinação de HCN em amostras de ar foi realizada de acordo com o método analítico 6010 recomendado pelo NIOSH. Cada casa foi monitorada em três pontos: dois em zona respiratória e um em ponto estático. Um total de 36 trabalhadores voluntários do sexo masculino distribuídos nas 4 casas-de-farinha foram selecionados para o estudo. Cada participante foi submetido à coleta de urina, sendo uma amostra pré-jornada e outra amostra pós-jornada e a uma coleta de sangue pré-jornada. O teor de tiocianato (SCN-) urinário foi quantificado espectrofotometricamente, enquanto que as outras avaliações bioquímicas foram realizadas em laboratório clínico. Os resultados indicam que os trabalhadores de casas-de-farinha estão expostos, cronicamente, a níveis atmosféricos de HCN dentro de um intervalo de 0,464±0,02 a 3,328±3,85 mg/m3 no ambiente de trabalho. A comparação entre os níveis atmosféricos determinados e os Limites de Exposição Ocupacional estabelecidos pelo NIOSH e ACGIH indica que trabalhadores de casas-de-farinha, podem estar expostos a níveis de HCN capazes de causar efeitos adversos à saúde. Os níveis médios de tiocianato urinário em mg/g de creatinina (10,62 - pré- jornada e 8,76 pós - jornada), foram significativamente superiores ao valor de referência para não fumantes e à média obtida no laboratório contratado para análise de SCN-, referente ao período de 2008 a 2010. Os resultados dos exames laboratoriais indicaram aumento nos níveis séricos de fosfatase alcalina nos trabalhadores de casas-de-farinha expostos ao HCN, com uma prevalência de 93,3%. Os trabalhadores foram submetidos ao exame clínico e não foram detectadas alterações características de exposição ao HCN. / Cassava used for flour production contains high amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that, after degradation, release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which provide toxicity to these type of root. A suitable cassava processing results in the degradation of cyanogenic glycosides and in the production of a safety flour for consumption as food, which generates the hypothesis of HCN release during the process. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the HCN exposure of workers engaged in cassava processing, as well as, to identify possible clinical and laboratory alterations related to this exposure. It was included in the study 4 cassava processing facilities placed on Alagoas state, Brazil. It was conducted the determination of HCN in air samples according to the method 6010 proposed by NIOSH. Each industry was monitored in three points: two on workers respiratory zone and one static. A total of 36 male volunteers, distributed between the 4 facilities were included in the study. Each participant was submitted to urine sampling, been one before and other after work shift, and to one blood sampling before work shift. Urinary thiocyanate (SCN-) was spectrophotometrically determined, whereas the remaining biochemical evaluation was conducted in a commercial clinical laboratory. The results indicated that the cassava processors are chronically exposed to HCN at levels between 0,464±0,02 and 3,328±3,85 mg/m3, in the work environment. The comparison between the levels determined at the present study with the Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) established by NIOSH and ACGIH indicated that cassava processors may be exposed to HCN levels capable of causing adverse health effects. The mean levels of urinary thiocyanate (10,62 - before shift and 8,76 - after shift), were significantly higher than the reference value for non smokers and also for the history mean obtained from the laboratory employed for SCN- analysis, during 2008-2010. The results of laboratorial evaluation indicated increase in the serum activity of alkaline phosphatase in cassava processors exposed to HCN, with a prevalence of 93,3%. The workers were submitted to clinical evaluation and it was not detected any alteration typical of HCN exposure.

O cianeto é um composto tóxico, que pode ser encontrado no ambiente de maneira natural ou como resultado de atividades antropogênicas tais como a mineração de ouro e a indústria da galvanoplastia. Dentre as diferentes espécies do composto, o cianeto de hidrogênio (HCN) é considerado o mais tóxico, mesmo concentrações de 100ppm são letais para os seres humanos. Para a degradação destes compostos de cianeto a compostos menos tóxicos existem diferentes métodos de tratamento que podem ser químicos, físicos ou biológicos. O presente trabalho estudou a capacidade de degradação bacteriana de cianeto com cepas nativas isoladas de rejeito de mineração de ouro. Para isto, foram escolhidas três cepas dentro de um grupo de vinte cepas isoladas previamente. As cepas foram identificadas mediante as técnicas de MALDI-TOF e sequenciamento do gene 16s. Posteriormente realizou-se o processo de ativação e crescimento bacteriano no qual foram determinados os parâmetros de crescimento para cada uma das cepas, tais como pH, agitação, temperatura e meio de cultura. Após a etapa de ativação bacteriana, realizou-se a adaptação das três cepas em ambientes alcalinos. Nesta etapa, foram feitos ensaios em frascos agitados e avaliou-se o crescimento celular em função da formação de células viáveis para diferentes condições de pH (7; 8; 9,10 e 11). Com as cepas adaptadas ao pH 10 foram realizados ensaios de degradação bacteriana de cianeto em frascos agitados contendo 100mL de solução sintética de cianeto de potássio e 0,2mL de inoculo bacteriano. A concentração da solução de cianeto foi de 500mgL-1 e o pH de 10. Foram avaliadas três condições de temperatura (37, 32 e 27oC). Durante os ensaios foi estudado o crescimento bacteriano, o comportamento do pH e a degradação de cianeto. A quantificação do cianeto livre foi determinada pelo método polarográfico com eletrodo de mercúrio. Através dos resultados obtidos, foi possível identificar que as três cepas isoladas pertencem ás espécies Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis e Bacillus subtilis. As cepas bacterianas apresentaram maior produção celular quando cultivadas em meio L.B a pH 7, velocidade de rotação de 190rpm e 37oC de temperatura. A máxima faixa de adaptação a ambientes alcalinos aconteceu em valores de pH 10. As melhores taxas de degradação de cianeto para a cepa B. subtilis e B. pumilus ocorreram em temperatura de 27oC e 65rpm, conseguindo degradar 100% do cianeto. A cepa B. licheniformis apresentou a melhor taxa de degradação de cianeto em temperatura de 32oC e 190rpm obtendo 99,5% de degradação. Através dos resultados obtidos no presente trabalho, foi possível avaliar o potencial de degradação de cianeto para as bactérias B. pumilus, B. licheniformis e B. subtilis as quais podem ser utilizadas como alternativa de tratamento em efluentes contaminados com cianeto. / Cyanide is a highly toxic compound that can be naturally found in the environment or as a result of anthropogenic activities such as gold mining and electroplating industry. Among the different species of the compound, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is considered the most toxic, even concentrations of 100 ppm are lethal to humans. Degradation of this cyanide compound to less toxic compounds can be carried out through different methods such as chemical, physical and biological treatments. The present work investigated the bacterial degradation capacity of cyanide by isolated native strains from gold mining tailings. Three strains were selected from a group of twenty previously isolated strains which were identified using MALDI-TOF and 16s gene sequencing techniques. The bacterial activation and cellular growth were performed to determine the growth parameters for the strains, such as pH, temperature, rotation speed and culture medium. After the activation, the strains were adapted to grow in alkaline environments. During this phase, cellular growth was carried out in agitated flask at different pHs (7, 8, 9, 10 and 11). The adapted strains were used to perform cyanide degradation tests at pH 10 in agitated flask by using 100mL of a synthetic solution. The solution was composed of 500 ppm of potassium cyanide and 0,2mL of bacterial inoculum. During the experiments, three temperatures were evaluated (37, 32 and 27°C). Bacterial growth, cyanide degradation and pH behaviour were studied Free cyanide quantification was determined by polarographic method with a mercury electrode. It was found that the three isolated strains belong to Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis groups. The highest bacterial growth was observed when the strains were cultivated in a L.B media at pH 7,0, 37°C by using 190 rpm of rotation velocity. The maximum range of adaptation to alkaline environments occurred in pH values of 10. The best cyanide degradation rate (100%) were achieved at 27°C for the strain B. suptilis and B. pumilus. The strain. B. licheniformis showed the best cyanide degradation rate (99,5%) at 37°C. The results obtained in the present work were able to evaluate the potential of cyanide degradation for the bacteria B. pumilus, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis. These results can be used as an alternative to treat wastewaters that are polluted with cyanide.

The work presented herein describes efforts to synthesize and characterize cyanide-bridged molecular compounds with high-spin ground states. This investigation focused primarily on the assembly of hexacyanometallate units with convergent cationic metal complexes that are coordinated to capping ligands. In this manner, a family of related compounds was developed that serve as models for understanding the role of magnetic exchange interactions and anisotropy in nanomagnetic materials. The work presented in Chapter II describes the successful incorporation of the [Fe(CN)6]3- building block into planar geometries with nuclearities ranging from three to ten metal centers. In Chapter III, this methodology was optimized to yield two pentanuclear FeIII/NiII clusters, namely, the trigonal bipyramidal unit, {[Ni(tmphen)2]3[Fe(CN)6]2}, and the extended square, {[Ni(bpy)2(H2O)][Ni(bpy)2]2-[Fe(CN)6]2}. Magnetic measurements on pure phases of these samples revealed that each system exhibits ferromagnetic coupling between the L.S. FeIII and NiII centers, but neither exhibits slow paramagnetic relaxation effects down to T=2K. In Chapter IV, this chemistry was extended to the [Mn(CN)6]3-building block in order to increase magnetic exchange coupling and anisotropy in this cluster type, efforts that resulted in the isolation of the molecule, {[Mn(tmphen)2]3[Mn(CN)6]2}. This cluster exhibits intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Mn centers which lead to an S=11/2 ground state and a negative ZFS value (D=-0.348 cm-1), parameters that support the experimental observation of Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior at low temperatures. A detailed investigation of the physical and structural properties of {[Co(tmphen)2]3[Fe(CN)6]2} in Chapters V and VI led to the realization that the cluster exhibits sensitivity to temperature and humidity. The molecule exists in three different electronic isomeric forms in the solid state and undergoes a charge-transfer induced spin-transition (CTIST) under the influence of temperature. The results presented in Chapter VI describe the behavior of this same cluster in solution, the highlight of which is the discovery that water reacts with the cluster to form a fourth electronic isomer. Finally, it is described in Chapter VII that this Co/Fe trigonal bipyramidal unit can be used as a building block for systematically incorporating three metal types into a family of 1-D chain and cluster compounds.

Epidemics of a permanent, non-progressive spastic paraparesis with sudden onset hasbeen reported from several rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Studies in East Africasuggested an association with dietary cyanide intake from unprocessed cassava. InZaire the disease was attributed to an infectious cause as the cyanogenic glucosides inthe cassava consumed were known to be removed by traditional soaking. The aims ofthe thesis were to define the disease entity and elucidate its etiology. A communitybasedsurvey in rural Zaire identified 110 live and 24 dead cases among 6764inhabitants (16/1000). The clinical findings were identical to earlier studies and it wasdecided to name the disease konzo as in the first known report. Annual and monthlyincidence of konzo was associated with almost exclusive consumption of shortsoakedbitter cassava roots. The appearence of konzo coincided with the completionof a tarmac road from the capital, which turned cassava into the main cash crop, andinduced short-cuts in the processing. A processing experiment showed that flour fromshort-soaked roots was high in cyanogens. A higher cyanide intake in affectedcompared to un-affected populations was confirmed by much higher urinarythiocyanate levels, the main metabolite. A low urinary sulphate indicated lowavailability of sulphur, the substrate for detoxification. All three konzo patientsexamined at onset had blood cyanide levels above 4 Ilmolll, versus only 2 out of 23controls (p<O.Ol). This supports an etiological role for cyanide. An odds ratio of 11was found for short-soaking of cassava, in a multivariate logistic regression analysis ofa case referent study in Zaire, with a dose-response curve indicating higher risk ofkonzo with frequent consumption of short-soaked cassava. Serological investigationsof 33 cases in Zaire excluded retrovirus etiology for konzo. Konzo was also identifiedin low prevalence in the Central African Republic, again associated with consumptionof insufficiently processed cassava. Investigation in Sweden of two severely disabledTanzanian patients revealed normal magnetic resonance imaging but neurophysiologyshowed isolated upper motor neuron dysfunction. This is consistent with clinicalfindings and identifies konzo as a distinct disease entity. The evidence for anetiological role of high cyanide and low sulphur intake in konzo is now strongenough to urge for prevention by promotion of efficient processing of cassava roots.

This thesis describes the synthesis, structure, equilibriaand other properties of novel thallium(III) monomeric andplatinum-bonded complexes with nitrogen donor ligandsethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine,porphyrin, 2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline in solutionand in solid. The existence of three complexes withthe general formula[Tl(en)n]3+(n = 1-3) and their overall stability constantshave been established in pyridine. All three complexes wereidentified by their205Tl and1H NMR chemical shifts and205Tl-1H coupling constants. The formation process of thecomplexes was followed by1H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of[Tl(en)3](ClO4)3was determined; the thallium(III) ion isN-coordinated in a distorted octahedral geometry. Two [Tl(dien)n]3+(n = 1-2) complexes were proved to exist insolution and the structure of the bis-complex [Tl(dien)2]2+inu-facialisomers was determined in solid. In addition,crystal structures of [Tl(en)2CN](ClO4)2with cyanide bridging between two Tl(en)2units forming an infinite chain structure and of[Tl(tren)2(CN)2](ClO4) with a distorted pseudo-octahedral coordinationaround thallium were determined. Thallium(III) complexes with2,2'-bipyridine and 1,10-phenanthroline have been studied inDMSO using205Tl,13C and1H NMR spectroscopy. In addition, aseven-coordinated thallium was found in the crystal structureof [Tl(bipy)3(dmso)](ClO4)3, and six-coordinated thallium in pseudo-octahedralgeometry in [Tl(phen)2Cl2](ClO4). The solvated complex [Tl(dmso)6]3+has been prepared using concentrated aqueoussolution of Tl(ClO4)3by a solvent replacement reaction in DMSO, and thewater-free solid compound [Tl(dmso)6](ClO4)3was crystallized from DMSO. The structure of thecomplex [Tl(dmso)6]3+is a regular octahedron with the Tl-O bonddistance 2.224(3) Å. It represents an easy and secure wayto introduce water-free Tl(III) into organic phase withoutreduction. Through several reactions, novel heteronuclear Pt-Tlcomplexes with the composition [(NC)5Pt-Tl(tpp)]2-, [(NC)5Pt-Tl(thpp)]2-, [(NC)5Pt-Tl(bipy)n](n = 1-2), [(NC)5Pt-Tl(en)n-1](n = 1-3) and [(NC)5Pt-Tl(phen)n](n = 1-2), have been synthesized in solution.Multinuclear NMR (195Pt,205Tl,13C and1H), Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction dataare fully compatible with formation of unsupported Pt-Tl bondedcomplexes both in solution and in solid. The huge1J(195Pt-205Tl) spin-spin coupling constants (48-66 kHz) wereobserved by both195Pt and205Tl NMR spectroscopy in solution and they providea strong evidence of formation of the Pt-Tl bond in solution.In all six determined crystal structures of the Pt-Tl compoundsa very short Pt-Tl bond is found with distances2.6117(5)-2.6375(5) Å. The calculated values of Pt-Tlforce constants (1.38-1.91 N/cm) are characteristic for asingle metal-metal bond. In the Pt-Tl compounds, the oxidation state of the metalions is intermediate between the stable states PtII/PtIVand TlIII/TlI, respectively, and this is reflected by their195Pt and205Tl chemical shifts. It turns out that N-donorligands can really stabilize the Pt-Tl bond both in solutionand in solid. The character of the metal-metal bond anditstheoretical basis are discussed. <b>Keywords:</b>Thallium, Platinum, Cyanide, N-donor ligand,Metal-metal bond, Multinuclear NMR, Raman spectroscopy, X-raydiffraction, Equilibrium, Spin-spin coupling.

The recognition and capture of fluoride, cyanide and azide anions is attracting great deal of attention due to the negative effects of these anions on the environment and on human health. One of common methods used for the recognition and capture of these anions is based on triarylboranes, the Lewis acidity of which can be enhanced via variation the steric and electronic properties of the boron substituents. This dissertation is dedicated to the synthesis of novel boron-based anion receptors that, for the most part, feature an onium group bound to one of the aryl substituents. The presence of this group is shown to increase the anion affinity of the boron center via Coulombic effects. Another interesting effect is observed when the onium group is juxtaposed with the boron atom. This is for example the case of naphthalene-based compounds bearing a dimesitylboryl moiety at one of the peri-position and a sulfonium or telluronium unit at the other peri position. Fluoride anion complexation studies with these sulfonium or telluronium boranes, show that the boron-bound fluoride anion is further stabilized by formation of a B-F->Te/S bridge involving a lp(F)->sigma*(Te/S-C) donor acceptor interaction. Some of the sulfonium boranes investigated have been shown to efficiently capture fluoride anions from wet methanolic solutions. The resulting fluoride/sulfonium borane adducts can be triggered to release a "naked" fluoride equivalent in organic solution and thus show promise as new reagents for nucleophilic fluorination chemistry. Interestingly, the telluronium systems show a greater fluoride anion affinity than their sulfonium analogs. This increase is assigned to the greater spatial and energetic accessibility of the sigma* orbital on the tellurium atom which favors the formation of a strong B-F->Te interaction. This dissertation is concluded by an investigation of the Lewis acidic properties of B(C6Cl5)3. This borane, which has been reported to be non-Lewis acidic by other researchers, is found by us to bind fluoride, azide and cyanide anions in dichloromethane with large binding constants. This borane is also reactive toward neutral Lewis bases, such as p-dimethylaminopyridine, in organic solvents.

The cyanide ligand has frequently been used to prepare clusters with novel magnetic properties due to its ability to provide an efficient pathway for superexchange between metal centers that are bound in an end-to-end fashion. One of the common synthetic approaches in this chemistry is to design suitable cyanide containing precursors and then to react such building blocks with metal complexes consisting of accessible sites. The triphos ligand (triphos: 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane) has been employed in this vein to prepare metal complexes, one of which is a five coordinate paramagnetic complex (S = 1/2) with a square pyramidal metal center, [CoII(triphos)(CN)2]. A family of molecular squares, [{MIICl2}2{CoII(triphos)(CN)2}2] (M= Mn (2), Fe (3), Co (4), Ni (5), and Zn (6)), has been synthesized by the reaction of CoII(triphos)(CN)2 and MCl2 (M= Mn, Co, Ni, Zn) or Fe4Cl8(THF)6 in CH2Cl2/EtOH mixture. A series of cyanide-bridged trinuclear complexes, {[Co(triphos)(CN)2]2 [M(MeOH)4]}(ClO4)2 ( M = Mn (7), Fe (8), Co (9), and Ni (10)) and tetranuclear complexes, {[Co(triphos)(CN)2]2[M(MeOH)4]2}(ClO4)4 ([Co2M2] M = Mn (11) and Ni (12)) have been synthesized in a similar fashion by the reaction of CoII(triphos)(CN)2 and M(ClO4)2.6H2O (M= Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) in methanol. The trinuclear compounds (7-9), and tetranuclear complexes (2-6, 11, 12), are characterized by antiferromagnetic coupling between metal centers while magnetic behavior of 10 indicates the presence of ferromagnetic interactions between the paramagnetic metal centers. Interactions between magnetic orbitals of Co(II) and M(II) ions were also investigated by means of the density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations. Another triphos containing building block, [(triphos)Re(CN)3] anion (13), has been employed to prepare derivatives of a cubic SMM cluster with four octahedral Re(II) ions and four tetrahedral Mn(II) sites bridging through cyanide ligand. The reactions of Re(II) precursor with MnI2 and solvated Mn(II) ions resulting in derivatives of Re4Mn4 cube with different ligands attached to the Mn center other than the chloride atom were reported. Our efforts on linking these cubes using organo cyanide ligands such as dicyanamide (dca) and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) to form extended networks were also discussed.

The work presented herein describes efforts to synthesize and characterize cyanide-bridged molecular compounds with high-spin ground states. This investigation focused primarily on the assembly of hexacyanometallate units with convergent cationic metal complexes that are coordinated to capping ligands. In this manner, a family of related compounds was developed that serve as models for understanding the role of magnetic exchange interactions and anisotropy in nanomagnetic materials. The work presented in Chapter II describes the successful incorporation of the [Fe(CN)6]3- building block into planar geometries with nuclearities ranging from three to ten metal centers. In Chapter III, this methodology was optimized to yield two pentanuclear FeIII/NiII clusters, namely, the trigonal bipyramidal unit, {[Ni(tmphen)2]3[Fe(CN)6]2}, and the extended square, {[Ni(bpy)2(H2O)][Ni(bpy)2]2-[Fe(CN)6]2}. Magnetic measurements on pure phases of these samples revealed that each system exhibits ferromagnetic coupling between the L.S. FeIII and NiII centers, but neither exhibits slow paramagnetic relaxation effects down to T=2K. In Chapter IV, this chemistry was extended to the [Mn(CN)6]3-building block in order to increase magnetic exchange coupling and anisotropy in this cluster type, efforts that resulted in the isolation of the molecule, {[Mn(tmphen)2]3[Mn(CN)6]2}. This cluster exhibits intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Mn centers which lead to an S=11/2 ground state and a negative ZFS value (D=-0.348 cm-1), parameters that support the experimental observation of Single-Molecule Magnet (SMM) behavior at low temperatures. A detailed investigation of the physical and structural properties of {[Co(tmphen)2]3[Fe(CN)6]2} in Chapters V and VI led to the realization that the cluster exhibits sensitivity to temperature and humidity. The molecule exists in three different electronic isomeric forms in the solid state and undergoes a charge-transfer induced spin-transition (CTIST) under the influence of temperature. The results presented in Chapter VI describe the behavior of this same cluster in solution, the highlight of which is the discovery that water reacts with the cluster to form a fourth electronic isomer. Finally, it is described in Chapter VII that this Co/Fe trigonal bipyramidal unit can be used as a building block for systematically incorporating three metal types into a family of 1-D chain and cluster compounds.

In the organometallic chemistry, the imido complexes are an interesting species because it of their rich reactivity. Imido has two forms, where M=N-R form is nucleophilic and M¡ÝN-R form is elctrophilic. The thermo- or photochemical- decomposition of metal azido complexes is known to result in the formation of the corresponding metal nitride(M¡ÝN) or imido complexes. These reactions are oxidative cleavage type. As far as we know, imido species have not been generated on metal surfaces; therefore, we attempt to use the azidotrimethylsilane((CH3)3Si-N3 ; TMSN3) as precursors to produce imido species(TMSN=Cu) by N2 extrusion mechanism on Cu(111). The process was explored by a combination of temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to obtain the optimized geometries for the various surface intermediates. The computed IR spectra facilitated the vibrational mode assignments. TPD spectra show that TMSN=Cu was hydrogenated to the TMSNH2 amine product around 520 K. We propose that the hydrogen source is adsorbed methyl groups, invoking the cleavage of the Si-C bond. TMSCH2N3 molecule was also investigated. In this case, N2 and H2 molecules were found to desorb around 260 K and 320K. A novel TMSC¡ÝN product was observed around 280K. We suggest it is a result of the metathesis reaction from ethylidyne (TMSC¡ÝCu) and nitride(N¡ÝCu) species. The TMSC¡ÝCu species are produced by double £\-hydride elimination of TMSCH2-Cu groups. The N¡ÝCu may be generated by the thermaldecomposition of copper azide(N=N=N-Cu). RAIRS reveal that there are three kinds of azido vibrations,where the higher frequency is assigned to the N=N=N-Cu species. This product is verified by the TPD of adsorbed TMSC¡ÝN molecule. Intriguingly, the thermal chemistry of TMSC¡ÝN molecule indicates that the isomeric molecule TMSN¡ÝC could be formed around 210 K, evidenced by a notable change in the RAIRS. The higher frequency £hC¡ÝN of TMSC¡ÝN transforms into a lower frequency £hC¡ÝN for TMSN¡ÝC. The coverage-dependent studies of RAIRS and XPS performed at 160 K surface temperature show that the isomerization may be intermolecular. The back-£k bonded TMSN¡ÝC molecule is desorbed around 410 K. XPS and RAIRS at 800 K show that isocyanide could polymerize to polyisocyanide, with an imine structure, and the characteristic C¡ÝN stretching mode disappeared.

Cyanide is a known toxic chemical, the production of plastics, electroplating, tanning, chemical syntheses, etc. At short-term exposure, cyanide causes rapid breathing, tremors, and long-term exposure to cyanide cause weight loss, thyroid effects, nerve damage and death. Although chemical and physical processes can be employed to degrade cyanide and its related compounds, they are often expensive and complex to operate. A proven alternative to these processes is biological treatment, which typically relies upon the acclimation and enhancement of indigenous microorganisms. Biological degradation of cyanide has often been offered as a potentially inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional processes. The aims of first part of study were to evaluate the biodegradability of tetracyanonickelate (TCN) by Klebsiella oxytoca under anaerobic conditions. Results reveal that TCN can be biotransformed to methane by resting cells of K. oxytoca. Results also show that TCN biodegradation was inhibited by the addition of nitrate, nitrite, or ammonia at higher concentrations (5 and 10 mM). Moreover, it was found that the optimum pH for TCN conversion by K. oxytoca was about 7.1. Results from the fermenter experiment show that TCN can be completely degraded within 14 days. K. oxytoca is capable of using TCN as the nitrogen source under anaerobic conditions. TCN could be biotransformed to non-toxic end product (methane) by resting cells of K. oxytoca. Those studies provide us insight into the characteristics of TCN conversion by K. oxytoca under anaerobic conditions. In second part of this study, the technology of immobilized cells can be applied in biological treatment to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of biodegradation. In this study, potassium cyanide (KCN) was used as the target compound and both alginate (AL) and cellulose triacetate (CT) gels were applied for the preparation of immobilized cells. The free suspension systems reveal that the cell viability was highly affected by initial KCN concentration and pH. Results show that immobilized cell systems could tolerate a higher level of KCN concentration and wider ranges of pH. In the batch experiments, the maximum KCN removal rates using alginate and cellulose triacetate immobilized beads were 0.108 and 0.101 mM h-1 at pH 7, respectively. Results also indicate that immobilized system can support a higher biomass concentration. Complete KCN degradation was observed after the operation of four consecutive degradation experiments with the same batch of immobilized cells. This suggests that the activity of immobilized cells can be maintained and KCN can be used as the nitrogen source throughout KCN degradation experiments. The maximum KCN removal rates using AL and CT immobilized beads in continuous-column system were 0.224 and 0.192 mM h-1 with initial KCN concentration of 3 mM, respectively. In third part of this study, a microbial process for the degradation of propionitrile by K. oxytoca was studied. The free and immobilized cells of K. oxytoca were then examined for their capabilities on degrading propionitrile under various conditions. The efficiency and produced metabolic intermediates and end-products of propionitrile degradation were monitored in bath and continuous bioreactor experiments. Results reveal that up to 100 mM and 150 mM of propionitrile could be removed completely by the free and immobilized cell systems, respectively. Furthermore, AL and CT immobilized cell systems show higher removal efficiencies in wider ranges of temperature (20-40¢XC) and pH (6-8) compared with the free cell system. Results also indicate that immobilized cell system could support a higher cell density to enhance the removal efficiency of propionitrile. Immobilized cells were reused in five consecutive degradation experiments, and up to 99% of propionitrile degradation was observed in each batch test. This suggests that the activity of immobilized cells can be maintained and reused throughout different propionitrile degradation processes. A two-step pathway was observed for the biodegradation of propionitrile. Propionamide was first produced followed by propionic acid and ammonia. Results suggest that nitrile hydratase and amidase were involved in the degradation pathways of K. oxytoca. In the continuous bioreactor, both immobilized cells were capable of removing 150 mM of propionitriles completely within 16 h, and the maximum propionitriles removal rates using AL and CT immobilized beads were 5.04 and 4.98 mM h-1, respectively. Comparing the removal rates obtained from batch experiments with immobilized cells (AL and CT were 1.57 and 2.18 mM h-1 at 150 mM of propionitrile, respectively), the continuous-flow bioreactor show higher potential for practical application. These findings would be helpful in designing a practical system inoculated with K. oxytoca for the treatment of cyanide-containing wastewater.