The presence of heavy metal ions in waste streams is one of the most pervasive environmental issues of present times. A rotating biological contactor (RBC) was used to investigate the potential capacity of microbial biofilms in remediation of the metal ion species from a mixed metal contaminated effluent solution containing Cr+3 , Pb+2 and Cu+2 , each at a concentration of 200 mg r1 • In the first part of this study the effectiveness of various support materials for the development of microbial biofilms capable of removing heavy metals from a synthetic effluent was investigated. EDX analysis showed that none of the support matrices investigated, viz. gravel, polyester batting and sand, adsorbed metal ions on their surfaces; hence, metal adsorption was due purely to microbial activities. The biofilms attached more firmly and uniformly to polyester batting than to gravel and sand. The characteristics of polyester batting which made it a superior support matrix were its surface roughness and porous hydrophilic nature, which provided a larger surface area for the adhesion of microorganisms and attraction of nutrients during the biofilm development process. The selective accumulation of metal ion specIes by various microbial populations grown as biofilm using polyester batting as support matrix in separate compartments of a single-stage RBC bioreactor was examined. Lead ions were readily accumulated by almost all the microbial biofilms tested. Fungus-dominated biofilms selectively accumulated chromium ions whereas biofilms comprising mainly bacteria more readily accumulated copper ions from the mixed metal contaminated effluent solution. However, where interactions between the bacterial and fungal components were encouraged the mechanical stability of the biofilms was enhanced so that large amounts of all three metal ion species were removed by this biofilm. The combined effect of a series of bench-scale columns containing liquid humic acid and a three stage RBC bioreactor on the removal of metal ion species from a mixed metal contaminated effluent was investigated. After seven days of treatment the combined system had removed approximately 99% of the Cr+3, 98% of the Pb+2 and 90% of the Cu+2 ions from the mixed metal contaminated synthetic effluent. Complexation of the metal ions with humic acid was the predominant factor accounting for approximately 68-86% Cr+3 , 70-86% Pb+2 and 53-73% Cu+2 removal levels within the columns. A large proportion of the remaining Cr+3 and Pb+2, but not of the Cu+2, was removed in compartment 1 of the RBC. This suggested that the presence of the former two metals in solution might have reduced the removal of the Cu+2 ions from the system. The removal of substantially large amounts of the competing ions chromium and lead during the initial stages of the treatment process meant that copper was successfully taken up in the second and third RBC compartments. Hence, the economy of the treatment process was improved as larger quantities of the metal ions were removed in a shorter period of time than was possible when using the individual treatments (humic acid-metal complexation and biofilm adsorption) separately. More than 75%,92% and 86% of the adsorbed Cr+3 , Pb+2 and Cu+2 ions, respectively, were recovered from the three RBC bioreactor compartments following repeated washing of the biofilms with 0.1 M HCI. This relatively easy desorption suggested that the metal ions were simply adsorbed onto the surfaces of the biofilm cells rather than being taken into the cytoplasm of the cells. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

La séparation de nanoparticules (NPs) contenues dans des milieux aqueux est un sérieux challenge pour le traitement des eaux à cause de la grande stabilité et de la nature colloïdale de ces particules. Ce travail concerne le développement de procédés efficaces de flottation pour la séparation de nanoparticules. La première partie du travail est conduite pour obtenir une connaissance plus étroite de la nature et du comportement colloïdal des nanoparticules en suspension. Des tests de modifications de leur surface et des expériences d’adsorption-agrégation sont ensuite menés pour comprendre les mécanismes d’interactions entre les NPs et des réactifs d’aide à la flottation. Deux type des techniques de flottation (la flottation à air dissout (DAF) et la flottation par des aphrons colloïdaux (CGAs)) sont utilisés : le premier type a ici pour objectif de séparer les nanoparticules par des bulles d’air avec l’aide d’acides humiques (HA), alors que le second utilise des microbulles dont la surface est fonctionnalisée par des tensioactifs (CGAs), dans l’objectif d’accroître l’efficacité de séparation. Les résultats montrent que, par mélange avec une solution basique de HA (pH 12.9), la charge de surface de nanoparticules de TiO2 (TNPs) est d’abord neutralisée par des ions OH- et ensuite écrantée par les polyanions de HA. Quand le pH des suspensions TNPs-HA est en dessous de 3 par ajout de solution mère de HA de pH 4.9-9.0, l’attraction électrostatique entre les TNPs et les anions est insuffisante, mais on observe quand même l’agrégation entre TNPs et la part colloïdale de l’HA. Par des essais de DAF en continu, le pH optimal de la solution mère de HA (pH≦ 9) et la concentration optimale en HA (11.1 mg/L COD) permettent d’éliminer plus de 95% des nanoparticules. La concentration résiduelle de HA reste à un très bas niveau même quand l’acide humique est surdosé. Quand le pH des suspensions TNPs-HA est très acide, la plupart des molécules d’acides humiques ne sont pas solubles et ne sont pas chargées. Elles peuvent s’agréger entre-elles et former un précipité colloïdal hydrophobe pour minimiser leur contact avec le milieu aqueux. En ce qui concerne les CGAs, leur caractérisation montre que la vitesse d’agitation est un paramètre crucial pour créer des aphrons de l’ordre de la dizaine de micromètres. Les CGAs peuvent être chargés négativement ou positivement en utilisant des tensioactifs adaptés. Différentes nanoparticules de SiO2 (SNPs) peuvent être efficacement (près de 100%) séparées de suspensions aqueuses par le procédé continu de flottation par CGAs. La comparaison entre flottation par CGAs et DAF montre l’avantage du premier procédé plus efficace avec une moindre quantité de surfactant / The removal of nanoparticles (NPs) from waters is a serious challenge in the water treatment field owing to the high stability and colloidal nature of particles. This study is devoted to develop effective flotation processes for NP separation. The investigation is firstly conducted to get a good knowledge of features and colloidal behaviors of NPs in suspension. Surface modification tests and adsorption-aggregation experiments are then carried out to understand the interaction mechanisms between NPs and flotation assisting reagents. Two types of flotation (dissolved air flotation (DAF) and colloidal gas aphrons (CGAs) involved flotation) were specially focused on: the former aims at using air bubbles to remove NP aggregates with the assistance of humic acid (HA), while the later employs the surface functionalized microbubbles, CGAs, to enhance the interaction of NP-bubble for the sake of high treating efficiency. Results show that, on mixing with the highly basic HA solution (pH12.9), the surface charge of TNPs is primarily neutralized by and then screened by polyanions of HA. When the pH of TNP-HA suspension is lower than 3 by adding HA stock solutions at pH4.0~9.0, the electrostatic attraction between TNPs and anions becomes insufficient but the aggregation of TNPs-colloidal HA occurs. In continuous DAF trials, the appropriate pH of HA stock solution (pH ≦ 9) and optimum HA concentration (11.1 mg/L DOC) for high TNP removals (> 95 %) are determined. The residual HA concentration remained in a low level even when HA is overdosed. When the pH of the TNP-HA suspension is highly acidic, most HA molecules are not really soluble and uncharged, and they may aggregate themselves and form hydrophobic colloidal precipitates to minimize the contact with the aqueous environment. As for the study of CGAs, the characterization results denote that introducing air flow during the CGA generation process can slow down the liquid drainage speed and may facilitate the particle separation performance; the stirring speed is a crucial parameter to create micron scale bubbles, and CGAs can be positively or negatively surface charged by using different surfactants. Different SiO2 NP (SNPs) can be efficiently separated from aqueous suspensions by the continuous CGA generation-flotation process with the highest SNP removal close to 100 %. The comparison tests between CGA-flotation and DAF denote that the former take the greater advantage because of its better treating effect and less surfactant demand

Na atualidade estudos direcionados para a avaliação do risco químico e do impacto ambiental produzidos por compostos químicos de uso intensivo, como agrotóxicos, petroquímicos e fármacos, vêm ganhando importância por elucidarem as implicações ao meio ambiente e à saúde pública decorrentes deste uso pela sociedade moderna de forma a estabelecer parâmetros restritivos para suas aplicações, evitando-se danos posteriores. Este Estudo compreendeu as observações de sorção e de interação do antibiótico de uso animal e agrícola oxitetraciclina (OTC) com solos brasileiros e ácidos húmicos (AH) extraídos de solos, tendo-se como objetivos gerais comprovar a sorção aos solos e aos AH e verificar a influência da matéria orgânica (MO) e do pH sobre a sorção, definindo quais os mecanismos moleculares de interação envolvidos, cabendo destacar que as tetraciclinas são uma das principais classes de antibióticos utilizadas na pecuária brasileira, tanto para tratamento de enfermidades quanto como Antibióticos Promotores de Crescimento (APC), além de serem freqüentemente aplicados na agricultura para controle de fungos e bactérias. Utilizou-se a Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) para a coleta de dados quantitativos que permitiram a construção de isotermas de sorção solo-OTC em pH 4,8 e AH-OTC em três valores de pH (3,1, 4,8 e 8,3) para a comprovação da sorção e da influência do conteúdo de MO no primeiro caso, e na sorção aos AH, para o segundo caso. Os solos foram caracterizados conforme procedimento padrão da EMBRAPA, enquanto que os AH foram caracterizados segundo procedimentos recomendados pela literatura por meio das técnicas instrumentais de Análise Elementar, Absorção na Região do Infravermelho Médio, Ressonância Magnética Nuclear e Ressonância Paramagnética Eletrônica. Foram utilizadas as técnicas espectroscópicas de Absorção na Região do Infravermelho (Próximo e Médio) e Absorção e Fluorescência na Região do UV-Visível, para a avaliação dos possíveis mecanismos de interação envolvidos, como ligação de hidrogênio, interação hidrofóbica e transferência de elétrons. A isoterma de Freundlich apresentou-se como um modelo matemático adequado para a verificação da sorção solos-OTC e AH-OTC, a partir da aplicação de um método cromatográfico adequado, comprovando a sorção para os dois casos, bem como o efeito do conteúdo de MO dos solos e do pH do meio sobre a capacidade e a intensidade da sorção, a qual foi quantificada como de capacidade de sorção inferior em comparação a dados obtidos em clima temperado e de alta capacidade de sorção quando comparada à legislação ambiental brasileira. Foi observado que a OTC interagiu com os AH em uma larga faixa de valores de pH, indo de 3,1 a 8,3. Contudo, o meio no qual foi possível observar de uma forma mais acentuada a interação entre AH e OTC foi o meio básico (pH 8,2), sendo notado a existência de mecanismos de interação associados e dependentes do pH do meio, como: ligação de hidrogênio, interação hidrofóbica e transferência de prótons. / At present further studies on the risk assessment of chemical and environmental impact produced by chemical-intensive, such as pesticides, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, have gained importance for elucidating the implications for the environment and public health arising from this use by modern society to establish restrictive parameters for their applications, avoiding further damage. This Study comprised observations of sorption and interaction of antibiotic for animal and agriculture use oxytetracycline (OTC) with brazilian soils and humic acids (HA) extracted from soil, having as objectives to prove the general sorption to soils and the AH and the influence of organic matter (OM) and pH on the sorption, which define the molecular mechanisms of interaction involved, highlighting that tetracyclines are a major classes of antibiotics used in the brazilian cattle industry, both for treatment of diseases such as antibiotic growth promoters (AGP), and frequently also applied in agriculture to control fungi and bacteria. The High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to collect quantitative data that allowed the construction of sorption isotherms soils-OTC in pH 4.8 and AH-OTC in three pH values (3.1, 4, 8 and 8.3) for proof of sorption and the influence of OM content in the first case, and sorption to AH, for the second case. The soils were characterized as standard procedure of EMBRAPA, while AH were characterized according to procedures recommended by the literature by means of instrumental techniques for Elemental Analysis, Absorption in the Region of the Middle Infrared, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance. The Spectroscopic Absorption in the Infrared Region (Middle) and Fluorescence and Absorption in the Region and the UV-Visible were used for the evaluation of interaction mechanisms involved, such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions and electron transfer. The Freundlich isotherm was presented as a mathematical model suitable for the verification of soils-OTC sorption and AH-OTC sorption from the application of a chromatographic method that is suitable, proving the sorption for the two cases as well as the effect of OM content of soils and the pH on the capacity and sorption intensity, which was quantified as the lower sorption capacity in comparison with data from temperate and high sorption capacity when compared to Brazilian environmental legislation. It was observed that the OTC interacted with the HA in a wide range of pH values, ranging from 3.1 to 8.3. However, the way in which it was possible to observe a more pronounced interaction between HA and OTC was the basic medium (pH 8.2), and noted the existence of mechanisms of interaction associated and dependent on pH, such as: link hydrogen, hydrophobic interaction and proton transfer.

Estudou-se o emprego da Cromatografia a Líquido por Injeção Seqüencial (SIC) explorando o uso de uma cela de longo caminho óptico com guia de onda (LCW) de 100 cm para a melhora dos limites de detecção (LOD) e quantificação (LOQ) na determinação de atrazina (ATR), propazina (PRO) e simazina (SIM). Para isto, utilizou-se uma fase móvel com composição de 44:56 (v v-1) metanol : tampão acetato de amônio 1,25 mM, pH 4,7, coluna monolítica e a detecção espectrofotométrica em 238 nm. Obtiveram-se valores de LOD e LOQ, respectivamente, de 1,76 e 5,86 µg L-1 para ATR, 4,51 e 15 µg L-1 para PRO e 2,25 e 7,5 µg L-1 para SIM. Com o emprego da cela de longo caminho óptico os valores de LOD ficaram abaixo dos recomendados pela US-EPA, que permite para águas potáveis uma concentração de 3 µg L-1 para ATR, 4 µg L-1 para SIM e 10 µg L-1 para PRO. Realizaram-se estudos de adsorção de SIM, PRO e ATR e seus metabólitos desisopropilatrazina (DIA), desetilatrazina (DEA) e 2-hidroxiatrazina (HAT) em solo, ácido húmico e solo modificado com ácido húmico. Para isso foi utilizado um sistema de monitoramento on-line composto por um filtro tangencial e uma bomba peristáltica para circulação da suspensão. Foram realizados estudos cinéticos em duas etapas e, em ambas, foi utilizado um mix dos compostos com concentração inicial de 1,0 mg L-1 e gradiente de eluição passo a passo para a separação dos compostos utilizando três fases móveis com composições de 15 ou 28, 40 e 50% (v v-1) metanol : tampão acetato de amônio 1,25 mM pH 4,7. Na primeira etapa o tempo de contato entre triazinas e adsorventes foi de 90 min. Na segunda etapa foi utilizado apenas o solo como adsorvente e o tempo de contato foi de 24 h. Para a primeira etapa do estudo só foi possível aplicar modelo cinético de pseudo-segunda ordem, o qual permitiu estimar os valores de massa adsorvida de triazina por massa de adsorvente, sendo que o ácido húmico é o material com maior capacidade adsortiva (1470 ± 43µg g-1 para DIA a 2380 ± 51 µg g-1 para PRO). O composto mais adsorvido em solo é PRO (26,5 ± 0,1 µg g-1). A presença de ácido húmico no solo aumentou a adsorção de ATR (de 19,4 ± 0,7 para 23 ± 2 µg g-1), de HAT (10,9 ± 0,7 para 18 ± 2 µg g-1) e de PRO (26,5 ± 0,7 para 29,8 ±0,2 µg g-1), mas diminuiu a adsorção de SIM e não afetou DIA e DEA. No estudo com tempo de contato de 24 h foi possível aplicar modelos de pseudo-primeira e segunda ordem. Os resultados obtidos confirmaram a maior adsorção de PRO, seguidos da ATR. HAT, SIM, DEA e DIA apresentaram as menores taxas de adsorção em solo, sendo que os dois últimos apresentaram uma tendência de dessorção após 4 h de contato, tendo maior potencial de lixiviação para corpos d\'água próximos aos locais de aplicação. / This work describes the use of Sequential Injection Liquid Chromatography (SIC) coupled to a long path length optical flow cell with 100 cm long Liquid Core Waveguide (LCW) to improve the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for determination of atrazine (ATR), propazine (PRO) and simazine (SIM). Separation was achieved with a mobile phase composition of 44:56 (v v-1) methanol:1.25 mM ammonium acetate buffer, pH 4.7, monolithic column and spectrophotometric detection at 238 nm. The values of LOD and LOQ were, respectively, 1.76 and 5.86 µg L-1 for ATR, 4.51 and 15 µg L-1 for PRO and 2.25 and 7.5 µg L-1 for SIM. The LOD values achieved with the employment of long optical path cell were lower than those recommended by US-EPA, which allows for drinking water, maximum concentration levels of 3 µg L-1 for ATR, 4 µg L-1 for SIM and 10 µg L-1 for PRO. Adsorption of SIM, PRO and ATR, as well as their metabolites desisopropylatrazine (DIA), desethylatrazine (DEA) and 2-hidroxyatrazine (HAT) on soil, humic acid and soil modified with humic acidic was studied. An on-line monitoring system was assembled, composed of a tangential filter and a peristaltic pump for circulation of the suspension. Kinetic studies were carried out in two steps, and in both, it was used a mix of compounds with initial concentration of 1,0 mg L-1 and a stepwise gradient elution for separation of the compounds using three mobile phases with compositions of 15 or 28, 40 and 50% (v v-1) methanol: 1.25 mM ammonium acetate buffer, pH 4.7. In the first step the contact time between triazines and adsorbents was 90 minutes. In a second study made only with soil, the contact time was 24 h. Data obtained in the first stage of the study was only fitted to pseudo-second order kinetic equation, which allowed one to estimate the values of the adsorbed mass of triazine per mass of adsorbent. Humic acid was the material with higher adsorptive capacity (from 1470 ± 43 µg g-1 for DIA to 2380 ± 50 µg g-1 for PRO). In soil, PRO exhibited the highest adsorption (26.5 ± 0.1 µg g-1). The presence of humic acid in the soil increased adsorption of ATR (19.4±0.7 to 23±2 µg g-1), HAT (10.9 ± 0.7 to 18 ± 2 µg g-1) and PRO (26.5 ± 0.7 to 29.8 ± 0.2 µg g-1), but decreased adsorption of SIM, not affecting DIA and DEA. In the study with contact time of 24 h, it was possible apply pseudo-first and pseudo-second order equations for SIM, ATR and PRO. The results confirmed the greatest adsorption of PRO, followed by ATR. HAT, SIM, DEA and DIA had low rates of adsorption on soil, the latter two showed a trend of desorption after 4 h of contact, having the greatest potential for leaching to water bodies near to the places of application.

Estudaram-se as propriedades ácido base e de complexação com íons Cu(II) dos ácidos húmico (AH) e fúlvico (AF) extraídos de vermicomposto. O isolamento e a purificação foram realizados de acordo com o método descrito pela Sociedade Internacional de Substâncias Húmicas (IHSS). Estudaram-se as propriedades ácido-base por titulação potenciométrica em meio de KNO3 0,10 mol L-1 utilizando-se funções de Gran modificadas. Caracterizaram-se cinco classes de grupos ionizáveis, constatando-se predominância de grupos carboxílicos sobre grupos fenólicos e amínicos, especialmente para o AF, cuja acidez total foi maior do que a do AH. Estudaram-se as propriedades complexantes com íons Cu(II) nos pH 4, 5 e 6 por titulação potenciométrica com um eletrodo íon-seletivo para Cu(II), adotando-se os métodos de Scatchard e de regressão não linear com a equação de Langmuir para tratamento de dados. Em pH 5 e 6 caracterizaram-se duas classes de sítios de complexação, enquanto em pH 4, apenas uma classe foi caracterizada. De maneira geral, a estabilidade e a capacidade de complexação aumentaram com o pH, indicando a competição de prótons pelos sítios de complexação. Os resultados indicam maior estabilidade e capacidade para a complexação com AH em relação ao AF. Esta tendência foi verificada por funções diferenciais de equilíbrio diferenciais aplicadas em baixos graus de ocupação de sítios. / Acid base and complexation with Cu(II) ions were studied for humic (AH) and fulvic (AF) acids extracted from vermicompost. The isolation and purification was performed according the procedure described by the International Humic Substances Society (IHSS). The acid base properties were studied by potentiometric titration in 0,10 mol L-1 KNO3 using modified Gran functions. Five classes of ionizable sites were characterized, showing a predominance of carboxylic over phenolic and aminic groups, especially for AF, which has total acidity larger than the one determined for AH. Complexing properties with Cu(II) ions were studied by potentiometric titration at pH 4, 5 and 6 using Cu(II) ion-selective electrode. Data treatment was performed using the Scatchard method, as well as non-linear regression with the Langmuir equation. At pH 5 and 6, two classes of binding sites were characterized, but at pH 4 only a single complexing site was characterized. Stability and capacity increased with pH, suggesting competition of protons by the binding sites. The results indicate larger stability and capacity for complexation with AH in comparison with AF. This trend was also verified by differential equilibrium functions at low degree of site occupation.

L'arsenic est un élément toxique présent naturellement dans l'environnement. Parfois en fortes concentrations dans les eaux souterraines, utilisées comme eaux de boisson, il est responsable d'une des plus grandes mortalités au monde. Il est donc important de mieux comprendre les interactions de l'As avec l'environnement et son mode de transfert jusqu'aux aquifères. Cette thèse a pour objectif de comprendre les mécanismes de complexation direct et indirect de l'As(III) par la matière organique (MO) en milieu anoxique, notamment via les groupements thiols de la MO et sous forme de complexes ternaires faisant intervenir le Fe ionique. La première partie de ce travail a été consacrée à la complexation de l'As(III) par les groupements thiols de la MO. Des expériences de complexation d'As(III) par un acide humique (AH) naturel greffé ou non en sites thiols ont été réalisées. L'As(III) se complexe à la MO directement mais les concentrations complexées sont faibles et dépendantes de la densité en site thiol. La modélisation à l'aide de PHREEQC-Model VI modifié afin de tenir compte des sites thiols, a mis en évidence que l'As était complexé à la MO sous forme de complexes monodentates. Il existe, un autre mécanisme qui propose une complexation indirecte via la formation d'un pont cationique. Nous nous sommes intéressés ici, en conditions anoxiques, à la possibilité que ce pont soit un pont de Fe(II). Il n'existe cependant que très peu d'information sur la complexation du Fe(II) par la MO. Des expériences de complexation du Fe(II) par des substances humiques (SH) ont donc été réalisées. Les résultats expérimentaux ont montré que le Fe(II) est faiblement complexé aux SH lorsque le pH était acide et les groupements fonctionnels protonés. Au contraire à pH neutre à basique, 100% du Fe(II) est complexé aux SH. La modélisation a montré que le Fe(II) forme majoritairement des complexes bidentates carboxyliques à pH acides et des complexes bidentates carboxy-phénoliques et phénoliques à pH basiques. Dans la dernière partie, la complexation de l'As(III) par des complexes ternaires As(III)-Fe(II, III) ionique-MO a été testée. Les résultats expérimentaux ont montré que des complexes ternaires As(III)-Fe(II)-MO pouvaient se former en milieu anoxique. La modélisation a permis de tester différentes conformations structurales de complexes ternaires. Le complexe le plus probable est un complexe bidentate mononucléaire d'As(III) sur un complexe bidentate de Fe(II)-AH. Cependant, PHREEQC-Model VI doit être amélioré car la distribution des sites bidentate n'est pas réaliste en comparaison des données spectroscopiques. Au contraire pour de faibles concentrations en Fe(III), l'As(III) ne forme pas de complexes ternaires As(III)-Fe(III) ionique-MO. La spéciation de l'As et du Fe est particulièrement importante dans l'étude du transfert de l'As. Si l'As(III) est complexée à la MO, son transfert dépendra totalement des mécanismes de transfert de la MO. / Arsenic occurs naturally in groundwater used as drinking water. It is thus responsible of a great mortality in the world. Understand the As interactions with its environment and its transfer mode to the aquifers is therefore crucial. This work was focused on the direct and indirect binding mechanisms of As(III) by organic matter (OM) in anoxic environments, in particular via OM thiol groups and as ternary complexes involving ionic Fe. The first part of this work was dedicated to the complexation of As(III) by the OM thiol. Binding experiments of As(III) by a humic acid (HA) grafted or not by thiol were thus performed. Grafted or not OM were able to bind As(III) but bound As(III) concentrations were low and dependant on the thiol site density. Modeling with PHREEQC-Model VI modified to take into account thiol site demonstrated that As(III) was bound as monodentate complexes to OM thiol sites. Another indirect binding mechanism involving ternary complex via cationic bridge was however described to explain larger binding of As(III, V) to natural OM. Here under anoxic conditions, we speculated that this bridge was an ionic Fe(II) bridge. However, little information exists about the binding of Fe(II) by OM. Complexation experiments of Fe(II) by humic substances (HS) were thus conducted. The experimental results showed that Fe(II) was weakly complexed to HS at acidic pH, when the functional groups were protonated. By contrast, at basic pH, 100% of Fe(II) were complexed to HS. Modeling calculations demonstrated that Fe(II) formed mainly carboxylic bidentate at acidic pH and carboxy-phenolic and phenolic bidentate at basic pH. In the last part, the complexation of As(III) as As(III)-ionic Fe(II, III)-OM ternary complexes was tested. Experimental results showed that As(III)-Fe(II)-OM ternary complexes could form in anoxic environments. Modeling allowed to test several ternary complexes conformations. The most potential was the binding of As(III) as mononuclear bidentate complex onto a bidentate Fe(II)-AH complex. However, another definition of the model that should be constrained by XAS data is required. By contrast, at low concentrations of Fe (III), when the oxidizing and reduced species coexist, As(III) does not form As(III)-ionic Fe(III)-OM ternary complexes. Speciation of As and Fe is particularly important in the study of the As(III) transfer. When As(III) is bound to OM as ternary complexes, its transfer is entirely controlled by the own OM transfer mechanisms. Here, we calculated, however, that much of As(III) remains as labile species and can therefore reach underlying aquifers as long as anoxic conditions exist.

Afin de lutter contre les phénomènes de drainage minier acide DMA, nous avons étudié la possibilité de passivation/inertage de rejets miniers sulfurés. L'inhibition de l'oxydation superficielle de phases pyriteuses a été effectuée par adsorption de molécules: acide humique HA, thymol et silicate de sodium. L'étude fondamentale réalisée sur une pyrite pure (masse 1-5g) a ensuite été conduite à des rejets miniers (masse 2 kg). L’adsorption de molécules passivantes a été réalisée dans des conditions dynamiques (colonne chromatographique) et statiques (batch). L’ordre d’efficacité est: acide humique> thymol>silicate de sodium. Les essais dynamiques ont montré que l’adsorption d'HA sur la pyrite est irréversible. L’étude par voltamétrie cyclique a montré que de faibles concentrations en HA adsorbée (de 0,15 à 0,3mg/g–[thêta]<1) sont suffisantes pour bloquer plus de 90% de l’activité électrochimique initiale. L’analyse de la surface par la spectroscopie IR en mode réflexion diffuse a mis en évidence l’importance des phases oxydées superficielles dans le processus d’adsorption. La description des fronts chromatographiques a été possible à partir du modèle trimodal dynamique basé sur l’existence de trois sites d’adsorption dont la nature chimique, le nombre et l’accessibilité évoluent pendant l’adsorption. D'autres expériences conduites en cellules humides simulant le comportement d’un stérile minier d'Abitibi-Témiscamingue en conditions naturels de stockage, ont montré que le traitement à l’HA est efficace pendant plus de 30 équivalent-années. Aussi, un stérile traité avec HA ne génère plus de DMA alors que celui non traité est générateur d’acide pendant les 6 premières années / To fight against the phenomena of acid mine drainage DMA, we studied the possibility of passivation/inertage of sulphurized mining discharges. The inhibition of the superficial oxidation of pyriteuses phases was made by adsorption of molecules: acid humique HA, thymol and silicate of sodium. The fundamental study realized on a pure pyrite (mass 1-5g) was then driven to mining refusals (masse 2 kg). The adsorption of passivantes molecules was realized in dynamic conditions (chromatographic column) and statics (batch) . The order of efficiency is: acid humique > thymol > silicate of sodium. The dynamic experiments showed that the adsorption of HA on the pyrite is irreversible. The study by cyclic voltammetry showed that weak concentrations in adsorbed HA (of 0,15 in 0,3mg/g–[thêta]<1) are sufficient to block more than 90 % of the initial electrochemical activity. The analysis of the surface by the spectroscopy IR in mode diffuse reflection put in evidence the importance of the superficial oxidized phases in the process of adsorption. The description of chromatographic fronts was possible from the model dynamic trimodal based on the existence of three sites of adsorption among which the chemical nature, the number and the accessibility evolve during the adsorption. Other experiments led in wet cells feigning the behavior of sterile one mining of natural Abitibi-Témiscamingue in conditions of storage, showed that the treatment in the HA is effective counterpart more than 30 equivalents-years. So, sterile one treated with HA generate no more DMA while that untreated is generative of acid during the first 6 years

The aim of the diploma thesis was to optimize the sequential fractionation method of organic matter to be used for physico-chemical characterization of extracted fractions. Humic acid isolated from oxidized brown coal of Leonardite was used as a source matrix of organic matter. An eluotropic series was assembled and sequential fractionation was performed by extraction on a Soxhlet apparatus. The original humic acid and fractions were characterized by elemental analysis (EA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), followed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), molecular absorption spectrometry (UV/VIS), fluorescence spectrometry and potentiometric titration. Atomic ratios were determined from the results of the elemental analysis. From the measured UV/Vis and fluorescence excitation and emission spectra, the absorption coefficients, resp. fluorescence coefficients. Used fractionation method proved to be a suitable method for studying HA structure. A total of 62 wt. % of initial materiál was extracted, indiivdual fraction amounted from 0.36–30.92 wt. %. From the results of the structural analysis, it is clear that with increasing polarity of the organic solvent, fractions with long aliphatic chains were first isolated and their aromaticity graddualy increased. Non-polar organic solvents were suitable for the extraction of lipid-like coumpounds, while the most polar organic fractions were rich in polar groups and their structual parameters were close to the original humic acid. The fraction extracted with acetonitrile was the most unique fraction. This fraction was rich on nitrogen and amine groups and was similar to protein-like structures. In the last two fractions, extracted with alcohols, a significant bathochromic shift typical of fluorophore type V was observed. Among other things, they were also characterized by a higher content of plant carbohydrate residues.

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.