Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) - MSc (Biodiv & Cons Biol) / Salicornia tegetaria is an endemic salt marsh macrophyte that is widely distributed in estuaries along the South African coast. The aims of the study were to understand the phylogeography of the species, compare the biomass allocation in two regions and to determine phenological patterns of S. tegetaria between the warm and cool temperate biogeographical regions. The phylogeography of S. tegetaria was studied using the noncoding chloroplast DNA region rpS16 and nuclear rDNA ITS region. Five samples each were collected from eighteen estuaries stretching from Orange River in the Northern Cape to Mngazana Estuary in the Eastern Cape. Above- and belowground biomass was collected and physico-chemical conditions measured at Olifants, Berg and Langebaan Estuaries in the cool temperate, and Heuningnes, Nahoon and Kwelera Estuaries in the warm temperate biogeographical regions. The growth and flowering phenology of S. tegetaria in relation to environmental conditions was investigated in the cool temperate Langebaan Estuarine Embayment and compared to findings in the warm temperate, permanently open Kowie Estuary. The physico-chemical gradient found between the cool and warm temperate biogeographical regions may be useful to study climate change effects on plant species. The comparison of similar habitats in each region may provide insight into how different climate regimes may affect biomass allocation and phenology.

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Environ & Water Science) / Studies have shown that the primary origin of salinity in river flows of the Sandspruit in the Berg Catchment located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa was mainly a result of atmospheric deposition of salts. The salts are transported to rivers through surface runoff and subsurface flow (i.e. through flow and groundwater flow). The purpose of this study was to determine the contributions of subsurface and surface flows to the total flows in the Sandspruit, Berg Catchment. Three rain events were studied. Water samples for two rain events were analysed for environmental tracers ?18O, Silica or Silicon dioxide (SiO2), Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+). Tracers used for two component hydrograph separation were ?18O and SiO2. The tracers, Ca2+ and Mg2+, revealed inconsistent contributions of both subsurface flow and surface flow. Two component hydrograph separations indicated is that groundwater is the dominant contributor to flow, while surface runoff mainly contributes during the onset of the storm event. Groundwater response to precipitation input indicated that boreholes near the river have a quicker response than boreholes further away from the river. Boreholes nearer to the river also indicate higher water levels in response to precipitation, in comparison to boreholes further from the river.

Magister Scientiae - MSc (Environ & Water Science) / Studies have shown that the primary origin of salinity in river flows of the Sandspruit in the Berg Catchment located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa was mainly a result of atmospheric deposition of salts. The salts are transported to rivers through surface runoff and subsurface flow (i.e. through flow and groundwater flow). The purpose of this study was to determine the contributions of subsurface and surface flows to the total flows in the Sandspruit, Berg Catchment. Three rain events were studied. Water samples for two rain events were analysed for environmental tracers ?18O, Silica or Silicon dioxide (SiO2), Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+). Tracers used for two component hydrograph separation were ?18O and SiO2. The tracers, Ca2+ and Mg2+, revealed inconsistent contributions of both subsurface flow and surface flow. Two component hydrograph separations indicated is that groundwater is the dominant contributor to flow, while surface runoff mainly contributes during the onset of the storm event. Groundwater response to precipitation input indicated that boreholes near the river have a quicker response than boreholes further away from the river. Boreholes nearer to the river also indicate higher water levels in response to precipitation, in comparison to boreholes further from the river.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2002-06-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:23:58Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 barros_ad_dr_botfca.pdf: 997487 bytes, checksum: 9034f8d0dbf76fa3cf82f44f9c95ee54 (MD5) / A produção de melão vem se tornando cada vez mais tecnificada, principalmente para a região semi-árida nordestina. Este interesse de tentar cada vez mais melhorar as condições de manejo da cultura faz com que os produtores tenham a cada dia, uma produção de qualidade. Existem alguns fatores que podem interferir nestas buscas de aperfeiçoamento das técnicas de manejo, como, por exemplo, as exigências do manejo hídrico na cultura. Por outro lado, a maior demanda por água tem levado a uma diminuição da maioria das fontes de água de boa qualidade disponíveis na região, obrigando a utilização de água com diferentes níveis de salinidade. Partindo-se desses fatores, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de salinidade da água, freqüência e lâminas de irrigação em alguns cultivares de melão, ora destacando-se como promissoras para o mercado consumidor nacional e internacional, como também avaliar o processo de salinização do solo. Para isso, conduziram-se dois experimentos consecutivos em campo, numa mesma área, medindo 0,19 ha. No primeiro estudou-se o efeito de três níveis salinos (CE de 1,1; 2,6 e 3,9 dS.m-1), duas lâminas de irrigação (1,1ETm e 1,25ETm) e duas freqüências de irrigação (diária e 2 dias) utilizando a cultivar de melão amarelo Gold mine. No segundo experimento utilizaram-se três níveis salinos (CE de 1,1; 2,5 e 4,5 dS.m-1), duas freqüências de irrigação (diária e 2 dias) e duas cultivares de melão cantaloupe (Trusty e Orange Flesh). O experimento foi composto de quatro blocos ao acaso, cada um dividido em doze parcelas tratamento medindo 6 m x 6 m, irrigadas por gotejamento. O resultado do primeiro experimento apresentou que o processo de salinização do solo ocorreu durante o ciclo da cultura, diminuindo significativamente no período das chuvas que correspondeu... / The melon production, particularily in the semi-arid region of Northeast of Brazil, is becoming highly technological. The interest to improve crop management conditions is to provide melon produces opportunity to obtain better quality production. The are, however, some factors which may interfer in further improvement of management techniques, for exemple needs of water management of the crop. On the other hand, the increased demand of water has decreased availability of good quality water sources in the region, thereby, oblising use of water of different salinities. Keeping this in view, the present study had the objective of verifying the effects of water of different salinities, frequency and irrigation depths in some promising melon cultivars for the national and international consumer market, as well as to evaluate process of salinization. For this, two consecutive field experiments were conducted in a same area of 0,19 ha. In the first trial the effets of three salinity levels (electrical conductivity - ECw of 1.1, 2.6 and 3.9 dS.m-1), two irrigation depths (1.1Etm and 1.25ETm) and two frequency of irrigation (daily and every two days) were studied utilizing Yellow Gold Mine melon cultivar. In the second experiment the salinity levels (Ecw of 1.1, 2.5 and 4.5 dS.m-1), two frequency of irrigation (daily and at interval of two days) and two cultivars (Trusty and Orange Flesh) of cantaloup melon were studied. The experiment consisted of four randomized blocks, each one divided into 12 drip irrigated treatment plots of 6 x 6 m. The result of first experiment revealed that the soil salinization occurred during the crop cycle but decreased appreciably during the rainy period which corresponded to interval between two crop cycles. The regression equations which correlated the EC1:2 and ECse in 0-30 cm depth foun were... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

In the past, oceans have strongly influenced atmospheric CO2 levels through organic and inorganic carbon cycling. The inorganic carbon pump relies on the formation of calcium carbonate which releases CO2 into the surface ocean and traps alkalinity in solid form which sinks to deeper ocean layers and sediments. After sinking, calcium carbonate can either then become trapped in the sediments or dissolve increasing the alkalinity of deeper ocean layers. The net effect is of acidifying surface oceans and encouraging release of CO2 to the atmosphere. The present thesis focuses on marine teleost (bony) fish in temperate areas as previously poorly understood but potentially major producers of calcium carbonate in the ocean. Fish in temperate areas may be contributing to carbonate sediment production and as such the inorganic carbon pump. Prior to this thesis only tropical fish have been investigated as major piscine sediment producers. The present thesis describes the composition and morphology of carbonates produced by many different species of temperate fish providing a basis for the understanding the fate of these carbonates in the environments and their potential contribution to sediment production and the inorganic carbon cycle. Characteristics of carbonates produced by fish in the wild were fairly consistent within a species upon examination of carbonates produced by poor cod (Trisopterus minutus) over the course of a year. However, despite the likely consistent and distinct characteristics of fish carbonates, little evidence of them was found in temperate shallow sediments beneath pens of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) where there theoretically should be very high production rates. Reduced salinity, often a feature of temperate areas compared to tropical areas, was found to reduce production rates of carbonate from fish compared to higher salinities. However, salinity reductions below the ocean average of 35 psu (practical salinity units) had less impact on production rates than increases above 35 psu. As such it is argued that production rates in temperate environments should still be relatively high considering high fish biomasses in some temperate regions and could still mean fish in temperate areas are an important source of carbonate production and potential sediment production.

Submitted by Vasti Diniz (vastijpa@hotmail.com) on 2017-09-08T12:11:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1391577 bytes, checksum: e8bbd0db33d228b40d69b547aed31f9c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-08T12:11:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1391577 bytes, checksum: e8bbd0db33d228b40d69b547aed31f9c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Human activities have caused climate changes and altered the salinity of the oceans. Salinity is one of the factors that limit the distribution and the survival of marine organisms. Coelomocytes are the immune system cells of the echinoderms and have been studied as biomarkers in stress situations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the salinity in the immune system cells of the tropical sea urchin Echinometra lucunter. Animals were collected in João Pessoa coast (Brazilian Northeast). Animals or coelomocytes were exposed to different salinity (25‰ to 45‰) and phagocytic parameters, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial activity and ABC transporter activity analyzed. The phagocytic parameters did not change when animals or cells were exposed to low or high salinity in any time intervals monitored. However, our data showed an increase in the coelomocytes concentration when animals were exposed to 25‰. ROS levels were higher when cells were incubated at 25‰ and lower when cells were cultured at 45‰. We noted a loss of the mitochondrial inner membrane potential when coelomocytes were incubated at 45‰. The activity of ABC transporters decreased when cells were incubated at low salinity and increased when cells were incubated at high salinity. Our work shows that the immune system of the tropical sea urchins E. lucunter tolerates salinity changes from 25‰ to 45‰ and suggests two cellular parameters (ROS levels and ABC transporters activity) as potential biomarkers on the monitoring of the impact of environmental salinity changes. / As atividades humanas têm causado mudanças climáticas e alterado a salinidade dos oceanos. A salinidade é um dos fatores que limitam a distribuição e sobrevivência de organismos marinhos. Celomócitos são as células do sistema imune dos equinodermos e têm sido estudados como biomarcadores em situações de estresse. O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito da salinidade em celomáticos do ouriço-do-mar tropical Echinometra lucunter. Os animais foram coletados na costa de João Pessoa (Nordeste do Brasil). Os animais ou os celomócitos foram expostos a diferentes salinidades (25‰ e 45‰) e parâmetros fagocíticos, produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS), atividade mitocondrial e atividade dos transportadores ABC analisados. Os parâmetros fagocíticos não alteraram quando os animais ou as células foram expostos a 25‰ ou 45‰ nos intervalos de tempo monitorados. Porém, foi observado um aumento na concentração de celomócitos quando os animais foram expostos a 25‰. Os níveis de ROS foram maiores quando as células foram incubadas a 25‰, e menores quando as células foram cultivadas a 45‰. Foi observada uma perda do potencial de membrana mitocondrial interna quando os celomócitos foram incubados a 45‰. A atividade dos transportadores ABC diminuiu quando as células foram incubadas a 25‰ e aumentou quando as células foram incubadas a 45‰. O presente trabalho demonstra que o sistema imune do ouriço-do-mar E. lucunter tolera mudanças de salinidade (25‰ até 45‰), e sugere dois parâmetros celulares (níveis de ROS e atividade de transportadores ABC) como potenciais biomarcadores no monitoramento de mudanças na salinidade ambiental.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:53:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 2114004 bytes, checksum: 8ab12580161d4ce3aeae493ccdb32db8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-06-21 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The nitrogen losses by volatilization, leaching and denitrification drive research for new fertilizer that release the nutrients synchronized with crop demand. In the literature, the works are still few to evaluate technical and economical efficiency these fertilizes in relation to the traditional sources. We objective were: i) evaluate toxic effects of controlled release urea on the germination and initial growth of maize plant and ii) evaluate the possibility of perform the full nitrogen fertilization at planting with controlled release fertilizers. To this end have been developed two experiments. The first was conducted in greenhouse, using a factorial combination of two soils (clayey and sandy loam). Ten fertilizers (pearly urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate and potassium double, boric acid and copper sulfate coated urea, sulfur coated urea, three forms of sulfur-polymer urea and one polymer coated urea. In this study was checked that the excessive absorption of nitrogen and its accumulation in the form of NH4 + in plant tissues is more harmful than the effects of NH3 in the soil atmosphere or the increase of salinity provided by the fertilizer. The toxicity symptoms are more pronounced in sandy loam soil, leading to stagnant growth and death of seedlings after emergence. The forms of sulfur coated urea or Cu and B, and urea coated with sulfur and polymers or only polymers not allow the application of high nitrogen levels in the planting. In the second study, conducted in the field treatments were formed by combining seven forms of urea, two doses of N (120 e 240 kg ha-1) and two application modes (installment or full dose in the groove). Forms of urea used were the same as applied in the first experiment. There was no reduction in germination, growth and development of maize plants. There was no difference in response between the forms of controlled release urea and urea pearly conventional. / As perdas de nitrogênio por volatilização, lixiviação e desnitrificação impulsionam as pesquisas por novos fertilizantes que liberem os nutrientes de modo sincronizado com a demanda das culturas. Na literatura ainda são poucos os trabalhos científicos realizados com esses fertilizantes para avaliar sua eficiência técnica e econômica em relação às fontes tradicionais. Nosso objetivo foi: i) avaliar os efeitos tóxicos da ureia de liberação controlada sobre a germinação e crescimento inicial do milho em solo de texturas distintas e ii) avaliar a possibilidade de aplicar a dose integral de nitrogênio com ureia de liberação controlada no sulco de plantio do milho. Para isso, foram desenvolvidos dois experimentos. O primeiro foi realizado em casa de vegetação, utilizando a combinação fatorial de dois solos (argiloso e franco-arenoso), dez fertilizantes (ureia convencional, sulfato de amônio, nitrato de amônio, nitrato duplo de sódio e potássio, ureia revestida com ácido bórico e sulfato de cobre, ureia revestida com enxofre, três formas de ureia revestida por enxofre e polímero e uma ureia revestida somente com polímero) e quatro doses de nitrogênio (20, 60, 120 e 240 kg ha-1). Nesse estudo foi verificado que os sintomas de toxidez pela aplicação de altas doses de N podem ser causados pela liberação de amônia (NH3) na atmosfera do solo e uma possível absorção excessiva de amônio (NH4 +), que é mais prejudicial do que o aumento da salinidade proporcionado pelo fertilizante. Os sintomas de toxidez são mais acentuados em solo franco-arenoso, causando a estagnação do crescimento e morte de plântulas após a emergência. As formas de ureia revestida com enxofre ou cobre e boro, assim como a ureia revestida com enxofre e polímeros ou apenas com polímeros não possibilitam a aplicação de elevadas doses de nitrogênio no plantio. No segundo estudo, realizado em campo os tratamentos foram formados pela combinação de sete formas de ureia, duas doses de nitrogênio (120 e 240 kg ha-1) e dois modos de aplicação (cobertura ou dose completa no sulco). As formas de ureia utilizadas foram às mesmas aplicadas no primeiro experimento. Não houve redução na germinação, crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas de milho. Não foi observado diferença de resposta entre as formas de ureia de liberação controlada e a ureia perolada convencional.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-07T14:49:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 parte2.pdf: 2851369 bytes, checksum: 7d81168f19872afa8d8f8bf527ba97df (MD5) Previous issue date: 2002-08-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The semi-arid region of the north-east Brazil, is characterized by drought, with low rainfall indices, high evaporation, high incoming solar radiation, and soils susceptible to salinization. In this scenario, populations seek the areas close to the ponds (locally known as açudes ), aiming to achieve satisfactory life condition and development. Ponds are found practically everywhere in the sertão . The ponds accumulate water during the rainy period, but not for a long time, because of periodic droughts and high evaporation. In the sub-basin of River Caraibeiras, in the municipality of Barra de Santa Rosa, there are two noteworthy ponds: Poleiro and Curimataú, both planned for water supply. It was aimed in the present study to estimate the water salinity indices of those ponds and how they affect socio-economic conditions in that region. Results obtained from the water physical-chemical analyses showed a high salt concentration, in the ponds, limiting the water consumption by humans, animals and crop irrigation. Such situation alters the habits of human communities and affects directly the socioeconomic condition in that region / O Semi-Árido do Nordeste brasileiro é caracterizado pela carência hídrica, baixos índices pluviométricos, alta evaporação e insolação e solos tendentes à salinização. É neste cenário que as populações procuram as áreas próximas aos açudes, com o objetivo de manter uma condição de vida satisfatória ao seu desenvolvimento. A presença de açudes ocorre em praticamente todo o sertão. Estes acumulam água no período chuvoso, não permanecendo assim por muito tempo, devido à ocorrência de secas periódicas e alta evaporação. Na Sub-bacia do Rio Caraibeiras, no município de Barra de Santa Rosa, dois açudes se destacam: o Poleiro e o Curimataú, com fins de abastecimento público. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o índice de salinidade das águas desses reservatórios e sua influência nas condições sócioeconômicas da região. Os resultados obtidos através de análises físico-químicas da água, registraram uma grande concentração de sais nas águas dos açudes, restringindo o uso para o consumo humano, dessedentação dos animais e na irrigação. Esta situação modifica os hábitos das comunidades e interfere diretamente nas condições socioeconômicas da região

Submitted by DOMINGOS DA COSTA FERREIRA JÚNIOR (junior.domingos@uol.com.br) on 2018-04-27T12:27:20Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação - Domingos Ferreira.pdf: 1159586 bytes, checksum: 8338f8062aacebc38ac35fa429710de0 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Alexandra Maria Donadon Lusser Segali null (alexmar@fcav.unesp.br) on 2018-05-02T19:01:02Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 ferreirajunior_dc_me_jabo.pdf: 1159586 bytes, checksum: 8338f8062aacebc38ac35fa429710de0 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-02T19:01:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ferreirajunior_dc_me_jabo.pdf: 1159586 bytes, checksum: 8338f8062aacebc38ac35fa429710de0 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Muitos estudos apontam que o ácido salicílico (AS) está envolvido na adaptação de plantas a estresses abióticos. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre a ação deste hormônio na síntese de importantes metabólitos secundários em condições de estresse, como a lignina. Para tanto, foram estudados neste trabalho os efeitos de AS exógeno no crescimento, lignificação, metabolismo antioxidativo, acúmulo de osmólitos compatíveis e acúmulo de Na+ e macronutrientes em folhas de milho sob concentrações crescentes de NaCl. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x4, representado pelas concentrações de AS (0,0 e 0,5 mM) e concentrações de NaCl (0, 50, 100 e 150 mM). As plantas foram submetidas aos tratamentos no estádio fenológico V4 (quatro folhas completamente desenvolvidas), enquanto que as avaliações foram realizadas no estádio V6 (seis folhas completamente desenvolvidas). Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros na parte aérea: área foliar, massa seca, teor de lignina, peroxidação lipídica, teor de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2), atividade enzimática da superóxido dismutase (SOD) e catalase (CAT), teor de prolina (Pro) e glicina betaína, relação Na+/K+ e teor de macronutrientes (N, P, Ca, Mg, S). O estresse salino reduziu o crescimento da parte aérea da planta, além de induzir maior acúmulo de Pro e GB, peroxidação lipídica, atividade da CAT e lignificação foliar. A adição de AS à solução nutritiva atenuou o efeito da salinidade sobre o crescimento vegetal até a concentração de 100 mM de NaCl, o que pode estar relacionado à maior lignificação, aumento na atividade da SOD e teores de Pro e H2O2, maior teor de N e Ca, além de reduções nos níveis foliares de Na+ e peroxidação de lipídios. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o AS exógeno atenua os efeitos deletérios de estresse salino baixo e moderado por três vias: maior lignificação foliar, o que pode se relacionar à maior produção de H2O2; menor peroxidação lipídica, relacionada à maior atividade de SOD; e menor teor foliar de Na+, aliado a aumento nos teores de Ca2+ e N. / Several studies demonstrate that salicylic acid (AS) is involved in the adaptation responses of plants to abiotic stresses. However, not much is known about the action of this hormone on the synthesis of important secondary metabolites, as lignin. For this purpose, in this work it was assessed the effects of exogenous application of SA on the growth, lignification, antioxidant metabolism, compatible osmolytes content, and concentration of Na+ and in maize leaves under increasingly NaCl concentrations. It was adopted a completely randomized design and a 2x4 factorial layout, representing SA concentrations (0.0 and 0.5 mM) and NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) in hydroponics. Plants were exposed to the treatments at the V4 phenological stage (with four completely developed leaves), and evaluations were performed at V6 stage (six completely developed leaves). The following parameters were assessed on shoots: leaf area, dry weight, lignin content, lipid peroxidation, enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), proline (Pro) and glycinebetaine (GB) contents, Na+ /K+ ratio and macronutrients concentration (N, P, Ca, Mg and S). Salt stress impaired shoot growth, also inducting higher accumulation of Pro and GB, lipid peroxidation, CAT activity, leaf lignification and also lower content of all evaluated nutrients. The application of AS alleviated the deleterious effects of salinity on maize shoot growth until 100 mM of NaCl, what can be related to an enhancement of SOD activity, lignin, proline and H2O2 contents, higher N and Ca contents, as to lower lipid peroxidation and Na+ content. This way, it is concluded that exogenous AS mitigates the negative effects of low and moderate salt stress on maize through three main ways: higher leaf lignification, which can be correlated with higher H2O2; lower lipid peroxidation, explained by higher SOD activity; and lower Na+ content, followed by increased leaf contents of Ca2+ .

Submitted by Lucienne Costa (lucienneferreira@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-05-11T00:11:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 MANIZA SOFIA MONTEIRO FERNANDES LOPES – TESE(PPGEQ) 2017.pdf: 3583306 bytes, checksum: 5cb9a8ad6bd93dd659f061639f9baf25 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-11T00:11:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MANIZA SOFIA MONTEIRO FERNANDES LOPES – TESE(PPGEQ) 2017.pdf: 3583306 bytes, checksum: 5cb9a8ad6bd93dd659f061639f9baf25 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017 / Capes / O crescimento populacional e aumento dos usos múltiplos da água vêm gerando uma pressão sobre os recursos hídricos superficiais e subterrâneos. Na região do Nordeste, a carência de água potável tratada, em função da escassez hídrica durante os longos períodos de estiagens, tem-se mostrado uma das fontes de problemas de ordem ambiental e socioeconômica. Os processos de dessalinização dessas águas vêm sendo uma das alternativas aplicadas para minimizar esses tipos de problemas, com o beneficiamento de água para as comunidades que não têm acesso a água potável. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a eficiência das espécies de microalgas isoladas da região semiárida do Nordeste com a finalidade de “bio-dessalinização”, com a produção concomitante de biomassa de algas como fonte potencial de bioenergia. As microalgas foram cultivadas em meios aquosos com concentrações de sal de acordo com a classificação estabelecida pelo CONAMA 357/2005. Este estudo foi dividido em duas fases: a primeira avaliou o crescimento de cinco espécies de microalgas cultivadas em meio aquoso contendo diferentes concentrações de cloreto de sódio; na segunda fase, as duas microalgas apresentando maior tolerância a concentrações (CDM) foram selecionadas para avaliar a capacidade de dessalinização e a produtividade de biomassa concomitante no contexto da produção de bioenergia. As duas microalgas mais tolerantes ao sal das espécies testadas foram as Chlorella sp., que cresceram bem em meios com 10,0 g.L-1 de NaCl, e Scenesdesmus acuminatus, com 6,0 g.L-1 de NaCl. Analisando o desempenho do CDM utilizando membranas de osmose reversa na presença de Scenesdesmus acuminatus ou Chlorella sp. no compartimento catódico, houve uma remoção do íon cloreto no compartimento central da ponte salina de 64,15% e 60,15%, respectivamente. Ao usar membranas eletrodialíticas, as reduções foram de 49,9% e 43,75%, respectivamente. A produção de biomassa com Scenesdesmus acuminatus no compartimento catódico do CDM usando membranas de osmose reversa atingiu uma concentração de 8,00 x 107 células.ml-1 com uma concentração de lipídeos de 12,65% do peso seco celular. No caso da Chlorella sp., a biomassa total atingiu 8,70 x 107 células.mL-1, com um teor lipídico de 15,69% do peso seco celular. A CDM gerou uma tensão de aproximadamente 0,65 V para ambas as algas. Ao usar membranas eletrodialíticas no biorreator, Scenesdesmus acuminatus atingiu uma biomassa de células de 7.64x107 mL-1 e um teor de lipídeos de 12.17% do peso seco celular para uma tensão entre os dois eletrodos de 0.880V. A Chlorella sp. atingiu uma concentração de biomassa de 7,35 x 107 células.ml-1, com um teor de lipídeos de 12,20% de peso seco celular e tensão de 0,66 V. Para o experimento utilizando a água do poço e o efluente de fossa séptica, a CDM teve um desempenho satisfatório tanto com a membrana de osmose quanto com a eletrodialítica, alcançando 7,25x107 células.mL-1 e 7,48x107 células.mL-1, redução na condutividade de 54,60% e 21,98% e geração de tensão de 0,650 V e 0,690 V, e as concentrações de lipídeos foram de 12,3% e 9,8% respectivamente. Os resultados indicam que as microalgas tolerantes ao sal podem ser usadas no biorreator do CDM para fornecer dessalinização pelo menos parcial de águas salobras com a produção concomitante de biomassa de algas com elevadas concentrações de lipídeos importantes para a produção de biocombustíveis em pressões atmosféricas normais. A energia elétrica, embora com baixas tensões, também foi produzida. Outras investigações devem considerar a geometria do CDM, os tipos de eletrodos e a avaliação de microalgas potencialmente mais eficiente. / Population growth and the increasing multiple uses of water have generated pressures on surface and groundwater resources. This is particularly true in semi-arid regions such as northeast Brazil, where the shortage of drinking water due to water scarcity occurs during the long periods of drought and is one of the sources of environmental and socioeconomic problems. The desalination process of these waters has been one of the key alternatives used to minimize these types of problems with the provision of water for communities that do not have access to conventional drinking water supplies. The present work aims to evaluate the efficiency of microalgae species isolated from the northeastern semi-arid region for the purpose of “bio-desalination”, with the concomitant production of algal biomass as a potential source of bioenergy. The microalgae were cultured in aqueous media with salt concentrations above the maximum permissible value permitted according to the classification established by CONAMA 357/2005. This study was divided into two phases: the first involved evaluating the growth of five microalgae species isolated from the northeast region, cultured in aqueous media containing different concentrations of sodium chloride; in the second phase the two microalgae showing the most tolerance to elevated saline concentrations were grown in a Microbial Desalination Cell (MDC), to evaluate their desalination capacity and concomitant biomass productivity in the context of bioenergy production. The two most salt tolerant microalgae of the species tested were a Chlorella sp. which grew well in media with 10.0 g.L-1 of NaCl and Scenesdesmus acuminatus with 6.0 g.L-1 of NaCl. Analyzing the performance of the MDC using electro-dialytic membranes (ED), in the presence of Scenesdesmus acuminatus or Chlorella sp. in the cathodic compartment, there were reductions of the chloride ion in the central, “saline bridge” compartment of 64.15% and 60.15% respectively. When using ED membranes, the reductions were 49.9% and 43, 75% respectively. Biomass production with Scenesdesmus acuminatus in the MDC cathodic compartment using RO membranes reached a concentration of 8.00x107 cells.ml-1 with a lipid concentration of 12.65% of the cellular dry weight. In the case of the Chlorella sp., total biomass reached 8.70x107 cells.mL-1, with a lipid content of 15.69% of the cellular dry weight. The MDC generated a voltage of approximately 0.65V for both algae. When using ED membranes in the CDM, Scenesdesmus acuminatus attained a biomass of 7.64x107 cells ml-1 and a lipid content of 12.17% of the cellular dry weight for a voltage between the two electrodes of 0.880V. The Chlorella sp. attained a biomass concentration of 7.35 x 107 cells.ml-1, with a lipid content of 12.20% of cellular dry weight and voltage 0.66 V. In the MDC experiment using brackish well water in the central “salt bridge” compartment and septic tank effluent in the anodic compartment and Chlorella, algal cell density reached a concentration of 7.25x107 cells.ml-1 with the RO membranes and 7.48x107 cells.ml-1 with ED membranes with reductions in conductivity of 54.60% and 21.98% respectively. Lipid concentrations for Chlorella were 12.3% of the cellular dry weight using RO and 9.8% with ED membranes. The voltages generated in the MDC were similar to values of 0.650 V and 0.690 V for RO and ED membranes respectively. The results suggest that salt tolerant microalgae can be used in the MCD bioreactor to provide at least partial desalination of brackish waters with the concomitant production of algal biomass with elevated lipid concentrations important for biofuel production at normal atmospheric pressure. Electrical energy, albeit at low voltages, was also produced. Further investigations should consider MDC geometry, the use of other types of electrodes and evaluate other potentially more efficient microalgae.