Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) gum (FG) is a material with many potential food and non-food applications. Consistent performance is critical for FG utilization and this is possible through selection of genotype, characterization and optimization of constituents, and chemical modification. Physico-chemical and functional properties of FG aqueous solutions from six Canadian flaxseed cultivars were investigated. FG yield, carbohydrate composition, protein content, and zeta potential (ζ) varied among these cultivars. FG solution properties were also affected by temperature, solution pH, NaCl concentration, and sucrose concentration. Detailed studies were conducted on CDC Bethune FG (FGB) proteins that were separated by 2D-gel electrophoresis. Conlinin was identified as the major protein. Protease treatment decreased FGB solution emulsification properties suggesting that conlinin might enhance emulsification. Formation of BSA-FGB coacervates was monitored by turbidimetric analysis as a function of solution pH, biopolymer mixing ratio, NaCl and urea. Coacervates were stabilized primarily by attractive electrostatic forces and secondarily by hydrogen bonds. Further, anionic carboxymethyl ether moieties were introduced to FGB structure through ether forming reactions using monochloroacetic acid (MCA) to produce products with uniform properties. The highest degree of substitution (DS) was obtained at 70 °C, 7.0 M NaOH, and a molar ratio of MCA to FGB of 10:1 over 3 h. Carboxymethylated FGB (CMFG) exhibited both modified surface morphology and thermal behaviour. Solutions of CMFG demonstrated shear-thinning behaviour and apparent viscosity decreased with increased DS. A more liquid-like flow behaviour was observed for CMFG as DS increased. Findings here will introduce and expand FG applications in food or related fields with targeted performance.

O arroz sofre danos principalmente pelo ataque de insetos, causando grandes perdas qualitativas e quantitativas, devido a isso, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a viabilidade da radiação gama como método de conservação do arroz (Oryza sativa L.), sua eficiência no controle de uma importante praga de grão armazenado Sitophilus oryzae L. e os efeitos que a irradiação pode apresentar nos grãos irradiados considerando o aspecto sensorial e alteração no amido. As amostras foram constituídas de arroz polido e as doses de radiação gama utilizadas foram 0,5; 1,0; 3,0; e 5,0 kGy, sendo mantidas em temperatura ambiente. Foram realizadas análises da porcentagem de quebra do grão durante o beneficiamento e análise da longevidade e reprodução do gorgulho arroz. Foram realizadas também, as análises da composição centesimal, ácido fítico, conteúdo de amilose aparente e propriedades de pasta dos amidos além das análises para cor (instrumental) em arroz e a aceitabilidade (teste hedônico) visando à determinação da qualidade sensorial do arroz cru e cozido. Verificou-se que a irradiação não alterou de maneira significativa à quebra dos grãos durante o beneficiamento e causou efeito negativo no desenvolvimento dos insetos. A irradiação não alterou de maneira significativa à composição centesimal. Não foi encontrado valor significativo de ácido fítico, devido ao arroz ter sofrido o beneficiamento, retirando a parte externa (farelo) onde contém 85 &#150; 92% de fitatos totais. Foram encontrados valores de 17,33 a 18,44% para conteúdo de amilose aparente, sendo que a irradiação não afetou significativamente a conteúdo de amilose do amido do arroz. Os resultados da propriedade de pasta foram significativamente alterados, ocorrendo à redução da temperatura de pasta, diminuição do tempo para ocorrência do pico viscosidade, redução nos valores de viscosidade máxima e viscosidade final e a tendência de retrogradação se tornou menos acentuada nos amidos com doses crescente de radiação gama. Foram detectadas diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05) no aspecto sensorial entre as amostras irradiadas e não irradiadas, sendo que a amostra irradiada com a dose de 1,0 kGy obteve maiores médias para os atributos sensoriais. Para os resultados encontrados na cor instrumental observou a diferença estatística nos valores b* indicando que o arroz sofreu mudanças de branco para amarelada com o aumento da dose de radiação gama. Conclui-se que o uso da radiação gama, especialmente a dose de 1,0 kGy, mesmo apresentando diferença significativa (p< 0,05) nas propriedades de pasta, proporcionou maior aceitação pelos provadores, não afetou as análises físico-químicas, assegurando maior vida-útil contra o ataque de insetos, desde que não haja reinfestação, sendo portanto a dose recomendável para a conservação do arroz polido. / Rice is exposed to injuries especially due to the attack of insects, which represent great qualitative and quantitative losses. The aim of the present research was to verify the viability of the gamma irradiation as rice (Oryza sativa L.) conservation method; its efficiency in the control of an important pest for stored grains Sitophilus oryzae L. and the effects that irradiation may present in irradiated grains in relation to the sensory aspect and starch alterations. Samples were composed of polished rice and the gamma irradiation dosages used were 0.5; 1.0; 3.0; and 5.0 kGy, and kept at room temperature. Analyses of the grain breakage percentages during processing and the longevity and reproduction of the rice weevil were performed. Analyses of the centesimal composition, phytic acid, apparent amylose content and starch paste properties were also conducted, as well as analyses of the rice color (instrumental) and acceptability (hedonic test), aimed at the determination of the raw and cooked rice sensory quality. It was verified that the gamma irradiation did not change the grain breakage percentage significantly and caused a negative effect on the insect development. Irradiation did not change the centesimal composition significantly. No significant values of phytic acid were found because during rice processing, the outer part (bran) containing 85-92% of total phytates was removed. Values from 17.33 to 18.44% for the apparent amylose content were found, and irradiation did not affect the rice starch amylose content significantly. The paste properties results were significantly changed, where reduction on the paste temperature, decrease on the time for the occurrence of the peak viscosity, reduction on the final viscosity values were observed. The retrogradation tendency became less intense in starches with increasing irradiation dosages. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were detected in the sensory aspect between irradiated and non-irradiated samples, and the sample irradiated with 1.0 kGy obtained the highest means for the sensory attributes. For results obtained for instrumental color, a statistical difference was observed in b* values, indicating that the rice color changed from white to yellowish with increased irradiation dosages. One concluded that the use of the gamma irradiation especially at dosage of 1.0 kGy, even presenting significant difference (p<0.05) in the paste properties, obtained higher acceptance; this irradiation level did not affect the rice physical-chemical analyses and provided longer shelf-life against the attack of insects, being therefore, the recommended dosage for the conservation of the polished rice.

Dentro da seqüência natural de testes para validar o uso do biodiesel (éster etílico) misturado ao óleo diesel em maiores proporções no Brasil, este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar os efeitos do uso de uma mistura combustível B10 (com concentração de 10% em volume de biodiesel diluído em óleo diesel) na degradação do óleo lubrificante de um motor de ignição por compressão, aspirado, de 1,9 L e de injeção indireta. Acoplado a um dinamômetro, o motor foi submetido à condição de velocidade constante de 2.500 rpm, sob carga variável, e abastecido com três combustíveis diferentes: óleo diesel puro, B10 de biodiesel de soja e B10 de biodiesel de soja e nabo forrageiro. Cada combustível alimentou o motor durante 30 horas. Para determinar a degradação resultante, selecionaram-se as propriedades do óleo lubrificante usado em cada etapa para serem analisadas (viscosidade, contaminação por água e presença de elementos). Os resultados revelaram que o uso de 10% volume dos dois tipos de biodiesel na mistura combustível não causou variação significante na concentração de elementos e nas propriedades físico-químicas do óleo lubrificante. / Adding to an ongoing sequence of tests aimed at validating the use of biodiesel (ethyl ester) mixed with diesel in higher proportions in Brazil, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of utilizing a B10 fuel mixture (10% volume biodiesel diluted in diesel) on the degradation of lubricating oil in an aspirated, indirect-injection, 1.9 L compression-ignition engine. Coupled to a dynamometer, the engine was operated at a constant speed of 2,500 rpm under variable load and run with three types of fuel: pure diesel, B10 soy biodiesel, and B10 soy and fodder turnip biodiesel. Each type of fuel fed the engine for 30 hours. To determine the resulting degradation, selected properties of the lubricating oil used in each run were analyzed (viscosity, contamination by water and presence of elements). The results revealed that the use of a 10% volume of either type of biodiesel in the fuel mixture did not lead to significant variation in the concentration of elements or in the physico-chemical properties of the lubricating oil.

Dentro da seqüência natural de testes para validar o uso do biodiesel (éster etílico) misturado ao óleo diesel em maiores proporções no Brasil, este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar os efeitos do uso de uma mistura combustível B10 (com concentração de 10% em volume de biodiesel diluído em óleo diesel) na degradação do óleo lubrificante de um motor de ignição por compressão, aspirado, de 1,9 L e de injeção indireta. Acoplado a um dinamômetro, o motor foi submetido à condição de velocidade constante de 2.500 rpm, sob carga variável, e abastecido com três combustíveis diferentes: óleo diesel puro, B10 de biodiesel de soja e B10 de biodiesel de soja e nabo forrageiro. Cada combustível alimentou o motor durante 30 horas. Para determinar a degradação resultante, selecionaram-se as propriedades do óleo lubrificante usado em cada etapa para serem analisadas (viscosidade, contaminação por água e presença de elementos). Os resultados revelaram que o uso de 10% volume dos dois tipos de biodiesel na mistura combustível não causou variação significante na concentração de elementos e nas propriedades físico-químicas do óleo lubrificante. / Adding to an ongoing sequence of tests aimed at validating the use of biodiesel (ethyl ester) mixed with diesel in higher proportions in Brazil, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of utilizing a B10 fuel mixture (10% volume biodiesel diluted in diesel) on the degradation of lubricating oil in an aspirated, indirect-injection, 1.9 L compression-ignition engine. Coupled to a dynamometer, the engine was operated at a constant speed of 2,500 rpm under variable load and run with three types of fuel: pure diesel, B10 soy biodiesel, and B10 soy and fodder turnip biodiesel. Each type of fuel fed the engine for 30 hours. To determine the resulting degradation, selected properties of the lubricating oil used in each run were analyzed (viscosity, contamination by water and presence of elements). The results revealed that the use of a 10% volume of either type of biodiesel in the fuel mixture did not lead to significant variation in the concentration of elements or in the physico-chemical properties of the lubricating oil.

Submitted by Marilene Donadel (marilene.donadel@unioeste.br) on 2019-02-07T15:18:50Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Anderson_Gotardo_2018.pdf: 8740713 bytes, checksum: a5124905fb476303a65a06e329454980 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2019-02-07T15:18:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Anderson_Gotardo_2018.pdf: 8740713 bytes, checksum: a5124905fb476303a65a06e329454980 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-11-01 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Surface phenomena such as adsorption, formation of colloids, heterogeneous catalysis, have varied applications spread in the industry. An important property to achieve efficiency in the processes of surface chemistry is the high ratio area/volume of the materials involved in each process. In search of this property, in conjunction with others, a large number of publications report the use of the electrospinning technique as having unique characteristics in the production of fibers, with diameters of the order of nanometers, and fibers aggregates, in the form of membranes or films, with high specific area. In this work an alloy consisted of selenium and gallium was added into an Ecovio® polymer solution before electrospinning. The effects of alloy concentration on the properties of the composite material (membranes) was investigated by means of thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), SEM analysis, and PAS (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The formed composite shown dependency of alloy cristallinity and although it has not been directly measured the surface area seems to be increased. The thermogravimetric analysis evidenced an increase in the thermal stability of the composite material. Although the FTIR spectrosocopy was inconclusive as to the incorporation of the alloy into the polymer, the SEM morphological analysis shown that the particules of the alloy material were partialy or fully incorporated into the composite. XRD also evince the incorporation of the alloy into the polymer. Photoacoustic spectroscopy allowed the determination of gap energy in the composite, further evidence that the alloy was incorporated into the polymer. / Fenômenos de superfície como adsorção, formação de coloides, catálise heterogênea, têm variadas aplicações difundidas na indústria. Uma propriedade importante para se obter eficiência nos processos da química de superfície é a razão área/volume dos materiais envolvidos em cada processo. Buscando por essa propriedade, conjugada com outras, um elevado número de publicações reporta o uso da técnica da eletrofiação como tendo características únicas na produção de fibras, com diâmetros da ordem de nanometros, e agregados de fibras, na forma de membranas ou filmes, com elevada área específica. Neste trabalho, uma liga constituída de selênio e gálio foi adicionado a uma solução polimérica de Ecovio® antes da eletrofiação. Os efeitos da concentração de liga sobre as propriedades do material compósito (membranas) foram investigados por meio de análise térmica, difração de Raios X (DRX), espectroscopia de infravermelho, microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e espectroscopia fotoacústica (EFA) na região de Ultravioleta e visível. O compósito formado mostrou dependência com cristalinidade da liga e, embora não tenha sido medido diretamente, a área superficial parece estar aumentada. A análise termogravimétrica evidenciou aumento na estabilidade térmica do material compósito. Embora a espectroscopia de infravermelho tenha sido inconclusiva quanto à incorporação da liga no polímero, a análise morfológica da MEV mostrou que as partículas do material da liga foram parciais ou totalmente incorporadas ao compósito. A difração de Raios X também evidencia a incorporação da liga no polímero. A espectroscopia fotoacústica permitiu a determinação da energia do gap no compósito, mais uma evidência de que a liga foi incorporada ao polímero.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / Banco do Nordeste do Brasil / Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o efeito de nÃveis da adubaÃÃo potÃssica, aplicados via fertirrigaÃÃo, no desenvolvimento, na produtividade e na qualidade dos frutos do mamoeiro Formosa, Cv. âTainung NÂ. 1â, nas condiÃÃes edafoclimÃticas de Russas â CE. O experimento foi conduzido seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado formado por 4 doses de K2O (36, 72, 108 e 144 g; correspondentes a 60; 120; 180 e 240 g de KCl planta mÃs-1), aplicados na Ãgua de irrigaÃÃo por gotejamento superficial em um Neossolo QuartzarÃnico. Foi avaliado aos 150, 210 e 250 dias apÃs o transplantio, o diÃmetro do caule e altura das plantas, aos 8 meses apÃs o transplantio foi avaliado o efeito dos tratamentos sobre as caracterÃsticas fÃsico-quÃmicas dos frutos. Aos 720 dias foi avaliado o efeito dos tratamentos sobre as caracterÃsticas quÃmicas do solo, avaliaÃÃo do teor N, P e K nas folhas e nos pecÃolos dos mamoeiros, contagem dos frutos por planta, peso por fruto e foi estimada a produtividade da Ãrea. A aplicaÃÃo das doses de K sobre as caracterÃsticas quÃmicas do solo influenciou significativamente nos teores de Ca, Na, N, P e K, jà o teor de Mg no solo nÃo seguiu o mesmo comportamento. O pH, CE e o teor de M.O. no solo sofreram aumento nos seus valores com o aumento da aplicaÃÃo das dose de K. As caracterÃsticas diÃmetro do caule e altura de plantas avaliadas nas plantas de mamoeiros nos trÃs perÃodos atingiram o seu mÃximo quando foi utilizada a dose de 180 g de KCl planta mÃs-1, a partir dessa o desenvolvimento das plantas foi prejudicado pelo excesso de K aplicado. O maior nÃmero de frutos por planta, peso mÃdio do fruto e produtividade foram obtidos com a dose de 240 g de KCl planta mÃs-1. As doses de potÃssio aplicadas por via fertirrigaÃÃo influenciaram de forma significativa na concentraÃÃo do N e do K no pecÃolo e do N, P e K nas folhas do mamoeiro. Jà a concentraÃÃo do P nÃo foi afetada pela aplicaÃÃo das doses de K no solo. Os tratamentos nÃo exerceram efeitos estatisticamente diferentes sobre os parÃmetros: peso do fruto, peso da casca, peso da polpa e firmeza da polpa, mas o tempo de amadurecimento, sÃlido solÃveis, pH e acidez da polpa apresentaram diferenÃa significativa com as diferentes doses de K aplicadas via fertirrigaÃÃo.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-19T12:56:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 GILVAN PEREIRA DE FIGUEREDO.pdf: 11579757 bytes, checksum: dda638ee3ac748c09fb726ca60cc9e98 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-12 / The State of the Maranhão, Northeast of Brazil, has large occurrences of clays and zeolites. Nevertheless, these materials are not commercially exploited, due to lack of studies on its mineralogical and chemical composition. In this context, the objective this paper has as to study the physico-chemical features, particularly textural and structural properties and surface acidity of some natural clays and zeolites from the State of Maranhão. Thirteen samples of clays and four of zeolites were collected in Governador Edson Lobão, Montes Altos, Barra do Corda, Presidente Dutra, Grajaú, Codó and Carolina. All materials were characterized by X ray diffraction (XRD), X ray fluorescence (XRF), thermal analysis (TGA/DTA/DSC), N2 and n-butylamine adsorption/desorption. The obtained results revealed that the clays are, under a mineralogy view point, constituted by, basically, smectites and kaolinites, being some of these solid composites for 100% of sand and another one for a mixture of minerals of iron and clay, showing diversified chemical compositions and specific areas which varying from 2 m2/g until 85 m2/g. The zeolites showed to be structurally similar with a mixed mineralogical composition, presenting stilbite phases as well as smectite, with quite low specific areas (5 m2/g until 13 m2/g). Zeolites revealed to be more acidic than the clays. However, it should be emphasized that the surface acidity of all clays is also significant, being characterized by strong acid sites. In the particular case of the smectites, mainly of A5 sample, it was verified that the chemical activation, through acid treatment, modified its crystalline structure and increased its specific area for 136,53 m2/g. The adsorption capacity of the acid-activated clays had been more of natural clays and in some cases, these values had been similar to those gotten when using commercial clays. In a general way, this study indicates that the evaluated solids can be applied as adsorbents, as catalysts and as raw materials for refractory and ceramics production. / O Estado do Maranhão, Nordeste do Brasil, possui diversas ocorrências de argilas e de zeólitas. Apesar disso, esses materiais não são explorados comercialmente, devido à falta de estudos sobre sua composição mineralógica e química. Diante disso, este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar as características físico-químicas, especialmente as propriedades texturais e estruturais e acidez superficial de algumas argilas e zeólitas naturais do Estado do Maranhão. Foram coletadas treze amostras de argilas e quatro de zeólitas, nos municípios de Governador Edson Lobão, Montes Altos, Barra do Corda, Presidente Dutra, Grajaú, Codó e Carolina. Os materiais foram caracterizados por DRX, FRX, TGA/DTA/DSC, adsorção/dessorção de N2 e de n-butilamina. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que as argilas são mineralogicamente constituídas por, basicamente, esmectitas e caulinitas, sendo alguns desses sólidos compostos por quase 100% de areia e outro por uma mistura de minerais de ferro e argila, apresentando composições químicas variadas e áreas específicas que vão de 2 a 84 m2/g. As zeólitas são estruturalmente semelhantes, de composição mineralógica mista, apresentado estruturas de estilbita cálcica e esmectita, com áreas específicas bastante baixas (5 m2/g a 13 m2/g). As zeólitas mostraram-se muito mais ácidas do que as argilas. Porém, deve-se ressaltar que a acidez superficial das argilas é também apreciável, possuindo sítios ácidos mais fortes. No caso particular das esmectitas, principalmente da amostra A5, verificou-se que a ativação química, através de tratamento ácido, modificou sua estrutura cristalina e aumentou sua área específica para 136,53 m2/g. A capacidade de adsorção das argilas ativadas foram superiores a das argilas naturais e em alguns casos, esses valores foram semelhantes àqueles obtidos ao empregar argilas comerciais. De um modo geral, este estudo indica que os sólidos avaliados podem ser aplicados tanto como adsorventes e catalisadores quanto como matérias-primas para a produção de material cerâmico e refratário.

Les liquides ioniques sont des composés uniquement constitués d‘ions souvent volumineux, asymétriques et flexibles. Ils possèdent des températures de fusion basses, typiquement au-dessous de 100°C. Ils sont considérés comme des solvants prometteurs pour une chimie durable du fait, notamment, de leur tension de vapeur négligeable. Ils présentent d‘autres propriétés intéressantes : grande stabilité thermique, pression de vapeur quasiment nulle, non-inflammabilité, propriétés modulables par changement de l‘anion ou du cation, etc. Ils sont classiquement organisés par familles, en fonction de la structure chimique de leur cation : imidazolium, pyridinium, pyrrolidinium, etc. Leurs domaines d‘application sont très variés : synthèse, catalyse, séparation et extraction. Cependant, l‘utilisation des liquides ioniques à l‘échelle industrielle est encore limitée par manque de connaissances fondamentales et par l‘absence de données fiables sur leurs propriétés, leur devenir et leur impact environnementaux. La toxicité des liquides ioniques a récemment été démontrée ainsi qu'une résistance à la biodégradation. Dans ce contexte et en vue du développement à grande échelle de l‘utilisation de ces composés, la recherche de liquides ioniques à faible impact environnemental (moins toxiques, facilement biodégradables) devient essentielle. L‘introduction dans les chaînes latérales alkyles des imidazolium et pyridinium de groupements fonctionnels oxygenés, qui peuvent être reconnus par des enzymes (ex. esters, éthers, alcools terminaux), a grandement amélioré leur biodégradabilité. En même temps, il est important de garantir que la présence de ces groupements n‘affecte pas les propriétés physico-chimiques des liquides ioniques requises pour un usage spécifique dans des procédés chimiques. Dans ce projet de doctorat, nous avons sélectionné divers liquides ioniques basés sur les cations imidazolium, pyridinium, pyrrolidinium et ammonium, avec ou sans groupements fonctionnels (alcool/ester/éther) et avec trois types d‘anions, comme cibles d‘étude. L‘objectif était d‘examiner si les modifications de structures peuvent effectivement baisser leur impact environnemental tout en gardant leurs propriétés intéressantes pour des applications industrielles. Dans un premier temps, nous avons étudié plusieurs propriétés physico-chimiques importantes pour des applications ultérieures et/ou indicatrices de leur impact environnemental : les propriétés volumiques, la viscosité, la solubilité de gaz, la solubilité dans l‘eau, le coefficient de partage octanol-eau et le coefficient de diffusion dans l‘eau. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons étudié leur impact environnemental par la mesure de la toxicité sur quatre microorganismes différents et l‘étude de leur biodégradation en présence de souches pures de bactéries. En complément, nous avons essayé de trouver des modèles basés sur les informations structurales pour estimer certaines propriétés. L‘insertion de groupements oxygénés sur la chaîne alkyle des cations ne change pas significativement les propriétés volumiques ; ni le coefficient de diffusion dans l‘eau. Les propriétés de solvatation des liquides ioniques basés sur des cations imidazolium et ammonium ne sont pas modifiées significativement, mais celles des pyridinium sont réduites, à cause d'une contribution entropique défavorable à l'énergie de Gibbs de solvatation. La présence de groupements oxygénés dans la chaîne alkyle du cation augmente la viscosité d‘un ordre de grandeur comparativement aux liquides ioniques sans groupements oxygénés. Dans le cas de l‘anion octylsulfate la viscosité augmente de deux ordres de grandeur. La présence de groupements oxygénés augmente la biodégradabilité des liquides ioniques. La présence de groupements esters rend les liquides ioniques plus sensibles à l‘ hydrolyse dans les conditions abiotiques et biotiques, toutefois le noyau imidazolium n‘en devient pas biodégradable pour autant. L‘introduction de groupements oxygénés augmente la solubilité dans l‘eau, diminue la valeur du coefficient de partage octanol-eau et entraine une baisse de la toxicité ce qui signifie que ces liquides ioniques présentent un plus faible impact environnemental. / Ionic liquids are the salts composed only by bulky, unsymmetrical and flexible organic cations and inorganic or organic anions. Their melting points are particularly low, usually below 100°C. The ionic liquids present several interesting properties : high thermal stability, low vapor pressure, non-flammability and tunable properties by changing the anion or cation. They are considered as promising high performance fluids with low environmental impact that can be applied in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science both in processes (separation, catalysis) or as devices (optical components or lubricants).The application of ionic liquids at an industrial scale is still limited and fundamental information and reliable data on their properties, environmental fate and impact are rare. In this context and for the development of applications in wide scale, the research on ionic liquids with an expected low environmental impact (less toxic, readily biodegradable) is essential. The introduction of oxygenated functional groups – ester, ether or hydroxyl – in the alkyl side chains of imidazolium and pyridinium-based ionic liquids is expected to greatly improve their biodegradability. The effect of the functionalization on the physico-chemical properties of the ionic liquids is important in order to propose efficient, low environmental impact, ionic liquids for different applications and chemical processes. In this work, we have selected different ionic liquids based on the imidazolium, pyridinium, pyrrolidinium and ammonium cations, with or without functional groups (hydroxyl/ester/ether), and with three types of anions. Our objective was to examine if the modification of chemical structures of the ions effectively have lower environmental impact, and if they their interesting properties are remained. We have studied, for all the ionic liquids, several physico-chemical properties considered important to quantify the environmental impact of chemicals : the density, the viscosity, the gas solubility, the aqueous solubility, the octanol-water partition coefficient and the aqueous diffusivity. We have also tested their toxicity towards four different microorganisms and their biodegradation in presence of pure strain of bacteria. Finally, we have tried to develop some empirical and semi-empirical models based on molecular structure information for predicting some of these properties.The introduction of oxygenated groups in the alkyl chains on cations does not change significantly the volumetric properties of ionic liquids, or their diffusion coefficient in water, but increases the viscosity of the pure salts up to one order of magnitude. Carbon dioxide solubilities in ionic liquids are not significantly influenced by the introduction of oxygen functional groups in the cations of the ionic liquids except in the case of the pyridinium based ionic liquids for which the carbon dioxide solubility decreases significantly due to a defavourable entropic contribution to the Gibbs energy of solvation. The modification of the ionic liquids by introducing oxygenated chemical functions makes them more biodegradable. In the case of imidazolium-based ionic liquids, the presence of the ester group makes the cation more susceptible to hydrolysis, the imidazolium ring being still resistant to the degradation. The functionalization of the cation also increases the solubility in water of the resulting ionic liquids and reduces the octanol-water partition coefficient and their toxicity, leading us to conclude that they are more environmental friendly than the non-functionalized ionic liquids.

O arroz sofre danos principalmente pelo ataque de insetos, causando grandes perdas qualitativas e quantitativas, devido a isso, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar a viabilidade da radiação gama como método de conservação do arroz (Oryza sativa L.), sua eficiência no controle de uma importante praga de grão armazenado Sitophilus oryzae L. e os efeitos que a irradiação pode apresentar nos grãos irradiados considerando o aspecto sensorial e alteração no amido. As amostras foram constituídas de arroz polido e as doses de radiação gama utilizadas foram 0,5; 1,0; 3,0; e 5,0 kGy, sendo mantidas em temperatura ambiente. Foram realizadas análises da porcentagem de quebra do grão durante o beneficiamento e análise da longevidade e reprodução do gorgulho arroz. Foram realizadas também, as análises da composição centesimal, ácido fítico, conteúdo de amilose aparente e propriedades de pasta dos amidos além das análises para cor (instrumental) em arroz e a aceitabilidade (teste hedônico) visando à determinação da qualidade sensorial do arroz cru e cozido. Verificou-se que a irradiação não alterou de maneira significativa à quebra dos grãos durante o beneficiamento e causou efeito negativo no desenvolvimento dos insetos. A irradiação não alterou de maneira significativa à composição centesimal. Não foi encontrado valor significativo de ácido fítico, devido ao arroz ter sofrido o beneficiamento, retirando a parte externa (farelo) onde contém 85 &#150; 92% de fitatos totais. Foram encontrados valores de 17,33 a 18,44% para conteúdo de amilose aparente, sendo que a irradiação não afetou significativamente a conteúdo de amilose do amido do arroz. Os resultados da propriedade de pasta foram significativamente alterados, ocorrendo à redução da temperatura de pasta, diminuição do tempo para ocorrência do pico viscosidade, redução nos valores de viscosidade máxima e viscosidade final e a tendência de retrogradação se tornou menos acentuada nos amidos com doses crescente de radiação gama. Foram detectadas diferenças estatísticas (p<0,05) no aspecto sensorial entre as amostras irradiadas e não irradiadas, sendo que a amostra irradiada com a dose de 1,0 kGy obteve maiores médias para os atributos sensoriais. Para os resultados encontrados na cor instrumental observou a diferença estatística nos valores b* indicando que o arroz sofreu mudanças de branco para amarelada com o aumento da dose de radiação gama. Conclui-se que o uso da radiação gama, especialmente a dose de 1,0 kGy, mesmo apresentando diferença significativa (p< 0,05) nas propriedades de pasta, proporcionou maior aceitação pelos provadores, não afetou as análises físico-químicas, assegurando maior vida-útil contra o ataque de insetos, desde que não haja reinfestação, sendo portanto a dose recomendável para a conservação do arroz polido. / Rice is exposed to injuries especially due to the attack of insects, which represent great qualitative and quantitative losses. The aim of the present research was to verify the viability of the gamma irradiation as rice (Oryza sativa L.) conservation method; its efficiency in the control of an important pest for stored grains Sitophilus oryzae L. and the effects that irradiation may present in irradiated grains in relation to the sensory aspect and starch alterations. Samples were composed of polished rice and the gamma irradiation dosages used were 0.5; 1.0; 3.0; and 5.0 kGy, and kept at room temperature. Analyses of the grain breakage percentages during processing and the longevity and reproduction of the rice weevil were performed. Analyses of the centesimal composition, phytic acid, apparent amylose content and starch paste properties were also conducted, as well as analyses of the rice color (instrumental) and acceptability (hedonic test), aimed at the determination of the raw and cooked rice sensory quality. It was verified that the gamma irradiation did not change the grain breakage percentage significantly and caused a negative effect on the insect development. Irradiation did not change the centesimal composition significantly. No significant values of phytic acid were found because during rice processing, the outer part (bran) containing 85-92% of total phytates was removed. Values from 17.33 to 18.44% for the apparent amylose content were found, and irradiation did not affect the rice starch amylose content significantly. The paste properties results were significantly changed, where reduction on the paste temperature, decrease on the time for the occurrence of the peak viscosity, reduction on the final viscosity values were observed. The retrogradation tendency became less intense in starches with increasing irradiation dosages. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were detected in the sensory aspect between irradiated and non-irradiated samples, and the sample irradiated with 1.0 kGy obtained the highest means for the sensory attributes. For results obtained for instrumental color, a statistical difference was observed in b* values, indicating that the rice color changed from white to yellowish with increased irradiation dosages. One concluded that the use of the gamma irradiation especially at dosage of 1.0 kGy, even presenting significant difference (p<0.05) in the paste properties, obtained higher acceptance; this irradiation level did not affect the rice physical-chemical analyses and provided longer shelf-life against the attack of insects, being therefore, the recommended dosage for the conservation of the polished rice.

Thesis (MSc. Agriculture (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / The Agricultural Research Council-Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-ITSC) is continuously developing new avocado selections, in order for the South African Avocado Industry (SAAI) to remain competitive in various international avocado markets. However, information on the response of some of these selections, including ‘Fuerte 2 and 4’, ‘BL1058’ and ‘H287’ to low temperature storage and ripening physiology, has not been investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of harvest season and ripening duration on the physico-chemical properties of newly developed ‘Fuerte-type’ avocado fruit selections during ripening. ‘Fuerte-type’ avocado fruit were indexed for maturity using moisture content, thereafter harvested and stored at 5.5°C for 28 days during the 2014 and 2015 harvest seasons. The experiment comprised five treatments: control (commercial ‘Fuerte’), ‘Fuerte 2 and 4’, ‘BL1058’ and ‘H287’ arranged as a factorial in a completely randomised design (RCD) with 3 replicates. The treatment factors were: (i) 2 x harvest seasons, (ii) 5 x selections and (iii) 6 x ripening days. After withdrawal from low storage temperature, fruit were ripened at ambient temperature. During ripening, the following physico-chemical properties were evaluated; external chilling injury, electrolyte leakage, mass loss, firmness, respiration rate and peel colour. Results showed that selections and harvest seasons had no significant effect (P=0.668) on the moisture content of the evaluated ‘Fuerte-type’ avocado fruit. After withdrawal from low storage temperature, there was a significant interaction (P˂0.05) between selections and harvest seasons on external chilling injury and electrolyte leakage. Results further showed that external chilling injury correlated with electrolyte leakage during both harvest seasons. Treatment factors had no significant effect (P=0.997) on mass loss. Similarly, treatment factors had no significant effect (P=0.139) on firmness. However, selection ‘H287’ had hard skin with an average firmness of 83.44 densimeter units during ripening in both harvest seasons. Treatment factors were highly significant (P˂0.05) on respiration rate. Respiration rate followed a climacteric pattern and the magnitude of climacteric peak and day of occurrence varied amongst selections during both harvest seasons. Ripening percentage differed significantly (P˂0.05) amongst harvest seasons, selections and ripening days. Treatment factors had no significant effect on lightness (P=0.711), chroma (P=0.378) and hue angle (P=0.536) skin colour parameters,however, variations were recorded as a result of the cold damage black spots. The results indicated that the ‘Fuerte-type’ avocado selections had poor storage qualities. Further studies are required to evaluate physico-chemical properties during low storage temperature and the effect of season, production conditions and maturity level on development of chilling injury. In addition, studies on application of treatments to reduce chilling injury symptoms and analysis of bioactive compounds should be considered for conclusive recommendations. Thereafter, the selections can be planted in different production regions to assess and select the best producing and quality combinations for a given region as part of phase III of the project / Agricultural Sector Education Training Authority (AgriSeta) and National Research Foundation (NRF)