Traditionally, barley is the preferred cereal for traditional lager brewing. The use of sorghum for the production of European-style lager beers has recently been recognised. The use of sorghum as brewing adjunct could be a major socio-economic advantage in the developing countries in Africa. Limitations for its use, however, include its low amylolytic potential, high gelatinization temperatures, and the presence of tannins. Adjuncts are often combined with cereal malt during the brewing process to provide extra sources of fermentable carbohydrates. As with all cereals, the functional properties of sorghum grains are influenced by their physico-chemical characteristics. It is therefore critical to understand the structure, chemistry and functionality of the sorghum cultivar(s) considered for use as brewing adjuncts. Hot water extract describes the quality of the wort of an adjunct and depicts the amount of starch that was solubilised during mashing. The determination of hot water extract is expensive, laborious and time-consuming. The provision of a possible predictive marker(s) for sorghum hot water extract that is less complicated to determine, could be of great economical value to the brewer. Hot water extract was determined for 43 sorghum cultivars and then compared to various physico-chemical characteristics. Sorghum endosperm texture was visually determined. Suspensions of whole sorghum flour were pasted using a Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA) with an extended heating cycle. Significant negative correlations were obtained between extract content and pasting temperature and time in corneous endosperm samples. There was also a significant positive relationship between tannin-free sorghums and peak viscosity in pasted samples. Protein contents of 10 different sorghums were compared to their hot water extracts, where there was a significant negative relationship between these characteristics. Protein content could be used successfully as a predictive marker for extract. No significant relationship could be established between sorghum hot water extract and starch content. Tannin-containing sorghum cultivars gave significantly lower extracts and had higher malt diastatic power (DP) than non-tannin cultivars. There was no significant relationship between the DP and extract content of non-tannin sorghums. When only non-tannin sorghum cultivars that pasted were subjected to principal component analysis, it seemed that a positive relationship existed between peak viscosity and extract content. Low protein sorghum cultivars with no tannins and corneous endosperm would be suitable for use as brewing adjuncts. Protein content, the presence of tannins, endosperm texture and peak viscosity could be used as predictive markers for sorghum hot water extract / Dissertation (MSc(Agric))--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Food Science / unrestricted

<p> The effect of low temperature on the physico-chemical treatment (PCT) of domestic wastewater is examined with special emphasis placed on activated carbon adsorption. PCT is a recent processing scheme, wherein wastewater goes through sedimentation, precipitation, deep bed filtration and adsorption. In PCT, activated carbon adsorption takes the place of conventional biological treatment for organic removal.</p> <p> Both batch studies using powdered activated carbon (PAC) and continuous flow studies with granular activated carbon (GAC) on a pure compound, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and domestic wastewater from the Dundas, Ontario Water Pollution Control Plant were investigated.</p> <p> Theoretical analysis and batch feasibility studies indicate that the effect of low temperature on coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation were quite easily handled within established design parameters. Batch studies on PAC treatment show that the carbon floc is easily separable from wastewater with the aid of a small dosage of polyelectrolyte and high effluent quality is obtainable at temperatures ranging from 2° - 25°C.</p> <p> Granular activated carbon was evaluated first on a pure compound, SDS. Batch isotherms and kinetics were also conducted at the same time to determine parameters needed for continuous flow modelling. Results derived from this phase of the study indicate that the activation energy from column studies is quite low (approximately 3.0 kcal/mole). Close match is obtained between the theoretical model (a modification of Thomas' reaction kinetics) and experimental data.</p> <p> Finally PCT pilot plant studies on domestic wastewater were carried out, at 5°C and 25°C. Soluble organic carbon removal was in excess of that predicted by purely adsorption type phenomenon. This is attributed to microbial activity inside the carbon columns. Greater soluble organic removal was seen at 25°C than at 5°C. Denitrification inside the carbon columns was found to be quite significant, again with stronger denitrifying activity at 25°C than at 5°C. Microbiological investigation of the carbon from the exhausted columns revealed over 10^9 cells/cm^3) of GAC bed volume from the lead column at 25°C. Denitrifiers were also detected in the carbon. Iodine numbers were determined on used carbon, which indicated the exhaustion of activated carbon capacity. Organic removal, however, continued undiminished, due to bacterial activity.</p> <p> The study culminated with the development of a theoretical model incorporating bacterial activity. The results of column effluent profile, however, indicated great discrepancy between theoretical predictions and experimental observations. This was attributed to simplistic assumptions utilized in solving the fixed bed problem.</p> / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

This thesis focused on the interpretation of environmental data obtained from chemical analyses of complex and divergent environmental media. Environmental monitoring of pollutants yields large datasets which may be difficult to process using simplistic univariate approaches. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are environmental organic contaminants that have important health implications and are ubiquitous in the environment. These compounds are regularly monitored in all environmental compartments but delineating their impacting sources from analytical data is usually challenging and thus not routinely attempted. The work contained in this thesis discusses how source information can be obtained by the application of (a) qualitative relationships, (b) physico-chemical models dealing with phase change and partitioning, as well as (c) receptor models using factor analysis to P AH data collected in samples from the atmosphere and in suspended sediments. There are unique concepts and new applications embodied in this thesis. They include: (a) The development and definition of a new diagnostic relationship that discriminates between industrial and urban sources of P AH, (b) the integration of qualitative diagnostic correlations with measured concentration data to improve the diagnostic potential of these simple non-multivariate relationships, (c) the integration of local meteorological data with receptor modeling using factor analysis to explicitly identify impacting PAH source regions, and finally (d) the first known instance of the use of a hybridized receptor modeling methodology to explicitly identify, quantify and spatially map the potential source regions of P AH on a hemispheric scale. An additional effect of the work contained herein is that it shows how much information which could be useful to environmentalists and policy-makers in designing effective abatement and control strategies if available is usually left un-extracted from environmental monitoring activities. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Increasing socio-economic growth and development of South Africa’s freshwater systems require continuous augmentation of water sources to meet the growing water requirements of communities and industries. Anthropogenic disturbances have caused the water quality of many freshwater systems to drastically deteriorate due to constant disposal of domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste into surface waters. Government agencies make use of biomonitoring programmes to effectively manage the countries’ freshwater resources. These programmes use a variety of biological indicators (e.g., macroinvertebrates, fish, diatoms and algal species) and physico-chemical variables to determine the state of the environment. However, attempts to use microbial community structures as bioindicators of anthropogenic perturbations are greatly neglected. This study used molecular techniques (PCR-DGGE and 454-pyrosequencing) and multivariate analysis to develop a robust monitoring technique to determine the impacts of environmental disturbances on bacterial community compositions in river systems in the North West Province. Significant contributions made by this project included the establishment of a bacterial diversity framework for South African freshwater systems that are impacted by a variety of anthropogenic activities (e.g., urban and informal settlements, agriculture and mining). Furthermore, case studies demonstrated the prevalence of specific taxa at polluted sites, as well as positive and negative associations between taxa and environmental variables and pollutants. Finally, biogeochemical cycles could be partially matched to bacterial community structures in river systems. The first part of the project included a pilot study that investigated bacterial structures in a segment of the Vaal River in response to environmental parameters using molecular techniques and multivariate analysis. The most important observations made during this study included the generation of a larger bacterial diversity dataset by pyrosequencing compared to PCR-DGGE. In addition, metagenomic and multivariate analyses provided clues about potential biogeochemical roles of different taxa. The second and third part of the project included two case studies that investigated bacterial communities in the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit in response to environmental activities. Both these systems are impacted by a variety of external sources such as urban and informal settlements, agriculture, and mining. The results demonstrated that perturbations nearby the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit caused the overall water quality to deteriorate which in turn had a profound impact on bacterial community composition. Bacterial community structures at reference/control sites (Muiskraal and Turffontein dolomitic eye) had overall high species diversity (richness and evenness), whereas polluted sites showed lower species diversity and were dominated by the Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. In addition, various potential pathogens (e.g. Eschirichia/Shigella, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus etc.) were identified at impacted sites. Multivariate analysis suggested that bacterial communities and certain taxa (Malikia, Algoriphagus, Rhodobacter, Brevundimonas and Sphingopyxis) at polluted sites were mainly impacted by temperature, pH, nutrient levels, and heavy metals. Finally, the proportion of nitrogen and sulphur bacteria corresponded well with the nitrogen and sulphur levels measured in the Wonderfonteinspruit. Based on these results, it was concluded that bacterial community structures might provide a good indicator of anthropogenic disturbances in freshwater systems and may be incorporated into biomonitoring programs. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The main aim of the study was to analyse the impact of physico-chemical parameters on drinking water quality, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the drinking water distribution system in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. Another objective was to isolate and characterise Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species from drinking water distribution system and detect the virulence gene determinants in the isolates by PCR analysis. The physico-chemical data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Excel 2007 (Microsoft) and SPSS (version 14.0) programmes. Pearson’s correlation product of the moment was used to determine the correlation between EC, TDS, pH and temperature. The two tailed test of significance (p<0.05) was used in order to determine the significance of the result. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Cluster analysis based on the antibiotic inhibition zone diameter data of different organisms isolated from different sites was determined and was expressed as dendograms using Wards algorithm and Euclidean distance of Statistica version 7. Specific PCR was used to determine the identities of presumptive Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species through amplification of the gyrB, toxA and the ecfX gene fragments. Virulence gene determinants for the confirmed Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species were detected by amplifying the exoA, exoS and exoT genes and the aerA and hylH gene fragments, respectively. A Gene Genius Bio imaging system (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) was used to capture the image using GeneSnap (version 3.07.01) software (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) to determine the relative size of amplicons. Physico-chemical parameters were monitored from three drinking water sources three times a week and bacteriological quality was monitored weekly for four months from raw and treated drinking water. Water samples were analysed for pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electric conductivity (EC). Bacterial consortia from drinking water samples were isolated using selective media and enumerated. The results revealed a good chemical quality of water. However, the microbial quality of the water is not acceptable for human consumption due to the presence of Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and Heterotrophic bacteria. The results showed that the drinking water is slightly alkaline with pH value ranging between7.7 to 8.32. What is of concern was the microbial quality of the water. Pseudomonas sp., faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and heterotrophic bacteria were present in some of the treated water samples. The most significant finding of this study is that all drinking water samples were positive for Pseudomonas sp.(>100/100ml), but also that when one considers the TDS it demonstrates that water from the Modimola Dam has an impact on the quality of the mixed water. The prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of planktonic and biofilm bacteria isolated from drinking water were determined. The susceptibility of these isolates was tested against 11 antibiotics of clinical interest and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) patterns were compiled. The most prevalent antibiotic resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-K-TM-A. All isolates from all samples were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. However, all faecal coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. were susceptible to neomycin and streptomycin. On the contrary all organisms tested were resistant to erythromycin (100%) trimethoprim and amoxycillin. Cluster analysis based on inhibition zone diameter data could not differentiate the various isolated into sample types. The highest prevalence of antibiotic resistant isolates was observed in Modimola Dam and Molopo eye. Biofilms were investigated in both raw water and treated drinking water sources for the presence of faecal coliforms, total coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas spp. and heterotrophic bacteria based on conventional microbiology and molecular methods. Drinking water biofilms were grown twice and the biofilm developing device containing copper and galvanized steel coupons were utilized. The Mini Tap filter, a home water treatment device which can be used at a single faucet, under constant flow was used during the second collection of treated water samples from cold water taps. Scanning electron micrograph revealed the existence of biofilms in all the sites investigated and the highest density was obtained on galvanized steel coupons. Isolates were tested against the antibiotics ampicillin (10μg), cephalothin (5μg), streptomycin (10μg), erythromycin (15μg), chloramphenicol (30μg), neomycin (30 μg), amoxycillin (10 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), trimethoprim (25μg), kanamycin (30μg), and oxytetracycline (30μg). The multiple antibiotic resistance profiles and the presence of virulence related genes were determined. Various types of drug resistance and presence of virulence genes were observed. The most prevalent resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-TM-A. In conclusion, the results indicated the occurrence of faecal indicator bacteria in the drinking water destined for human consumption. Faecal indicator bacteria are the major contributors of poor drinking water quality and may harbour opportunistic pathogens. This highlighted survival of organisms to treatment procedures and the possible regrowth as biofilms in plumbing materials. The detection of large proportion of MAR Aeromonas and Pseudomonas species which possessed virulent genes was a cause of concern as these could pose health risks to humans. The data obtained herein may be useful in assessing the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. / PhD (Microbiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Increasing socio-economic growth and development of South Africa’s freshwater systems require continuous augmentation of water sources to meet the growing water requirements of communities and industries. Anthropogenic disturbances have caused the water quality of many freshwater systems to drastically deteriorate due to constant disposal of domestic, industrial, and agricultural waste into surface waters. Government agencies make use of biomonitoring programmes to effectively manage the countries’ freshwater resources. These programmes use a variety of biological indicators (e.g., macroinvertebrates, fish, diatoms and algal species) and physico-chemical variables to determine the state of the environment. However, attempts to use microbial community structures as bioindicators of anthropogenic perturbations are greatly neglected. This study used molecular techniques (PCR-DGGE and 454-pyrosequencing) and multivariate analysis to develop a robust monitoring technique to determine the impacts of environmental disturbances on bacterial community compositions in river systems in the North West Province. Significant contributions made by this project included the establishment of a bacterial diversity framework for South African freshwater systems that are impacted by a variety of anthropogenic activities (e.g., urban and informal settlements, agriculture and mining). Furthermore, case studies demonstrated the prevalence of specific taxa at polluted sites, as well as positive and negative associations between taxa and environmental variables and pollutants. Finally, biogeochemical cycles could be partially matched to bacterial community structures in river systems. The first part of the project included a pilot study that investigated bacterial structures in a segment of the Vaal River in response to environmental parameters using molecular techniques and multivariate analysis. The most important observations made during this study included the generation of a larger bacterial diversity dataset by pyrosequencing compared to PCR-DGGE. In addition, metagenomic and multivariate analyses provided clues about potential biogeochemical roles of different taxa. The second and third part of the project included two case studies that investigated bacterial communities in the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit in response to environmental activities. Both these systems are impacted by a variety of external sources such as urban and informal settlements, agriculture, and mining. The results demonstrated that perturbations nearby the Mooi River and Wonderfonteinspruit caused the overall water quality to deteriorate which in turn had a profound impact on bacterial community composition. Bacterial community structures at reference/control sites (Muiskraal and Turffontein dolomitic eye) had overall high species diversity (richness and evenness), whereas polluted sites showed lower species diversity and were dominated by the Beta- and Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. In addition, various potential pathogens (e.g. Eschirichia/Shigella, Legionella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus etc.) were identified at impacted sites. Multivariate analysis suggested that bacterial communities and certain taxa (Malikia, Algoriphagus, Rhodobacter, Brevundimonas and Sphingopyxis) at polluted sites were mainly impacted by temperature, pH, nutrient levels, and heavy metals. Finally, the proportion of nitrogen and sulphur bacteria corresponded well with the nitrogen and sulphur levels measured in the Wonderfonteinspruit. Based on these results, it was concluded that bacterial community structures might provide a good indicator of anthropogenic disturbances in freshwater systems and may be incorporated into biomonitoring programs. / PhD (Environmental Sciences), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The main aim of the study was to analyse the impact of physico-chemical parameters on drinking water quality, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistant bacteria in the drinking water distribution system in Mafikeng, North West Province, South Africa. Another objective was to isolate and characterise Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species from drinking water distribution system and detect the virulence gene determinants in the isolates by PCR analysis. The physico-chemical data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using Excel 2007 (Microsoft) and SPSS (version 14.0) programmes. Pearson’s correlation product of the moment was used to determine the correlation between EC, TDS, pH and temperature. The two tailed test of significance (p<0.05) was used in order to determine the significance of the result. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Cluster analysis based on the antibiotic inhibition zone diameter data of different organisms isolated from different sites was determined and was expressed as dendograms using Wards algorithm and Euclidean distance of Statistica version 7. Specific PCR was used to determine the identities of presumptive Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species through amplification of the gyrB, toxA and the ecfX gene fragments. Virulence gene determinants for the confirmed Pseudomonas and Aeromonas species were detected by amplifying the exoA, exoS and exoT genes and the aerA and hylH gene fragments, respectively. A Gene Genius Bio imaging system (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) was used to capture the image using GeneSnap (version 3.07.01) software (Syngene, Synoptics; UK) to determine the relative size of amplicons. Physico-chemical parameters were monitored from three drinking water sources three times a week and bacteriological quality was monitored weekly for four months from raw and treated drinking water. Water samples were analysed for pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electric conductivity (EC). Bacterial consortia from drinking water samples were isolated using selective media and enumerated. The results revealed a good chemical quality of water. However, the microbial quality of the water is not acceptable for human consumption due to the presence of Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and Heterotrophic bacteria. The results showed that the drinking water is slightly alkaline with pH value ranging between7.7 to 8.32. What is of concern was the microbial quality of the water. Pseudomonas sp., faecal coliforms (FC), total coliforms (TC) and heterotrophic bacteria were present in some of the treated water samples. The most significant finding of this study is that all drinking water samples were positive for Pseudomonas sp.(>100/100ml), but also that when one considers the TDS it demonstrates that water from the Modimola Dam has an impact on the quality of the mixed water. The prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of planktonic and biofilm bacteria isolated from drinking water were determined. The susceptibility of these isolates was tested against 11 antibiotics of clinical interest and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) patterns were compiled. The most prevalent antibiotic resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-K-TM-A. All isolates from all samples were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. However, all faecal coliforms and Pseudomonas spp. were susceptible to neomycin and streptomycin. On the contrary all organisms tested were resistant to erythromycin (100%) trimethoprim and amoxycillin. Cluster analysis based on inhibition zone diameter data could not differentiate the various isolated into sample types. The highest prevalence of antibiotic resistant isolates was observed in Modimola Dam and Molopo eye. Biofilms were investigated in both raw water and treated drinking water sources for the presence of faecal coliforms, total coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas spp. and heterotrophic bacteria based on conventional microbiology and molecular methods. Drinking water biofilms were grown twice and the biofilm developing device containing copper and galvanized steel coupons were utilized. The Mini Tap filter, a home water treatment device which can be used at a single faucet, under constant flow was used during the second collection of treated water samples from cold water taps. Scanning electron micrograph revealed the existence of biofilms in all the sites investigated and the highest density was obtained on galvanized steel coupons. Isolates were tested against the antibiotics ampicillin (10μg), cephalothin (5μg), streptomycin (10μg), erythromycin (15μg), chloramphenicol (30μg), neomycin (30 μg), amoxycillin (10 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), trimethoprim (25μg), kanamycin (30μg), and oxytetracycline (30μg). The multiple antibiotic resistance profiles and the presence of virulence related genes were determined. Various types of drug resistance and presence of virulence genes were observed. The most prevalent resistance phenotype observed was KF-AP-C-E-OT-TM-A. In conclusion, the results indicated the occurrence of faecal indicator bacteria in the drinking water destined for human consumption. Faecal indicator bacteria are the major contributors of poor drinking water quality and may harbour opportunistic pathogens. This highlighted survival of organisms to treatment procedures and the possible regrowth as biofilms in plumbing materials. The detection of large proportion of MAR Aeromonas and Pseudomonas species which possessed virulent genes was a cause of concern as these could pose health risks to humans. The data obtained herein may be useful in assessing the health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated water. / PhD (Microbiology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

A solubilização de solutos não iônicos através de um processo de partição entre água e a pseudo-fase micelar de tensoativos não iônicos foi estudada para álcoois secundários etoxilados com grau de etoxilação variando entre 7 e 40. Mostrou-se que o coeficiente de incorporação micelar, Ks, é independente do grau de etoxilação o que corrobora a hipótese de que a partição ocorre entre água e o núcleo hidrocarbônico da micela, que não é alterado pelo aumento do número de grupos de óxido de eteno na cabeça polar do tensoativo. O uso de relações lineares de energia livre, LSER, para a predição da capacidade de solubilização de álcoois secundários etoxilados forneceu, através de regressão múltipla linear a seguinte LSER como melhor modelo: log Ks = -0,42 + 1,21E - 1,73S -0,40A - 1,13B + 3,01V com R2 = 0,98 e valor de teste F de 1390. Nesta equação, V é o volume molar do soluto, A e B são a capacidade do soluto de atuar como doador e aceptor de pontes de hidrogênio, E é a refração molar em excesso e S representa a capacidade do soluto de interagir com o meio de solubilização através de interações do tipo dipolo-dipolo e dipolo-dipolo induzido. Mostrou-se que processos de limpeza aplicados à remoção de sujidades de tecidos e superfícies sólidas não estão correlacionados ao mecanismo de solubilização descrito por um processo de partição. A dependência da redução de tensão interfacial com o grau de etoxilação sugere que a eficiência de limpeza, para superfícies sólidas e para tecidos, está correlacionada de maneira direta, mas não linear, com a capacidade do tensoativo de concentrar-se na interface \"sujidade-solução aquosa de tensoativo\" reduzindo assim a tensão interfacial entre os dois meios. / The solubilization of non-ionic solutes via partitioning between water and the micellar pseudophase of non-ionic surfactants was evaluated for a series of secondary alcohol ethoxylates with hydrophile length varying from 7 to 40 ethylene oxide units. It was demonstrated that the micellar incorporation constant, Ks, is not dependent on the hydrophile length of the surfactant. The results obtained in this study support the hypothesis that the partitioning between water and the micellar core is not disturbed by the etheylene oxide hydrophilic groups. Linear solvation free energy relationships, LSER, were used to model the ability of the surfactants to solubilize non-ionic compounds. Multiple linear regression analysis provided the following LSER with R2 of 0.98 and F value of 1390: logK = -0,42 + 1,21E - 1,73S - 0,40A - 1,13B + 3,01V. In this LSER, V is a descriptor of solute molar volume, A and B capture the overall ability of the solute to act as a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, E is the solute excess molar refraction and S is a descriptor of the ability of the solute to interact via dipole-dipole and dipole-induced dipole interactions with its surroundings. It was demonstrated that hard and soft surface cleaning efficiencies are not correlated with the solubilization process. It was shown, however, that the change in interfacial tension caused by the change in the hydrophile portion of the surfactants has a direct, but non-linear impact on the cleaing properties of aqueous solutions containing these surfactants.

Ce travail de recherche consiste à étudier les relations structure-propriétés de mélanges biopolymères à base de poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) et poly(butylène succinate) (PBS). Il est divisé en trois parties. La première partie est consacrée à l'étude des propriétés des mélanges PHBV/PBS préparés par voie fondue en fonction de la composition en termes de morphologie et de propriétés rhéologiques, mécaniques, thermiques et barrières. Les résultats obtenus ont été discutés par rapport aux polymères de base. La deuxième partie est consacrée à la compatibilisation des mélanges PHBV/PBS et l'amélioration des interactions à l'interface. Les effets de l'incorporation de la sépiolite à 5% en masse et du PHBV greffé par de l’anhydride maléique (PHBV-g-MA) à 5% en masse ont été étudiés en termes de changements morphologiques montrant un effet synergique entre le compatibilisant et la nanocharge sur les l’ensemble des propriétés des mélanges PHBV/PBS. Enfin, une étude sur le recyclage a été menée à travers une évaluation des effets du nombre de cycles d'extrusion sur les propriétés des matériaux. Elle révèle qu'après 6 cycles d'extrusion, la dégradation thermo-mécanique du PHBV est significativement réduite en présence du PBS. / The main objective of this work was to study the structure-properties relationships of biopolymerblends based on poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and polybutylene succinate (PBS). The work was devised into three parts. The first part was devoted to the study of the properties of PHBV/PBS blends prepared by melt compounding at different weight ratio in terms of morphology and properties. The results obtained were discussed in terms of properties and compared with the neat polymers. The second part was devoted to the study of compatibility of PHBV/PBS blends aiming to improve the interactions at the interface between the two components. The effects of both sepiolite (5% wt.) and PHBV-g-MA (5% wt.) were studied in terms of properties. The results showed a synergistic effect between the compatibilizer PHBV-g-MA and the nanofiller sepiolite though an increase in thermal, mechanical and rheological properties. The last part dealing with the recyclability of PHBV/PBS through the study of the effects of repeated extrusion cycles on the properties of materials. The results showed that after 6 reprocessing cycles the thermo-mechanical degradation of PHBV is significantly reduced in the presence of PBS.

O presente estudo teve, como objetivo principal, a determinação da composição físico-química e nutricional de onze amostras de méis com própolis comercializados no Estado de São Paulo, de acordo com as metodologias analíticas da legislação brasileira vigente (Instrução Normativa nº11 de 20 de outubro de 2000), que segue os métodos preconizados pelos Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), 1990 e Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), 1990). Amostras de mel puro e de própolis foram usadas como referência. Os resultados mostraram que os mesmos métodos usados para o controle de qualidade do mel puro (umidade, HMF, açúcares redutores, sacarose aparente, cinzas, acidez livre, sólidos insolúveis em água) foram adequados para o controle de qualidade do mel com própolis, exceto pela analise de atividade diastásica, que precisou de uma adaptação metodológica. A análise de minerais demonstrou que essas amostras não são fontes de ferro, magnésio, zinco e cálcio. A própolis adicionada ao mel aumentou o seu valor energético comparado com o mel puro. Cinco das onze amostras analisadas não apresentaram, na sua rotulagem, os valores nutricionais como recomenda a legislação. É indicada a necessidade de uma fiscalização mais rigorosa, assim como uma legislação específica para o controle de qualidade destes produtos. / The present work has, as its main objective, to determine the physico-chemical and nutritional composition of commercial samples of propolis added to honey from São Paulo State. Eleven honey-propolis samples were analyzed, according to the methods established by the Brazilian Law (Instrução Normativa n.11 de 20 de outubro de 2000) which recommends the same methods established by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1990). The results showed that the same methods used for pure honey quality control (moisture, HMF, reducing sugars, apparent sucrose, ash, free acidity, insoluble solids in water) except for the diastase activity which had to be adapted, can also be used for the honey-propolis quality control. The mineral analyses results showed that the samples were not a good source for iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium. Honey has its energy value enhanced by the addition of propolis if compared with pure honey. As five of the eleven samples analyzed did not have the nutritional values information on the labels as it is mandatory by the Brazilian Legislation, a more rigorous inspection and even a specific law should be established for the quality control of those products.