The investigation of the atmospheric fate and transport of semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) often requires the sampling of large volumes of air (>100 m3) in a relatively short period of time. Conventionally high-volume pumps are not suitable for remote areas without access to reliable network power. We have developed a flow through sampler for such situations. It consists of a horizontally-oriented flow-tube, that can collect gaseous and particle-bound SOCs from large volumes of air by turning into the wind and having the wind blow through a porous sampling medium such as polyurethane foam. Through both indoor and outdoor experiments, we quantified its air sampling rate (through battery operated anemometers inside and outside of the flow tube), its sampling efficiency (by theoretical plate number analysis of the break-though curves for PCBs, PAHs, OCPs and PBDEs), and its accuracy (by comparison of concentrations, time trends, temperature dependences and isomer ratios with those obtained by conventional high-volume sampling) under conditions of constant and variable meteorological conditions (wind speed, temperature). The flow-through sampler was deployed to monitor SOC concentrations at a remote Chinese research station located close to Nam Co Lake, Tibet. During the campaign, fifteen 1 month-long samples were taken, corresponding to sample volumes between 5,000 and 20,000 m3. Despite those large sample volumes, only HCB and HCHs experienced break-through, but application of frontal chromatograph theory allows the estimation of breakthrough-corrected air concentrations even for those relatively volatile SOCs. The pesticide levels at Nam Co are generally very low. Most pesticides had higher levels during summer, resulting in a strong temperature dependence. This is correlated with air mass origin across the Himalayas in the Gangetic plains of India and Bangladesh. The flow through sampler constitutes a feasible method for reliably and quantitatively collecting SOCs from large air volumes.

Le traitement de l’asthme concerne une large population et fait appel très majoritairement à une administration par voie pulmonaire. Cette voie présente certains inconvénients qui pourraient être palliés par le recours à la voie buccale comme envisagé dans cette étude, avec une amélioration attendue de la compliance et de la biodisponibilité. Aussi ce travail a eu pour objectif de développer et caractériser une formulation mucoadhésive thermogélifiante à base de salbutamol. Au regard des contraintes liées à la voie buccale et à la prise en charge du traitement de l’asthme aigu, les principales propriétés pharmacotechniques attendues pour optimiser la biodisponibilité de cette formulation ont été : (i) une gélification optimale autour de 30°C après pulvérisation pour faciliter notamment l’administration ; (ii) des propriétés mécaniques et mucoadhésives importantes pour assurer un maintien de la forme au site d’absorption ; (iii) une cinétique de libération compatible avec le traitement de la phase aigüe de la pathologie. Le choix des excipients a été défini afin d’avoir la plus grande innocuité de la formulation finale. Les travaux expérimentaux ont mis en évidence l’intérêt de certaines techniques innovantes pour la caractérisation de ce type de formulation comme notamment l’étude de libération à l’aide de l’appareil de dissolution à flux continu, la détermination de la cytotoxicité par microscopie holographique digitale et l’évaluation de la mucoadhésion in vitro et in vivo par imagerie. Les résultats ont aussi permis de proposer des modèles mathématiques pour l’interprétation des mécanismes de libération du salbutamol et quantifier l’importance des phénomènes de diffusion et d’érosion. Les conclusions de cette étude sont favorables à la poursuite du développement en vue d’une commercialisation. / The treatment of asthma concerns a large population and generally necessitates an administration by the pulmonary route. This route has some drawbacks which could be overcome by the buccal route, like considered in this study expecting an improvement of the compliance and the bioavailability. The aim of this work was to develop and characterize a thermogelling mucoadhesive formulation containing salbutamol sulfate. The main properties of the formulation were: (i) thermogelation around 30°C to facilitate the administration by spray; (ii) strong mechanical properties and high mucoadhesive strength to maintain the formulation in situ; (iii) drug release kinetics adapted to the treatment. The excipients were selected with regard to the final formulation safety. The experimental work emphasized the great interest of certain techniques in the characterization of this kind of formulation, for example the drug release study using flow through apparatus, the cytotoxicity study using digital holographic microscopy and also the mucoadhesion study by in vivo imaging. The use of mathematical models provided a relevant understanding of drug release mechanisms. The conclusion of this study is favorable to a further development of the project for a future marketing.

Les rouilles vertes sont des hydroxysels mixtes Fe(II)-Fe(III) présents dans les sols hydromorphes sous forme de fougérite. Elles sont connues pour être capable de réduire des polluants organiques et métalliques. Les rouilles vertes peuvent être produites à partir de la bioréduction de lépidocrocite [gamma]-FeOOH par Shewanella putrefaciens, une bactérie ferriréductrice. En vue de comprendre leur formation dans l'environnement et d'utiliser leur réactivité dans la mise en place, à terme, d'un système de dépollution des sols et des eaux (colonne de sable), nous avons étudié leur formation dans un système en batch en présence d'une phase siliceuse (sable et acide silicique) et en présence de polymères organiques synthétiques (polyacrylate PAA et polyacrylamide PAM) afin de mimer la présence des corps bactériens. La silice est les polymères apparaissent comme de bons agents stabilisateurs, favorables à la formation des rouilles vertes. Les rouilles vertes formées en présence de ces agents stabilisateurs conservent leur capacité réductrice vis-à-vis d'un polluant organique, le rouge de méthyle et d'un polluant métallique, le mercure Hg2+. Nous avons ensuite transposé notre système en batch dans une colonne de sable + lépidocrocite [gamma]-FeOOH, soumise à un régime hydrodynamique. Nous avons réussi à former et à caractériser une rouille verte comme minéral secondaire de la bioréduction de la lépidocrocite par Shewanella putrefaciens / Green rusts are mixed species Fe(II)-Fe(III) present in hydromorphic soils as fougerite. They are capable to reduce organic and metallic pollutants. Green rusts may be produced from the bioreduction of lepidocrocite [gamma]-FeOOH by Shewanella putrefaciens, a dissimilatory iron reducing bacteria. In order to understand their formation routes in the environment and eventually, use their reactivity in a system for soil and water remediation (sand column), we studied their formation in a batch system with silica phase (quartz sand and silicic acid) and with two organic polymers (PAA polyacrylate and polyacrylamide PAM).The silica polymers appear to be good stabilizers, favorable to the formation of green rusts. Green rusts formed in the presence of the stabilizing agents retain their reductive capacity toward an organic pollutant, methyl red and a metallic pollutant, mercury Hg2+. Then, we have transposed our system in a flow through column of sand + lepidocrocite [gamma]-FeOOH. The carbonate green rust was formed and identified as secondary mineral of lepidocrocite bioreduction by Shewanella putrefaciens

Le traitement de l’asthme concerne une large population et fait appel très majoritairement à une administration par voie pulmonaire. Cette voie présente certains inconvénients qui pourraient être palliés par le recours à la voie buccale comme envisagé dans cette étude, avec une amélioration attendue de la compliance et de la biodisponibilité. Aussi ce travail a eu pour objectif de développer et caractériser une formulation mucoadhésive thermogélifiante à base de salbutamol. Au regard des contraintes liées à la voie buccale et à la prise en charge du traitement de l’asthme aigu, les principales propriétés pharmacotechniques attendues pour optimiser la biodisponibilité de cette formulation ont été : (i) une gélification optimale autour de 30°C après pulvérisation pour faciliter notamment l’administration ; (ii) des propriétés mécaniques et mucoadhésives importantes pour assurer un maintien de la forme au site d’absorption ; (iii) une cinétique de libération compatible avec le traitement de la phase aigüe de la pathologie. Le choix des excipients a été défini afin d’avoir la plus grande innocuité de la formulation finale. Les travaux expérimentaux ont mis en évidence l’intérêt de certaines techniques innovantes pour la caractérisation de ce type de formulation comme notamment l’étude de libération à l’aide de l’appareil de dissolution à flux continu, la détermination de la cytotoxicité par microscopie holographique digitale et l’évaluation de la mucoadhésion in vitro et in vivo par imagerie. Les résultats ont aussi permis de proposer des modèles mathématiques pour l’interprétation des mécanismes de libération du salbutamol et quantifier l’importance des phénomènes de diffusion et d’érosion. Les conclusions de cette étude sont favorables à la poursuite du développement en vue d’une commercialisation. / The treatment of asthma concerns a large population and generally necessitates an administration by the pulmonary route. This route has some drawbacks which could be overcome by the buccal route, like considered in this study expecting an improvement of the compliance and the bioavailability. The aim of this work was to develop and characterize a thermogelling mucoadhesive formulation containing salbutamol sulfate. The main properties of the formulation were: (i) thermogelation around 30°C to facilitate the administration by spray; (ii) strong mechanical properties and high mucoadhesive strength to maintain the formulation in situ; (iii) drug release kinetics adapted to the treatment. The excipients were selected with regard to the final formulation safety. The experimental work emphasized the great interest of certain techniques in the characterization of this kind of formulation, for example the drug release study using flow through apparatus, the cytotoxicity study using digital holographic microscopy and also the mucoadhesion study by in vivo imaging. The use of mathematical models provided a relevant understanding of drug release mechanisms. The conclusion of this study is favorable to a further development of the project for a future marketing.

Le traitement de l’asthme concerne une large population et fait appel très majoritairement à une administration par voie pulmonaire. Cette voie présente certains inconvénients qui pourraient être palliés par le recours à la voie buccale comme envisagé dans cette étude, avec une amélioration attendue de la compliance et de la biodisponibilité. Aussi ce travail a eu pour objectif de développer et caractériser une formulation mucoadhésive thermogélifiante à base de salbutamol. Au regard des contraintes liées à la voie buccale et à la prise en charge du traitement de l’asthme aigu, les principales propriétés pharmacotechniques attendues pour optimiser la biodisponibilité de cette formulation ont été : (i) une gélification optimale autour de 30°C après pulvérisation pour faciliter notamment l’administration ; (ii) des propriétés mécaniques et mucoadhésives importantes pour assurer un maintien de la forme au site d’absorption ; (iii) une cinétique de libération compatible avec le traitement de la phase aigüe de la pathologie. Le choix des excipients a été défini afin d’avoir la plus grande innocuité de la formulation finale. Les travaux expérimentaux ont mis en évidence l’intérêt de certaines techniques innovantes pour la caractérisation de ce type de formulation comme notamment l’étude de libération à l’aide de l’appareil de dissolution à flux continu, la détermination de la cytotoxicité par microscopie holographique digitale et l’évaluation de la mucoadhésion in vitro et in vivo par imagerie. Les résultats ont aussi permis de proposer des modèles mathématiques pour l’interprétation des mécanismes de libération du salbutamol et quantifier l’importance des phénomènes de diffusion et d’érosion. Les conclusions de cette étude sont favorables à la poursuite du développement en vue d’une commercialisation. / The treatment of asthma concerns a large population and generally necessitates an administration by the pulmonary route. This route has some drawbacks which could be overcome by the buccal route, like considered in this study expecting an improvement of the compliance and the bioavailability. The aim of this work was to develop and characterize a thermogelling mucoadhesive formulation containing salbutamol sulfate. The main properties of the formulation were: (i) thermogelation around 30°C to facilitate the administration by spray; (ii) strong mechanical properties and high mucoadhesive strength to maintain the formulation in situ; (iii) drug release kinetics adapted to the treatment. The excipients were selected with regard to the final formulation safety. The experimental work emphasized the great interest of certain techniques in the characterization of this kind of formulation, for example the drug release study using flow through apparatus, the cytotoxicity study using digital holographic microscopy and also the mucoadhesion study by in vivo imaging. The use of mathematical models provided a relevant understanding of drug release mechanisms. The conclusion of this study is favorable to a further development of the project for a future marketing.

The investigation of the atmospheric fate and transport of semi-volatile organic compounds (SOCs) often requires the sampling of large volumes of air (>100 m3) in a relatively short period of time. Conventionally high-volume pumps are not suitable for remote areas without access to reliable network power. We have developed a flow through sampler for such situations. It consists of a horizontally-oriented flow-tube, that can collect gaseous and particle-bound SOCs from large volumes of air by turning into the wind and having the wind blow through a porous sampling medium such as polyurethane foam. Through both indoor and outdoor experiments, we quantified its air sampling rate (through battery operated anemometers inside and outside of the flow tube), its sampling efficiency (by theoretical plate number analysis of the break-though curves for PCBs, PAHs, OCPs and PBDEs), and its accuracy (by comparison of concentrations, time trends, temperature dependences and isomer ratios with those obtained by conventional high-volume sampling) under conditions of constant and variable meteorological conditions (wind speed, temperature). The flow-through sampler was deployed to monitor SOC concentrations at a remote Chinese research station located close to Nam Co Lake, Tibet. During the campaign, fifteen 1 month-long samples were taken, corresponding to sample volumes between 5,000 and 20,000 m3. Despite those large sample volumes, only HCB and HCHs experienced break-through, but application of frontal chromatograph theory allows the estimation of breakthrough-corrected air concentrations even for those relatively volatile SOCs. The pesticide levels at Nam Co are generally very low. Most pesticides had higher levels during summer, resulting in a strong temperature dependence. This is correlated with air mass origin across the Himalayas in the Gangetic plains of India and Bangladesh. The flow through sampler constitutes a feasible method for reliably and quantitatively collecting SOCs from large air volumes.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:36:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 1933.pdf: 2530807 bytes, checksum: a273b4240f1667021c251657e0a7623d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-07-27 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / In this work, the removal of Pb(II) ions from simulated wastewaters, using a flow-through cell under galvanostatic condition was studied. With help of factorial design and response surface methodology, the variables current, electrolyte flow rate and the specific surface area of the three-dimensional cathode used (stainless-steel wool AISI 304) were simultaneously investigated in order to optimize the electrochemical system. Firstly, the specific surface area of the stainless-steel wool used as three-dimensional cathode was estimated. Then, factorial designs were employed on the study of the removal of Pb(II) ions for different values of cathodic current, electrolyte flow rate and mass of the stainless-steel wool (consequently, distinct specific surface areas). Finally, the response surface methodology for optimization of the removal process and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) for evaluation of the quality of the developed fitting models were employed. Higher values of removal efficiency (RE) were obtained for the highest values of cathodic current; RE values above 90% were obtained after 30 min electrolysis. Higher values of current efficiency (CE) (22%) were obtained for intermediate values of current (~ 0.24 A). For values of current in the range of 0.24 to 0.31 A, the CE values were lower, due to occurrence of simultaneous reactions such as reduction of oxygen, water and nitrate. Low CE values were also obtained for current values in the range of 014 A to 0.24 A as not all surface area of the steel wool was operating under mass transport control. The response surfaces developed for RE and CE values as a function of the current and flow rate revealed that the region close to 0.25 A and 250 L h-1 was the best for the removal of Pb(II) ions. In these conditions, the RE and CE values were 93 % and 22 %, respectively. Although the concentration of Pb(II) decreased from 54 mg L-1 to 0.39 mg L-1 after 90 min electrolysis, almost 99 % of removal of Pb(II) ions was achieved after only 40 min electrolysis. A mass-transfer coefficient (km) of 1.8 x 10-5 m s-1 was obtained for the electrochemical reactor. / Neste trabalho, foi estudado a remoção de íons Pb(II) de efluentes aquosos simulados, utilizando um reator eletroquímico flow-through operando em modo galvanostático. Com auxílio de planejamentos fatoriais e da metodologia de superfície de resposta (MSR), as variáveis corrente, fluxo de eletrólito e área superficial especifica do catodo tridimensional utilizado (esponja de aço inoxidável AISI 304) foram investigadas, simultaneamente, a fim de otimizar o sistema eletroquímico. Inicialmente, foi estimada a área superficial específica da esponja de aço inoxidável utilizada como catodo tridimensional. Em seguida, foram empregados planejamentos fatoriais no estudo da remoção de íons Pb(II) para diferentes valores de corrente catódica, fluxo de eletrólito e massa da esponja de aço (consequentemente, distintas áreas superficiais). Por último, foram empregadas a MSR para otimização do processo de remoção e a análise de variância (ANOVA) para avaliação da qualidade do ajuste dos modelos desenvolvidos. Maiores valores de eficiência de remoção (ER) foram obtidos para os maiores valores de corrente catódica; valores de ER acima de 90 % foram obtidos em 30 minutos de eletrólise. Maiores valores de eficiência de corrente (EC) (22 %) foram obtidos para valores intermediários de corrente (~ 0,24 A). Para valores de corrente na faixa de 0,24 A a 0,31 A, os valores de EC foram menores, devido à ocorrência de reações simultâneas tais como redução de oxigênio, água e nitrato. Baixos valores de EC também foram obtidos no intervalo de valores de corrente catódica de 014 A a 0,24 A, pois nem toda área superficial da esponja de aço estava operando sob controle de transporte de massa. As superfícies de resposta desenvolvidas para valores de ER e EC em função da corrente e fluxo de eletrólito revelaram que a região próxima de 0,25 A e 250 L h-1 foi a melhor para a remoção de íons Pb(II). Nestas condições, os valores de ER e EC foram 93 % e 22 %, respectivamente. Embora a concentração de íons Pb(II) diminuiu de 54 mg L-1 para 0,36 mg L-1 depois de 90 min de eletrólise, quase 99 % de remoção de íons Pb(II) foi alcançado após somente 40 min de eletrólise. Um coeficiente de transporte de massa (km) de 18,0 x 10-6 m s-1 foi obtido para o reator eletroquímico.

abstract: This dissertation explores the use of bench-scale batch microcosms in remedial design of contaminated aquifers, presents an alternative methodology for conducting such treatability studies, and - from technical, economical, and social perspectives - examines real-world application of this new technology. In situ bioremediation (ISB) is an effective remedial approach for many contaminated groundwater sites. However, site-specific variability necessitates the performance of small-scale treatability studies prior to full-scale implementation. The most common methodology is the batch microcosm, whose potential limitations and suitable technical alternatives are explored in this thesis. In a critical literature review, I discuss how continuous-flow conditions stimulate microbial attachment and biofilm formation, and identify unique microbiological phenomena largely absent in batch bottles, yet potentially relevant to contaminant fate. Following up on this theoretical evaluation, I experimentally produce pyrosequencing data and perform beta diversity analysis to demonstrate that batch and continuous-flow (column) microcosms foster distinctly different microbial communities. Next, I introduce the In Situ Microcosm Array (ISMA), which took approximately two years to design, develop, build and iteratively improve. The ISMA can be deployed down-hole in groundwater monitoring wells of contaminated aquifers for the purpose of autonomously conducting multiple parallel continuous-flow treatability experiments. The ISMA stores all sample generated in the course of each experiment, thereby preventing the release of chemicals into the environment. Detailed results are presented from an ISMA demonstration evaluating ISB for the treatment of hexavalent chromium and trichloroethene. In a technical and economical comparison to batch microcosms, I demonstrate the ISMA is both effective in informing remedial design decisions and cost-competitive. Finally, I report on a participatory technology assessment (pTA) workshop attended by diverse stakeholders of the Phoenix 52nd Street Superfund Site evaluating the ISMA's ability for addressing a real-world problem. In addition to receiving valuable feedback on perceived ISMA limitations, I conclude from the workshop that pTA can facilitate mutual learning even among entrenched stakeholders. In summary, my doctoral research (i) pinpointed limitations of current remedial design approaches, (ii) produced a novel alternative approach, and (iii) demonstrated the technical, economical and social value of this novel remedial design tool, i.e., the In Situ Microcosm Array technology. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Biological Design 2013

Orientador: Marcos David Ferreira / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-05T22:13:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Andreuccetti_Caroline_M.pdf: 1607652 bytes, checksum: ad243de343720932841b528399d88c66 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: O tomate é uma das principais hortaliças cultivadas no Brasil. Procurou-se a partir de duas cultivares avaliar a qualidade pós-colheita desses frutos, colhidos no estádio de amadurecimento verde-maduro, submetidos ao tratamento com gás etileno. As cultivares utilizadas foram Débora e Andréa. O tratamento utilizado foi realizado a partir de mistura gasosa, etil 5% diluído em ar comprimido, fluxo dinâmico por 48 horas à temperatura ambiente de 20º±1ºC e umidade relativa de 90±5%. A concentração final da mistura permaneceu ao redor de 100µL.L-1, a qual foi monitorada por meio de cromatografia gasosa. Após término da aplicação do etileno, os tomates foram armazenados sob duas temperaturas. Um lote permaneceu a 20º±1ºC e outro foi mantido a 12,5º±1ºC. Tomates não tratados com etileno foram mantidos nas mesmas condições de temperatura e umidade relativa. Para os experimentos, foram realizadas, após cada alteração no estádio de amadurecimento do tomate, as análises: índices de coloração (L*, a* e b* e suas relações), perda de massa, determinação do índice de firmeza (N.mm-1), sólidos solúveis (°Brix), acidez titulável (g.100g-1), pH e ácido ascórbico (mg.100g-1). Quando os tomates atingiram o estádio de amadurecimento vermelho foram realizadas análises sensoriais, com teste de aceitabilidade e escala de intensidade. As cultivares responderam de forma diferente aos tratamentos, conforme as características intrínsecas de cada uma. A aplicação de gás etileno promoveu maior uniformidade de coloração nos frutos tratados. No entanto influenciou também nos resultados de a*, b*, perda de massa, sólidos solúveis e firmeza para cultivar Débora e b* para cultivar Andréa. Frutos armazenados à temperatura de 20ºC demonstraram maior porcentagem de perda de massa ao longo do amadurecimento, com média 3,02% para cultivar Débora e 2,60% para cultivar Andréa. Os resultados de acidez titulável, 0,38g.100g-1 para cultivar Débora e 0,42g.100g-1 para cultivar Andréa e; sólidos solúveis foram maiores para frutos armazenados a 12,5ºC, com média de 4,85ºBrix para cultivar Andréa e frutos armazenados a 20ºC, com 4,42ºBrix para cultivar Débora, com ou sem tratamento com gás etileno. Na média os valores de ácido ascórbico foram mais elevados para a cultivar Andréa não apresentando, entretanto, diferença significativa entre os tratamentos / Abstract: Tomatoes are one of the most important vegetable crops cultivated in Brazil. Post harvest quality of tomatoes was evaluated in two cultivars, harvested at mature green stage, and submitted to ethylene treatments. Cultivars used were Débora and Andréa. Treatments were accomplished using a gas mixture with ethyl (5%) diluted in compressed air, flow through for 48 hours at temperature of 20º±1ºC and relative humidity of 90±5%. Ethylene final concentration of the mixture remained around 100µL.L-1, which was monitored through gas cromatography. After ethylene application, tomatoes were stored at two temperatures. One lot remained at 20º±1ºC and another one was kept at 12.5º±1ºC. Control fruits were kept in the same storage conditions of temperature and relative humidity. For each maturity color change, the following analyses were carried out: color indexes (L *, a* and the b * and its relations), water loss (%), fruit firmness (N.mm-1), soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acidity (g.100g-1), pH and ascorbic acid (mg.100g-1). Red tomatoes were submitted to sensoryal analyses, with affective test and acceptability. Cultivars responses were different according to the distinct treatments, as an answer for the intrinsic characteristics of each one. Ethylene application promoted color uniformity in treated fruits, also influencing the results for a*, b*, water loss, soluble solids and firmness to cultivar Débora and b* to cultivar Andréa. Fruits stored at 20ºC showed higher water loss (%) during storage, 3.02 and 2.60%, cv. Débora and cv. Andréa, respectively. Titratable acidity results were, 0.38g.100g-1 for cv. Débora and 0.42g.100g-1 for cv. Andréa; soluble solids was higher for cultivar Andréa stored at 12.5ºC, means of 4.85ºBrix and for cv. Débora in fruits stored at 20oC, means of 4.42ºBrix, for both treatments with and without ethylene. Ascorbic acid values were higher for Andrea than for Debora fruits. However did not show significant difference among treatments / Mestrado / Tecnologia Pós-Colheita / Mestre em Engenharia Agrícola

Humic acids are part of humus material abounded in nature. Humic acids are generally aromatic stuffs with sidechains and there can be linked various functional groups as carboxylic and fenolic mainly. This functional groups are able to form transitions elements ions and complexes of different stability. This property can be used in the environment, because certain polutants should be imobilized in nature. Diploma thesis studies adsorption of metal ions Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ on humic acids by electroanalytical method called flow – through coulometry.