Submitted by Jorge Silva (jorgelmsilva@ufrrj.br) on 2018-08-17T18:46:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2016 - Ana Carolina Dornelas Rodrigues.pdf: 2997456 bytes, checksum: 7082d101a1655828518afc90a8e436b5 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-17T18:46:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2016 - Ana Carolina Dornelas Rodrigues.pdf: 2997456 bytes, checksum: 7082d101a1655828518afc90a8e436b5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-23 / FAPERJ / Nowadays water contamination by heavy metals is an increasingly common problem, mainly due to the intensity of human activities, such as industrial, which often discard these environments their effluents enriched with these elements. In this scenario, this work was to evaluate the potential of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) in the decontamination of water contaminated by heavy metals zinc (Zn) and Cadmium (Cd). For that, this research was divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, it was evaluated the ability to biosorption of heavy metals by dry matter of water lettuce where laboratory adsorption isotherms were carried out with five increasing doses of Zn contamination (1.8; 18; 50; 79 and 105 mg L-1) and 4 doses of Cd (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg L-1) in nine sampling times (1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 hours). The results showed that the dry biomass of water lettuce has biosorption capacity of the metals analyzed, enhanced by increasing the contact time with the solution. This conclusion was also demonstrated by determining the isothermal linear model, which indicates a high affinity of the adsorbent for the adsorbate. Changes in the morphology of the biomass were demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) before and after biosorption. In the second chapter it was evaluated the potential fitoextrator of water lettuce grown in increasing doses of Zn and Cd (separately) and the physiological response of the plant to this contamination. The experiment evaluated 4 doses of contamination of each metal (Zn = 0, 1.8, 18 and 180 mg L-1 and Cd = 0, 0.1, 1 and 10 mgL-1) and cultivation time 4 (24, 48, 72 and 168 hours). In each survey were analyzed: heavy metal content in the solution, root and aerial part of the plant; content of photosynthetic pigments by direct and indirect method and photosynthetic efficiency by transient fluorescence of chlorophyll a. The results showed that water lettuce has high potential to absorb and accumulate heavy metals in their tissues, preferably in the roots, thus promoting the maintenance of the pigment synthesis and photosynthetic efficiency in most doses tested. This absorption was enhanced with increasing time of cultivation, which increased the translocation of metals to shoot and carotenoid synthesis for the protection of the photosynthetic apparatus. Higher doses of the metals had their photosynthetic efficiency decreased. In the third section it was evaluated the kinetics of absorption of heavy metals by water lettuce to it have been installed to separate Zn and Cd experiments with two different concentrations of each metal (Zn = 18 and 1.8 and 0.1 Cd and 1.0 mg L-1), with three repetitions each, totaling 12 experimental units (6 units for each element). Aliquots of the solutions and measurement of pH were carried out at certain times until stabilization of the levels of metals in the solution. At the end, the biomass production, the levels of metals and the kinetic parameters of absorption (Km and Vmax) were evaluated. The results showed that the pH of the solutions was not affected by the cultivation of water lettuce and the highest Zn and Cd absorption rates were found in larger doses contamination of the solution. Biomass production was negatively affected by contamination, but these results did not affect the rate of absorption of metals by plants. Based on all the results it can be concluded that the water lettuce has potential for remediation of water bodies contaminated by heavy metals Zn and Cd, both with its dry biomass as for its in vivo cultivation. / Atualmente a contamina??o da ?gua por metais pesados ? problema cada vez mais frequente, principalmente devido a intensidade das atividades antr?picas, como as industriais, que muitas vezes descartam nesses ambientes seus efluentes enriquecidos com esses elementos. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial da Alface-d??gua (Pistia stratiotes) na descontamina??o de ?guas contaminadas pelos metais pesados zinco (Zn) e c?dmio (Cd). A pesquisa foi dividida em 3 cap?tulos. No primeiro, foi avaliada a capacidade de biossor??o de metais pesados pela mat?ria seca da Alface-d??gua, onde foram realizadas isotermas de adsor??o em laborat?rio, com cinco doses crescentes de contamina??o por Zn (1,8; 18; 50; 79 e 105 mg L-1) e 4 doses de Cd (0,01, 0,1, 1 e 10 mg L-1) em nove tempos de coleta (1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 e 72 horas). Os resultados mostraram que a biomassa seca da Alface-d??gua possui capacidade de biossor??o dos metais analisados, potencializada pelo aumento do tempo de contato com a solu??o. Tal conclus?o tamb?m foi demonstrada pela determina??o do modelo isot?rmico linear, que indica alta afinidade do adsorvente pelo adsorbato. Altera??es na morfologia da biomassa foram observadas na microscopia eletr?nica de varredura (MEV) antes e depois da biossor??o. No segundo cap?tulo foi avaliado o potencial fitoextrator da Alface-d??gua cultivada em doses crescentes de Zn e Cd (separadamente) e as resposta fisiol?gicas da planta a essa contamina??o. O experimento avaliou 4 doses de contamina??o de cada metal (Zn = 0; 1,8; 18 e 180 mg L-1 e Cd = 0; 0,1; 1 e 10 mg L-1) e 4 tempos de cultivo (24, 48, 72 e 168 horas). Em cada coleta foram analisados: teores de metais pesados na solu??o, raiz e parte a?rea da planta; teores de pigmentos fotossint?ticos por m?todo direto e indireto e efici?ncia fotossint?tica atrav?s da fluoresc?ncia transiente da clorofila ?a?. Os resultados mostraram o elevado potencial da Alface-d??gua em absorver os metais pesados e acumular em seus tecidos, preferencialmente nas ra?zes, o que favoreceu a manuten??o da s?ntese de pigmentos e a efici?ncia fotossint?tica na maioria das doses testadas. Essa absor??o foi potencializada com o tempo de cultivo, que aumentou a transloca??o dos metais para parte a?rea e a s?ntese de carotenoides para prote??o do aparato fotossint?tico. As maiores doses dos metais tiveram sua efici?ncia fotossint?tica diminu?da. No terceiro cap?tulo foi avaliada a cin?tica de absor??o dos metais pesados pela Alface-d??gua, sendo instalados experimentos separados para Zn e Cd, com duas concentra??es diferentes de cada metal (Zn =1,8 e 18 e Cd 0,1 e 1,0 mg L-1), com 3 repeti??es cada, totalizando 12 unidades experimentais (6 por elemento). Al?quotas das solu??es e aferi??o do pH foram realizadas em tempos determinados at? a estabiliza??o dos teores dos metais na solu??o. Ao final foram avaliados a produ??o de biomassa, os teores de metais e os par?metros cin?ticos de absor??o (Km e Vmax). Os resultados mostraram que o pH das solu??es n?o foi afetado pelo cultivo da Alface-d??gua e que as maiores velocidades de absor??o de Zn e Cd foram encontradas nas maiores doses de contamina??o da solu??o. A produ??o de biomassa foi afetada negativamente pela contamina??o, por?m esses resultados n?o interferiram na velocidade de absor??o dos metais pela planta. Com base em todos os resultados pode-se concluir que a Alface-d??gua apresenta potencial para remedia??o de corpos h?dricos contaminados pelos metais pesados Zn e Cd, tanto com sua biomassa seca como pelo seu cultivo in vivo.

Orientador: Wanderley José de Melo / Banca: Cássio Hamilton Abreu Júnior / Banca: Ana Lúcia de Lima / Banca: Mara Cristina Pessoa da Cruz / Banca: Renato de Melo Prado / Resumo: O lodo de esgoto, um resíduo de constituição diversa e altos teores em elementos essenciais as plantas, pode aumentar os teores de matéria orgânica do solo, sendo sua utilização na agricultura uma das alternativas de ciclagem de nutrientes mais viável. Contudo, problemas como metais pesados são entraves constantes para aplicação de lodo de esgoto na agricultura. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: avaliar a adsorção de cádmio, cobre e cromo em amostras de solo oriundas de experimento no campo, instalado há quinze anos, com aplicações anuais de doses de lodo de esgoto; avaliar os teores disponíveis destes elementos e os teores pseudototais em solo, plantas e grãos de milho. Neste sentido, foi instalado em condições de campo, em blocos ao acaso, em Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico, submetidos a quatro tratamentos 0, 5, 10 e 20 Mg ha-1 de lodo de esgoto, base seca em cinco blocos. Foram investigados o comportamento de cádmio, cobre e cromo, nas amostras de solo por meio dos teores pseudototais, adsorvidos, disponíveis e associados a frações da matéria orgânica e para as amostras vegetal, analisou-se os teores em folha diagnose, planta inteira (exceto raiz) e grãos de milho e produtividade do milho. Foram construídas isotermas de Langmuir e Freundlich para estimativas dos parâmetros de adsorção. De maneira geral, observou-se que a capacidade máxima de adsorção de cádmio, cobre e cromo não foram alteradas com as doses de lodo de esgoto, assim como os teores pseudototais e disponíveis, e teores pseudototais em associação com as frações da matéria orgânica, não demonstraram ter influência direta das doses de lodo de esgoto. A adubação com lodo de esgoto complementado com K foi tão eficiente quanto a adubação mineral para a produtividade de grãos de milho / Abstract: Sewage sludge, a residue of diverse constitution and high levels of essential elements plants, can increase the levels of soil organic matter and its utilization in agriculture one of the alternatives more viable nutrient cycling. However, problems such as heavy metals are constant for application of sewage sludge in agriculture barriers. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adsorption of cadmium, copper and chromium in soil samples originating from the field experiment, installed fifteen years ago, with annual applications of doses of sewage sludge; evaluate the available contents of these elements and pseudototals levels in soil, plants and grains of corn. In this sense, was installed in field conditions, in randomized blocks in an Oxisol subjected to four treatments: 0, 5, 10 and 20 Mg ha-1 of sewage sludge, dry basis in five blocks. The behavior of cadmium, copper and chromium were investigated in soil samples through pseudototals levels, adsorbed available and associated organic matter fractions and the vegetable samples, we analyzed the levels of diagnostic leaf, whole plant (except root ) and grain corn and grain. Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich were constructed to estimate the adsorption parameters. In general, it was observed that the maximum adsorption capacity of cadmium, copper and chromium were not changed with the doses of sewage sludge as well as pseudototais and available content, and pseudototals levels in association with organic matter fractions, have not demonstrated a direct influence of the doses of sewage sludge. The fertilization with sewage sludge supplemented with K was as effective as mineral fertilizer for grain yield of maize / Doutor

Chong, King Wai Isaac. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 99-104). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 論文摘要 --- p.iv / Table of Contents --- p.vi / Lists of Figures --- p.ix / List of Tables --- p.xi / List of Abbreviations --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter One: --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Overview of Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate Dehydrogenases --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Properties And Molecular Structures of GAPDH --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- Action Mechanism of GAPDH --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Novel Functions of GAPDH Unrelated to Carbohydrate Metabolism --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5 --- Effects of Heavy Metal on Enzyme Activity And Gene Expression of GAPDH --- p.10 / Chapter 1.6 --- Metal Binding Properties And Metal Binding Sites of GAPDH --- p.12 / Chapter 1.7 --- Isolation And Purification of GAPDH from Different Organisms --- p.13 / Chapter 1.8 --- Development of New Purification Method of GAPDH Using Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography --- p.15 / Chapter 1.9 --- Study of GAPDH from Chironomidae Larvae --- p.16 / Chapter 1.10 --- Aims of Study --- p.18 / Chapter Chapter Two: --- Methods And Materials --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1 --- Isolation of Native Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Chemicals And Reagents --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Reagents --- p.19 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Preparation of Crude Protein Extract from Chironomidae Larvae --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography --- p.24 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- Large Scale Preparation of Crude Protein Extract --- p.25 / Chapter 2.1.6 --- Ammonium Sulfate Fractionation --- p.25 / Chapter 2.1.7 --- Copper Affinity Column Chromatography --- p.26 / Chapter 2.1.8 --- Dye Affinity Column Chromatography --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2 --- Identification of Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Chemicals And Reagents --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Reagents --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Non-Denaturing Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Protein Extraction from Coosmassie Blue Stained Polyacrylamide Gel --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- N-terminal Amino Acid Analysis --- p.33 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Sequence Analysis --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3 --- Kinetic Analysis of Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Chemcials And Reagents --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Reagents --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Determination of Enzyme Concentration And GAPDH Activity --- p.35 / Chapter 2.4 --- Molecular Cloning of Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Chemicals And Reagents --- p.36 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Reagents --- p.37 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- RNA Extraction from Chironomidae Larvae --- p.41 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- DNase I Removal of Genomic DNA Contamination --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- RNA Concentration Determination And RNA Agarose Electrophoresis --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- First Strand cDNA Synthesis --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.7 --- pRSet A B C Vectors --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.8 --- Cloning Primer Design --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.9 --- Polymerase Chain Reaction --- p.45 / Chapter 2.4.10 --- DNA Agarose Electrophoresis --- p.46 / Chapter 2.4.11 --- Restriction Enzyme Digestion of Insert And Plasmid --- p.46 / Chapter 2.4.12 --- Ligation of Plasmid And Insert DNA --- p.46 / Chapter 2.4.13 --- Preparation of Chemically Competent E. coli --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.14 --- Transformation of Plasmid by Heat Shock --- p.47 / Chapter 2.4.15 --- Colony PCR --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5 --- Recombinant Protein Expression And Purification --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Chemicals And Reagents --- p.48 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Reagents --- p.49 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Protein expression by IPTG --- p.51 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Protein purification by Nickel Affinity Column Chromatography --- p.52 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- EnterokinaseMax ´ёØ Removal of Polyhistidine Fusion Tag --- p.52 / Chapter 2.5.6 --- Western Blotting of Protein --- p.53 / Chapter Chapter Three: --- Results --- p.54 / Chapter 3.1 --- Two Affinity Chromatography Methods for GAPDH Purification --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2 --- Isolation And Purification of Native Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3 --- Identification of Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- N-terminal amino acid analysis --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Sequence Analysis --- p.62 / Chapter 3.4 --- Molecular Cloning of Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.63 / Chapter 3.5 --- Isolation And Purification of recombinant Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.70 / Chapter 3.6 --- Protein Gel Electrophoresis Analysis of GAPDHs --- p.74 / Chapter 3.7 --- "Effects of Heavy Metals, pH And Temperature on GAPDHs" --- p.76 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Heavy Metal Effect --- p.76 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- pH Effect --- p.76 / Chapter 3.7.3 --- Temperature --- p.77 / Chapter 3.8 --- Kinetic Analysis of GAPDHs --- p.84 / Chapter Chapter Four: --- Discussion --- p.89 / Chapter 4.1 --- New Method for The Isolation and Purification of Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.89 / Chapter 4.2 --- "Effects of Heavy Metals, pH And Temperature on GAPDHs" --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3 --- Kinetic Analysis of GAPDHs --- p.91 / Chapter 4.4 --- Zinc Activation of Chironomidae GAPDH --- p.92 / Chapter 4.5 --- Future Study --- p.93 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Sequence Analysis Using Prediction Programmes --- p.94 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Protein Crystallization --- p.95 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Site-Directed Mutagenesis --- p.95 / Chapter 4.5.4 --- Biacore Surface Plasmon Resonance --- p.95 / Chapter Chapter Five: --- Conclusion --- p.98 / Chapter Chapter Six: --- References --- p.99

Wong, Kin Shing Kinson. / Thesis submitted in: November 2007. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 145-158). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.v / Contents --- p.viii / List of figures --- p.xv / List of plates --- p.xx / List of tables --- p.xxi / Abbreviations --- p.xxiii / Chapter 1. --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Heavy metals --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Characteristics of heavy metals --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Heavy metal pollution in Hong Kong --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Common usage of heavy metals --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Copper --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Nickel --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Zinc --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Toxicity of heavy metals --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4.1 --- Copper --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.4.2 --- Nickel --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.4.3 --- Zinc --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Treatment techniques for metal ions --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.5.1 --- Chemical precipitation --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.5.2 --- Ion exchange --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.5.3 --- Activated carbon adsorption --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2 --- Biosorption --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Definition of biosorption --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Mechanism --- p.12 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Advantages of biosorption --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Selection of biosorbents --- p.15 / Chapter 1.3 --- Chitinous materials --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Background of chitin --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Structures of chitinous materials --- p.18 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Sources of chitinous materials --- p.18 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Application of chitinous materials --- p.20 / Chapter 1.3.5 --- Mechanism of metal ion adsorption by chitin --- p.22 / Chapter 1.4 --- Activated carbon --- p.25 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Characteristics of activated carbon --- p.25 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Applications of activated carbon --- p.26 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Factors affecting adsorption ability of activated carbon --- p.27 / Chapter 1.4.4 --- Advantages and Disadvantages --- p.28 / Chapter 1.4.4.1 --- Advantages (Adsorption) --- p.28 / Chapter 1.4.4.2 --- Advantages (Regerneration) --- p.28 / Chapter 1.4.4.3 --- Disadvantages (Adsorption) --- p.28 / Chapter 1.4.4.4 --- Disadvantages (Regeneration) --- p.29 / Chapter 1.5 --- Cation exchange resin --- p.29 / Chapter 1.5.1 --- Usages of cation exchange resin --- p.29 / Chapter 1.5.2 --- Characteristics of cation exchange resin --- p.30 / Chapter 1.5.3 --- Disadvantages of using cation exchange resin --- p.30 / Chapter 1.6 --- Magnetite --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Reasons of using magnetite --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Characteristics of magnetite --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Immobilization by magnetite --- p.32 / Chapter 1.6.4 --- Advantages of using magnetite --- p.33 / Chapter 1.7 --- The biosorption experiment --- p.33 / Chapter 1.7.1 --- The batch biosorption experiment --- p.33 / Chapter 1.7.2 --- The adsorption isotherms --- p.34 / Chapter 1.7.2.1 --- The Langmuir adsorption isotherm --- p.34 / Chapter 1.7.2.2 --- The Freundlich adsorption isotherm --- p.36 / Chapter 2. --- Objectives --- p.38 / Chapter 3. --- Materials and methods --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1 --- Adsorbents --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Chitin A --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Pretreatment of chitin A --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Magnetite --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Activated carbon --- p.41 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Cation exchange resin --- p.41 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Pretreatment of cation exchange resin --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2 --- Chemicals --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Metal ion solution --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Buffer solution --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Standard solution --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3 --- Immobilization of chitin A by magnetite --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Effect of chitin A to magnetite ratio --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Effect of amount of chitin A and magnetite in a fixed ratio --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Effect of pH --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Effect of immobilization time --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Effect of temperature --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Effect of agitation rate --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- Effect of salinity --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.8 --- Mass production of magnetite-immobilized chitin A --- p.47 / Chapter 3.4 --- Batch adsorption experiment --- p.47 / Chapter 3.5 --- "Optimization of physicochemical condition on Cu2+，Ni2+ and Zn2+ adsorption by MCA, AC and CER" --- p.48 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Effect of equilibrium pH --- p.48 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Effect of amount of adsorbent --- p.49 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Effect of retention time --- p.49 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Effect of agitation rate --- p.49 / Chapter 3.5.5 --- Effect of temperature --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5.6 --- Effect of initial metal ion concentration --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5.7 --- Adsorption isotherms --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5.8 --- Dimensionless separation factor --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5.9 --- Kinetic parameters of adsorption --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5.10 --- Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption --- p.53 / Chapter 3.6 --- "Recovery of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ from metal ion-laden MCA" --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Performances of various solutions on metal ion recovery --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Multiple adsorption and desorption cycles of metal ions --- p.55 / Chapter 3.7 --- Statistical analysis of data --- p.55 / Chapter 4. --- Results --- p.56 / Chapter 4.1 --- Immobilization of chitin A by magnetite --- p.56 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Effect of chitin A to magnetite ratio --- p.56 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Effect of amount of chitin A and magnetite in a fixed ratio --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Effect of pH --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1.4 --- Effect of immobilization time --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1.5 --- Effect of temperature --- p.59 / Chapter 4.1.6 --- Effect of agitation rate --- p.64 / Chapter 4.1.7 --- Effect of salinity --- p.64 / Chapter 4.1.8 --- Mass production of magnetite-immobilized chitin A --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2 --- Batch adsorption experiment --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Screening of adsorbents --- p.67 / Chapter 4.3 --- "Optimization of physicochemical condition on Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ adsorption by MCA, AC and CER" --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Effect of equilibrium pH --- p.70 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Effect of amount of adsorbent --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Effect of retention time --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Effect of agitation rate --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Effect of temperature --- p.82 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Effect of initial metal ion concentration --- p.86 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Summary of optimized conditions for three metal ions --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.8 --- Cost analysis of metal ion removal by three adsorbents --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.9 --- Performance of reference adsorbents (AC and CER) --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.10 --- Adsorption isotherms --- p.99 / Chapter 4.3.11 --- Dimensionless separation factor --- p.103 / Chapter 4.3.12 --- Kinetic parameters of adsorption --- p.106 / Chapter 4.3.13 --- Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption --- p.113 / Chapter 4.4 --- "Recovery of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ from metal ion-laden MCA" --- p.113 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Performances of various solutions on metal ion recovery --- p.113 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Multiple adsorption and desorption cycles of metal ions --- p.117 / Chapter 5. --- Discussions --- p.121 / Chapter 5.1 --- Immobilization of chitin A by magnetite --- p.121 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Effect of chitin A to magnetite ratio --- p.121 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Effect of amount of chitin A and magnetite in a fixed ratio --- p.121 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Effect of pH --- p.122 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Effect of immobilization time --- p.122 / Chapter 5.1.5 --- Effect of temperature --- p.122 / Chapter 5.1.6 --- Effect of agitation rate --- p.123 / Chapter 5.1.7 --- Effect of salinity --- p.123 / Chapter 5.2 --- Batch adsorption experiment --- p.123 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Screening of adsorbents --- p.123 / Chapter 5.3 --- "Optimization of physicochemical condition on Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ adsorption by MCA, AC and CER" --- p.124 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Effect of equilibrium pH --- p.125 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Effect of amount of adsorbent --- p.126 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Effect of retention time --- p.127 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Effect of agitation rate --- p.128 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Effect of temperature --- p.128 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Effect of initial metal ion concentration --- p.129 / Chapter 5.3.7 --- Summary of optimized conditions for three metal ions --- p.130 / Chapter 5.3.8 --- Cost analysis of metal ion removal by three adsorbents --- p.132 / Chapter 5.3.9 --- Performance of reference adsorbents (AC and CER) --- p.133 / Chapter 5.3.10 --- Adsorption isotherms --- p.133 / Chapter 5.3.11 --- Dimensionless separation factor --- p.135 / Chapter 5.3.12 --- Kinetic parameters of adsorption --- p.136 / Chapter 5.3.13 --- Thermodynamic parameters of adsorption --- p.139 / Chapter 5.4 --- "Recovery of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ from metal ion-laden MCA" --- p.140 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Performances of various solutions on metal ion recovery --- p.140 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Multiple adsorption and desorption cycles of metal ions --- p.141 / Chapter 6. --- Conclusions --- p.143 / Chapter 7. --- References --- p.145

Várias regiões do planeta sofrem com escassez natural de água potável, o aumento da população e a contaminação ambiental desse recurso têm agravado esse quadro. Nesse contexto, práticas de reuso de água na agricultura vêm sendo difundidas em diversos países. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a qualidade parasitológica e toxicológica entre hortaliças cultivadas com água de reuso e hortaliças comercializadas em feiras livres do município de Ribeirão Preto - SP. Para tanto, foram coletadas 20 amostras de alface (Lactuca sativa) e 20 de rúcula (Eruca sativa) nas feiras livres do município e na horta experimental construída na Estação de Tratamento de Esgotos de Ribeirão Preto, onde as hortaliças foram irrigadas com efluente tratado e clorado a 0,1 mgL-1. No total foram coletadas 80 amostras. Para análise parasitológica foram utilizadas a Técnica de Sedimentação Espontânea e a Técnica de Separação Imunomagnética com utilização de Microscopia de Imunofluorescência e Contraste de Fase (método 1623 USEPA), para análise de Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp. A leitura das concentrações de metais foi realizada por Espectrometria de Massa com Plasma Indutivamente Acoplado (ICP-MS). Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que tanto as verduras coletadas nas feiras livres quanto as produzidas na horta experimental apresentaram positividade para contaminação parasitológica, especialmente helmintos. Especificamente para Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia spp., o método 1623 mostrou que houve contaminação por Giardia spp. apenas nas hortaliças procedentes da horta experimental, com densidades que variaram de 6 a 15 cistos/50g. e por Cryptosporidium spp., com densidade de 3 oocistos/50g. As análises de metais mostraram que houve diferença significante dos metais Cd, Pb, Mn e Fe, em alface e rúcula, sendo as concentrações maiores nas amostras procedentes da horta experimental. O Pb apresentou concentrações máximas próximas ou superiores ao Limite Máximo de Tolerância, segundo o Decreto 55871/1965, nos dois grupos de hortaliças analisados. Concluiu-se que a cloração do efluente tratado a uma concentração de 0,1 mgL-1 não elimina os agentes patogênicos persistentes ao tratamento convencional. Para viabilizar a utilização de águas residuárias tratadas na cultura de hortaliças é necessário buscar uma forma de tratamento complementar que elimine microrganismos patogênicos presentes no efluente. Evidenciou-se também, a necessidade de monitoramento constante das concentrações de metais no efluente e na hortaliça produzida considerando as variações temporais que caracterizam o esgoto urbano, pois esses elementos podem ser transferidos para a cadeia alimentar. Torna-se evidente a necessidade de continuar buscando usos alternativos ao reuso da água, visando contornar os problemas já existentes de escassez de água garantindo a preservação de fontes de água no futuro. / Several regions of the planet suffer from a shortage of natural drinking water. However, population growth and environmental pollution have aggravated this situation. In that context, a practice to use wastewater in the agriculture has been extend in several countries. The aim of this study was to compare the parasitological and toxicological quality of vegetables grown with recycled water and vegetables sold in street markets in the city of Ribeirão Preto - SP. To this end, we collected 20 samples of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and 20 of rocket salad (Eruca sativa) in a streets markets and experimental garden built in the Sewage Treatment Station of Ribeirão Preto, where the vegetables were irrigated with treated and chlorinated effluent to 0,1 mgL-1. In total, were collected 80 samples. For parasitological analysis we used the Spontaneous Sedimentations Technique and the Technique of Immunomagnetic Separation with use of Immunofluorescence Microscopy and Phase Contrast (USEPA, Method 1623) for analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. Metals concentration was detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma with Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed that vegetables collected in free markets and those produced in the experimental garden were positive for parasitological contamination, especially helminths. Specifically for Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., the Method 1623 showed that there was contamination by Giardia spp. only in the experimental garden vegetables, with densities ranging from 6 to 15 cists/50g. and Cryptosporidium spp. with a density of 3 oocists/50g. Analyses of metals showed a significant difference of the metals Cd, Pb, Mn and Fe in lettuce and rocket salad, with higher concentrations in samples from experimental garden. The results showed Pb concentration near or above the Maximum Tolerance Limit, according to Federal Decree 55871/1965, in both vegetable groups analyzed. We concluded that the chlorination to 0,1 mgL-1 of the treated effluent do not eliminated the persistent pathogens of conventional treatment. To enable the use of treated wastewater in the culture of vegetables is necessary to search a form of complementary treatment to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms present in the effluent. It also showed the need for constant monitoring of metal concentrations in the effluent and vegetables produced considering temporal variations that characterize the urban sewage, since these elements can be transferred to the food chain. This study highlights the need to continue seeking for alternative uses for recycled water, in order to correct existing problems of water scarcity and ensuring the preservations of water sources in the future.

Orientador: Wanderley José de Melo / Banca: Mara Cristina Pessoa da Cruz / Banca: Leyser Rodrigues Oliveira / Resumo: Atualmente, diversas atividades antrópicas têm aumentado a carga de elementos tóxicos no ambiente, especialmente no solo. Dentre esses elementos, estão os metais pesados, tendo sido o bário (Ba) recentemente incluído na lista dos elementos que apresentam risco à saúde humana, o que o leva a ser foco de diversas pesquisas, já que as informações sobre seus efeitos tóxicos no solo e nas plantas ainda são muito limitadas. Assim, objetiva-se com o presente trabalho avaliar os efeitos de sais de Ba (BaSO4 e BaCl2), na atividade enzimática e biológica. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação e foi dividido em duas etapas. Na primeira etapa foram testadas doses de 2 fontes de Ba (BaSO4 e BaCl2) em delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados com 7 tratamentos [2 fontes de Ba em 3 doses (150, 300 e 600 mg kg-1), mais 1 testemunha] e 4 repetições. A segunda etapa teve início com o término da primeira, nesta etapa foi avaliada a liberação de Ba para o solo devido a biodegradação das plantas, e para isso foram testados 6 tratamentos, sendo 2 tipos de solos (solo que não recebeu Ba e solo que recebeu 300 mg kg-1 de Ba na forma de BaCl2) e 3 tipos de adição de material e 4 repetições em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. Na primeira etapa foram coletadas amostras de solo aos 56 dias. Na segunda etapa, amostragens de solo foram realizadas aos 15, 30 e 90 dias após sua instalação, as quais foram submetidas ás análises de atividade biológica e enzimática. O efeito da adição do bário mostrou que, em resposta ao estresse, os microrganismos do solo podem aumentar a atividade metabólica, o que ocasionou aumento na atividade de algumas enzimas, sem o correspondente aumento na biomassa. As enzimas que assim se comportam também podem ser boas indicadoras da presença do fator causador do estresse / Abstract: Currently, various anthropogenic activities have increased the burden of toxic elements in the environment, especially in soil. Among these elements are heavy metals, having barium (Ba) recently included in the list of elements that pose a risk to human health, which leads him to be the focus of many studies, since the information about their toxic effects on soil and plants are still quite limited. Thus, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of salts of Ba (and BaCl2 BaSO4), the enzymatic and biological activity. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and was divided into two stages. In the first stage were tested doses of 2 sources of Ba (BaSO4 and BaCl2) in randomized complete block design with seven treatments [2 Ba sources in 3 doses (150, 300 and 600 mg kg-1) plus one witness] and 4 replicates. The second stage began with the end of the first, at this stage we evaluated the release of Ba to the ground due to biodegradation of plants, and 6 treatments that were tested, with two types of soils (soil that received no Ba and soil received 300 mg kg-1 Ba as BaCl2) and 3 types of material addition and 4 replications in a completely randomized design. In the first stage soil samples were collected after 56 days. In the second stage, soil samples were taken 15, 30 and 90 days after installation, which were submitted to analyses of biological and enzymatic activity. The effect of adding the barium showed that in response to stress, organisms of the soil may increase metabolic activity, which caused an increase in the activity of some enzymes without a corresponding increase in the biomass. The enzymes that behave well can also be good indicators of the presence of the causative factor of stress / Mestre

Submitted by Rosina Valeria Lanzellotti Mattiussi Teixeira (rosina.teixeira@unisantos.br) on 2015-04-06T13:58:03Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Jacqueline Barauna.pdf: 1067134 bytes, checksum: cdefd02bc846a4c5ece8b033aa28624a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-04-06T14:02:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jacqueline Barauna.pdf: 1067134 bytes, checksum: cdefd02bc846a4c5ece8b033aa28624a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-18 / Foods have the purpose of providing energy to the human body and the material for the formation and maintenance of tissues , while governing the functioning of the organs. The regions Cubatao( pylons and center ), Saint Vincent and Guaruja houses an industrial center with numerous basic industries. Through improper disposal, eventually releasing chemical origin of environmental contaminants in air , water and soil , that only in the 1980s , were detected and identified as : heavy metals , organochlorines , dioxins and furans. These contaminants can cause harmful effects and adverse acute (short-term), chronic ( ong term) and late ( through generations) to human health . The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of terrestrial and aquatic food from contaminated areas of the 4 regions: Drumsticks (Cubatao), Centro (Cubatao) , São Vicente , Guarujá and Bertioga (control region) , and its association with the prevalence of morbidity above. This cross-sectional study in 820 households per study area , considering the number of households per census tract . The test of proportions for qualitative variables and descriptive analysis of the sociodemographic variables was applied. There was a statistically significant difference in the consumption of food from contaminated and morbidities mainly in foods of aquatic origin, which undergo bioaccumulation and biomagnification through the food chain areas. / Os alimentos possuem a finalidade de fornecer ao corpo humano a energia e o material destinados à formação e manutenção dos tecidos, ao mesmo tempo em que regulam o funcionamento dos órgãos.As regiões de Cubatão (Pilões e Centro), São Vicente e Guarujá abriga um polo industrial com inúmeras indústrias de base. Através de descarte inadequado, acabaram por lançar contaminantes ambientais de origem química no ar, água e solo, que somente na década de 1980, foram detectados e identificados como: metais pesados, organoclorados, dioxinas e furanos. Estes contaminantes podem causar efeitos danosos e adversos agudos (curta duração), crônicos (longa duração) e tardios (atravessa gerações)á saúde humana. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o consumo de alimentos terrestres e aquáticos provenientes de áreas contaminadas das 4regiões: Pilões (Cubatão), Centro (Cubatão), São Vicente, Guarujá e Bertioga (região controle), e sua associação com a prevalência de morbidade referida. Trata-se de estudo transversal feito em 820 domicílios por área estudada, considerando o número de domicílios existentes por setor censitário. Foi aplicado o teste de proporções para as variáveis qualitativas e análise descritiva das variáveis sóciodemográficas. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa para o consumo de alimentos provenientes de áreas contaminadas e morbidades referidas principalmente em alimentos de origem aquática, os quais sofrem bioacumulação e biomagnificação através da cadeia alimentar. Palavras-Chave: alimentos contaminados, morbidade referida

O continente Antártico é considerado um ambiente pouco impactado, porém com o aumento das atividades humanas e do número de estações de pesquisa, há uma tendência de aumento dos níveis de alguns contaminantes. Neste estudo estabeleceram-se os níveis de arsênio, cádmio, chumbo, cobre, cromo, mercúrio, níquel, zinco, e a razão isotópica de nitrogênio, em sedimentos e na biota, coletados em 2003, na Baía do Almirantado, Ilha Rei George, Antártica. Os metais pesados foram quantificados por Espectrometria de Emissão Ótica com Plasma Indutivamente Acoplado (ICP-OES). Os resultados demonstraram elevadas concentrações de cobre e zinco nos sedimentos, atribuídas à composição geológica da região. Verificou-se bioacumulação de arsênio na biota da Baía do Almirantado, e bioacumulação de cádmio e zinco na biota da Enseada Martel. Somente cobre apresentou tendência de biomagnificação na teia trófica estudada. O molusco Laternula elliptica se apresentou como um bom biomonitor das concentrações de metais pesados para o ambiente Antártico. Além disso, os resultados foram úteis para o conhecimento dos níveis de metais pesados nas condições pré-acidente da Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz (EACF), que ocorreu em 2012, e para comparação com as atuais condições, dentro dos trabalhos de monitoramento que estão sendo realizados pelo INCT-APA (Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Antártico de Pesquisas Ambientais). / The Antarctic continent is considered a slightly affected environment, but as the human activities and the number of research stations are increasing, there is a tendency of a higher level of some contaminants. This study established the levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, copper, chromium, mercury, nickel, zinc, and nitrogen isotope ratios in sediments and biota collected in 2003, in Almirantado Bay, Rei George Island, Antarctica. Heavy metals were quantified by Optical Emission Spectrometry with Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES). The results showed high concentrations of copper and zinc in sediments attributed to the geological composition of the region. There was arsenic bioaccumulation in biota of Almirantado Bay, and bioaccumulation of cadmium and zinc in the biota of Martel Bay. Only copper tended to biomagnification in the trophic web studied. The clam Laternula elliptica presented itself as a good biomonitor of heavy concentrations of metals for Antarctic environment. Moreover, the results were useful for the acknowledge of the levels of heavy metals in pre-accident conditions of Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (EACF), which occurred in 2012, and for comparison with current conditions within the monitoring work now performed by INCT-APA (National Antartic Institute of Science and Technology Environmental Research).

Os fungos endofíticos são microrganismos que vivem no interior de tecidos ou órgãos dos vegetais, sem causar danos aos seus hospedeiros. Dentre as inúmeras características desses microrganismos está o seu potencial biorremediador Este trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação do potencial biorremediador do endófito Mucor sp. isolado de Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) (Pontederiaceae), verificando a tolerância e capacidade de absorção do metal pesado cádmio (Cd), os efeitos desse metal na morfologia celular e no sistema de defesa antioxidante do fungo, e também o comportamento da planta modelo Solanum lycopersicum cultivar Calabash Rouge, inoculada com o endófito na presença do metal cádmio. Os resultados apresentados indicaram que um fungo endofítico do gênero Mucor, isolado da macrófita aquática E. crassipes, oriunda de uma lagoa contaminada com metais pesados, apresentou resistência a altas concentrações do metal cádmio. Este fungo apresentou uma modificação na sua morfologia em altas concentrações do metal, além de possuir a capacidade de reter este metal, tanto no interior do seu citoplasma, quanto em sua parede celular, o que pode estar ligada a mecanismos de desintoxicação e sequestro de metais relacionados à formação de complexos Cd-GSH. O mesmo fungo também apresentou um aumento na relação GSH/GSSG nos tratamentos com o metal. Os resultados ainda demonstraram que o estresse causado pelo metal induziu a ativação de enzimas antioxidantes SOD, CAT e GR no isolado endofitico. Além disso, este endófito, quando inoculado em plantas de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum), aumentou a capacidade de absorção do metal na parte aérea desta planta, além de promover crescimento da mesma, nos tratamentos sem o metal, Desta forma o isolado endofítico (CM3) Mucor sp. mostrou um potencial biorremediador, podendo ser utilizado como ferramenta para diminuir os danos causados a saúde humana e ao meio ambiente pelos metais pesados, principalmente o metal cadmio, e também na promoção de crescimento de plantas / Endophytic fungi live in the interior of plant tissues or organs, without causing harm to their hosts. Among several interesting characteristics of these microorganisms, some of them present a good potential for bioremediation. This study aimed at assessing the bioremediation potential of endophytic fungus Mucor sp. isolated from a Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) (Pontederiaceae), analyzing chemical absorption ability and fungal tolerance to the heavy metal cadmium (Cd), besides testing the effects of cadmium on the cell morphology, the antioxidant defense system of the fungus, and the behavior of model plant (Solanum lycopersicum) variety Calabash Rouge inoculated with a spore suspension of Mucor sp. in the presence of cadmium. The results indicated that the endophytic fungus isolated from a Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) plant located in a lagoon contaminated with heavy metals showed resistance to high concentrations of cadmium. The isolated fungus was identified as Mucor sp. The morphology studies demonstrated the occurrence of modifications on the fungus when in high concentrations of the metal. Furthermore, it was possible to verify that the fungus has a capacity to retain metal, both in the cytoplasm and cell wall. This aspect can be linked to detoxification and sequestration mechanisms of metals related to formation of Cd-GSH complexes, since this fungus also presented increase of GSH/GSSG ratio in the treatments with metal. The results also demonstrated that the stress caused by cadmium induces the activation of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GR in Mucor sp.. Moreover, the inoculation of this fungus in tomato plants increased the biosorption capacity of the cadmium in aerial parts of the plant, besides promoting its growth in the treatments without the metal. Thus the endophytic isolate (CM3) Mucor sp. presented a promising potential as a bioremediator, which can be used as a tool for reducing the damage caused by heavy metals, especially cadmium, to human health and environment

Durante o estudo de um sistema de tratamento de efluentes de uma indústria química, contendo em suas águas residuárias vários metais pesados foi observada a ineficiência no processo de nitrificação do efluente tratado. Diante dessa constatação, desenvolveu-se este trabalho visando estudar as interferências dos metais pesados, Pb2+, Zn2+ e Cu2+ no desempenho do processo de nitrificação em um sistema similar de tratamento. Para observação dos efeitos dos metais Zn2+, Pb2+ e Cu2+ isoladamente, foram montados 3 reatores e simuladas as concentrações afluentes do tanque de aeração da indústria. Outros três reatores alimentados com soluções contendo Zn+Cu, Zn+Pb e Pb+Cu utilizados para observação de possíveis efeitos de sinergismo e antagonismo. Um outro reator foi alimentado com a solução dos três metais (Zn2+, Cu2+ e Pb2+). Todos os reatores, recebendo adição de metal ou não, apresentaram concentrações muito elevadas de nitrito. Na realização do ensaio de NMP ficou evidente a inibição dos organismos oxidantes de nitrito, que pode ter ocorrido pela alta concentração do próprio nitrito, ácido nitroso ou amônia livre. Efeitos dos metais Zn2+ e Cu2+ não foram evidentes, o Pb2+ foi o único metal que apresentou efeito de inibição no processo de nitrificação. Os reatores que receberam combinação de íons metálicos não evidenciaram efeitos de sinergismo nem antagonismo, sendo que o reator que recebeu adição dos três íons apresentou menor eficiência. / During the study of the chemical industry effluent treatment system containing, several heavy metals, was observed an inefficiency in the nitrification process in final effluent. Therefore, this work was deve!oped to find out ofthe study of the interference of the heavy metals, Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+ on the performance of nitrification process in a similar system of treatment. For observation of the effects of metals Zn2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ separately, were established three reactors and simulate the influent concentration in the aeration tank of the industry. Other three reactors were fed with solution containing Zn+Cu, Zn+Pb and Pb+Cu for observation of possible synergism or antagonism effects. The other reactor was fed with a solution of the three metals (Zn2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+). All the reactors, receiving the addition of metaIs or not, presented very high concentrations of nitrite. In the realization of the test of NMP, the inhibition of the nitrite oxidizers organisms was evident, that might have happened due to high concentration of nitrous acid, free ammonia and nitrite. The effects of the metals Zn2+ and Cu2+ were not evident; but the Pb2+ was the only metal that presented inhibition effect in the nitrification process. The reactors that received the metallic ion combination didn\'t evidence neither synergism nor antagonism effects, however the reactor that received the addition of the three ions presented smaller efficiency.