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As grandes taxas de consumo de calcário são uma característica problemática em relação à absorção de enxofre na combustão de carvão em leito fluidizado. O conhecimento da conversão e das taxas de reação é um fator chave para a redução do consumo, permitindo uma utilização mais eficiente e uma melhor seleção dos absorventes. Neste trabalho a conversão e o coeficiente da taxa de reação global para a absorção de enxofre por diferentes calcários são determinados num reator de leito fluidizado de escala reduzida. O reator é uma coluna de 160 mm de diâmetro interno, utilizando areia como material do leito, e fluidizado por ar pré-aquecido em 750 e 850ºC. Uma fração de SO2 é adicionada ao ar de fluidização, e bateladas de calcário são alimentadas no leito para a remoção de enxofre. O tamanho médio das partículas de areia e de calcário é de 545 &#956m. As temperaturas, o tamanho das partículas e a fração de SO2 no gás são típicos do processo de combustão de carvão em leito fluidizado. Quando as bateladas de calcário são alimentadas no leito previamente aquecido, as concentrações transientes de saída de SO2, CO2 e O2 são monitoradas continuamente no tempo com a temperatura do processo. Cinco calcários de três regiões diferentes foram testados, sendo dois calcíticos, dois dolomíticos e um magnesiano. Os resultados mostraram que o calcário dolomítico, relativamente mais jovem em relação a sua idade geológica, foi o que apresentou uma melhor eficiência para a remoção de SO2. / The high rates of consumption of limestone is a problematic feature regarding sulfur absorption in coal fluidized bed combustion. The knowledge of conversion and reaction rates is a key factor towards reducing that consumption, allowing a more efficient utilization and a better selection of absorbents. In this work the conversion and the global reaction rate coefficient for sulfur absorption by different limestones are determined in a bench scale fluidized bed reactor. The reactor is a 160 mm internal diameter column using silica sand as bed material, fluidized by pre-heated air at 750°C and 850°C. A fraction of SO2 is added to the fluidization air, and batches of limestone are fed to the bed to perform sulfur removal. The mean particle size of both silica sand and limestone is of 545 &#956m. The considered temperatures, particle size and fraction of SO2 in the gas of the bed are typical of the coal fluidized bed combustion process. As the batches of limestone are fed to the previously heated bed, the exit transient concentrations of SO2, CO, CO2 and O2 are continuously recorded alongside with the process temperature. Five different limestones were tested, including two calcitic, two dolomitic and one magnesian. The results show that the dolomitic limestone, relatively younger regarding its geological age, presented a better efliciency for SO2 removal.

Se instaló y puso a punto un dispositivo experimental de cámaras de techo descubierto (Open-top chambers, OTCs) para la dosificación con SO2 y con O3, por separado y en mezcla, sobre plantas. En dicha instalación se llevó a cabo un estudio durante 2 años acerca de los efectos de esos contaminantes sobre diversos aspectos de plantas de Pinus halepensis de 2.5 años de edad. Se midieron periódicamente la concentración de nutrientes y pigmentos en acículas y se realizaron ciclos de medida de emisión de fluorescencia y tasas de intercambio gaseoso en plantas bien regadas y en plantas con limitaciones de riego. A lo largo del experimento se midieron la altura y el diámetro de las plantas, y al final del mismo se obtuvieron medidas de biomasa aérea y subterránea.El SO2 causó efectos en las plantas de Pinus halepensis en todos los aspectos estudiados. Junto con el aumento de Stotal, las acículas mostraron una acumulación de cationes por efecto del SO2. Los efectos del SO2 sobre el contenido de pigmentos fotosintéticos no fueron patentes hasta el segundo año de experimentación, y en cualquier caso resultaron cuantitativamente poco importantes. Los resultados de las medidas de emisión de fluorescencia indicaron un aumento de la eficiencia fotoquímica del PSII en el tratamiento con SO2. Se produjeron reducciones de la tasa de asimilación diaria de CO2 de hasta un 34 % por efecto del SO2. Ese efecto no estuvo relacionado con la disminución de la eficiencia fotoquímica del PSII. La exposición al SO2 indujo alteraciones en el crecimiento y la acumulación de biomasa. La biomasa de raíces disminuyó por efecto del SO2 y la relación biomasa aérea/subterránea (S:R) aumentó en ese tratamiento. A pesar de que se emplearon concentraciones potencialmente fitotóxicas, los efectos del O3 fueron mínimos. No se observaron efectos importantes del O3 en la concentración foliar de nutrientes, en la eficiencia fotoquímica del PSII y otros parámetros de la emisión de fluorescencia, ni en las tasas de fotosíntesis, el crecimiento y la biomasa final total. Los resultados obtenidos en el estudio presentado no apoyan la existencia de efectos interactivos de los dos contaminantes, al menos con las dosis empleadas y en nuestras condiciones de experimentación. Los efectos de la mezcla de SO2 y O3 se pudieron explicar por la suma de efectos de los contaminantes por separado en la mayor parte de los aspectos estudiados. / An experimental facility was built-up, for the fumigation of SO2 and O3, independently and mixed. In this facility a study was conducted during two years, about the effects of these pollutants on several aspects of 2.5 year old seedlings of Pinus halepensis. The concentration of nutrients and photosynthetic pigments were measured periodically in the needles. Also, diary cycles of fluorescence emission ad gaseous exchange rates were measured in well watered plants non-watered plants. The height and diameter of the plants were measured along the experiment, and the aerial and root biomass were measured at the end of the experiment. The SO2 affected all the measures performed. The needles showed an accumulation of total sulfur and cations. The effects of the SO2 on the photosynthetic pigment content were not showed until the second year of experimentation, and were not quantitatively very important. The fluorescence emission results showed an increased PSII photochemical efficiency in the SO2 treatment. The net assimilation rates of CO2 were decreased up to 34 % by the effect of SO2. This effect was not related to the decrease of photochemical efficiency of PSII. The SO2 altered the growth and accumulated biomass. This treatment decreased the root biomass and increased the index shoot:root.In spite of the potentially phytotoxic concentrations of O3 used, the effects of this pollutant were minimal. There were no important effects of the O3 in the nutrient concentration of the needles, the photochemical efficiency of PSII and other measured parameter of fluorescence, the photosynthesis rates, the growth and final total biomass.The results obtained didn´t indicate an interaction between the two pollutants, at least with this doses in our experimental conditions. The effects of the mixture of SO2 and O3 were explained by means of the sum of the effects independently in the most part of the studied aspects.

As grandes taxas de consumo de calcário são uma característica problemática em relação à absorção de enxofre na combustão de carvão em leito fluidizado. O conhecimento da conversão e das taxas de reação é um fator chave para a redução do consumo, permitindo uma utilização mais eficiente e uma melhor seleção dos absorventes. Neste trabalho a conversão e o coeficiente da taxa de reação global para a absorção de enxofre por diferentes calcários são determinados num reator de leito fluidizado de escala reduzida. O reator é uma coluna de 160 mm de diâmetro interno, utilizando areia como material do leito, e fluidizado por ar pré-aquecido em 750 e 850ºC. Uma fração de SO2 é adicionada ao ar de fluidização, e bateladas de calcário são alimentadas no leito para a remoção de enxofre. O tamanho médio das partículas de areia e de calcário é de 545 &#956m. As temperaturas, o tamanho das partículas e a fração de SO2 no gás são típicos do processo de combustão de carvão em leito fluidizado. Quando as bateladas de calcário são alimentadas no leito previamente aquecido, as concentrações transientes de saída de SO2, CO2 e O2 são monitoradas continuamente no tempo com a temperatura do processo. Cinco calcários de três regiões diferentes foram testados, sendo dois calcíticos, dois dolomíticos e um magnesiano. Os resultados mostraram que o calcário dolomítico, relativamente mais jovem em relação a sua idade geológica, foi o que apresentou uma melhor eficiência para a remoção de SO2. / The high rates of consumption of limestone is a problematic feature regarding sulfur absorption in coal fluidized bed combustion. The knowledge of conversion and reaction rates is a key factor towards reducing that consumption, allowing a more efficient utilization and a better selection of absorbents. In this work the conversion and the global reaction rate coefficient for sulfur absorption by different limestones are determined in a bench scale fluidized bed reactor. The reactor is a 160 mm internal diameter column using silica sand as bed material, fluidized by pre-heated air at 750°C and 850°C. A fraction of SO2 is added to the fluidization air, and batches of limestone are fed to the bed to perform sulfur removal. The mean particle size of both silica sand and limestone is of 545 &#956m. The considered temperatures, particle size and fraction of SO2 in the gas of the bed are typical of the coal fluidized bed combustion process. As the batches of limestone are fed to the previously heated bed, the exit transient concentrations of SO2, CO, CO2 and O2 are continuously recorded alongside with the process temperature. Five different limestones were tested, including two calcitic, two dolomitic and one magnesian. The results show that the dolomitic limestone, relatively younger regarding its geological age, presented a better efliciency for SO2 removal.

One of today’s world's main challenges is access to a clean environment. The release of hazardous and toxic gases from burning fossil fuels is of critical concern due to these gases' destructive effects on the nearby atmosphere. Among these, acid rain is one of the most severe consequences of air pollution caused by sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and still needs to be better addressed. One of the solutions is the adsorption-based technologies because of their ease of use, possible high adsorption capacity, minimum environmental impact, low cost, and efficient sorbate recovery possibilities. Gas separation via adsorption is not yet widely employed commercially since it needs regenerable, high-durable, high-performance, and cost-effective adsorbents. One of the common methods of absorbing acid gases is the use of amino absorbents that have disadvantages such as create many waste materials challenging to regenerate, wastewater, and waste gas. Therefore, incorporating amine groups on the surface of solids to overcome the problem of regeneration has attracted considerable attention in gas uptake. In this project, we proposed to functionalize nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) using a solvent-free method to boost their SO2 interactions and thus their adsorption capability. Therefore, a commercial NCC material was modified using ethylenediamine (EDA) in green and straightforward amination approach in order to tune its surface basicity and obtain an efficient green-biobased adsorbent. Since the substitution process of amines with hydroxyl groups on the cellulose surface is carried out through dangerous halogen solvents, we used the solvent-free one-step method and investigated the synthetic parameters. Amination conditions of NCC adsorbents were optimized via the effects of the amination temperature, the amination time, and the amount of EDA on their physical properties and their performance for SO2 adsorption. The sorbents were characterized using attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), solid carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (13CNMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy- energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to see if EDA was incorporated into the NCC and investigate the changes in thermal stability of adsorbents by changing synthesis conditions. Sorbents were then tested for SO2 capture at the same conditions of room temperature (RT), atmospheric pressure, and a flow rate of 20 ml/min, which was selected based on previous studies to optimize flow rate in the same research group. The optimal conditions to create an effective sulfur dioxide adsorbent were found to be 70 oC for 8 hours of amination. At ideal conditions, the NCC modified had an SO2 adsorption capacity value of 0.030 mg/100 mg. The promising properties of EDA-NCC in terms of adsorption capacity (showing a significant increase in capacity when compared to the NCC at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature) make them potential adsorbent candidates. In addition, the impacts of SO2 capture operating conditions on adsorption capacity were evaluated. By varying the adsorption temperature from room temperature to 60 °C and the feed flow rate from 10 to 30 ml min-1, fixed-bed breakthrough studies for SO2 adsorption onto NCC and modified-NCC adsorbent (prepared at 70oC, 3hr, and EDA/NCC=25) were carried out. Over the range of operating parameters studied, the greatest SO2 capacity and breakthrough time values were obtained with adsorbent at room temperature and 20 ml min-1 input flow rate. As expected, due to the exothermic nature of the adsorption process, the amount of SO2 adsorbed at equilibrium decreased with increasing temperature. It was also observed that as the flow rate increases, the breakthrough time decreases due to the higher flow rate of the feed gas was accompanied by the faster transport of the adsorbate molecules and leading to a shorter breakthrough time, as expected. Finally, another EDA functionalization method was tested, using a two-step method. First, cellulose was functionalized using citric acid (CA), and then the EDA was incorporated via carboxylic acid functional groups in the CA to obtain both amide and amine groups on the NCC’s surface. This approach aimed to compare EDA deposition on cellulose surface via a different method by adding one more functional group and evaluating their performance in SO2 gas adsorption. It was concluded that oxygenated functional groups and groups with low alkalinities, such as carboxylic acid and amide, can negatively affect gas adsorption. These results were concluded by comparing two adsorbents, one containing only amine groups and the other adsorbent containing amide and carboxylic acid groups in addition to the amine group, although the amine content of the two adsorbents was different. Future research will explore the mechanisms and capturing phenomena to improve capturing capacity and process applicability as well as the material optimal regeneration operating conditions.

Moët & Chandon est le leader mondial incontesté dans le secteur des vins mousseux de haute qualité. La sélection des différentes gammes de vins de qualité se fait sur la base de la dégustation de vin, après la fermentation malolactique par la dégustation des jurys d'experts. Une partie importante du volume vinifié ne peut être classé parmi les vins les plus qualitatifs à cause d'un caractère organoleptique appelé «trait lactique». Cette caractéristique est due à la formation de métabolites volatils au cours de la fermentation du vin en particulier diacétyle, acétoïne et de 2,3-pentanedione. Le diacétyle, également connu sous le nom de 2,3-butanedione, est le principal marqueur associé à l'apparition de notes beurrées. Moët & Chandon souhaite commencer une thèse pour contrôler l'apparition de trait lactique dans ses vins de bases. Bien que la production de diacétyle se produit à la fois pendant la fermentation alcoolique (FA) et la fermentation malolactique, la thèse se concentrera sur la gestion de la FA. Une approche multi-factorielle basée à la fois sur l'ingénierie microbiologique et chimique sera mis en œuvre. Dans un premier temps, le travail visera à mieux comprendre le fonctionnement et la régulation des voies métaboliques impliquées dans la formation de diacétyle. De cette information, nous allons développer des stratégies de contrôle de la fermentation afin de minimiser le caractère lactique de vins. Dans ce travail, le rôle et l'impact des paramètres de fermentation sera particulièrement évalué. Le projet commencera par la mise en œuvre des outils d'analyse nécessaires au suivi des marqueurs de trait lactique (diacétyle, acétoïne, 2,3-pentanedione, ...). Deuxièmement, sur un support synthétique, le projet permettra de caractériser le processus de fermentation. Surtout, les équilibres azotés seront contrôlés et les cinétiques de synthèse des composés responsables de trait d'arôme lactique seront déterminées. Une étude de l'impact des acides aminés précurseurs permettra de mieux comprendre le rôle du métabolisme de l'azote. Enfin, l'étude de l'effet de divers facteurs tels que la nature des substances nutritives, température de fermentation et l'apport en oxygène devrait conduire à l'élaboration de stratégies de contrôle rendant possible la diminution du caractère lactique dans les vins destinés à la fermentation secondaire. Dans la dernière partie de projet, les différentes stratégies développées sur moûts synthétiques seront évaluées dans des conditions de vinification réelles. / Champagne company Moët & Chandon is the undisputed worldwide leader in the high quality sparkling wines sector. The selection of different ranges of quality wine is done on the basis of the wine tasting, after malolactic fermentation by tasting expert juries. A significant part of the vinified volume cannot be valued among the most qualitative wines because of a particular feature called « lactic trait ». This trait is attributable to the formation of volatile metabolites during wine fermentation particularly diacetyl, acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione. Diacetyl, also known as 2,3-butanedione, is the main marker associated with the appearance of milky-buttery notes. Champagne company Moët & Chandon wishes to initiate a thesis to control the onset of lactic trait in its wines. Although the production of diacetyl occurs both during alcoholic fermentation (AF) and malolactic fermentation, the thesis will focus on the management of AF. A multi-factorial approach based on both microbiological and chemical engineering will be implemented. At first, the work will aim to better understand the functioning and regulation of metabolic pathways involved in the formation of diacetyl. From this information, we will develop some strategies of fermentation control to minimize the lactic trait of wines. In this work, the role of fermentation parameters will be particularly evaluated. The project will start by the implementation of the analytical tools needed to monitor markers of lactic trait (diacetyl, acetoin, 2,3-pentanedione, ...). Secondly, on synthetic media, the project will allow to characterize the fermentation process. Especially, nitrogen balances will be performed and the kinetics of synthesis of the aroma compounds responsible of lactic trait will be determined. A study of the impact of the precursor amino acids will enable to better understand the role of the nitrogen metabolism. Finally, the study of the effect of various factors such as the nature of nitrogen nutrients, fermentation temperature and oxygen intake should lead to the development of control strategies making possible the decrease of the lactic trait in wines intended for the secondary fermentation. In the final part of the work, the different strategies developed on synthetic must will be assessed in real winemaking conditions.

Neste trabalho são apresentados estudos referentes a dois grupos de sistemas contendo dióxido de enxofre como principal foco, tendo em vista a importância desta molécula em sistemas ambientais e sua caracteristicas químicas interessantes como seu caráter anfotérico e sua capacidade de interação com sistemas inorgânicos via oxigênio ou enxofre. Tendo como principais feramentas as espectroscopias vibracionais (espalhamento Raman e absorção no Infravermelho), eletrônica (UV-VIS) e Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) investigou-se as interações inter e intramoleculares dos sistemas de interesse. Primeiramente foi investigada a interação do SO2 com aminoálcoois, sendo que estes sistemas apresentam boa capacidade de absorção do SO2. Destaca-se a formação de zwitteríons pela interação do SO2 com o grupamento alcoólico da molécula, observado apenas quando da presença de grupo amino para estabilização da separação de cargas gerada, mostou-se que o poduto fomado é mais estavél quanto menor a separação das cargas e menor o impedimento estérico na amina. Este sistema foi investigado quanto a sua revesibilidade, que foi observada sempre acompanhada de degradação do aminoálcool. O segundo sistema refere-se a interação do dióxido de enxofre com complexos de níquel em dois estados de oxidação (II/III) com ligante macrocíclico cyclam (1,4,8,11- Tetraazaciclotetradecano); o diferencial deste estudo frente a outros apresentados na literatura é a análise das reações em meio anidro. Nos experimentos em meio livre de O2 obseva-se a redução do complexo de Ni (III) a Ni(II) e em meio contendo O2 observa-se a oxidação do complexo de Ni(II) a Ni(III), mostrando a importância do O2 para a manutenção de um ciclo catalítico capaz de oxidar SO2 a SO42-. Os resultados aqui apresentados indicam que os mecanismos em meio anidro são bastante semelhantes aos observados em meio aquoso. / In this work we focus on two sulfur dioxide containing systems due to the relevance of this molecule in environmental science and its interesting physico-chemical properties as its amphoteric characteristic and ability to interact with inorganic systems through oxygen or sulfur atoms. The main tools for investigation was vibrational spectroscopy (Raman scattering and Infrared absorption), electronic spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), whereby the intra and intermolecular interactions were probed. The first subject of investigation was the study of interactions between SO2 and amino alcohol. This system shows great ability to capture SO2, highlighting the zwitterionic formation due to the bonding of SO2 via the alcoholic part of the amino alcohol molecule, what is only possible due to the presence of the amino group to stabilize the charge separation, the stability of the poduct depends on the steric hindrance and on the charge separation. The reversibility of the system was investigated and it was always accompanied by degradation of the amino alcohol. The second system consists in the investigation of interactions between SO2 and two nickel-cyclam (1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradecane) complexes, where the metal is in different oxidation states (II/III). This work is different from previous in the sense that the analyses are carried out in anhydrous environment. In O2 free environment we were able to see the reduction of Ni(III) to Ni(II) complex, and in presence of O2 the oxidation of Ni(II) to Ni(III) complex occurs, showing the relevance of O2 to catalytic cicle that is able to transform SO2 to SO42-. Our results suggest that the mechanisms in aqueous and nonaqueous environments are very similar.

Neste trabalho são apresentados estudos referentes a dois grupos de sistemas contendo dióxido de enxofre como principal foco, tendo em vista a importância desta molécula em sistemas ambientais e sua caracteristicas químicas interessantes como seu caráter anfotérico e sua capacidade de interação com sistemas inorgânicos via oxigênio ou enxofre. Tendo como principais feramentas as espectroscopias vibracionais (espalhamento Raman e absorção no Infravermelho), eletrônica (UV-VIS) e Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) investigou-se as interações inter e intramoleculares dos sistemas de interesse. Primeiramente foi investigada a interação do SO2 com aminoálcoois, sendo que estes sistemas apresentam boa capacidade de absorção do SO2. Destaca-se a formação de zwitteríons pela interação do SO2 com o grupamento alcoólico da molécula, observado apenas quando da presença de grupo amino para estabilização da separação de cargas gerada, mostou-se que o poduto fomado é mais estavél quanto menor a separação das cargas e menor o impedimento estérico na amina. Este sistema foi investigado quanto a sua revesibilidade, que foi observada sempre acompanhada de degradação do aminoálcool. O segundo sistema refere-se a interação do dióxido de enxofre com complexos de níquel em dois estados de oxidação (II/III) com ligante macrocíclico cyclam (1,4,8,11- Tetraazaciclotetradecano); o diferencial deste estudo frente a outros apresentados na literatura é a análise das reações em meio anidro. Nos experimentos em meio livre de O2 obseva-se a redução do complexo de Ni (III) a Ni(II) e em meio contendo O2 observa-se a oxidação do complexo de Ni(II) a Ni(III), mostrando a importância do O2 para a manutenção de um ciclo catalítico capaz de oxidar SO2 a SO42-. Os resultados aqui apresentados indicam que os mecanismos em meio anidro são bastante semelhantes aos observados em meio aquoso. / In this work we focus on two sulfur dioxide containing systems due to the relevance of this molecule in environmental science and its interesting physico-chemical properties as its amphoteric characteristic and ability to interact with inorganic systems through oxygen or sulfur atoms. The main tools for investigation was vibrational spectroscopy (Raman scattering and Infrared absorption), electronic spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), whereby the intra and intermolecular interactions were probed. The first subject of investigation was the study of interactions between SO2 and amino alcohol. This system shows great ability to capture SO2, highlighting the zwitterionic formation due to the bonding of SO2 via the alcoholic part of the amino alcohol molecule, what is only possible due to the presence of the amino group to stabilize the charge separation, the stability of the poduct depends on the steric hindrance and on the charge separation. The reversibility of the system was investigated and it was always accompanied by degradation of the amino alcohol. The second system consists in the investigation of interactions between SO2 and two nickel-cyclam (1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradecane) complexes, where the metal is in different oxidation states (II/III). This work is different from previous in the sense that the analyses are carried out in anhydrous environment. In O2 free environment we were able to see the reduction of Ni(III) to Ni(II) complex, and in presence of O2 the oxidation of Ni(II) to Ni(III) complex occurs, showing the relevance of O2 to catalytic cicle that is able to transform SO2 to SO42-. Our results suggest that the mechanisms in aqueous and nonaqueous environments are very similar.

Les bases moléculaires responsables des propriétés technologiques des levures œnologiques sont pas ou peu connues. Or, ces connaissances sont nécessaires pour mettre en œuvre des stratégies d'amélioration génétique des capacités fermentaires ou de l'impact organoleptique des levures par croisements et une meilleure exploitation de la biodiversité. Ces travaux de thèse ont visé à l'identification des bases génétiques de plusieurs propriétés d'intérêt, telles que la production de sulfites, la capacité fermentaire en milieu carencé en azote ou la formation d'esters. Une approche de recherche de QTL a été mise en œuvre en s'appuyant sur la création d'une population de ségrégants méiotiques issus du croisement de deux souches œnologiques aux caractéristiques contrastées. Une caractérisation des phénotypes des ségrégants associé à leur génotypage a permis d'identifier des QTL pour les différents traits étudiés. L'implication d'une région du génome dans le contrôle de la voie d'assimilation des sulfates a été démontrée. Ce locus est responsable de la variation phénotypique de plusieurs métabolites de cette voie et de métabolites indirectement connectés. D'autres QTL ont également pu être mis en évidence pour les capacités fermentaires sur un milieu carencé en azote et la production de différents composés volatils. Leur analyse a permis d'identifier plusieurs gènes candidats dont les fonctions sont liées directement ou indirectement aux phénotypes étudiés. / The molecular basis of technological properties of wine yeasts are not or poorly known. However, this knowledge is required for the improvement of the fermentation capacity and of the organoleptic impact of wine yeasts by breeding strategies and a better exploitation of the yeast biodiversity. This thesis aimed at identifying the genetic bases of several traits of interest such as: sulfite production, fermentation ability in low nitrogen medium or esters formation. A QTL mapping approach has been implemented from a population of meiotic segregants derived from the cross of two strains with contrasting oenological characteristics. Phenotyping of the a population of meiotic segregants was combined with a genotyping to identify QTL for these traits. The involvement of a region of the genome in the control of sulphate assimilation pathway has been demonstrated. This locus is responsible for the phenotypic variation of several metabolites of this pathway and indirectly connected metabolites. Other QTLs have also been demonstrated for the fermentation capacities on a nitrogen limiting medium and production of various volatile compounds. Their analysis revealed several candidate genes whose functions are related directly or indirectly to the studied phenotypes.

In order to reduce the amount of pollution that is generated by burning fossil fuels alternative energy sources should be explored. Hydrogen has been identified as the most promising replacement for fossil fuels and can be produced by using the Hybrid Sulphur (HyS) cycle. Currently the SO2/O2 separation step in the HyS process has a large amount of knock out drums. The aim of this study was to investigate new technology to separate the SO2 and O2. The technology that was identified and investigated was to separate the SO2 and O2 by absorbing the SO2 into an ionic liquid. In this study the maximum absorption, absorption rate and desorption rate of SO2 from the ionic liquid [BMIm][MeSO4] with purities of 95% and 98% was investigated. These ionic liquid properties were investigated for pure O2 at pressures ranging from 1.5 to 9 bar(a) and for pure SO2 at pressures from 1.5 to 3 bar(a) at ambient temperature. Experiments were also carried out where the composition of the feed-stream to the ionic liquid was varied with compositions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mol% SO2 with O2 as the balance. For each of these compositions the temperature of the ionic liquid was changed from 30oC to 60oC, in increments of 10oC. The absorption rate of SO2 in the ionic liquid increased when the mole percentage SO2 in the feed stream was increased. When the temperature of the ionic liquid was decreased the maximum amount of SO2 that the ionic liquid absorbed increased dramatically. However, the absorption rate was not influenced by a change in the absorption temperature. The experimental results for the maximum SO2 absorption were modelled with the Langmuir absorption model. The model fitted the data well, with an average standard deviation of 17.07% over all the experiments. In order to determine if the absorption reaction was endothermic or exothermic the Clausius-Clapeyron equation was used to calculate the heat of desorption for the desorption step. The heat of desorption data indicated that the desorption of SO2 from this ionic liquid was an endothermic reaction because the heat of desorption values was positive. Therefore the absorption reaction was exothermic. From the pressure-change experiments the results showed that the mole percentage of O2 gas that was absorbed into the ionic liquid was independent of the pressure of the O2 feed.On the other hand, there was a clear correlation between the mole percentage SO2 that was absorbed into the ionic liquid and the feed pressure of the SO2. When the feed pressure of the SO2 was increased the amount of SO2 absorbed also increased, this trend was explained with Fick’s law. In the study the effect of the ionic liquid purity on the SO2 absorption capacity was investigated. The experimental results for the pressure experiments showed that the 95% and 98% pure ionic liquid absorbed about the same amount of SO2. During the temperature experiments the 95% pure ionic liquid absorbed more SO2 than the 98% pure ionic liquid for all but two of the experiments. However the 95% pure ionic liquid also absorbed small amounts of O2 at 30 and 40oC which indicated that the 95% pure ionic liquid had a lower selectivity than the 98% pure ionic liquid. Therefore, the 95% pure ionic liquid had better SO2 absorption capabilities than the 98% pure ionic liquid. These result showed that the 98% pure ionic liquid did not absorb more SO2 than the 95% pure ionic liquid, but it did, however, show that the 98% pure ionic liquid had a better selectivity towards the SO2. Hence, it can be concluded that even with the O2 that is absorbed it would be economically more advantageous to use the less expensive 95% pure ionic liquid rather than the expensive 98% pure ionic liquid, because the O2 would not influence the performance of the process negatively in such low quantities. / Thesis (MIng (Chemical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013