No description available.

No description available.

The Round Top laccolith is considered to be one of the youngest laccoliths in a series of five known as the Sierra Blanca peaks, located in Hudspeth county, Texas. The laccolith is anomalous within the region in that it is peraluminous and enriched in HREEs, F, and U, and is comprised of intermingled discrete packages of various rhyolite types. The laccolith rhyolite varies in color from gray, purple, red, and tan, which combine locally to form distinct geometric mottled textures. The general composition of the rhyolite is 48-52% potassium feldspar, 28-30% quartz, 8-14% plagioclase feldspar, 4-5% annite biotite, 2-3% magnetite-hematite, 1% zircon, and 1% trace phases. The morphology of the trace phases suggests quenching of a late-stage volatile-rich vapor phase at the time of the laccolith formation. The rhyolite displays a wide array of unique mineralogical characteristics indicative to rapid emplacement and metastable crystallization conditions, including three-part quartz phenocrysts, hourglass sector-zoned potassium feldspars, and late-stage anhedral zircons. Unique accessory and trace phases include cassiterite, cerianite-(Ce), changbaiite, columbite, cryolite, tantalite, thorite, yttrofluorite, yttrocerite, and two unidentified minerals named (W) and (X). Initial alteration of the laccolith by high temperature volatile-rich vapor during the late stages of crystallization caused the partial dissolution of the feldspars and quartz. Subsequent quenching of this high temperature vapor phase produced the abundant interstitial, and pore filling REE-fluorides common to the laccolith. The variation in rhyolite color and the presence of the mottled textures are a direct result of partial oxidation of the laccolith by secondary fluids. The oxidizing fluids migrated within the laccolith along an extensive fracture network, altering the adjacent wallrock by oxidizing magnetite phenocrysts to hematite. The gray, purple, and red rhyolite types reflect an increase in turbidity caused by hematitic inclusions primarily within the pore spaces of the potassium feldspar portions of the groundmass. The tan rhyolite is locally restricted to the base of the laccolith and has been subjected to an intense degree of alteration independent of the other rhyolite types, primarily indicated by the conversion of feldspars to clay. Petrographic, microbeam, and geochemical studies have determined little variation in REE concentration between the three rhyolites of similar alteration intensity, but have indicated a depletion in LREEs within the more altered tan rhyolite. The average REE+Y content for the rhyolites sampled (n=11) ranges between 249 ppm and 518 ppm. The REE+Y concentrations between rhyolite samples of the same type show some variation, possibly indicating a correlation between alteration and REE+Y abundance and/or innate heterogeneity in the vapor phase during the initial laccolith formation. The magma emplaced at Round Top underwent a prolonged evolutionary process of fractionation/differentiation as evident by the unusual mineral assemblage and geochemical enrichment associated with the laccolith (e.g. extremely negative europium anomaly, and the positive La/Yb correlation). Future exploration for Round Top style REE-deposits should center within long-lived, tectonically active and complex regions where laccoliths are likely to exist. Specifically, exploration should focus on identifying the youngest laccolith in a felsic series, as this is the most likely to contain the greatest abundance of incompatible elements within the laccolithic group. The early alteration of feldspars by the high temperature vapor phase was crucial in the development of the REE+Y enrichment at Round Top. The feldspar dissolution provided abundant open pore space that was subsequently filled by the REE-fluorides. Thus, exploration should additionally seek laccoliths that have undergone a similar early alteration process, and expand to potential laccolith groups not yet exposed by erosional processes. / text

Suite à leur utilisation, les médicaments sont souvent partiellement métabolisés; ainsi ces substances pharmaceutiques et/ou leurs métabolites sont rejetés continuellement dans les eaux usées. Leur présence et accumulation dans les eaux naturelles constituent une pollution émergente conduisant à la perturbation des écosystèmes et l'accroissement de mal fonctionnement de la reproduction des espèces aquatiques telles que les poissons. Parmi les polluants pharmaceutiques, les antibiotiques méritent une attention particulière parce qu'ils sont utilisés en grande quantité d'une part et constituent des molécules biologiquement actives pouvant interagir avec des cibles biologiques spécifiques conduisant à l'apparition du phénomène de résistance des micro-organismes potentiellement pathogènes tels que les bactéries (vis-à-vis de ces médicaments employés pour les combattre). Une action préventive est donc indispensable pour réduire leur présence dans les milieux aquatiques naturels.Dans ce travail nous avons appliqué le procédé électro-Fenton (EF), une méthode indirecte d'oxydation électrochimique très performante, à la dégradation des polluants pharmaceutiques sélectionnés, trois antibiotiques couramment utilisés : le sulfaméthoxazole (SMX), l'amoxicilline (AMX) et sulfachloropyridazine (SCP). Le traitement des solutions aqueuses de ces antibiotiques été réalisé en milieux aqueux acide à l'aide des radicaux hydroxyles générés électrochimiquement. Les radicaux hydroxyles sont produits in situ à courant constant dans une cellule électrochimique non divisée, munie d'une cathode tridimensionnelle de grande surface spécifique (feutre de carbone) et d'une anode de Pt ou de BDD afin de suivre la cinétique d'oxydation avec les radicaux hydroxyles et la minéralisation de leurs solutions aqueuses. Ces radicaux sont générés à travers la réaction de Fenton :H2O2 + Fe2+ + H+ → Fe3+ + H2O + •OHdans laquelle les réactifs générés (H2O2) ou régénéré (Fe2+ en tant que catalyseur) électrocatalytiquemment. L'influence des différents paramètres sur la cinétique de dégradation des antibiotiques et sur la cinétique de minéralisation des solutions d'antibiotiques a été étudiée. L'effet co-catalytique des ions Cu2+ a été aussi examiné. Les radicaux hydroxyles formés sont des oxydantes très puissants et réagissent sur les antibiotiques en question conduisant à leur minéralisation. L'étude cinétique montre que la dégradation oxydative des trois antibiotiques suit une cinétique de réaction du pseudo-premier ordre, avec des temps de dégradation assez courts. Par exemple, avec une anode de Pt, l'oxydation complète des molécules SMX, AMX et SCP a été achevée en moins de 15 min à 300 mA.Afin d'établir les voies de dégradation avec les radicaux hydroxyles, les intermédiaires aromatiques, les acides carboxyliques formés ainsi que les ions inorganiques libérés dans la solution lors du traitement ont été identifiés et leur évolution dans le temps a été suivie. Les valeurs des constantes de vitesse des réactions entre les •OH et les antibiotiques et leurs intermédiaires ont été déterminés par la technique de cinétique de compétition à l'aide d'un composé de référence, l'acide p-hydroxybenzoϊque. L'efficacité du procédé d'oxydation anodique (OA) avec une anode Pt et BDD à titre comparatif avec le procédé électro-Fenton a été aussi étudiée. L'efficacité de minéralisation des solutions aqueuses d'antibiotique à été évaluée par mesure du carbone organique total (COT). Le suivi de la toxicité lors du traitement des solutions d'antibiotiques par la méthode Microtox®, (une méthode basée sur la mesure de la luminescence des bactéries marines Vibrio fischeri) a montré la formation des intermédiaires plus toxiques que les molécules mères.L'ensemble des résultats obtenus confirme l'efficacité du procédé électro-Fenton pour la dépollution des effluents aqueux chargés d'antibiotiques / After their use, the drugs used in human or veterinary are partially metabolized during their use and then the non metabolized drugs and/or their metabolites are continuously released into the wastewater. Their presence and accumulation in natural waters of these substances constitutes an emerging pollution leading to the disruption of ecosystems and increased malfunction in the reproduction of aquatic species such as fish. Among the, pharmaceuticals pollutants, the antibiotics deserve special attention because they are used in very large quantities and are biologically active molecules that can interact with specific biological targets leading to emergence of the phenomenon of microorganism's resistance towards the potential pathogens such as bacteria. It is therefore important to develop efficient treatment methodologies for limiting the presence of pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments.In this work we applied the electro-Fenton process (EF), an indirect advanced electrochemical oxidation process, to the oxidative degradation of selected three antibiotics largely used: sulfamethoxazole (SMX), amoxicillin (AMX) and sulfachloropyridazine (SCP). The treatment of aqueous solutions of these antibiotics was achieved in aqueous medium thank to the electrochemically generated hydroxyl radicals. The hydroxyl radicals are produced in situ at constant current in an undivided electrochemical cell, equipped with a three-dimensional cathode (carbon felt) and a Pt or BDD anode. These radicals are generated through the Fenton reaction in homogeneous medium:H2O2 + Fe2+ + H+ → Fe3+ + H2O + •OHwith the electrochemical generation of H2O2 (from 2-electrons reduction of dissolved O2) and regeneration of Fe2+ ions (from one-electron reduction of Fe3+ ions formed by Fenton reaction).The effect of some parameters on the oxidative degradation of antibiotics and on the mineralization of their aqueous solutions was investigated. The co-catalytic effect of Cu2+ was also studied. Hydroxyl radicals formed in aqueous medium are very powerful oxidizing agents and lead to mineralization of antibiotic under study. The kinetics study shows that oxidative degradation of the three antibiotics follows a pseudo-first order, with relatively short degradation time. For example, with a Pt anode, the complete oxidation of antibiotics SMX, AMX and SCP was achieved in less than 15 min at 300 mA. The absolute rate constant of hydroxylation reactions of antibiotics under study and their several aromatic intermediates was determined by competition kinetics method using the p-hydroxybenzoic acid as reference compound. The identification and monitoring of aromatic oxidation products, short-chain carboxylic acids and released inorganic ions during the treatment, allow use to propose a general mineralization reaction pathway for antibiotics degradation by hydroxyl radicals. The efficiency of anodic oxidation (AO) with a BDD anode and Pt was also studied comparatively. The efficiency of mineralization of aqueous solutions of antibiotics was evaluated by measuring total organic carbon (TOC). The evolution of toxicity during the treatment of antibiotic solutions by Microtox® method based on the inhibition measurements of the luminescence of marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri showed the formation of intermediates more toxic than of starting molecules. The overall results confirm the efficiency of electro-Fenton method for remediation of wastewater contaminated with antibiotics

The overall goal of this study was to identify mineralized scaffolds which can serve as potential alternatives to bone graft substitutes intended for cleft palate repair. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the role of fibrinogen (Fg) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) in enhancing mineralization potential of polydioxanone (PDO) electrospun scaffolds. Scaffolds were fabricated by blending PDO:nHA:Fg in the following weight ratios: 100:0:0, 50:25:25, 50:50:0, 50:0:50, 0:0:100 and 0:50:50. Scaffolds were immersed in different simulated body fluids for 5 and 14 days to induce mineralization. The inclusion of fibrinogen induced sheet-like mineralization while individual fiber mineralization was noticed in its absence. Modified protocols of alizarin red staining and burn-out test were developed to quantify mineral content of scaffolds. After mineralization, 50:50:0 scaffolds were still porous and contained the most mineral. 50:25:25 scaffolds had the highest mineralization potential but lacked porosity. Therefore, it can be anticipated that these mineralized organic-inorganic electrospun scaffolds will induce bone formation.

Afin de garantir une gestion durable du massif forestier des Landes de Gascogne (maintien de la fertilité et production élevée), des études sont nécessaires sur la biodisponibilité du phosphore (P) qui est un facteur limitant. Une évaluation fiable de la biodisponibilité du P passe par la quantification des processus d’acquisition par les plantes, à savoir l’interception racinaire, le transport dans la solution et la mobilisation à l’interface solide-solution d’ions phosphates. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif général de la thèse était de faire un bilan biogéochimique de la biodisponibilité du P dans les sols forestiers des Landes de Gascogne, c'est-à-dire une analyse quantitative et comparative des processus physico- chimiques (diffusion) et biologiques (minéralisation et reminéralisation) de réapprovisionnement de la solution en ions phosphates ainsi qu’une caractérisation du système de prélèvement (racines fines) du Pin maritime. Les résultats ont montré une déficience en P pour l’ensemble des sols étudiés. Ils ont également montré une importance variable, en fonction de la profondeur et du type de lande (humide à sèche), des différents processus biologiques et physico-chimiques dans le réapprovisionnement de la solution. Le rôle des micro-organismes, via la minéralisation du P organique du sol et en tant que source (reminéralisation) et puits (immobilisation) de P, est particulièrement important dans les sols peu réactifs vis-à-vis du P comme les litières ou certains sols minéraux de surface. L’étude du système de prélèvement (racines fines, ectomycorhizes) suggère que le prélèvement de P par le Pin maritime concerne aussi bien les horizons de surface que ceux du sous-sol. / In order to guarantee a sustainable management of the forest range the “Landes de Gascogne” (maintaining fertility and elevated productivity), the bioavailability of phosphorus (P), a growth limiting factor, needs to be studied. An accurate evaluation of P bioavailability implies the quantification of plant acquisition processes such as root interception, soil solution transport and the mobilisation of phosphate ions at the soil-soil solution interface. The main objective of the PhD study was to assess a biogeochemical balance of the P bioavailability in the forest soils of the “Landes de Gascogne”, i.e. to carry out an quantitative and comparative analysis of the physical-chemical (diffusion) and biological (mineralization and remineralization) processes of replenishing the soil solution with phosphate ions, as well as the characterisation of the tree uptake system (fine roots) of maritime pine. The results have shown that all of the soils studied are very deficient in P. They have further shown a varying importance of the different biological and physical-chemical processes in supplying P to the soil solution according to the site class (humid to dry moorlands). The role of the microorganisms, via the mineralization of organic P, as a source (remineralization) or a sink (immobilization) of P, is particularly important in the litter and top mineral layers featuring a very low reactivity versus P. The study of the uptake system (fine roots and ectomycorrhizae) suggests that uptake of P by maritime pine takes place both in top soil horizons and in deeper soil horizons.

L'installation de décharges sanitaires représente la seule méthode de stockage des déchets ménagers solides dans plusieurs pays. Les lixiviats générés à partir de ces décharges présentent une grande toxicité aigüe et chronique. Lorsqu'ils ne sont pas traités, ces lixiviats peuvent pénétrer dans la nappe phréatique ou contaminer les eaux de surface et donc contribuer à la pollution des eaux. Divers procédés biologiques ont été appliqués au traitement des lixiviats de décharge. Cependant, ces procédés sont relativement inefficaces pour le traitement des lixiviats à cause de la présence de composés bioréfractaires. Les procédés d'oxydation avancée représentent une excellente alternative pour le traitement des eaux polluées par les polluants toxiques et/ou persistants (biorfractaires). Dans ce travail, quelques procédés d'oxydation avancée (procédé Glidarc, électro-Fenton, oxydation anodique et photo-Fenton) ont été appliqués au traitement de deux molécules modèles appartenant chacune à une famille de polluants présents dans la matrice du lixiviat tunisien de la décharge contrôlée de Jebel Chakir (identifiée dans ce travail), à savoir, l'anhydride phtalique et le 8-hydroxyquinoléine sulfate. Pour ces deux molécules, une étude de la dégradation et la minéralisation a été réalisée en optimisant les paramètres expérimentaux. L'étude cinétique montre que la dégradation oxydative des deux polluants étudiés suit une cinétique de réaction du pseudo-premier ordre, avec des temps de dégradation assez courts. Par exemple, avec une anode de Pt, l'oxydation complète de l'anhydride phtalique a été achevée en moins de 15 min sous un courant appliqué de 2,88 mA cm-2. L'identification des intermédiaires aromatiques et carboxyliques à courte chaine carbonée a permis de proposer un mécanisme de dégradation de l'anhydride phtalique par les radicaux hydroxyles. Les valeurs des constantes de vitesse des réactions entre les •OH, et les deux polluants et leurs intermédiaires ont été déterminés par la technique de cinétique de compétition à l'aide d'un composé de référence ; l'acide 4-hydroxybenzoϊque. Le suivi de la toxicité lors du traitement de la solution de 8-HQS par la méthode Microtox®, (une méthode basée sur la mesure de la luminescence des bactéries marines Vibriofischeri) a montré la formation des intermédiaires plus toxiques que les molécules mères. Une comparaison des procédés d'oxydation avancée appliqués a été réalisée pour chacun des polluants. Enfin, différents procédés d'oxydation avancée (procédé Glidarc, électro-Fenton, oxydation anodique et photo-Fenton) ont été appliqués à la dépollution du lixiviat tunisien de Jebel Chakir. Une étude comparative a été réalisée afin d'évaluer le coût des procédés. L'ensemble des résultats obtenus confirme l'efficacité du procédé électro-Fenton pour la dépollution des lixiviats / Pas de résumé en anglais

A osteoaderina (OSAD) tem sido identificada nos tecidos mineralizados, porém, seu papel na mineralização óssea não está claro. Foi feita uma comparação do momento em que a OSAD aparece na ossificação intramembranosa e endocondral, em relação aos estágios iniciais de mineralização. O osso parietal de fetos de ratos Wistar com 17, 18 e 21 dias e o côndilo mandibular de ratos com 30 dias foram removidos. A expressão de OSAD foi analisada por imunocitoquímica e Western blotting. Nos dois tipos de ossificação, a imunomarcação foi detectada nos osteoblastos; porém, na matriz extracelular a OSAD apareceu somente na fase fibrilar de mineralização, mantendo-se constante posteriormente. A análise por Western blotting revelou que os fetos com 17 dias continham pouco menos OSAD que os de 18 dias, enquanto a imunorreatividade diminuía nos fetos com 21 dias. Os resultados sugerem que a OSAD tem um papel na mineralização da matriz, atuando, provavelmente como organizadora de seu arcabouço ou retendo o mineral, além de exercer atividades de adesão entre os componentes da matriz. / Osteoadherin (OSAD) had been identified in mineralized tissues, but its specific role in mineralization remains unclear. The present study compared the appearance of OSAD at early stages of mineralization during both intramembranous and endochondral ossification. Parietal bone of 17, 18 and 21 days-old fetus and mandibular condyle of 30 days-old Wistar rats were removed. The expression of OSAD was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. In both types of ossification the labeling was uniformly distributed in the cytoplasm of osteoblasts but it only appeared in the mineralizing matrix when the fibrilar stage was taking place, remaining as a component of the mineralized bone matrix. Western blots revealed that 17-days-old embryos contained slightly less OSAD than 18- days-old fetus, while immunoreactivity was weak in 21 days-old fetus. The results suggest that OSAD plays a role in collagen fibril mineralization maybe by organizing the matrix assembly or by retaining the mineral into the matrix, besides exerting binding activities among its components.

Apesar da ampla aplicação clínica de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP), a sua eficácia no reparo de defeitos ósseos e na osseointegração de implantes metálicos continua sendo questionada. Em vista disso, objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de um coquetel contendo os principais fatores de crescimento (GFs) e proteínas de PRP no desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteogênico in vitro sobre titânio (Ti). O coquetel referido continha PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, TGF- β2, albumina, fibronectina e trombospondina. Células da linhagem osteoblástica foram obtidas por digestão enzimática de osso alveolar humano e cultivadas sob condições osteogênicas convencionais até a subconfluência, sendo, em seguida, subcultivadas sobre superfície de Ti. As subculturas foram expostas durante os 7 primeiros dias a meio osteogênico, suplementado com GFs e proteínas, e apenas ao meio osteogênico nos 7 dias subseqüentes. Os grupos controles foram expostos apenas ao meio osteogênico. Nos experimentos dose-resposta foram utilizadas culturas primárias de calvária de ratos, as quais foram expostas ao coquetel de GFs e proteínas e às suas diluições de 1:10 e 1:100. Culturas derivadas de osso alveolar humano expostas ao coquetel de GFs e proteínas apresentaram: aumento significativo do número de células a partir do dia 4 e da proliferação celular em 1 e 4 dias; redução significativa nos níveis de atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) em 4, 7 e 10 dias e ausência de marcação com vermelho de Alizarina em 14 dias. Apesar de as diluições 1:10 e 1:100 restaurarem a atividade proliferativa das culturas aos níveis controles, formações de matriz calcificada foram observadas apenas na diluição 1:100. Os resultados do presente trabalho mostram que o coquetel de GFs e proteínas inibe o desenvolvimento do fenótipo osteogênico de culturas de células osteoblásticas humanas e de ratos crescidas sobre Ti. / Background: Despite wide clinical application, the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for repairing bone defects and enhancing osseointegration of metal implants is still subject of debate. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a well-defined mixture of growth factors (GFs) and proteins (GFs+proteins) on the development of the osteogenic phenotype on titanium (Ti) in vitro. The composition of the mixture was based on the major components found in PRP preparations. Methods: The PRP-like mixture contained PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, albumin, fibronectin, and thrombospondin. Osteoblastic cells were obtained by enzymatic digestion of human alveolar bone and cultured under standard osteogenic condition until subconfluence. They were then subcultured on Ti discs up to 14 days. Treated cultures were exposed during the first 7 days to osteogenic medium supplemented with GFs+proteins and to osteogenic medium alone thereafter. Control cultures were exposed to only osteogenic medium throughout the culture interval. Dose-response experiments were carried out using rat primary calvarial cells exposed to GFs+proteins and 1:10 or 1:100 dilutions of the mixture. Results: Treated human-derived cell cultures exhibited a significantly higher number of cells from day 4 on and of cycling cells at days 1 and 4, significantly reduced levels for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and no Alizarin red stained areas at day 14. Although the 1:10 and 1:100 dilutions restored the proliferative activity of rat calvaria-derived osteogenic cells to control levels, mineralized bone-like nodule formation was only observed with the 1:100 dilution. Conclusions: The present results demonstrated that a PRP-like protein mixture inhibits development of the osteogenic phenotype in both human and rat osteoblastic cell cultures grown on Ti.

A recuperação de funções e processos ecossistêmicos, entre outros atributos, é um dos indicadores mais importantes no processo de retorno de um ecossistema à sua trajetória histórica. A ciclagem de nutrientes é um atributo fundamental do ecossistema, e relaciona-se diretamente à regulação do funcionamento e do desenvolvimento dos ecossistemas e inclui, em um modelo geral, as entradas de nutrientes, as transferências internas entre plantas e solo e as saídas do sistema. A compreensão das mudanças nos processos biogeoquímicos durante a sucessão secundária em áreas em restauração ecológica ainda é incipiente, principalmente em áreas de florestas tropicais. Esse estudo tem por objetivo elucidar a dinâmica do nitrogênio ao longo do processo de restauração ecológica em áreas reflorestadas com espécies nativas da Mata Atlântica. A questão norteadora deste estudo é a seguinte: A restauração florestal com alta diversidade de espécies e predominância de espécies arbóreas nativas regionais restaura a dinâmica original do nitrogênio? Esse estudo visa investigar o funcionamento da ciclagem de nutrientes, com foco no nitrogênio, que é um elemento limitante à sucessão secundária, especialmente em florestas tropicais. Para tal, alguns indicadores da ciclagem do nitrogênio foram mensurados em uma cronosequência florestal formada por uma floresta natural preservada e florestas restauradas de diferentes idades (21 e 52 anos) reflorestadas com alta diversidade de espécies e predominância de nativas regionais. Os indicadores utilizados foram: 15N e teor de N da vegetação, serrapilheira e solo; razão N:P da vegetação e da serrapilheira; taxas líquidas de mineralização e nitrificação; teor de amônio, nitrato, N mineral e razão nitrato:amônio. As florestas foram amostradas entre agosto de 2008 e abril de 2009, nas seguintes estações: seca, transição entre seca e chuvosa, chuvosa, e transição entre chuvosa e seca. Foram encontrados padrões claros de mudanças na ciclagem do N ao longo da cronosequência estudada, incluindo diferenças nos valores de 15N foliar, teor de N, razão N:P, N mineral e taxas líquidas de mineralização e nitrificação, caracterizadas por um aumento de valores médios dessas variáveis ao longo da cronosequência. Os resultados encontrados sugerem que as florestas em processo de restauração, mesmo a de 52 anos, ainda não possuem uma ciclagem de N característica de uma floresta madura e, portanto, a recuperação da ciclagem de N ainda não foi completamente atingida. Entretanto, é possível afirmar que as florestas em processo de restauração estudadas estão seguindo uma trajetória de desenvolvimento caracterizada por uma ciclagem de N cada vez mais parecida com a de uma floresta natural madura, como a da floresta natural madura utilizada como referência. Através dos modelos de restauração utilizados para as florestas da cronosequência estudada, os processos da ciclagem do N são recuperados à medida que a floresta desenvolve-se, com uma clara tendência de mudança na economia de N para economia de P típica de florestas tropicais maduras. / The recuperation of ecosystem processes and functions, among other attributes, is one of the most important indicators in the process of return of an ecosystem to its historic trajectory. Nutrient cycling is a fundamental ecosystem attribute, and relates directly to regulation of functioning and development of ecosystems and includes, in a general model, nutrients entering, being transferred internally between plants and soil, end leaving the system. The comprehension of changes in biogeochemical processes during secondary succession in areas in ecological restoration is still incipient, mainly in tropical forests. This study aims to elucidate nitrogen dynamics along the process of ecological restoration in areas reforested with Atlantic Forest native species. The question driving this study is: Does ecological restoration with high diversity of species and predominance of regional native tree species restore nitrogen original dynamics? This research investigated nutrients cycling functioning, focusing on nitrogen, which is a limiting nutrient in secondary succession, particularly in tropical forests. In order to do so, some indicators of nutrient cycling were assessed in a forest chronosequence formed by a preserved natural forest and restored forests of different ages (21 and 52 years) reforested using high species diversity and predominance of regional native species. The indicators used were: 15N and N content in green foliage, litter and soil; N:P ratio of green foliage and litter; net mineralization and net nitrification rates; content of ammonium, nitrate, inorganic N, and nitrate:ammonium ratio. The forests were sampled between August 2008 and April 2009, in the following seasons: dry, dry-rainy transition, rainy, rainy-dry transition. Clear patterns of change in the N cycling along the studied chronosequence were found, including differences in green foliage 15N values, N content, N:P ratio, inorganic N and net mineralization and nitrification rates, characterized by an increase in the mean values of these variables along the chronosequence. The results found suggest that the forests in restoration process, even the 52 years old one, still do not present a N cycling characteristic of a mature forest and, therefore, the recuperation of the N cycling was not completely reached yet. However, it is possible to state that the forests in restoration process studied here are following a development trajectory characterized by a N cycling progressively more similar to what is common to a mature native forest, as the one used as the reference ecosystem in this study. Through the restoration models used for the forests studied, the N cycle processes are recovered as the forests develop, as they present a clear tendency of changing from N economy to P economy, typical to mature tropical forests.