In this thesis, we have employed two computational methods, molecular dynamics (MD) and hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) MD simulations with umbrella sampling (US), to gain insights into the molecular mechanism governing the molecular recognition and reactivity in several protein-ligand complexes. Three systems involving protein-ligand interactions are examined in this dissertation utilizing well-established computational methodologies and mathematical modeling. The three proteins studied here are acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1). These enzymes are known to interact with a variety of ligands. AChE dysfunction caused by organophosphorus (OP) chemicals is a severe hazard since AChE is a critical enzyme in neurotransmission. Oximes are chemical compounds that can reactivate inhibited AChE; hence in the development of better oximes, it is critical to understand the mechanism through which OPs block AChE. We have described the covalent inhibition mechanism between AChE and the OP insecticide phorate oxon and its more potent metabolites and established their free energy profiles using QM/MM MD-US for the first time. Our results suggest a concerted mechanism and provide insights into the challenges in reactivating phorate oxon inhibited AChE. Reactivating BChE is another therapeutic approach to detoxifying circulating OP molecules before reaching the target AChE. We explored the covalent modification of BChE with phorate oxon and its metabolites using hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) umbrella sampling simulations (PM6/ff14SB) for the inhibition process. Our results reveal that the mechanism is distinct between the inhibitors. The PM6 methodology is a good predictor of these compounds' potency, which may efficiently help study OPs like phorate oxon with larger leaving groups. Finally, we investigated the interactions between Peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase), which consists of a peptidyl isomerase (PPIase) domain flexibly tethered to a smaller Trp-Trp (WW) protein-binding domain, and chimeric peptides based on the human histone H1.4 sequence (KATGAApTPKKSAKW), as well as the effects on inter-domain dynamics. Using explicit solvent MD simulations, simulated annealing, and native contact analysis, our modeling sugget that the residues in the N-terminal immediate to the pSer/Thr Pro site connect the PPIase and WW domains via a series of hydrogen bonds and native contacts.

Engineering : Chemical / M. Tech. (Chemical Engineering)

Over the last few decades, membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) has been established as a robust tool for the on-line continuous monitoring of trace gases and volatile organic compounds. However, the range of amenable anlaytes has been limited by the need for molecules to pervaporate into a gaseous acceptor phase, or high vacuum environment of a mass spectrometer. This thesis expands the range of amenable analytes for MIMS to include larger, less volatile molecules (e.g., 200 to 500 Da), such as pharmaceuticals, persistent organic pollutants, and small biomolecules. This was achieved through the use of a liquid|membrane|liquid interface. We distinguish the technique from conventional MIMS, which uses a gaseous acceptor phase, by inserting the prefix ‘condensed phase’ to emphasize the use of a solvent acceptor phase – thus yielding CP-MIMS. An initial flow-cell interface with a methanol acceptor phase was characterized, yielding detection limits for model analytes in pptr to ppb, and analyte response times from 1-10 minutes. The flow cell interface was miniaturized into an immersion style CP-MIMS probe (~2 cm), which allowed for analysis of smaller volume samples and improved membrane washing capabilities. Comparable detection limits were observed for the immersion probe, however, it was noticed that significant analyte depletion was observed for samples under 2 mL. In addition, each of the developed membrane interfaces were observed to suffer from ionization suppression effects from complex samples when paired with ESI. Several strategies for mitigating ionization suppression using CP-MIMS are presented, including the use of a continuously infused internal standard present within the acceptor solvent. The developed CP-MIMS system was challenged with the analysis of naphthenic acids (a complex mixture of aliphatic carboxylic acids) directly in contaminated real-world samples. The method used negative ESI to rapidly screen and mass profile aqueous samples for naphthenic acids (as [M-H]-), with sample duty cycles ~20 min. However, it was found that Negative ESI did not differentiate hydroxylated and carboxylated analytes, and both species contributed signal to the total naphthenic acid concentration. To increase method specificity for carboxylic acids, barium ion chemistry was used in conjunction with positive ion tandem mass spectrometry. Common product ions were used to quantify carboxylated analytes, while a qualifier ion was used to confirm the functionality. The increased selectivity afforded by the barium ion chemistry was at the cost of a modest increase in detection limits. CP-MIMS has been established as a technique capable of the direct analysis of real-world samples, and shows promise as a rapid screening method for amenable environmental contaminants and/or biomolecules. / Graduate / 0486 / 0485 / kyle.duncan@viu.ca

Porous organic polymers (POPs) with high physicochemical stability have attracted significant attention from the scientific community as promising platforms for small gas separation adsorbents. Although POPs have amorphous morphology in general, with the help of organic chemistry toolbox, ultrahigh surface area materials can be synthesized. In particular, nitrogen-rich POPs have been studied intensively due to their enhanced framework-CO2 interactions. Postsynthetic modification (PSM) of POPs has been instrumental for incorporating different functional groups into the pores of POPs which would increase the CO2 capture properties. We have shown that functionalizing the surface of POPs with nitro and amine groups increases the CO/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity significantly due to selective polarization of CO2 molecule. In addition, controlled postsynthetic nitration of NPOF-1, a nanoporous organic framework constructed by nickel(0)-catalyzed Yamamoto coupling of 1,3,5-tris(4-bromophenyl)benzene, has been performed and is proven to be a promising route to introduce nitro groups and to convert mesopores to micropores without compromising surface area. Reduction of the nitro groups yields aniline-like amine-functionalized NPOF-1-NH2. Adequate basicity of the amine functionalities leads to modest isosteric heats of adsorption for CO2, which allow for high regenerability. The unique combination of high surface area, microporous structure, and amine-functionalized pore walls enables NPOF-1-NH2 to have remarkable CO2 working capacity values for removal from landfill gas and flue gas. Benzimidazole-linked polymers have also been shown to have promising CO2 capture properties. Here, an amine functionalized benzimidazole-linked polymer (BILP-6-NH2) was synthesized via a combination of pre- and postsynthetic modification techniques in two steps. Experimental studies confirm enhanced CO2 uptake in BILP-6-NH2 compared to BILP-6, and DFT calculations were used to understand the interaction modes of CO2 with BILP-6-NH2. Using BILP-6-NH2, higher CO2 uptake and CO2/CH4 selectivity was achieved compared to BILP-6 showing that this material has a very promising working capacity and sorbent selection parameter for landfill gas separation under VSA settings. Additionally, the sorbent evaluation criteria of different classes of organic polymers have been compared in order to reveal structure-property relationships in those materials as solid CO2 adsorbents.

Global consumption of organophosphate esters (OPs), which are used as flame retardants and plasticizers, is rapidly increasing. Their use as additives in diverse applications poses a risk as they may be emitted from the products they are added to and be further transported in the environment. Therefore, the levels, distribution, and possible sources of 15 OPs, some of which are reported to be toxic, were investigated in indoor and outdoor environments. An exposure assessment was performed, and the exposure to OPs via inhalation was examined for five occupational groups. In addition, based on the findings of the studies, the total flow of OPs in Sweden was estimated. In indoor environments, the OPs detected in air and dust varied between the sites, but generally reflected the building materials, furniture etc. used in the premises. A majority of the analysed OPs were detected in all samples, and public buildings tended to have higher levels than domestic buildings. The chlorinated OPs dominated in indoor air and wipe samples from vehicles. They were also abundant in the dust samples. Some occupational groups were significantly more exposed to OPs than others. Aircraft technicians, for example, were exposed to about 500 times more tributyl phosphate than day care centre personnel. Upon domestic and industrial cleaning, OPs are discharged with the wastewater via the sewage system to sewage treatment plants (STPs). Irrespective of the size of the STPs investigated, they had similar levels of OPs in their influents, indicating that products containing OPs are widely used by the communities they serve. In some cases, it was possible to trace elevated levels of individual OPs to specific sources. The OPs were poorly removed from the wastewater, and the chlorinated OPs especially tended to pass through the STPs without being removed or degraded. Thus, levels of OPs in their effluents were also similar, as were the levels in their sludge. Of the total amounts of OPs entering the STPs, 50% was emitted to the recipients via the effluent. Hence, there is room for significant improvement in the treatment processes. Carps living in a pond, receiving STP effluent were found to contain relatively high levels of OPs compared to perch collected in lakes from background locations. Air and road traffic were also identified as sources of OPs: the concentration of total OPs in snow samples decreased with increasing distance from a major road intersection, and OPs were detected in aircraft lubricants and hydraulic fluids and in waste oil from cars and lorries. OPs are emitted from both diffuse and direct sources to the environment and may then be spread by long-range air transport, rivers and streams. This probably explains why OPs were also detected in air and fish from background locations. Finally, OPs are ubiquitous substances in both indoor and outdoor environments. The possibility that prolonged exposure to OPs at the levels found may cause adverse effects, for instance in aqueous organisms, cannot be excluded. For example, the OP levels in snow were of the same magnitude as reported effect concentrations. Similarly, in some premises, indoor exposure to OPs was close to the suggested guideline value. However, since these studies include only a limited number of samples, and data regarding the health and environmental effects of OPs are sparse, no definitive conclusions regarding their possible environmental effects can be drawn. / Den globala konsumtionen av organiska fosfatestrar (OP) för användning som flamskyddsmedel och mjukgörare har ökat kraftigt på senare tid. Det breda användningsområdet för dessa additiv medför en risk att de kan avges från de produkter de är satta till och transporteras vidare ut i miljön. Följaktligen undersöktes källor till, halter av, och fördelning i inom- och utomhusmiljöer av 15 OP, varav en del har toxiska effekter. Vidare har exponering för OP i bl.a bostäder och offentliga byggnader beräknats. Utöver detta undersöktes exponeringen för OP via inandning hos 5 yrkesgrupper. Slutligen användes resultaten för att uppskatta det totala flödet av OP i Sverige. I de olika inomhusmiljöerna uppmättes ett flertal OP i varierande halter i damm och luft, men generellt speglade halterna byggnadsmaterial, möbler etc. som fanns i lokalerna. De offentliga lokalerna tenderade att uppvisa högre halter än privata hus, förmodligen beroende på högre brandskyddskrav. Klorerade OP dominerade i inomhusluft samt i avstrykningsprov från fordon och förekom även i höga halter i damm. Vissa yrkesgrupper var exponerade för betydligt högre halter OP än andra, t.ex. exponerades flygtekniker för upp till 500 ggr högre lufthalter av tributylfosfat jämfört med förskollärare. I samband med våtskurning i inomhusmiljöer (hushåll, industrilokaler, osv.) släpps avsevärda mängder OP ut i avloppet och når till sist reningsverk. Oberoende av storlek på reningsverken var halterna av OP relativt lika, i vardera ingående vatten och slam, vilket indikerar en bred användning av OP i samhället. I vissa fall kunde specifika källor till OP i avloppsvattnet spåras. Exempelvis hade två av reningsverken högre halter av en klorerad OP jämfört med övriga reningsverk. Dessa behandlade vatten från en skumplastfabrik, respektive en fabrik som tillverkar flamskyddad färg. Avskiljningsgraden av OP från avloppsvatten visade sig generellt vara dålig, i synnerhet klorerade OP tenderade att passera genom reningsverken utan att degraderas eller avskiljas från vattnet. Av den mängd OP som nådde reningsverken släpptes 50 % ut till miljön via utflödet. Som ett resultat av detta uppvisade karpar från en damm påverkad av utflödet från ett reningsverk höga halter OP jämfört med abborrar från referenssjöar. Det finns därför anledning att förbättra tekniken på reningsverken. Flyg- och vägtrafik kunde också identifieras som källor till OP i miljön. OP uppmättes i hydrauloljor och smörjmedel för flygplan samt i spillolja från bilar och lastbilar. Vidare minskade totalhalten OP i snöprov med ökat avstånd från en större vägkorsning. OP släpps således ut från både diffusa och direkta källor och kan sedan spridas vidare via luft och vattendrag. Därmed var det inte förvånande att OP även påträffades i luft och fisk från bakgrundslokaler. Avslutningsvis förekommer OP i varierande halter i såväl inom- som utomhusmiljöer. Det kan inte uteslutas att långvarig exponering för de halter av OP som uppmätts skulle kunna orsaka negativa effekter hos t.ex vatten- eller jordlevande organismer. I smälta snöprov från en flygplats uppmättes exempelvis halter av OP i samma storleksordning som rapporterade effektkoncentrationer. Dessutom visade sig den beräknade exponeringen av OP, i några av de provtagna inomhuslokalerna, uppgå till halter nära det föreslagna riktvärdet för OP i Tyskland. Dessa studier inkluderar dock ett begränsat antal prov och provtyper och kunskapen om dessa föreningars miljö- och hälsoeffekter är bristfällig. Därför bedöms underlaget som för litet för att några definitiva slutsatser ska kunna dras angående OPs eventuella effekter på miljön.

<p> Mass spectrometry (MS) has become one of the most powerful and versatile tools for chemical analysis due to its ultra-high sensitivity, high throughput, ease of automation, and the large amount of information obtained. Nowadays, MS is extensively used in many tasks, such as identification and quantitation of drug metabolites, analysis of the products of biomass pyrolysis, and study of reactive intermediates, to name a few. However, these mass spectrometric analyses are not without challenges. For example, the requirement for quantifying trace amounts of substances in a complex mixture constantly pushes the detection limit of mass spectrometers, and the increased sample complexity demands higher and higher mass resolution. Therefore, MS is constantly evolving to address more difficult analytical challenges. A variety of MS techniques have been developed over the years, including soft ionization methods that facilitate mass spectrometric analysis of macromolecules, such as proteins and antibodies that enables the development of new therapeutic agents, benchtop high-resolution mass spectrometers, such as the orbitraps that can be used to analyze some of the most complex mixtures, and portable mass spectrometers which can be used in the home and garden and even in cancer surgery. Besides its applications in chemical analysis, MS can serve as a unique tool for the fundamental study of gas-phase ion/molecule reactions, these gas-phase reactions can be used to better understand the reactivities of many reactive intermediates and to obtain structural information for unknown analytes.</p><p></p><p> This thesis is aimed at addressing challenges involved in mass spectrometric analyses of isomeric drug metabolites (Chapter 4), quantitation of drug metabolites by using tandem mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography (LC-MS/MS) (Chapter 5), delineating cellulose depolymerization mechanisms upon fast pyrolysis by using pyrolysis-tandem mass spectrometry (py-MS/MS) (Chapter 6), and studying the reactivities of vinyl cation intermediates (Chapter 7). An overview of the dissertation research is given in Chapter 1, the instrumentation and principles of linear quadrupole ion trap (LQIT) mass spectrometer are discussed in Chapter 2, and the organic synthesis performed for several studies is detailed in Chapter 3.</p>

A atmosfera, ao lado dos principais gases que a compõe, apresenta em menores concentrações milhares de compostos químicos (orgânicos e inorgânicos) distribuídos nas fases líquidas e gasosa ou no material particulado. Quando esses compostos encontrados no ar apresentam níveis de concentração que os tornam impróprios ou nocivos à saúde humana, aos animais ou vegetais e danosos aos materiais, são considerados poluentes atmosféricos. Neste trabalho, enfatizou-se o estabelecimento de métodos alternativos, eficientes e práticos, para a amostragem de várias espécies que participam dos processos de acidificação da atmosfera, assim corno o desenvolvimento de métodos analíticos baseados em técnicas eletroanalíticas em fluxo como a amperometria e a eletroforese capilar com detecção condutométrica sem contato. Devido a algumas limitações das técnicas de amostragem, explorou-se a alternativa de recorrer a tubos capilares com paredes microporosas, preenchidos com solução adequada à absorção das espécies em pauta, após sua difusão através dos poros da membrana hidrófoba. Assim, construiu-se um coletor por difusão utilizando-se tubo de Teflon&#174;, dentro do qual foi introduzido um feixe de tubos capilares porosos de polipropileno. A união desta técnica de amostragem com a determinação seletiva e quantitativa dos analitos por eletroforese capilar com detecção condutométrica (CE-CCD) possibilitou o desenvolvimento de métodos completos para as seguintes espécies: CH2O coletado em água deionizada, à freqüência de 1 amostra por hora, seguido de derivatização com HSO3- para determinação de fonnaldeído na forma de hidroximetanossulfonato (HMS); HCOOH e H3C2OOH- com o mesmo procedimento de coleta e separação por CE-CCD aplicado na detenninação de CH2O na forma de HMS; e NH3 - coletado em solução de HCl e determinado na forma de NH4+ por CE-CCD. Outra espécie de interesse ambiental é o H2O2, por participar de várias reações de oxidação tanto na fase gasosa corno na fase líquida da atmosfera, contribuindo assim para a acidez da atmosfera. A detenninação analítica do H2O2 foi feita por método FIA amperométrico com eletrodo de gota pendente de mercúrio, adaptando-se célula eletroquímica estacionária ao trabalho em fluxo. Duas formas de coleta de H2O2 na fase gasosa foram desenvolvidas e comparadas: . coleta por difusão - com fluxo de água deionizada pelos feixe de filamentos capilares; nesta aplicação, o feixe foi conectado diretamente à alça de amostragem do injetor, proporcionando determinações on-line\". . amostragem criogênica em dispositivo \"passivo\" - aproveitando o fato conhecido de que a razão H2O:H2O2 da fase gasosa se mantém praticamente inalterada na fase sólida (gelo coletado). Além das determinações de H2O2 na fase gasosa, o método FIA-Amperométrico foi utilizado, em trabalhos realizados em parceria com pesquisadores do IPEN, para determinação dessa espécie em efluentes e água de cultivo do microcrustáceo Daphnia similis após serem irradiados com feixes de elétrons. Paralelamente às pesquisas relacionadas a espécies gasosas, desenvolveu-se metodologia para a determinação de cátions e ânions majoritários em água de chuva, recorrendo à CE-CCD, de modo a oferecer uma alternativa à consagrada técnica da cromatografia de íons, demorada e onerosa. Os estudos iniciais da composição iônica da chuva foram feitos com coletas de água de chuva efetuadas no período de Abril/97 a Março/98. Nesse conjunto de amostras determinou-se as concentrações dos cátions (NH4+, Ca2+, K+ e Na+) e dos ânions (NO3-, SO42- e Cl-), além das usuais medições de pH e condutividade. A Eletroforese Capilar mostrou-se particularmente tàvorável para a determinação dos íons majoritários em água de chuva. Embora fugindo da área ambiental, desenvolveu-se metodologia para determinação de espécies de S(IV) em amostras de vinho, a partir de algumas adaptações de método amperométrico em fluxo desenvolvido no mestrado para análise de sulfito e HMS em água de chuva. Assim, desenvolveu-se três sistemas FIA-Amperométrico com eletrodo de gota pendente de mercúrio distintos, os quais foram utilizados para determinação de HSO3- livre e adutado (na forma de hidroxialcanossulfonatos) e SO2, com auxílio de uma unidade de difusão gasosa. / Alongside with its main components, the atmosphere contains trace amounts of thousands of chemical compounds (organic and inorganic) distributed in the liquid and gaseous phases, as well as in the particulate matter. These species can be considered pollutants when they are encountered at levels capable of generating adverse effects to humans, animals, plants or materials. The aim of this work was to establish alternative, efficient and practical methods for the sampling of several species encountered in the gaseous phase, as well as to develop analytical methods based on electroanalytical flow techniques, such as amperometry and capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductometric detection (CE-CCD). Due to some limitations in the existing sampling techniques, an altemative method based on the diffusion of the analytes through the microporous hydrophobic walls of capillary tube filled with an appropriate absorbent solution, was investigated. The collecting device was assembled using a Teflon&#174; tube wherein a bundle of porous capillary polypropylene tubes was introduced. The coupling of this sampling technique with the selective and quantitative determination of the species by capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductometric detection (CE-CCD) enabled the development of complete analytical protocols for the following species: i) CH2O - collected in deionized water at a frequency of 1 sample/h and derivatized with HSO3- for its determination as hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS); ii) HCOOH and H3COOH - collected using the same sampling procedure and quantified upon separation by CE-CCD; and iii) NH3 - collected in a HCl solution and deterrnined as NH4+ form. Another species of environmental interest is H2O2, which contributes to the acidity of the atmosphere on account of its involvement in some oxidation process both in the gaseous and liquid phases. The deterrnination of the H2O2 Was carried out using a FIA amperometric method at the hanging mercury drop electrode, in a batch electrochemical cell adapted to function under tlowing conditions. Two sampling procedures for H2O2 in the gaseous phase were developed and compared: . collection by diffusion - from the air into a flow of deionized water within the bundle of capillary filaments, which were, in tum, connected to the sample loop in order to allow on-line deterrninations. · cryogenic, with a \"passive\" sampler - based on the well-known fact that the H2O:H2O2 ratio in the gaseous phase is practically maintained in the solid phase. In addition to these determinations in the gaseous phase and in a partnership with researchers of the IPEN, the FIA-Amperometric method was used for the quantification of H2O2 in effluent and in cultivation water of the microcrustacean Daphnia Similis after irradiation by MeV electron beams. In parallel to the related research, a methodology for the CE-CCD determination of majority cations and anions in rain water was developed. This was proposed as an altemarive method to well-established ion chromatography techniques. Initial studies on the ionic composition of rain were conducted on samples collected between April/97 and March/98, using an automatic collector previously developed. In this set of samples, the concentrations of cations (NH4+, Ca2+, K+ e Na+) and anions (NO3-, SO42- e Cl-) were determined, together with the usual measurements of pH and conductivity. Capillary electrophoresis tumed out to be particularly suitable for the determination of ions in rain water. Although strictly not environrnental in kind, a methodology for determination of S(IV) species in wine samples was implemented by adjusting a previously-developed flow-amperometric method for the analysis of sulfite and HMS in rain water. For this purpose, three distinct FIA-Amperometric systems using a gas diffusion device and the hanging mercury drop electrode were designed, assembled and used for the determination of HSO3- in the free and bound forms (as hydroxyaIkanesulfonates) and SO2.

Incineração pode ser considerado um método terminal para a disposição de resíduos. Apesar de toda vantagem que possa apresentar, a oposição a este tipo de tratamento tem sido frequentemente renovada em função de traços de dioxinas cloradas, furanos clorados e outros compostos detectados nos efluentes gasosos de incineradores de resíduos. A eficiência de Incineradores é medida pela remoção e destruição de compostos e pela emissão de produtos de combustão incompleta -PCI (ex. Dioxinas, Furanos, etc). Neste trabalho propomos a utilização do reagente de Fenton como sistema de oxidação auxiliar em um incinerador com forno de camara rotativa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi aumentar a Eficiência de Destruição e Remoção de compostos e diminuir a emissão de PCIs. A reação de Fenton é dada pela equação [1]. Fe2+ + H2O2 &larr;&rarr; Fe3+ + *OH + OH- [1] Em condições ácidas o radical hidroxila apresenta potencial de oxidação Eo = 2,33 v. No processo oxidativo de Fenton normalmente 40 a 60 % do carbono é convertido a CO2 , dependendo da quantidade de Fe2+, peróxido e da temperatura da solução. Durante os testes foram efetuados 12 coletas dos efluentes gasosos, 6 com a utilização do reagente de Fenton e 6 sem o seu uso. Houve redução em 79 % da Taxa de emissão de compostos orgânicos e 97 % na redução da taxa de emissão de Dioxinas e Furanos (PCIs). 12 amostras de efluentes líquidos industriais contendo solventes também foram tratadas a temperatura ambiente com reagente de Fenton. Os resultados obtidos mostraram redução de 100 % a 47 % na concentração dos solventes. / Incineration can be considerate a terminal method for residue disposition. Beside the advantage that it could show the oposition to this kind of treatment has been frequently renovated based on chlorinated dioxines, chlorinated furanes traces and others detectable compounds that apear on the waste gases from incinerators. The efficience of incinerators is measered by the destruction and remotion of feed in compounds (DRE - Destruction and Remotion Efficiency) and emission of products formed by incomplete combustion (ICP), e.g. Dioxinas, Furanos etc. In this work we propose the use of Fenton\'s reagent as an auxiliar oxidation system in a rotatory kiln incinerator. The aim was increase the efficience of destruction and remotion (DRE) and decrease ICP emission. Fenton\'s reaction can be defined in the equation [1]. Fe2+ + H2O2 &larr;&rarr; Fe3+ + *OH + OH- [1] On acidic conditions the hydroxyl radical show oxidation potential Eo = 2,33 v. On the Fenton\'s oxidative process normaly 40 to 60 % of the carbon is converted to CO2 , depending on Fe2+ and peroxide concentration and solution\'s temperature. During the experimental step 12 samples from waste gases were taken, 6 of them using Fenton\'s treatment and other 6 without auxiliary oxidation. There were a reduction of 79 % on the emission of organic compounds and a reduction of 97 % on the emission of Polychlorinated Dioxines e Furanes (ICPs). 12 samples of industrial waste water were also treated with Fenton\'s reagent at room temperature. The results showed solvent concentration reduction from 100 % to 47 %.

O trabalho desenvolvido consistiu na síntese eletroquíca de 4 polímeros conjugados da família dos PPVs, substituídos por cadeias laterais formadas por unidades - CORS (tioéster) com grupos R de comprimentos distintos. A caracterização desses polímeros foi feita por métodos espectroscópicos, análises térmicas e cromatografia por exclusão de tamanho. Os polímeros foram dopados com ácido canforsulfônico. Sensores foram construídos pela deposição de filmes poliméricos finos sobre eletrodos interdigitados. Suas respostas resistivas, frente à exposição aos vapores de substâncias voláteis, foram estudadas. Um equipamento foi desenvolvido para testar os sensores. Através dessa ferramenta, os sensores foram conectados a condutivímetros, cujas saídas foram lidas e digitalizadas por um microcontrolador, qeu enviou esses dados a um computador (PC). O conjunto de dados colhidos permitiu gerar gráficos de resposta vs. tempo e de PCA (análise das componentes principais), utilizados na avaliação da seletividade dos sensores. Os sensores foram expostos a ar saturado com vapores de compostos orgânicos voláteis. Os resultados mostraram que esses são capazes de distinguir os compostos testados. O arranjo de alguns sensores diferentes gerou padrões distintos de resposta para cada substância analisada, possibilitando o emprego de programas de reconhecimento de padrões na avaliação dos analitos. Em testes com odores mais complexos, os sensores foram expostos aos vapores de diversas marcas de café e de cerveja que evidenciaram a seletividade. O desempenho dos sensores em análises quantitativas foi avaliado por meio da exposição aos vapores de soluções alcoólicas aquosas. Foi verificada a sensibilidade dos sensores à quantidade de etanol presente nas soluções. Através do método de adição de padrão foi possível determinar o teor de etanol em bebidas alcoólicas comerciais. / The electrosynthesis of four conjugated polymers of the PPV family, presenting as side-chains -COSR (thioester) groups of different lengths, is described. These polymers were characterised spectroscopically, by thermal analyses and by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The polymers were doped with 10-camphorsulfonic acid. Casting thin polymeric films onto interdigitated electrodes assembled sensors whose response and selectivity were evaluated by exposing them to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The resistance over the contact pairs was continuously monitored with an accurate conductivity meter connected via an analogue-to-digital converter to a PC in which a software enabled plotting resistance vs. time graphs and PCA (principal component analysis) plots. The sensors were able to discriminate the tested VOCs showing a different response pattern for each compound. The sensors also exhibited good selectivity when exposed to complex odours as, for instance, different brands of coffee and beer. They were also tested in quantitative analyses allowing determination of the ethanol content in alcoholic drinks.

O co-processamento de resíduos em fornos de cimenteiras é uma alternativa de destinação de resíduos que consiste em substituir combustíveis ou matérias primas usados na fabricação do clínquer por diversos resíduos que apresentem poder calorífico e propriedades similares. Os resíduos são co-processados a temperaturas altas, porém podem ocorrer emissões de diversos poluentes devido a variedade de resíduos que podem ser co-processados. Entre esses poluentes estão os Hidrocarbonetos Policíclicos Aromáticos (HPA), que podem ser emitidos nas chaminés dos fornos das cimenteiras, ou também podem estar presentes no ambiente interno das mesmas. Considerando que os HPA são compostos orgânicos que apresentam potencial carcinogênico e/ou mutagênico, e assim oferecem risco à saúde humana, esse estudo tem o objetivo apresentar uma avaliação preliminar da presença e dos níveis de concentração de HPA em uma indústria de cimento que co-processa resíduos. As análises de HPA no ambiente ocupacional foram realizadas seguindo a metodologia proposta do NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). Para isso utilizou-se como ferramenta analítica a técnica de cromatografia a líquido de alto desempenho (CLAE) com detecção por fluorescência, acompanhada da otimização e avaliação dos principais parâmetros analíticos do método, possibilitando assim a determinação dos 17 HPA prioritários pela NIOSH com confiabilidade analítica. Os resultados indicaram a presença de vários HPA no ambiente de trabalho estudado, porém numa concentração baixa (faixa de ng.m-3) e dentro da faixa de concentração encontrada em trabalhos em ambientes convencionais. Este estudo foi desenvolvido com a colaboração da FUNDACENTRO/MTE. / The co-processing of residues in furnaces of cement industries is an alternative to dispose residues by substituting conventional combustibles and raw materials used for production of clinker by diverse organic residues of similar properties and calorific power. Co-processing is made at high temperatures, but emission of diverse pollutants may occur as a consequence of the large diversity of residues that are processed. Among these pollutants, Polycyclic Hydrocarbons (PAH) may be either emitted in the chimneys of the furnaces, or be present in the interior ambient of these industries. PAH pose risk to human health because they are organic compounds having potential carcinogenic and mutagenic activities. The present study aims to show the results of a preliminary evaluation of the presence and concentration levels of PAH in a cement industry co-processing residues. PAH analyses in the occupational environment were made according the methodology recommended by NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health). High performance chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection was the analytical technique used for analyses. Optimization and evaluation of the major analytical parameters allowed the determination of the 17 PAH prioritized by NIOSH to be made with analytical confidence. Results showed the presence of several PAH in the studied environment, but at low concentrations (in the range of ng.m-3). These concentrations are of similar magnitude to the ones found in conventional environments. The present study was made in collaboration with FUNDACENTRO/MTE.