Genome sequencing has resulted in the identification of >55,000 cytochrome P450 enzymes, many of which have an unknown function and regulation. In mammals, CYP3 genes appear in only one subfamily (CYP3A), which metabolize >50% of pharmaceuticals and some steroids in humans. Unlike mammals, fish contain genes in the CYP3A, CYP3B, CYP3C and CYP3D subfamilies. While it is commonly assumed that fish and mammalian CYP3A are functional similar, the function and regulation of fish CYP3 remains largely unknown. In this thesis, the receptors and compounds that regulate CYP3C genes in zebrafish were assessed. The induction of CYP3C genes in response to the aryl hydrocarbon (AHR) and estrogen receptor (ER) ligands, β-naphthoflavone and 17β-estradiol, was measured using quantitative PCR in intestine, liver and gonads. Zebrafish CYP3C genes were inducible by β-naphthoflavone and 17β-estradiol, implicating the aryl hydrocarbon and estrogen receptor in CYP3C gene regulation and suggesting that regulation of CYP3 genes in fish differs from that in mammals. To define the function of zebrafish CYP3A65 and CYP3C1, fluorogenic compounds which are specific markers of CYP1 and CYP3A activity in humans, were screened for metabolism by CYP3A65 and CYP3C1. Both CYP3A65 and CYP3C1 had the capacity to metabolize several of these compounds and the substrate profile overlapped with zebrafish CYP1A, suggesting that these compounds are not specific in fish. A high throughput approach was employed to screen ~4000 small biologically and pharmacologically active compounds for metabolism by CYP3A65 and CYP3C1, using NADPH consumption to assess catalytic activity. The substrate profiles of CYP3A65 and CYP3C1 largely overlapped and were different than mammalian CYP3A4. CYP3A65 and CYP3C1 appeared to have a bias for quinone-based compounds but further studies are required to confirm quinones as substrates and to assess a strong structure-activity relationship. Overall, this study provides insight on the regulation, function and evolution on CYP3 genes in fish. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes break down compounds such as hormones and pharmaceuticals. While mammals have genes in the CYP3A subfamily, fish have unique subfamilies not found in mammals. The function and regulation of the CYP3 family in fish is unknown, but commonly assumed to be like human CYP3. The purpose of this thesis was to identify what receptors and compounds regulate CYP3C enzymes in zebrafish. We found that regulation of CYP3C enzymes in zebrafish is different than humans. Zebrafish CYP3C genes are regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and estrogen receptor, while human CYP3A is regulated by the pregnane-x-receptor. I used a high throughput approach to screen thousands of compounds to identify the function of CYP3A65 and CYP3C1 from zebrafish. CYP3A65 and CYP3C1 metabolize several plant-based and pharmaceutical compounds. CYP3A65 and CYP3C1 are more functionally similar to each other than to CYP3A in humans.

Black carbon (BC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are two atmospheric pollutants produced by motor vehicles using carbonaceous fuels. As a part of the Mexico City Project, measurements of BC, PPAHs and many other gas- and particle-phase emissions were measured in Mexico City using a mobile laboratory during the Mexico City Metropolitan Area field campaign in April 2003 (MCMA-2003). The main goal of this research is to estimate emissions of BC and particulate PAHs (PPAHs) for Mexico City's vehicle fleet. The emissions of gas-phase pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), total nitrogen oxides (NOy) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are also estimated. The mobile lab has previously been used to chase vehicles and measure their emissions, but analysis has traditionally focused on determining emission factors of individual vehicles associated with specific chasing events. The laboratory continuously samples ambient air from an inlet at the front of the van, and it is always "seeing" exhaust plumes from the vehicles around it while driving through traffic. We have developed an algorithm that automatically identifies the exhaust plume measurement points, which are then used as the basis for calculation of emission factors. In the nearly 90 hours of on-road sampling during the field campaign, we have identified ~30,000 exhaust measurement points. The large sample size enables us to estimate fleet-average emission factors and thus the emission inventory. Motor vehicles are estimated to emit annually 1,960 tons of BC, 56.2 tons of PPAHs, 1,320,000 tons of CO, 125,000 tons of NOy and 2440 tons of VOCs. The spatial and temporal patterns of BC and PPAHs in different locations with in MCMA are also studied. / Master of Science

O epitélio nasal é a primeira porção do sistema respiratório a entrar em contato com o ambiente externo. Partículas da poluição do ar, principalmente os compostos orgânicos absorvidos, podem atuar como liberadores endócrinos. O receptor aril hidrocarboneto (AhR) é um importante competidor dos receptores de estrógeno-beta (ERbeta) que regulam a transcrição do gene para enzimas de metabolização xenobióticas (enzimas do citocromo P450). O objetivo deste estudo é identificar e quantificar ERbeta, AhR, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 e o perfil de muco no epitélio nasal de camundongos machos e fêmeas em diferentes fases do ciclo estral. Camundongos BALB/c machos (n=32) e fêmeas (n=84) foram expostos ao ar ambiente e ao MP2,5 concentrado a 600 ug.m-³ em um concentrador de partículas ambientais (CPAs). As fêmeas foram divididas de acordo com as fases do ciclo estral: proestro, estro e diestro. O epitélio nasal foi avaliado por RT-PCR e imuno-histoquímica para análise de expressão de ERbeta (proteína), Erbeta-1 e Erbeta-2 (gene), AhR (proteína e gene) e Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2 and Cyp1b1 (gene). A quantificação de muco neutro - Periodic Acid Schiff\'s (PAS+) e ácido - Alcian Blue (AB+) foi avaliada por morfometria. As exposições foram realizadas durante 5 dias/semana, por 45 ± 55 dias. A expressão de Erbeta-2 RNAm apresentou diferenças em resposta à exposição ao CPAs (p=0,016), bem como uma diminuição em fêmeas, quando comparadas aos camundongos machos (p=0,036). A expressão de Cyp1b1 RNAm foi significantemente menor no grupo exposto ao CPAs, em relação ao grupo exposto ao ar ambiente nas fêmeas em diestro (p=0,036). A expressão de Erbeta foi aumentada no epitélio nasal de fêmeas em estro expostas ao CPAs (p=0,005) e a expressão de AhR foi menor em fêmeas em proestro expostas ao CPAs (p=0,048). A exposição ao CPAs levou ao aumento do conteúdo de muco ácido em camundongos machos (p=0,048), o qual diminuiu em fêmeas (p=0,040), quando comparados ao grupo ar ambiente. Este estudo mostrou que houve diferentes respostas à exposição à poluição do ar no epitélio nasal entre machos e fêmeas, e que essas diferenças podem estar relacionadas com a predisposição de fêmeas apresentarem maior suscetibilidade a doenças respiratórias das vias aéreas / The nasal epithelium is the first portion of the respiratory system to reach contact with the external environment. Air pollution particles, mainly the organic compounds absorbed into them, may act as endocrine releasers. The aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor is an important competitor of estrogenic receptors-beta (ERbeta) that regulate transcription of gene coding for xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes). The aim of this study is to identify and quantify in the nasal epithelium of male and female mice in different estrous cycle phases related with ERbeta, AhR, CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1 and the mucus profile. Male (n=32) and female (n=84) BALB/c mice were exposed to ambient air and PM2.5 concentrated at 600 ug.m-³ in an ambient particle concentrator with a particulate matter diameter of 2.5 um (PM2.5). Females were subdivided in three estrous cycles: proestrus, estrus and diestrus. Nasal epithelium was evaluated through RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry for the expression of ERbeta (protein), Erbeta-1 and Erbeta-2 (gene expression), AhR (protein and gene expression) and Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2 and Cyp1b1 (gene expression). Morphometry was applied for evaluation of mucus profile: acid - Alcian Blue (AB+) and neutral - Periodic Acid Schiff\'s (PAS+). Exposure happened for 5 days/week, for 45 ± 55 days. There were differences in Erbeta-2 mRNA in response to exposition to CPAs (p=0.016), and a significant decrease in female compared male mice (p=0.036). Cyp1b1 mRNA was significantly smaller in the CPAs-exposed group compared with the ambient air group in diestrus female mice (p=0.036). The ERbeta expression increased in the nasal epithelium of CPAs-exposed females in the estrus cycle (p=0.005), and the AhR expression decreased in the proestrus cycle of CPAs-exposed females (p=0.048). The exposure to the CPAs led to an increase in the acidic content of mucus in male mice (p=0.048), and decreased in female mice (p=0.040), compared to the ambient air group. This study showed there were different responses in the nasal epithelia of male and female mice exposed to air pollution, which could be related to the predisposition of the females to present more susceptibility to airway respiratory diseases

O epitélio nasal é a primeira porção do sistema respiratório a entrar em contato com o ambiente externo. Partículas da poluição do ar, principalmente os compostos orgânicos absorvidos, podem atuar como liberadores endócrinos. O receptor aril hidrocarboneto (AhR) é um importante competidor dos receptores de estrógeno-beta (ERbeta) que regulam a transcrição do gene para enzimas de metabolização xenobióticas (enzimas do citocromo P450). O objetivo deste estudo é identificar e quantificar ERbeta, AhR, CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 e o perfil de muco no epitélio nasal de camundongos machos e fêmeas em diferentes fases do ciclo estral. Camundongos BALB/c machos (n=32) e fêmeas (n=84) foram expostos ao ar ambiente e ao MP2,5 concentrado a 600 ug.m-³ em um concentrador de partículas ambientais (CPAs). As fêmeas foram divididas de acordo com as fases do ciclo estral: proestro, estro e diestro. O epitélio nasal foi avaliado por RT-PCR e imuno-histoquímica para análise de expressão de ERbeta (proteína), Erbeta-1 e Erbeta-2 (gene), AhR (proteína e gene) e Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2 and Cyp1b1 (gene). A quantificação de muco neutro - Periodic Acid Schiff\'s (PAS+) e ácido - Alcian Blue (AB+) foi avaliada por morfometria. As exposições foram realizadas durante 5 dias/semana, por 45 ± 55 dias. A expressão de Erbeta-2 RNAm apresentou diferenças em resposta à exposição ao CPAs (p=0,016), bem como uma diminuição em fêmeas, quando comparadas aos camundongos machos (p=0,036). A expressão de Cyp1b1 RNAm foi significantemente menor no grupo exposto ao CPAs, em relação ao grupo exposto ao ar ambiente nas fêmeas em diestro (p=0,036). A expressão de Erbeta foi aumentada no epitélio nasal de fêmeas em estro expostas ao CPAs (p=0,005) e a expressão de AhR foi menor em fêmeas em proestro expostas ao CPAs (p=0,048). A exposição ao CPAs levou ao aumento do conteúdo de muco ácido em camundongos machos (p=0,048), o qual diminuiu em fêmeas (p=0,040), quando comparados ao grupo ar ambiente. Este estudo mostrou que houve diferentes respostas à exposição à poluição do ar no epitélio nasal entre machos e fêmeas, e que essas diferenças podem estar relacionadas com a predisposição de fêmeas apresentarem maior suscetibilidade a doenças respiratórias das vias aéreas / The nasal epithelium is the first portion of the respiratory system to reach contact with the external environment. Air pollution particles, mainly the organic compounds absorbed into them, may act as endocrine releasers. The aryl hydrocarbon (AhR) receptor is an important competitor of estrogenic receptors-beta (ERbeta) that regulate transcription of gene coding for xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes). The aim of this study is to identify and quantify in the nasal epithelium of male and female mice in different estrous cycle phases related with ERbeta, AhR, CYP1A1, 1A2, 1B1 and the mucus profile. Male (n=32) and female (n=84) BALB/c mice were exposed to ambient air and PM2.5 concentrated at 600 ug.m-³ in an ambient particle concentrator with a particulate matter diameter of 2.5 um (PM2.5). Females were subdivided in three estrous cycles: proestrus, estrus and diestrus. Nasal epithelium was evaluated through RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry for the expression of ERbeta (protein), Erbeta-1 and Erbeta-2 (gene expression), AhR (protein and gene expression) and Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2 and Cyp1b1 (gene expression). Morphometry was applied for evaluation of mucus profile: acid - Alcian Blue (AB+) and neutral - Periodic Acid Schiff\'s (PAS+). Exposure happened for 5 days/week, for 45 ± 55 days. There were differences in Erbeta-2 mRNA in response to exposition to CPAs (p=0.016), and a significant decrease in female compared male mice (p=0.036). Cyp1b1 mRNA was significantly smaller in the CPAs-exposed group compared with the ambient air group in diestrus female mice (p=0.036). The ERbeta expression increased in the nasal epithelium of CPAs-exposed females in the estrus cycle (p=0.005), and the AhR expression decreased in the proestrus cycle of CPAs-exposed females (p=0.048). The exposure to the CPAs led to an increase in the acidic content of mucus in male mice (p=0.048), and decreased in female mice (p=0.040), compared to the ambient air group. This study showed there were different responses in the nasal epithelia of male and female mice exposed to air pollution, which could be related to the predisposition of the females to present more susceptibility to airway respiratory diseases

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) heterodimerizes with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (Arnt) for transcriptional regulation. We generated three N-terminal deletion constructs of the human AhR of 12-24 KDa in size—namely D1 (aa 84-295), D2 (aa 84-192) and D3 (aa 191-295)—to suppress the Arnt function. We observed that all three constructs interact with the human Arnt with similar affinities. D2, which contains part of the AhR PAS-A domain and interacts with the PAS-A domain of Arnt, inhibits the formation of the AhR gel shift complex. D2 suppresses the 3-methylcholanthrene-induced, dioxin response element (DRE)-driven luciferase activity in Hep3B cells and exogenous Arnt reverses this D2 suppression. D2 suppresses the induction of CYP1A1 at both the message and protein levels in Hep3B cells; however, the CYP1B1 induction is not affected. D2 suppresses the recruitment of Arnt to the cyp1a1 promoter but not to the cyp1b1 promoter, partly because the AhR/Arnt heterodimer binds better to the cyp1b1 DRE than to the cyp1a1 DRE. Interestingly, D2 has no effect on the cobalt chloride-induced, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-dependent expression of vegf, aldolase c, and ldh-a messages. Our data reveal that the flanking sequences of the DRE contribute to the binding affinity of the AhR/Arnt heterodimer to its endogenous enhancers and the function of AhR and HIF-1 can be differentially suppressed by the D2 inhibitory molecule. In chapter 2, a Pichia Pastoris expression system was constructed expressing codon optimized human full length AhR. This codon optimization is necessary for overexpression of huAhR. RT-PCR data showed that the codon optimized mRNA was more stably expressed than wild types. Overexpressed huAhR protein was degraded by proteinase when using a regular P. Pastoris strain yJC100 whereas the proteinase deficient ySMD1163 maintained a much higher level of huAhR. P. Pastoris expressed huAhR was natively purified and analyzed. Coimmunopricipitation assay shows its interaction with endogenous Arnt. A ligand-dependent gel shift was also observed. In addition, we performed an in vitro coprecipitation assay to study its binding to endogenous cyp1b1 DREs. The result shows that the DRE3, known as a critical DRE for cyp1b1 transcriptional activity, has the highest binding affinity to AhR/Arnt complex. Taking together, we constructed a novel P. Pastoris expression system to overexpress human full length AhR. Purified huAhR is a good reagent for studing its ligand and DNA binding. In chapter 3, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expression system was constructed to express an AhR deletion contruct CΔ553 (aa1-295) for tumor injection. Western blot shows the expression of CΔ553 (aa1-295) in hela cells infected by AAV-553, but the low yield of AAV-553 limited its application on tumor treatment. Possible solutions were discussed for future work.

M. Tech. (Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology), Vaal University of Technology) / Modified asphalt concrete is one of the important construction materials for flexible pavements. The addition of polymers and natural hydrocarbon modifiers to enhance the properties of asphalt concrete over a wide temperature range in paving applications has been the common practice. Currently these modified asphalt mixtures are relatively expensive. However, recycled polymers and rubber added to asphalt have also shown similar results in improving the performance of road pavements. In this study, an attempt has been made to use low density polyethylene (LDPE) obtained from plastic waste and crumb rubber obtained from worn out vehicle tyres. The aim was to optimise the proportions of LDPE in the bitumen binder using the ‘wet process’ and crumb rubber aggregates in the hot mix asphalt (HMA) using the ‘dry process’. The Marshall method of bituminous mix design was carried out for varying percentages of LDPE namely 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% by weight of bitumen binder and 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% crumb rubber by volume of the mineral aggregates. The characteristics of bitumen modified with LDPE were evaluated. The modified asphalt mix was also evaluated to determine the different mix characteristics. The results from laboratory studies in terms of the rheological properties of the LDPE modified bitumen binder showed an increase in viscosity, softening point and stiffness of the binder. The optimum Marshall stability values for HMA mixtures containing 2% crumb rubber tyre and 4% LDPE were found to be 30% higher than the conventional asphalt concrete mix. The wheel tracking test done at 50ºC was 9.81mm rut depth showing a good rutting resistance of the optimized mixture compared to the conventional asphalt mixes. The Modified Lottman test gave a Tensile Strength Ratio value of 0.979 which indicates a low degree of moisture susceptibility of the modified asphalt mix. The above results showed improved properties of the asphalt mixture. The economic assessment done using the present worth of costs indicated a reduction in maintenance cost due to the extended service life of the modified asphalt pavement.

Dans les réservoirs silicoclastiques, la perte de porosité avec l'enfouissement est due à la fois à la compaction mécanique lors des 2-3 premiers kilomètres d'enfouissement, à la compaction chimique, et à la précipitation minérale (quartz, argiles, carbonates). Dès lors, la compréhension des processus responsables de l'inhibition de la compaction et/ou de la cimentation représente un triple enjeu: i) contribuer à la connaissance des mécanismes d'interactions eau-hydrocarbures-solides en milieu diagénétique profond; ii) apporter de nouveaux arguments pour reconstituer les chemins de migration des fluides à l'échelle du bassin iii) développer des guides de prospection pour l'industrie pétrolière. Les techniques analytiques telles que la pétrographie quantitative, les inclusions fluides ainsi que les modélisations diagénétiques et de bassin ont été couplées afin de comprendre les processus régissant le contrôle de la qualité du réservoir du Brent (Jurassique Moyen) à travers 8 champs pétroliers (et 11 puits) dans le bloc Q3 (Viking Graben, Northern North Sea). L'étude pétrographique quantitative du réservoir du Tarbert a permis de définir des compositions minéralogiques et des paramètres pétrophysiques (porosité) relativement similaires sur les 183 échantillons étudiés. Une paragenèse diagénétique commune à tous les champs étudiés a été établie, dominée par les ciments de quartz, de deux générations de kaolinite (K1, associée à la déstabilisation des micas et K2, associée à la dissolution des feldspaths potassiques), et de précipitation d'illite. L'approche comparative des ciments d'enfouissement n'a pas permis de rendre compte des larges gammes de porosité et perméabilité mesurées allant de 8 à 27 % et de 0,2 à 5000 mD. Contrairement au modèle diagénétique souvent évoqué, l'inhibition des ciments de quartz ne joue pas un rôle majeur dans la préservation de la porosité des réservoirs du bloc Q3. Les estimations P-V-T-X-t du piégeage des inclusions fluides couplées au modèle de bassin ont permis de reconstituer trois chemins de migration des fluides aqueux et hydrocarbonés associés à la mise en place de surpressions fluides au sein des réservoirs du Tarbert. 1) La partie Nord de la kitchen du Viking Graben alimente les champs de Hild, Jura et Islay en huiles légères très précocement (65-42 Ma) et en gaz à condensat à partir de 35-15 Ma. Ces deux migrations sont associées à une montée en surpression fluide du réservoir de 100 à 200 bar. 2) la partie Est de la kitchen de l'East Shetland alimente les champs d'Alwyn, Dunbar, et Grant en huiles lourdes à légères à partir de 42-35 Ma, associée à une faible surpression fluide (30-40 bar). 3) la partie Sud de la kitchen de l'East Shetland (longue distance de migration) alimente quant à elle les champs de Forvie Central et North très tardivement en gaz à condensat (> 15 Ma). Le timing relatif entre la mise en place de la surpression fluide et l'avancement de la compaction mécanique/chimique s'est révélé être le paramètre de premier ordre régissant la préservation de la porosité des réservoirs observée dans le bloc Q3. La présence d'inclusions hydrocarbonées atypiques HT-BP (haute température-basse pression) datées du Jurassique supérieur dans les champs proches du Viking Graben, pourrait être à l'origine d'une génération d?hydrocarbures très précoce sous un régime de pression hydrostatique. Bien que n'ayant aucun impact sur l'inhibition de la contrainte effective, cette migration fluide pourrait être attribuée aux anomalies thermiques du Nord-Ouest de l'Europe liée à l'ouverture de l'Atlantique Nord. Le couplage des outils de pétrographie quantitative, inclusions fluides et modélisation de bassin a donc permis de soulever l'importance d'intégrer une vision régionale à l'étude ponctuelle de la diagenèse dans le but de comprendre le rôle des migrations fluides sur la préservation de la qualité des réservoirs silicoclastiques / In siliciclastic reservoirs, porosity loss is mainly due to the mechanical compaction in the first 2-3 km of burial, the chemical compaction and mineral precipitation (quartz, clays, carbonates). Therefore, understanding the processes responsible of the inhibition of compaction and/or cementation permits to: i) contribute to the knowledge of the water-hydrocarbon-solid interaction mechanisms in deep diagenetic environment, ii) give new arguments for the reconstruction of fluid pathways at the basin scale iii) assist the oil industry for the intensive exploration. Analytical techniques such as quantitative petrography, fluid inclusion and basin/diagenesis modelling were coupled across 8 oil fields (and 11 wells) located in the Q3 block (Viking Graben, Northern North Sea) in order to understand the processes driving the variation of the Brent reservoir quality (Middle Jurassic). Quantitative petrographic study of Tarbert reservoir allowed to define similar depositional settings (mineralogy, porosity) among the 183 studied samples. The common diagenetic paragenesis is dominated by quartz cement, two generations of kaolinite (K1, associated with the destabilization of micas and K2, associated with the dissolution of feldspars), and precipitation of illite. The petrographic data do not explain the wide range of measured porosity and permeability on plugs from 8 to 27% and from 0.2 to 5000 mD respectively. In contrast with the conventional diagenetic model, the present study shows that inhibition of quartz cements did not play a major role in the preservation of porosity in the Q3 block. P-V-T-X-t estimates of fluid inclusion trapping coupled with basin modelling allowed reconstruction of three fluid migration pathways, associated with fluid overpressures in the Tarbert reservoir. 1) The northern part of the Viking Graben kitchen supplies Hild, Jura and Islay fields with an early migration of light oils (65-42 m.y.) and condensate from 35-15 m.y. Both migrations are associated with a great fluid overpressure from 100 to 200 bar. 2) The eastern part of the East Shetland kitchen supplies Alwyn, Dunbar, Grant fields, with heavy to light oils from 42-35 m.y., associated with a low fluid overpressure (30-40 bar). 3) The southern part of the East Shetland kitchen (long distance migration) supplies Forvie North and Central fields with a very late gas condensate migration (> 15 Ma). The relative timing of the fluid overpressure build-up with the degree of mechanical and chemical compaction appears to be the first order parameter governing the preservation of reservoir porosity across the Q3 block. The presence of unusual HT-LP (high temperature-low pressure) hydrocarbon inclusions in the fields near the graben could indicate an early heavy oil generation under hydrostatic pressure conditions. Although having no impact on the inhibition of effective stress, this high-temperature fluid migration could be attributed to thermal anomalies in the Northwest of Europe related to the North Atlantic opening. The combination of quantitative petrography, fluid inclusion and basin modelling allowed to point out the impact of regional fluid migrations on the well scale diagenesis and on the siliciclastic reservoir quality preservation

Ce mémoire présente une étude physicochimique sur la réutilisation des fluides de mobilisation pour le traitement de sols contaminés. Cette recherche a été menée afin d’étudier l’efficacité de cette réutilisation et d’évaluer la réduction des coûts opérationnels et des impacts environnementaux. La première partie de ce travail est consacrée au traitement d’hydrocarbures lourds issus de créosote ou de goudrons dans des sols moyennement à fortement contaminés. Plusieurs stratégies ont été développées et évaluées tant pour la réutilisation et l’optimisation d’agents chimiques que pour l’efficacité du fluide de lavage. L’étude du mécanisme d’oxydation des hydrocarbures avec du persulfate a permis d’entrevoir la possibilité de réactions en cascades. Les procédés membranaires d’ultra- et de nano-filtration se sont révélés particulièrement attractifs car préservant l’activité des fluides de traitement après utilisation; Des mesures ont permis d’optimiser à la fois la récupération des substances actives et l’abattement des contaminants. L’étude du mécanisme de mobilisation des hydrocarbures par des mousses de surfactant a montré que les hydrocarbures lourds sont majoritairement extraits dans la phase gazeuse de l’émulsion eau-air. Ces différentes stratégies ont été évaluées au cours de campagnes de terrain. La deuxième partie concerne la réutilisation de solutions diluées d’agents chélatants pour extraire, puis immobiliser des cations métalliques divalents. Plusieurs agents chélatants de la famille des polyaminocarboxylates ont été évalués. La régénération des ligands à partir de résines chélatantes ou de FeS a été évaluée à travers de nombreux cycles de réutilisation / This thesis presents a physico-chemical study devoted to the reuse of remediation fluids for contaminated soil treatment. The aim of this research project was to study the reuse efficiency and to evaluate the reduction of operational costs and environmental impacts. The first part was focused on the treatment of moderately to highly contaminated soils by heavy hydrocarbons from creosote or tar. Several strategies have been developed and evaluated for reuse and optimization of chemical agents. The oxidation mechanism of hydrocarbons with persulphate highlights possible cascade reactions. Ultra- and nanofiltration processes were particularly attractive for activity safe of used treatment fluids; Measurements have been optimized for both active substances recovery and contaminants reduction. The study of hydrocarbons mobilization mechanism by surfactant foams showed that the heavier hydrocarbons are mainly extracted into gaseous phase of water-air emulsion. The different strategies were evaluated during field campaigns. The second part deals with the reuse of chelating agents dilute solutions to extract and then immobilize divalent metal cations. Several chelating agents of polyaminocarboxylates family were evaluated. Regeneration of ligands from chelating resins or FeS was evaluated for many reuse cycles.

L'objectif de ces travaux était de synthétiser, caractériser et étudier le potentiel d'une sélection de liquides ioniques, pour la séparation de l'éthane et de l'éthène. L'influence dans l'absorption de l'éthène de la présence de trois cations métalliques, le lithium (I), le nickel (II) et le cuivre (II) dans un liquide ionique était également étudiée. Les liquides ioniques sélectionnés sont basés sur le cation imidazolium contenant des groupes fonctionnels au niveau de la chaine alkyle latérale. Les anions choisis sont le bis(trifluorométhylsulfonyl)imide, [NTf2], la dicyanamide, [DCA] et le méthylphosphite, [C1HPO3]. Sachant qu'un solvant de séparation idéale doit avoir une capacité d'absorption et une sélectivité de séparation élevées, une faible viscosité, une haute stabilité thermique et une cinétique d'absorption rapide pour le gaz sélectionné. Pour évaluer ces propriétés pour les milieux sélectionnés, plusieurs paramètres ont été déterminés la densité et la viscosité des liquides ioniques ainsi que l'absorption de chaque gaz dans les liquides ioniques. L'absorption de l'éthane et de l'éthène dans les liquides ioniques purs ainsi que dans les solutions de liquide ionique + sel métallique a été mesurée dans une gamme de températures comprises entre 303.15 K et 353.15 K et pour des pressions proches de l'atmosphérique. La sélectivité idéale des liquides ioniques pour l'absorption de l'éthane par rapport à l'éthène a ainsi pu être déterminée. La détermination de l'absorption en fonction de la température a permis d'accéder aux propriétés thermodynamiques de solvatation de ces gaz dans des liquides ioniques et à comprendre la manière dont les liquides ioniques interagissent avec ces solutés comment les liquides ioniques se structurent autour de ces molécules / The goal of this research was to synthesize, characterize and study the potential of selected ionic liquids as solvents for the separation of ethane and ethene. The influence on ethene absorption of the presence of three different metallic cations, lithium (I), nickel (II) and copper (II) in an ionic liquid was also studied. The selected ionic liquids are based in the imidazolium cation containing a functionalization in the alkyl side chain. The chosen anions were the bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide, [NTf2], the dicyanamide, [DCA] and the methylphosphite, [C1HPO3]. Several parameters were taken into account for this primary evaluation, such as measurements of density, viscosity and absorption of each gas in the ionic liquids, since an ideal separation solvent should have a high absorption capacity and gas selectivity, low viscosity, high thermal stability and fast absorption kinetics for the selected gas. The absorption of the 2 gases in the pure ionic liquids and ionic liquid + metallic salt solutions was measured in the temperature range between 303.15 K and 353.15 K and for pressures close to atmospheric. The ideal selectivity of the ionic liquid for the absorption of ethane compared to ethene was determined. The determination of the gas solubility in function of the temperature allowed access to the thermodynamic properties of solvation of the gases in the ionic liquids, and a deeper understanding of the gas-ionic liquid interactions and the structure of the solution

Algumas atividades antrópicas podem provocar alterações nos recursos naturais, seja ela no rio, no solo ou no mar. Os efeitos destas alterações podem ser observados na biota, na qualidade das águas, na disponibilidade de nutrientes, interferindo em todos os elementos que compõem o ecossistema, influenciando-o em maior ou menor grau. O presente estudo procurou determinar o efeito dos poluentes sulfato de zinco, cloreto de amônia, dodecilsulfato de sódio e benzeno, numa espécie bioindicadora marinha, el larvas de mexilhão (Perna perna), além de acrescentar dados sobre a biologia e analisar quimicamente a presença de hidrocarbonetos nos tecidos dos animais adultos e das larvas. Para tanto foram utilizados testes de toxicidade, estudos sobre a bioenergética (consumo de oxigênio e excreção de amônia), enzimas biomarcadoras e excreção de fósforo e nitrogênio. Com relação à biologia, foram encontrados indivíduos sexualmente maduros a partir de 26,1 e 27 mm de comprimento para fêmeas e machos, respectivamente, e há diferença, ainda que esta não seja estatisticamente significativa, entre ovócitos e larvas submetidos a ação de poluentes. A análise de hidrocarbonetos indicou que existe uma contribuição biogênica e petrogênica no litoral norte do Estado de São Paulo. Para as demais análises verificou-se que, quando comparados aos grupos controles, as larvas foram sensíveis e responderam aos diferentes poluentes, geralmente com inibição da atividade. / Some antropic activities may be the cause fo alterations in natural resources, being it river, soil or sea. These alteration effects may be observed in the biota, water quality, nutrients disponibility, interfering with all elements that are part of a ecosystem, with greater or lesser influence degree. The present study was directed to determine the effect of pollutants, such as zinc sulphate, ammonia chlorate, sodium dodecilsulphate and benzene, acting over larvae of a marine bioindicator, the mussel (Perna perna), besides adding data on biology and chemically analysing hidrocarbon presence in larvae and adult animal tissues. In order to obtain these results, toxicity tests were used and bioenergetic (oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion), biomarkers, phosphorus and nitrogen excretion, were studied. As for biology, individuals sexually mature were found starting with 26,1 and 27 mm length females and males, respectively, and there is difference between larvae and ovocites, although statistically not significant, submitted to pollutants action. The hydrocarbon analysis indicates a biogenic and petrogenic contribution to north coast of São Paulo State. For the other analyses the observed results, when compared to control groups, showed that larvae are sensitive, and responded to different pollutants, generally with activity inhibition.