Submitted by Marlene Santos (marlene.bc.ufg@gmail.com) on 2014-10-06T10:38:15Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Camilla Benevides Freitas - 2014.pdf: 3459062 bytes, checksum: 7aadb2577af4955f871479e3fba5d319 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-10-06T15:38:01Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Camilla Benevides Freitas - 2014.pdf: 3459062 bytes, checksum: 7aadb2577af4955f871479e3fba5d319 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-06T15:38:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Camilla Benevides Freitas - 2014.pdf: 3459062 bytes, checksum: 7aadb2577af4955f871479e3fba5d319 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-05-02 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás - FAPEG / This work describes the evaluation of commercial microchip electrophoresis system for the analysis of inorganic ions in different real samples. The electrophoretic separation was carried out in commercial glass microchip with integrated capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). The optimization process was performed ranging the concentration background electrolyte as well as detection parameters, frequency and amplitude signal. Furthermore, analytical performance was evaluated with linearity, repeatability and recovery study. The best separation of chloride (Cl-), nitrate (NO3-), sulfate (SO42-) and nitrite (NO2-) was obtained with mixture of lactic acid (30 mmolL-1) and histidine (15 mmolL-1). Frequency and amplitude were ranged from 100 to 1200 kHz and from 1 to 100 Vpp, respectively. Test with detection parameters was performed employed a classic univariate approach. Frequency of the 1100 kHz and amplitude of 60 Vpp was found the best condition for separation process. Quantitative analysis was performed in different real samples as well as honey, sausage, biofertilizers, river water, tap water and aquarium environment water. In honey sample found Cl-, NO3- e SO42-. Meia Ponte River and João Leite stream was found Cl- e SO42-. These same species was also found in sausage sample. In the analysis of aquarium environment water was observed Cl-, NO3-, SO42- and NO2-. Besides the quantitative analysis, the monitoring of inorganic ions (Cl-, NO3-, SO42- and NO2-) in aquarium environment with and without fish. The water without fish was possible keep up with nitrification process in the nitrogen cycle and to examine the conversion time of the species involved. On the other hand, in analyses of water with fish the results showed an increase of nitrate concentration over weeks and were possible quatify the nitrite in lethal level for fish. According to the results achieved herein, it is possible to conclude that the use glass electrophoresis chips associated with commercial instrumentation has demonstrated good capability of performing quantitative analysis of important environmental compounds in real samples. / Este trabalho descreve a avaliação de um sistema eletroforético comercial para análise de íons inorgânicos em uma diversidade de amostras reais. A separação eletroforética foi realizada em um microchip comercial a base de vidro com detecção condutométrica sem contato capacitivamente acoplada (C4D). Realizou-se um estudo de otimização da concentração do eletrólito bem como os parâmetros de detecção como frequência e amplitude da onda senoidal. Além disso, foi avaliado o desempenho analítico do sistema com estudos de lineraridade, repetibilidade e recuperação. O melhor eletrólito para realizar a separação cloreto (Cl-), nitrato (NO3-), sulfato (SO42-) e nitrito (NO2-) foi a mistura de ácido láctico e histidina na concentração de 30 e 15 mmolL-1, respectivamente. Variou-se a frequência de 100 a 1200 kHz e a amplitude de 1 a 100 Vpp. Aplicou-se o método univariado para análise de frequência e amplitude, no qual as melhores condições encontradas foram frequência de 1100 kHz e amplitude de 60 Vpp. Encontrada as condições ideais para análise dos ânions, fez-se um estudo de quantificação dos íons em amostras de mel, salsicha, biofertilizante, água de rio, torneira e áquario. Na amostra de mel foi encontrado Cl-, NO3- e SO42-. Nas águas de torneira, do Rio Meia Ponte e do Ribeirão João Leite foram encontrados Cl- e SO42-. Essas mesmas espécies foram encontradas também nas amostras de salsicha. Na análise de água de um ambiente de aquário foram encontrados Cl-, NO3-, SO42- e NO2-. Além da análise quantitativa, realizou-se o monitoramento dos íons inorgânicos (Cl-, NO3-, SO42- e NO2-) em um ambiente simulado de aquário sem peixes, no qual possibilitou acompanhar o processo de nitrificação no ciclo do nitrogênio e verificar o tempo de conversão das espécies envolvidas. O mesmo monitoramento foi realizado em um ambiente de aquário com peixes, possibilitando visualizar o aumento da concentração do nitrato ao longo das semanas e quantificar o nitrito em um nível que pode ter sido letal para os peixes. De acordo com os resultados descritos, conclui-se que os chips eletroforéticos de vidro, associados à instrumentação comercial, demonstraram boa capacidade de realizar análises quantitativas de importantes compostos ambientais em amostras reais.

O rio Pardo é o principal e fluente da Bacia do Pardo nos estado de Minas Gerias e São Paulo, Brasil, sendo considerado um importante corpo hídrico na região. Esse estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma avaliação ambiental no rio Pardo, integrando a caracterização da situação das Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP); a integridade dos habitats a partir de um Protocolo de Avaliação Rápida (PAR) e o monitoramento de parâmetros físico-químicos da água. Também, foi objetivo deste estudo avaliar se existe algum grau de concordância estatística entre os resultados do PAR e dos parâmetros físico3químicos da água. Foram avaliados 12 trechos no rio Pardo, desde a nascente até a foz, totalizando 550 km, em quatro campanhas de coleta de dados, sendo duas no período chuvoso e duas no período seco. Em cada trecho, foi caracterizada a condição da APP e qualificados os seguintes parâmetros do PAR: Substratos e/ou habitats disponíveis, Regimes de velocidade/profundidade, Deposição de sedimentos, Condições de escoamento do canal, Alterações no canal, Sinuosidade do canal, Estabilidade das margens, Proteção das margens pela vegetação, Estado de conservação da vegetação do entorno, Materiais sólidos flutuantes. Também em cada trecho foram analisados pH, temperatura, turbidez, oxigênio dissolvido, condutividade elétrica da água. Os resultados das condições das APPs indicam em nenhum dos trechos avaliados houve respeito aos limites estabelecidos pela legislação (BRASIL, 2012). Os resultados da avaliação pelo PAR revelaram que a maioria dos trechos foi classificada como em \"Boas\" condições. A diferença encontrada nas avaliações das condições das APPs com os resultados do PAR podem ser devidas ao fato de que o PAR permite verificar desde a existência de substratos para a colonização da fauna até a composição da mata ciliar. Os resultados dos parâmetros físico-químicos revelaram que o pH dos trechos 1 e 2 estavam abaixo dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação (BRASIL, 2005); as temperaturas mais baixas foram verificadas nos trechos 1 e 2; os resultados de oxigênio dissolvido na água apontam que o trecho 12 estava abaixo dos limites estabelecidos pela legislação (BRASIL, 2005). A comparação entre os resultados dos parâmetros físico-químicos durante os períodos chuvosos e secos demonstram que houve diferença entre os resultados de temperatura, oxigênio dissolvido e turbidez. Os resultados da avaliação de concordância estatística entre os resultados do PAR e os parâmetros físico-químicos apontaram baixa reprodutibilidade (k<0,35), indicando que não foi encontrada concordância estatisticamente significante entre os resultados obtidos do PAR e da análise físico-química da água. Esse resultado indica que o PAR, mesmo sendo uma ferramenta importante para as avaliações ambientais em rios, não deve ser considerado substituto aos métodos de avaliação físico-químicos da água, e sim um complemento para avaliação integrada do ecossistema. Recomendamos o reflorestamento da mata ciliar e o tratamento adequado dos efluentes de indústrias antes do lançamento no rio Pardo. Cabe destacar que o nosso grupo de pesquisa está propondo, perante agências de fomento, a realização de um estudo de avaliação de risco para a população frente à exposição a pesticidas e fertilizantes presentes nesse corpo hídrico, considerando as extensivas culturas agrícolas da região. / The Pardo river is the main river of Pardo basin in the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, Brazil and is considered an important water body in the region. This study aimed to conduct an environmental assessment in the Pardo river, integrating the characterization of the status of Permanent Preservation Areas (PPA), the integrity of habitats from a Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP) and monitoring of physico-chemical parameters of water. Also, an objective of this study was to assess whether there is any degree of statistical correlation between the results of the RAP and the physico-chemical parameters of the water. Twelve stretches were evaluated in the Pardo river, from its source to its mouth, completing 550 km in four data collection campaigns, two in the rainy season and two in the dry season. In each stretch, was characterized the condition of PPA and qualified the following parameters RAP: Substrates and/or habitats available, Speed/depth regimes, Sediment deposition, Channel flow conditions, Channel changes, Channel sinuosity, Margins stability, Margins protection by vegetation, Conservation status of the surrounding vegetation, Solid materials floating. Also in each stretch were analyzed pH, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, water electrical conductivity. The results of PPAs conditions indicates that none of the evaluated stretch had the limits established by law respect (BRASIL, 2012). The evaluation results for the PAR revealed that most of the sections was classified as in \"Good\" conditions. The difference in assessments of the conditions of the PPAs with the results of PAR may be due to the fact that the check from PAR allows the existence of substrates for colonization by fauna composition of riparian vegetation. The results of physicochemical parameters revealed that the pH of stretches 1 and 2 were below the limits established by law (BRASIL, 2005), the lowest temperatures were recorded in sections 1 and 2, the results of dissolved oxygen in the water indicate that the stretch 12 was below the limits established by law (BRASIL, 2005). The comparison between the results of physicochemical parameters during the wet and dry periods show that were difference between the results of temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. The results of the statistical evaluation of agreement between the results of the PAR and the physico-chemical parameters showed poor reproducibility (k<0.35), indicating no statistically significant correlation was found between the results of the RAP and physicochemical analysis of water. This result indicates that the RAP, despite being an important tool for environmental assessments in rivers should not be considered as an alternative to methods of physico-chemical assessment of water, but a complement to integrated assessment of ecosystem. We recommend the riparian vegetation reforestation and industry effluent proper treatment before launching into the Pardo river. It is worth noting that our research group is proposing to carry out an evaluating risk to the population about exposure to pesticides and fertilizers in this river, considering the extensive agricultural crops in the region.

Fontes de poluição atmosférica têm aumentado em países em desenvolvimento, tornando extremamente difícil o acesso aos efeitos da poluição atmosférica na saúde pública. Bioensaios com plantas têm sido extensivamente utilizados para monitorar a poluição atmosférica em áreas desprovidas de sistemas de monitoramento da qualidade do ar convencionais pela sua simplicidade, baixo custo e alta sensibilidade. O presente estudo visa caracterizar a distribuição espacial da concentração de poluentes no entorno de indústrias através de evidências de toxicidade celular e acúmulo foliar utilizando planta local (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don). O abortamento polínico foi quantificado em microscópio óptico (400x). O acúmulo de elementos traços foi avaliado em EDXRF (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence). Os resultados obtidos para a área de estudo 1 mostram que a taxa de abortamento polínico é maior quanto mais próximo da indústria (p=0,047). Para o acúmulo foliar, foram encontrados os elementos S, Fe e Na que se relacionam com produtos de combustão; processo industrial; e aerossol marinho. Para a área de estudo 2, a taxa de abortamento polínico aumenta com a proximidade da área de alto tráfego veicular assim como a concentração dos elementos Al, Cu, S e Zn nas folhas pela Análise de Regressão Linear. Este estudo mostra que as áreas no entorno de fontes emissoras de poluição têm alta concentração de elementos - traço e dano celular o que indica riscos à saúde da população local. Nossos resultados reforçam que o uso de metodologias alternativas e simples como testes de abortamento polínico e bioacumulação em folhas são apropriados para caracterizar gradientes de concentração em áreas desprovidas de sistema de monitoramento da qualidade do ar, em escalas maiores do que as já estudadas. A combinação de técnicas de biomonitoramento e geoprocessamento pode ser utilizada para monitoramento ambiental em áreas com tecnologia limitada / Developing countries are experiencing increases in air pollution sources, making assessment of air pollution impact on human health extremely difficult. Plant bioassays have been widely employed to monitor air pollution in areas devoid of conventional air pollution monitoring systems because of their simplicity, low cost and high sensitivity. The aim of this study was to determine the area of influence of industries using local flora (Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don). Abortive pollen tests and the accumulation of toxic elements in leaves were used to detect possible risks to health of the local population. Abortive grains were evaluated through the use of a microscope under 400-fold magnification. The trace elements accumulation was evaluated by using EDXRF (Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence). Results for study site 1 shown that the closer the distance from the industry, the higher the pollen abortion rate (p=0,047). For bioaccumulation test, S, Fe and Na were associated to combustion of fossil fuels, industrial process and marine aerosol. For study site 2, the closer the distance from the major source of traffic, the higher the pollen abortion rate. The same behavior was observed for Al, Cu, S and Zn concentrations in Linear Regression Analyses. The distribution of element concentrations was elaborated in maps with the obtained results. This work showed that the areas surrounding the emission sources had a higher concentration of toxic elements, leading to greater biological damage, which indicates health risks to the local population. Our results reinforce that the use of alternative and simple methods such as pollen abortion rates and bioaccumulation in leaves are appropriate for characterizing air quality gradients in areas devoid of conventional air pollution monitoring systems, even at greater scales than have been tested before. The association of this technique and geographic information system can be used for environmental screening in areas with limited technology

For aesthetic, economic, and health-related reasons, allowable concentrations of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) found present in drinking water are 0.3 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L, respectively. Water samples taken from private drinking wells in the rural communities within Buncombe County, North Carolina contain amounts of these metals in concentrations higher than the suggested limits. This study focused on bedrock geology, elevation, saprolite thickness, and well depth to determine factors affecting Fe and Mn. Using ArcGIS 10.2, spatial trends in Fe and Mn concentrations ranges were visualized, and estimates of the metal concentrations were interpolated to unmonitored areas. Results from this analysis were used to create a map that delineates the actual spatial distribution of Fe and Mn. The study also established a statistically significant correlation between Fe and Mn concentrations, which can be attributed to bedrock geology. Additionally, higher Fe in groundwater was concentrated in shallower wells and valley areas.

No description available.

The health of the northern hardwood forest in the southern Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia has gained attention from the media and environmental stakeholders due to a purported decline in forest health at higher elevations. This project examined lead (Pb) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in growth rings of an important northern hardwood species, American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) at Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, Virginia and attempted to examine concentration relationships with stem growth patterns. Dominant and codominant trees were sampled from 16 research plots at two elevations. Tree cores were crossdated, divided into sections of 10-yr periods, and analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Lead concentrations correlated negatively with ring width. Elevation and aspect were significantly associated with the Pb concentration, while Ca concentrations were only associated with aspect. Tree core samples taken from higher elevation plots contained higher Pb concentrations than samples collected from lower elevation plots, while the northwest and southwest aspects contained significantly higher amounts of Pb and Ca. Both Pb and Ca concentrations increased during the 1860s and again during the mid-1900s.

This study focuses on motivation -Involved in recycling behavior among residents of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Knowledge of recycling and how it was acquired, and the variables of environmental concern, economic incentive and the peer pressure were compared so that behavior could be distinguished that separated recyclers from nonrecyclers. Talcott Parsons' work in action theory and George Homans' work in exchange theory provide the theoretical foundation for my study. The research was approached in a qualitatively based design with interviews of twenty area residents. Demographic factors of age, sex, religious affiliation, church attendance, education and income of respondents were solicited. In addition to interviews, I administered a demographic survey. Recycling behavior was correlated positively with older age, convenience, female sex, higher levels of education, higher income, affiliation with liberal church denominations, and urban residence. It was negativley correlated with church attendance. Recyclers were better informed about environmental topics, especially those pertaining to recycling. Peer pressure was shown to have a positive effect on recyclers and recycling behavior. Recyclers were concerned about the quality of their environment, while nonrecyclers felt that the quality of the local environment was above average.

The response of a karst aquifer to storm events is often faster and more severe than that of a non-karst aquifer. This distinction is often problematic for planners and municipalities, because karst flooding does not typically occur along perennial water courses; thus, traditional flood management strategies are usually ineffective. The City of Bowling Green (CoBG), Kentucky is a representative example of an area plagued by karst flooding. The CoBG, is an urban karst area (UKA), that uses Class V Injection Wells to lessen the severity of flooding. The overall effectiveness, siting, and flooding impact of Injection Wells in UKA’s is lacking; their influence on groundwater is evident from decades of recurring problems in the form of flooding and groundwater contamination. This research examined Class V Injection Wells in the CoBG to determine how Injection Well siting, design, and performance influence urban karst hydrology. The study used high-resolution monitoring, as well as hydrologic modeling, to evaluate Injection Well and spring responses during storm and baseflow conditions. In evaluating the properties of the karst aquifer and the influences from the surrounding environment, a relationship was established between precipitation events, the drainage capacity of the Injection Wells, and the underlying karst system. Ultimately, the results from this research could be used to make sound data-driven policy recommendations and to inform stormwater management in UKAs.

Watershed features, physiographic setting, geology, climate, and hydrologic processes combine to produce a time-variant nutrient concentration signal at the watershed outlet. Anthropogenic influences, such as increased agricultural pressures and urbanization, have increased overall nutrient loadings delivered to the fluvial network. The impact of such increased nutrient loadings on Kentucky’s drinking water remains a potential threat to the region. By coupling spatial sampling of nitrate concentrations in surface water with contemporary nutrient and water quality sensor technology, a decomposition of the Upper South Elkhorn watershed’s nitrate signal and an estimation of source timing and loading in the watershed was completed. The goal of the project was the decomposition of the integrated nitrate signal observed at the outlet of the Upper South Elkhorn watershed into contributing runoff and groundwater sources from agricultural/pasture and urban/suburban land-uses. Decomposing the watershed’s nitrate signal yielded new knowledge learned about nitrate source, fate and transport in immature fluviokarst. This thesis discusses how mean, seasonal, and fluctuating nitrate behavior is related to soil processes, groundwater transfer, streambed removal, and event dynamics. It is expected that the decomposition of the nitrate signal will allow for the targeting of both the timing and sources for nutrient reductions in a watershed.

Environmental impacts of mining at Calico, California, are poorly understood in comparison to the details of its history of silver production. Human health risks associated with arsenic from the lode rock, as well as mercury from the silver milling process, include central nervous system damage, organ failure, and death. To quantify the potential human health risk and manage remediation of this site, tailings from the Garfield Mill site were digitally mapped and chemically analyzed by portable x-ray fluorescence, which permitted volumetric estimates of total mill tailings and the arsenic and mercury budget, as well as identification of anomalies in the distribution of these elements within the tailings deposit. Final products include a high-resolution digital orthomosaic map showing the extent of the tailings deposit, giving contours of arsenic and mercury distribution and identifying areas of high concern for future remediation. The information gathered during this study will be of immense use to the city of Barstow, providing a basis for future public health studies and assessments of human health risks in the area.