Orientador: Mônica Alonso Cotta / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Física Gleb Wataghin / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-18T17:58:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Lorite_GabrielaSimone_D.pdf: 14464970 bytes, checksum: f2238701a88fbbba91e337eda7db2965 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Apresentamos nesta tese uma investigação dos processos físico-químicos da adesão e desenvolvimento de biofilmes da bactéria fitopatogênica Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) em diferentes superfícies. Este estudo visa corroborar ou complementar diferentes aspectos dos modelos atualmente em discussão para biofilmes bacterianos, além de, num caráter tecnológico, fornecer subsídios para um eventual controle da formação dos biofilmes de Xf. Para isso utilizamos uma abordagem diferenciada à comumente empregada em biologia - e mais próxima à ciência dos materiais - visando isolar e quantificar a relevância dos parâmetros que contribuem na formação de um biofilme em diferentes superfícies, tentando aproximá-las do xilema da planta. Nossos resultados mostram uma semelhança de desenvolvimento (forma, tamanho e quantidade) nos biofilmes de Xf cultivados em superfícies de vidro e Si, e um melhor desenvolvimento dos biofilmes em Si do que nas superfícies de etil celulose, EC, e acetato de celulose, AC. De um ponto de vista fenomenológico, os biofilmes apresentam diferentes estruturas, taxa de desenvolvimento e tendências na expressão gênica entre superfícies com e sem presença de celulose derivatizada. Na caracterização das superfícies utilizadas consideramos o efeito do meio de cultura em suas propriedades. Nas superfícies de vidro e Si, constatamos a formação de um filme condicionante devido à adsorção dos constituintes deste meio. O grau de hidrofobicidade das superfícies de vidro e Si diminui significativamente após contato com o meio de cultura enquanto as superfícies de celulose derivatizada apresentam pouca (EC) ou nenhuma alteração (AC); observamos também um aumento do potencial de superfície (PS) para Si e EC e, ainda, uma diminuição de PS em AC. Estas evidências sugerem uma correlação entre PS mais altos e grau de hidrofobicidade baixos com a presença de biofilmes de Xf em maior número e tamanho. Além disso, medidas de espectroscopia de força utilizando ponta funcionalizada com a proteína de adesão XadA1 evidenciam também um comportamento distinto na superfície de AC. Estes resultados apontam para a importância da interação eletrostática no processo inicial de adesão da bactérias às superfícies estudadas. Por fim, a presença de material extracelular ao redor dos biofilmes e células de Xf em superfícies de vidro e Si foi observada indicando a presença de uma matriz exopolimérica protetora. Espectroscopia de infravermelho mostra a presença de polissacarídeos ¿ constituinte da matriz polimérica ¿ desde o estágio inicial de formação do biofilme, indicando uma possível contribuição dessa matriz para o processo de adesão que precede o desenvolvimento do biofilme / Abstract: In this work, we report an investigation on relevant physicochemical processes of bacterial surface adhesion and biofilm development for the phytopathogen Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) on different surfaces. This study aims to corroborate or supplement different aspects of the bacterial biofilms models currently under discussion and, in a technological point of view, provides experimental input for an eventual control of Xf biofilm formation. For this purpose, we have used an approach not commonly found in biology ¿ and more similar to materials science ¿ in order to isolate and quantify the relevance of the parameters that contribute to the formation of a biofilm on different surfaces, as well as trying to make these surfaces closer to the plant xylem. Our results show a similar development (shape, size and quantity) for Xf biofilms grown on Si and glass surfaces, and an improved development of biofilms grown on Si than on ethyl cellulose, EC, and cellulose acetate, AC. Under a phenomenological point of view, biofilms present different structures, rate of development and trends in gene expression between surfaces with and without the presence of derivatized cellulose. In order to characterize the surfaces, we considered the effect of culture medium on their properties. In Si and glass surfaces, we observe the formation of a conditioning film due to adsorption of the constituents of the culture medium. The degree of hydrophobicity of glass and Si surfaces decreases significantly after contact with this medium. On the other hand, cellulose derivatized surfaces present lower (EC) or no (AC) modifications of this property. In addition, we observed an increase in the surface potential (SP) for Si and EC and also a SP decrease for AC. These evidences suggest a correlation between higher SP values and lower degree of hydrophobicity with the presence of biofilms of Xf in larger numbers and size. Furthermore, force spectroscopy measurements using a functionalized tip with the adhesion protein XadA1 also show a different behavior on the AC surface. These results reveal the importance of electrostatic interaction in the initial bacterial adhesion for the surfaces studied here. Finally, the presence of extracellular material around the Xf cells and biofilms on glass and Si surfaces was observed indicating the presence of a protective exopolymeric matrix. Infrared spectroscopy shows the presence of polysaccharides - a constituent of the polymeric matrix - from the very initial stages of biofilm formation, indicating a possible contribution of this matrix for the adhesion process which precedes biofilm development / Doutorado / Biofísica / Doutora em Ciências

The diploma thesis is focused on the study of the mechanism of plasticization of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in vivo, focusing mainly on methods of isolation native PHA granules and physical and chemical methods of initiation their phase transitions. The literature search prepared in this work deals with this microbial polyester and further focuses on individual methods of isolating PHA from bacterial cells. The main task of the experimental work was to optimize the isolation process of native PHA granules, as well as to design and test processes that initiate the PHA crystallization in isolated granules, as well as analytical procedures to correctly detect this phase transition. Isolation of PHA granules from Cupriavidus necator was performed by enzymes, centrifugation several times and sonication of the cells. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and an enzymatic method in which amorphous PHA is selectively degraded by PHA-depolymerase with turbidimetric detection of its loss in dispersion was used to detect PHA crystallization. Techniques based on fluorescence staining of granules (fluorescence spectroscopy and flow cytometry) were used in a more detailed study of the mechanism of PHA plasticization in granules. The results of the analyzes confirmed, among other things, that the optimized procedure makes it possible to isolate granules in the amorphous state, which remain amorphous even after drying and are comparable to native granules in their basic physicochemical properties.

La pile à combustible directe à borohydrures (DBFC en anglais), qui est une sous-catégorie des piles à combustible alcalines, bénéficie des avantages de son combustible, le borohydrure de sodium (NaBH4), qui confère à ce système des caractéristiques thermodynamiques et énergétiques très intéressantes. Cependant, la réaction d’électrooxydation de NaBH4 (BOR en anglais) est très complexe et reste à ce jour encore peu étudiée et mal comprise sur la majorité des électrocatalyseurs (la plupart étant sous forme de nanoparticules métalliques supportées sur des noirs de carbone). De plus, de récentes études ont montré l’agressivité du milieu alcalin sur la durabilité des électrocatalyseurs conventionnels, révélant une grande perte de surface catalytique active, due principalement à un détachement des nanoparticules du support carboné. Dans ce contexte, ces travaux de thèse se sont orientés vers trois axes d’étude : (i) l’étude de la BOR sur des électrocatalyseurs à base de palladium dans des conditions proches des conditions réelles de fonctionnement de la DBFC ; (ii) l’étude de l’impact de la structure de l’anode sur les performances globales de la DBFC, et (iii) l’étude du mécanisme de dégradation d’électrocatalyseurs à base de métaux nobles dans un environnement alcalin. Les expérimentations ont été réalisées en étroite collaboration avec le U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, USA).Les résultats obtenus ont montré qu’une grande concentration en NaBH4 entraine un ralentissement de la cinétique de la réaction, due en partie à un fort empoisonnement de la surface catalytique. Par ailleurs, des marqueurs d’activité pour la BOR ont été proposés. Ensuite, l’utilisation d’électrodes à gradient de catalyseurs s’est avérée être une solution prometteuse pour mieux valoriser l’hydrogène produit via des réactions secondaires à la BOR. Enfin, l’utilisation de la spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Fourier couplée à de la microscopie électronique en transmission à localisation identique a permis de détecter la formation de carbonates au cours d’un test de vieillissement accéléré d’électrocatalyseurs à base de métaux nobles en milieu alcalin. Ce mécanisme explique, en partie, le détachement des nanoparticules observé au cours du test. / The direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC), a subclass of alkaline fuel cells, benefits from the advantages of its fuel, sodium borohydride (NaBH4), which exhibits very interesting thermodynamic and energetic characteristics. However, the NaBH4 electrooxidation reaction (BOR) is very complex; to date it remains poorly studied and understood on many electrocatalysts (most of them are in the form of metal nanoparticles supported on carbon black). In addition, recent studies reported the aggressiveness of the alkaline medium on the durability of conventional carbon-supported electrocatalysts, revealing a large loss of the active catalytic surface, mainly due to the detachment of nanoparticles from the carbon support. In this context, this thesis focused on three main areas of study: (i) the study of the BOR on palladium-based electrocatalysts in conditions close to the real operating conditions of the DBFC; (ii) the study of the impact of the anode structure on the overall performance of the DBFC, and (iii) the study of the degradation mechanism of noble metal electrocatalysts in alkaline environment. The experiments were carried out in close collaboration with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, USA).The results obtained showed that a high concentration of NaBH4 leads to a decrease of the reaction kinetics, due in part to poisoning of the catalytic surface. In addition, activity markers for the BOR have been proposed. Then, the use of catalysts-gradient electrodes proved to be a promising solution to better valorize the hydrogen produced via side reactions of the BOR. Finally, the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with identical-location transmission electron microscopy enabled to detect the formation of carbonates during the accelerated stress test of carbon-supported noble metal electrocatalysts in alkaline medium, explaining, in part, the detachment of nanoparticles observed during the test.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Toner analysis has become an area of increased interest due to the wide availability of laser printers and photocopiers. Toner is most often encountered on paper in questioned document analysis. Because of this, it is important to develop methods that limit the interference of paper without damaging or destroying the document. Previous research using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has differentiated toners based on their polymer resin components. However, Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analysis are not typically used for the examination of this material. Raman spectroscopy is a popular tool for the chemical analysis of pigmented samples and was used to characterize cyan, yellow, and magenta toners. Analyses were performed using a dispersive micro-Raman spectrometer equipped with a 785nm diode laser, a CCD detector, and an objective at 20X magnification. One hundred samples of each color toner were collected. Three different and separate methods were developed for cyan, yellow, and magenta toners on paper to optimize results. Further analysis of the magenta toners was excluded due to a weak signal and significant paper interference. The data collected from the analyses of the blue and yellow toners was then processed using a combination of statistical procedures, including principal component analysis (PCA), agglomerative hierarchal clustering (AHC), and discriminative analysis (DA). Ninety-six blue toners were analyzed by PCA and three classes of spectra were suggested. Discriminant analysis showed that the three classes were well-differentiated with a cross-validation accuracy of 100% for the training set and 100% cross-validation accuracy for the external validation set. Eighty-eight yellow toners were analyzed by AHC and four classes of spectra were suggested. Discriminant analysis showed good differentiation between the classes with a cross-validation accuracy of 95.45% for the training set, but showed poor differentiation for the external validation set with a cross-validation accuracy of 72%. While these toners were able to be discriminated, no correlation could be made between the manufacturer, printer make and model, and the toner sample.

No description available.

No description available.

No / The current work was undertaken to assess suitability of liquid crystalline phase for engineering of lactose crystals and their utility as a carrier in dry powder inhalation formulations. Saturated lactose solution was poured in molten glyceryl monooleate which subsequently transformed into gel. The gel microstructure was analyzed by PPL microscopy and SAXS. Lactose particles recovered from gels after 48 h were analyzed for polymorphism using techniques such as FTIR, XRD, DSC and TGA. Particle size, morphology and aerosolisation properties of prepared lactose were analyzed using Anderson cascade impactor. In situ seeding followed by growth of lactose crystals took place in gels with cubic microstructure as revealed by PPL microscopy and SAXS. Elongated (size approximately 71 mum) lactose particles with smooth surface containing mixture of alpha and beta-lactose was recovered from gel, however percentage of alpha-lactose was more as compared to beta-lactose. The aerosolisation parameters such as RD, ED, %FPF and % recovery of lactose recovered from gel (LPL) were found to be comparable to Respitose(R) ML001. Thus LC phase (cubic) can be used for engineering of lactose crystals so as to obtain particles with smooth surface, high elongation ratio and further they can be used as carrier in DPI formulations.

Dentre as opções de terapias dessensibilizantes, a proposta mais recente para o tratamento da Hipersensibilidade Dentinária é o uso do biovidro. Esse novo material apresenta a capacidade de promover a formação de hidroxiapatita na superfície da dentina, representando uma união química mais estável e duradoura sobre os túbulos dentinários. Este trabalho comparou o efeito de uma nova formulação de biovidro disperso em ácido fosfórico 30%, associado ao laser de Nd:YAG e ao laser de CO2 na obliteração de túbulos dentinários expostos. Foram obtidas 96 amostras de dentina humana que foram divididas em 6 grupos experimentais (n=16) e distribuídas como a seguir: G1 -­ controle negativo (nenhum tratamento adicional);? G2 -­ laser de Nd:YAG;? G3 -­ laser de CO2;? G4 -­ pasta de biovidro (biovidro + ácido fosfórico 30%);? G5 -­ pasta de biovidro + laser de Nd:YAG;? G6 -­ pasta de biovidro + laser de CO2. Os grupos G5 e G6 foram irradiados com laser de Nd:YAG e laser de CO2, respectivamente, após tratamento com a pasta de biovidro disperso em ácido fosfórico. Ao final do experimento, os grupos foram analisados qualitativamente por Espectroscopia de Infravermelho na Transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Difração de Raios X (DRX), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Espectroscopia de Dispersão de Energia de Raios X (EDS). As análises evidenciaram que a dipersão do biovidro em ácido fosfórico 30% é capaz de formar cristais de hidrogenofosfato de cálcio e, quando a pasta formulada é aplicada sobre a dentina, ocorrem reações químicas com a estrutura dental, formando cristais de monetita. Ao irradiar os cristais formados com laser de Nd:YAG e CO2, ocorreu a desidratação desses cristais, levando à formação de hidroxiapatita. As imagens de MEV demonstram a formação de precipitados cristalinos e amorfos de dimensões variadas sobre a superfície de dentina e na entrada dos túbulos dentinários em todos os grupos que receberam o tratamento com a formulação de biovidro. O laser de CO2 foi capaz de promover alterações na morfologia do material formado de maneira ainda mais evidente especialmente nas dimensões e disposição dos cristais de hidroxiapatita formado sobre a superfície. A análise de EDS evidenciou presença de silício, composto que não está presente naturalmente na estrutura dentária, mas somente na composição do biovidro. Dessa forma, pode-­se concluir que a associação do pó de biovidro com ácido fosfórico 30% permitiu a formação de uma camada de cristais na superfície e entrada dos túbulos dentinários, evidenciando que a pasta formulada viabiliza a aplicação e manutenção do biovidro sobre a superfície dentinária. Sua associação com o laser de Nd:YAG e CO2 parece melhorar a interação desses cristais com a dentina, formando cristais de hidroxiapatita. Nesse estudo, o laser de CO2 promoveu a melhor distribuição e conformação dos cristais sobre a dentina. / Among desensitizing therapies options, the most recent proposal for Dentin Hypersensitivity treatment is the use of bioglass. This new material presents the ability to promote the formation of hydroxyapatite on dentin surface, representing a more stable and lasting chemical bond on dentin tubules. This work compared the effect of a new formulation of bioglass dispersed in 30% phosphoric acid, associated with Nd: YAG laser and CO2 laser in the obliteration of exposed dentin tubules. 96 human dentin samples were obtained, divided into 6 experimental groups (n = 16) and distributed as follows: G1 -­ negative control (no additional treatment);? G2-­ Nd: YAG laser;? G3 - CO2 laser;? G4 -­ bioglass paste (bioglass + 30% phosphoric acid);? G5 -­ bioglass paste + Nd: YAG laser;? G6 -­ bioglass paste + CO2 laser. Groups G5 and G6 were irradiated with Nd:YAG laser and CO2 laser, respectively, after treatment with the slurry dispersed in phosphoric acid. At the end of the experiment, all groups were qualitatively analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-­ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-­ray Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS). The analysis showed that the dispersion of bioglass in 30% phosphoric acid forms calcium hydrogen phosphate crystals and when the formulated paste is applied on dentin surface, chemical reactions occur with the dental structure, forming monetite crystals. When irradiating these crystals with Nd: YAG and CO2 laser, dehydration of these crystals occurred leading to the formation of hydroxyapatite. MEV images demonstrate the formation of crystalline and amorphous precipitates of varying dimensions on the dentin surface and at the entrance of dentinal tubules in all groups receiving treatment with the bioglass formulation. The CO2 laser was able to promote changes in the morphology of the formed material even more evident especially in the dimension and arrangement of hydroxyapatite crystals formed on the surface. The analysis of EDS showed the presence of silicon, a compound that is not naturally present in the tooth structure, but only in the bioglass composition. Thus, it can be concluded that the association of bioglass powder with 30% phosphoric acid allowed the formation of a layer of crystals on the surface and its entrance of the dentinal tubules, evidencing that the formulated paste enables the application and maintenance of bioglass on dentin surface. Its association with the Nd:YAG and CO2 laser seems to improve the interaction of these crystals with dentin, forming hydroxyapatite crystals. In this study. CO2 laser promoted better crystals distribution and conformation on dentin surface.

Esta tese foi dedicada à duas alternativas para tratamento dos lixiviados de aterros sanitários. A primeira delas, o tratamento consorciado do lixiviado com esgoto sanitário em sistemas aeróbios, teve como objetivo principal verificar se a remoção da matéria orgânica do lixiviado seria devida à biodegradação ou à simples diluição no esgoto sanitário. Para responder esse questionamento, propôs-se o método tentativo \"equivalente em ácido húmico\" (Eq.AH). Em ensaios com reatores de lodos ativados (10 L) operados em batelada, avaliaram-se as remoções de matéria orgânica e nitrogênio para diferentes misturas de lixiviado e esgoto sanitários brutos e pré-tratados, com proporções volumétricas de lixiviado de 0, 0,2, 2 e 5%. O tratamento foi mais eficiente para a mistura esgoto bruto e lixiviado pré-tratado por air stripping (para remoção da amônia) na proporção volumétrica de 2%. Essa condição foi avaliada em reatores piloto de lodos ativados (95 L) e biofiltro aerado submerso (178 L), alimentados continuamente com tempo de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de 24 h. O reator piloto de lodos ativados removeu 59% do COD e a eficiência de nitrificação foi de 60%; enquanto que o biofiltro removeu 83% do COD e eficiência de nitrificação foi de 77%. Com o método tentativo Eq.AH, verificou-se que a remoção da matéria orgânica do lixiviado pré-tratado se deu por biodegradação parcial com o esgoto sanitário, resultado confirmado por espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier. As remoções do COD Eq.AH nos reatores piloto de lodos ativados e biofiltro aerado submerso foram de, respectivamente, 47 e 71%. Adicionalmente, o monitoramento da remoção da matéria orgânica pôde ser realizado com eficácia pelo teste de coloração com nanquim, utilizando o método de classificação de tonalidades proposto nesta Tese. A segunda alternativa proposta nesta Tese consistiu no tratamento dos lixiviados bruto e pré-tratado com cal em reatores de lodos ativados. Os resultados, todavia, foram insatisfatórios: indicaram que essa alternativa se mostrou inviável: após 20 dias de aeração nos reatores de bancada alimentados em batelada, a remoção da matéria orgânica foi inferior a 40% e a remoção do nitrogênio foi devida à volatilização da amônia. / This thesis was dedicated to two alternatives for landfill leachate treatment. The first one, the aerobic co-treatment of leachate and domestic wastewater in aerobic systems, aimed to verify if the organic matter of leachate was removed by biodegradation or dilution with domestic wastewater. To answer this questioning, it was proposed the tentative method \"equivalent in humic acid\" (Eq.HA). In the experiments with bench-scale activated sludge reactors (10 L) operated in batch mode, it was evaluated the organic matter and nitrogen removal from mixtures containing raw and pre-treated leachate and domestic wastewater, at the volumetric ratios of 0, 0.2, 2 and 5%. The treatment was mostly efficient when it was used the mixture domestic wastewater and leachate pre-treated by air stripping (for ammonia removal), at a volumetric ratio of 2%. This condition was also evaluated in a pilot-scale activated sludge reactor (95 L) and a submerged aerobic biofilter (178 L), operated under continuous-flow regime with a 24-h hydraulic retention time. The pilot-scale activated sludge reactor removed 59% of DOC and nitrification efficiency was 60%; whereas the submerged aerobic biofilter removed 83% of DOC and nitrification efficiency was 77%. Using the Eq.HA approach, it was determined that pre-treated leachate organic matter removal was due to partial biodegradation with domestic wastewater, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The removals of COD Eq.HA were 47% for the pilot-scale activated sludge reactor and 71% for the submerged aerobic biofilter. Aditionally, organic matter could be assessed with the India ink reverse stain test, using the proposed method for tonalities classification. The second alternative proposed by this Thesis consisted in the treatment of raw and pre-treated leachate by lime addition, using activated sludge reactors. The results did not indicate the feasibility of this alternative: after 20 days of aeration, the organic matter removal was lesser than 40%, and nitrogen was mostly removed by ammonia volatilization.

Esta tese foi dedicada à duas alternativas para tratamento dos lixiviados de aterros sanitários. A primeira delas, o tratamento consorciado do lixiviado com esgoto sanitário em sistemas aeróbios, teve como objetivo principal verificar se a remoção da matéria orgânica do lixiviado seria devida à biodegradação ou à simples diluição no esgoto sanitário. Para responder esse questionamento, propôs-se o método tentativo \"equivalente em ácido húmico\" (Eq.AH). Em ensaios com reatores de lodos ativados (10 L) operados em batelada, avaliaram-se as remoções de matéria orgânica e nitrogênio para diferentes misturas de lixiviado e esgoto sanitários brutos e pré-tratados, com proporções volumétricas de lixiviado de 0, 0,2, 2 e 5%. O tratamento foi mais eficiente para a mistura esgoto bruto e lixiviado pré-tratado por air stripping (para remoção da amônia) na proporção volumétrica de 2%. Essa condição foi avaliada em reatores piloto de lodos ativados (95 L) e biofiltro aerado submerso (178 L), alimentados continuamente com tempo de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de 24 h. O reator piloto de lodos ativados removeu 59% do COD e a eficiência de nitrificação foi de 60%; enquanto que o biofiltro removeu 83% do COD e eficiência de nitrificação foi de 77%. Com o método tentativo Eq.AH, verificou-se que a remoção da matéria orgânica do lixiviado pré-tratado se deu por biodegradação parcial com o esgoto sanitário, resultado confirmado por espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier. As remoções do COD Eq.AH nos reatores piloto de lodos ativados e biofiltro aerado submerso foram de, respectivamente, 47 e 71%. Adicionalmente, o monitoramento da remoção da matéria orgânica pôde ser realizado com eficácia pelo teste de coloração com nanquim, utilizando o método de classificação de tonalidades proposto nesta Tese. A segunda alternativa proposta nesta Tese consistiu no tratamento dos lixiviados bruto e pré-tratado com cal em reatores de lodos ativados. Os resultados, todavia, foram insatisfatórios: indicaram que essa alternativa se mostrou inviável: após 20 dias de aeração nos reatores de bancada alimentados em batelada, a remoção da matéria orgânica foi inferior a 40% e a remoção do nitrogênio foi devida à volatilização da amônia. / This thesis was dedicated to two alternatives for landfill leachate treatment. The first one, the aerobic co-treatment of leachate and domestic wastewater in aerobic systems, aimed to verify if the organic matter of leachate was removed by biodegradation or dilution with domestic wastewater. To answer this questioning, it was proposed the tentative method \"equivalent in humic acid\" (Eq.HA). In the experiments with bench-scale activated sludge reactors (10 L) operated in batch mode, it was evaluated the organic matter and nitrogen removal from mixtures containing raw and pre-treated leachate and domestic wastewater, at the volumetric ratios of 0, 0.2, 2 and 5%. The treatment was mostly efficient when it was used the mixture domestic wastewater and leachate pre-treated by air stripping (for ammonia removal), at a volumetric ratio of 2%. This condition was also evaluated in a pilot-scale activated sludge reactor (95 L) and a submerged aerobic biofilter (178 L), operated under continuous-flow regime with a 24-h hydraulic retention time. The pilot-scale activated sludge reactor removed 59% of DOC and nitrification efficiency was 60%; whereas the submerged aerobic biofilter removed 83% of DOC and nitrification efficiency was 77%. Using the Eq.HA approach, it was determined that pre-treated leachate organic matter removal was due to partial biodegradation with domestic wastewater, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The removals of COD Eq.HA were 47% for the pilot-scale activated sludge reactor and 71% for the submerged aerobic biofilter. Aditionally, organic matter could be assessed with the India ink reverse stain test, using the proposed method for tonalities classification. The second alternative proposed by this Thesis consisted in the treatment of raw and pre-treated leachate by lime addition, using activated sludge reactors. The results did not indicate the feasibility of this alternative: after 20 days of aeration, the organic matter removal was lesser than 40%, and nitrogen was mostly removed by ammonia volatilization.