A oleuropeína é o mais abundante biofenol presente nas folhas de oliveira (Olea Europaea), com importantes funções antimicrobiana e antioxidante. Estudos visando à obtenção deste composto têm sido conduzidos, porém, muitos deles utilizam solventes tóxicos e métodos caros. A presente dissertação teve por objetivo estudar diferentes metodologias para a obtenção de extratos de folhas de oliva contendo quantidades significativas de oleuropeína. Os extratos foram obtidos a partir de folhas de oliva micronizadas, com ou sem pré-tratamento para redução do teor de clorofila, submetidas a contatos simples ou múltiplos com diferentes solventes, como dietil éter, clorofórmio, acetona, etanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, água e soluções hidroalcoólicas com diferentes concentrações. O contato das folhas micronizadas com os solventes foi promovido pelos seguintes métodos: agitação manual em temperatura ambiente, agitação mecânica a 50 ºC, ultrassom ou uma combinação desses dois últimos, totalizando 38 experimentos, sendo que em 17 destes os extratos foram produzidos na forma líquida e 21 na forma sólida. Os resultados mostraram que, de maneira geral, a etapa prévia de redução do teor da clorofila (realizada através de sucessivos contatos com hexano, diclorometano ou ainda, com CO2 supercrítico) não foi vantajosa, devido à elevada quantidade de solventes utilizados em relação às quantidades de extratos obtidos. Nestes experimentos, a maior concentração de oleuropeína, 1,88%, foi detectada no procedimento em que as folhas micronizadas foram previamente umedecidas com etanol e limpas com CO2 supercrítico, e posteriormente colocadas em contato com a mistura etanol e água, na proporção 1:1, utilizando o ultrassom combinado com a agitação mecânica como método de extração. Nos experimentos finais do trabalho, foi estudada ainda a adição de ácidos orgânicos (cítrico ou acético), juntamente com os solventes hidroalcoólicos (diferentes teores de água) no momento da extração da oleuropeína em banho de ultrassom, utilizando amostras que não foram previamente tratadas para remoção da clorofila. A combinação do ácido acético com a solução etanólica contendo 30 % de água resultou em um extrato com 2,17 % de oleuropeína, em apenas 1 contato com o solvente. Quando três contatos foram utilizados, nestas mesmas condições, o teor de oleuropeína aumentou para 4,8 %, maior do que alguns valores encontrados na literatura, utilizando o mesmo método de extração, indicando que processo ainda pode ser otimizado, utilizando técnicas simples e solventes que não agridam o meio ambiente. / Oleuropein is the most abundant biofenol present in olive leaves (Olea europaea), presenting important antioxidant and antimicrobial functions. Studies focusing on obtaining this compound have been conducted; however, many of them use toxic solvents and expensive methods. The present work aimed to study different methodologies for obtaining extracts from olive leaves containing significant amounts of oleuropein. The extracts were obtained from micronized olive leaves, with or without pretreatment for reducing the chlorophyll content, submitted to single and multiple contacts with different solvents such as diethyl ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol, 1- propanol, 2 -propanol, water and hydroalcoholic solutions at different concentrations. The contact between the micronized leaves and the solvents was promoted by the following methods: manual shaking at room temperature, mechanical agitation at 50 °C, ultrasound or a combination of these last two methods, totaling 38 experiments, from which in 17 of them the extracts were produced in the liquid form, and in 21 in the solid form (as a powder). The results show that, in general, previous step of reducing the content of chlorophyll (performed by successive contacts with hexane, dichloromethane or with supercritical CO2) was not advantageous due to the high amount of solvent used in relation to amounts of extracts. In these experiments, the highest concentration of oleuropein, 1.88 % was detected in the procedure in which the micronized leaves were previously soaked with ethanol and cleaned with supercritical CO2 and then placed in contact with the mixture of ethanol and water in the proportion 1:1, using ultrasound combined with mechanical agitation as extraction method. In the last experiments of the work, the addition of organic acids (citric or acetic acid) together with hydroalcoholic solvents (different water contents) in the extraction of oleuropein in ultrasound was studied, using samples that have not previously been treated for removal of chlorophyll. The combination of acetic acid to the ethanolic solution containing 30 % of water resulted in an extract with 2.17 % of oleuropein, with only one contact to the solvent. When three contacts were used, under the same conditions, the oleuropein content increased to 4.8 %, larger than some values found in the literature, using the same extraction method, indicating that the process can be further optimized using simple techniques and solvents that do not harm the environment.

Este trabalho insere-se no ramo da modelagem de sistemas termodinâmicos complexos, e diz respeito fundamentalmente ao processo de extração de metais (em forma iônica) por solventes, auxiliando a busca de soluções para a otimização do processo. O modelo inicialmente proposto para o comportamento do equilíbrio líquido-líquido do processo de extração de íons metálicos (foram estudados os íons: Co2+, Ni2+, Mg2+ e Mn2+) mostrou um bom ajuste aos dados experimentais. Na primeira etapa, investigou-se a dependência da taxa de extração dos íons em relação ao pH de equilíbrio. Outras variáveis como: temperatura, concentração do agente extratante e razão volumétrica (O/A) foram mantidas constantes e, foram utilizadas soluções monocomponentes e taxas de carregamento do extratante inferiores a 2%. O estudo baseou-se no mecanismo de reação da extração desses íons, e, através do ajuste dos parâmetros principais dessas equações foi possível gerar um modelo para predizer a taxa de extração (E%) para cada um dos metais estudados. Este primeiro modelo, foi utilizado então, para a obtenção de um segundo modelo que leva em consideração soluções multicomponente de íons concorrentes e taxas de carregamento do extratante próximas a 45%. Parâmetros estes mais coerentes com operações comerciais de separação e produção de níquel e cobalto. O trabalho apresentado mostrou ser possível a utilização de modelos matemáticos que levem estes fatores em consideração, aproximando-se consideravelmente dos valores experimentais, e deste modo permite simulações assertivas de diferentes cenários de processo como: matérias primas, qualidade do produto final e consumo de insumos. / This work is a study on the modeling of the solvent extraction process of metal ions, aiming at finding solutions for process optimization. A model for the liquid - liquid equilibrium accounting for the mass balance in the extraction process of metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+) showed an excellent fit to the experimental data . In the first step, the dependence of the rate of extraction of ions as a function of solution pH was investigated. Other variables such as temperature, concentration of extractant agent (phosphinic acid) and volumetric ratio (organic and aqueous phases) were held constant. Single-component solutions and low loading of extractant were considered. The study was based on the reaction mechanism of extraction of these ions, and by fitting the main parameters of these equations was possible to generate a model for predicting the extraction rate for each of the metals studied. This initial model was then used to obtain a second model which takes into account multicomponent solutions of competing ions and extractant loading rates close to 45%. These parameters are more consistent with commercial operations. The present work showed that using phenomenological models to account for these factors is possible. The model was validated with experimental values. Thus, this work allows for more accurate simulations of different process scenarios concerning raw materials, final product quality and consumption of inputs.

O consumo de drogas de abuso é grave problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. No Brasil observa-se aumento no número de usuárias em idade fértil, levando a crescente preocupação com relação à exposição fetal. Efeitos deletérios como diminuição do peso e crescimento fetal, parto prematuro, déficits neurológicos e comportamentais estão associados ao uso de cocaína e cannabis durante a gestação. Portanto, é importante obter informações acerca do consumo de drogas durante a gravidez, permitindo intervenções médicas e psicológicas adequadas. Os relatos fornecidos pelas gestantes são relevantes, porém muitas vezes resultam em dados subestimados devido à omissão de informações por medo de ações punitivas. Desta forma, a confirmação por meio de análises toxicológicas em amostras biológicas se faz necessária. O mecônio, primeiras fezes do recém-nascido, tem sido proposto como matriz adequada para avaliação da exposição fetal, pois apresenta coleta não invasiva, fácil obtenção e fornece informações de longo prazo (2º e 3º trimestre de gestação). Entretanto, é uma matriz complexa, exigindo diversas etapas de purificação para posterior análise. No presente trabalho, métodos analíticos foram desenvolvidos visando à detecção dos biomarcadores da exposição fetal à cocaína e ao tetraidrocanabinol em amostras de mecônio por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas (GC-MS). Para ambos os métodos, a extração acelerada por solvente (ASE) foi utilizada para o isolamento dos analitos de interesse de amostras de mecônio, já que esta apresenta vantagens frente às técnicas convencionais, devido sua maior eficiência e menor manipulação da amostra. Associada à ASE, a extração em fase sólida (SPE) foi empregada para purificação e concentração dos analitos de interesse. Na etapa de desenvolvimento, inicialmente foram estabelecidos os procedimentos de derivatização e as condições cromatográficas a serem empregadas nas análises. Posteriormente, realizou-se a otimização dos procedimentos empregados na ASE, através de análise de superfície de resposta. Os métodos foram validados de acordo com o preconizado por referências internacionais, estabelecendo-se os limites de detecção e quantificação, recuperação, linearidade, precisão intra e interensaio e exatidão. O método para detecção dos biomarcadores da cocaína foi aplicado em 342 amostras de mecônio, provenientes do Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo (HU-USP). Destas, 19 (5,6%) apresentaram resultado positivo para um ou mais biomarcadores da exposição fetal à cocaína. Além disto, foi observada redução estatisticamente significante do peso ao nascimento, comprimento e perímetro cefálico entre os recém-nascidos expostos à cocaína durante a gestação. O método para a detecção da exposição fetal ao tetraidrocanabinol foi aplicado em 6 amostras positivas, obtidas do HU-USP, mostrando a aplicabilidade da técnica desenvolvida. / The use of illicit drugs is a relevant public health problem in the world. In Brazil, the number of women users in fertile age is increasing, which leads to a growing concern regarding fetal drug exposure. Adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, intra-uterine growth restriction, preterm birth, neurobehavioral and developmental deficits are associated with cocaine and cannabis use during pregnancy. Consequently, it would be important to obtain data related to drug misuse during gestation with the aim to plan medical and psychological interventions. Self-report drug use by pregnant women is often inaccurate due to feelings of guilt or fear of punitive actions. Therefore, confirmation by toxicological analysis in biological matrices must be accomplished. Meconium, the first stool of the newborn, has been proposed as a proper matrix to evaluate fetal exposure because it is collected by an easy and non-invasive way and enables the achievement of long-term information regarding fetal exposure. However, meconium is a complex matrix, which requires extensive sample cleaning previously to the analytes identification. In the present research, analytical methods were developed aiming the determination of cocaine and tetrahydrocannabinol biomarkers in meconium samples through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was used for analytes isolation due to its advantages over conventional techniques, such as greater extraction efficiency and minor sample handling. In order to achieve proper analytes selectivity and detectability, solid phase extraction (SPE) was employed for post-extraction clean-up. Initially, the derivatization procedure and chromatographic parameters were established for the development of the methods. Afterwards, ASE procedure was optimized through response surface methodology. The analytical methods were validated in accordance to international references. Limits of detection and quantification, recovery, linearity, precision and accuracy were obtained. The developed method for cocaine was applied in 342 meconium samples collected from the University Hospital of University of São Paulo (HU-USP). Among them, 19 (5.6%) showed positivity result for cocaine biomarkers. Additionally, newborns from mothers exposed to cocaine exhibited statistical significant lower birth weight, length and head circumference when compared with newborns from non-consumer mothers. For the method of tetrahydrocannabinol, applicability and importance was demonstrated by analyzing 6 positive samples from HU-USP.

O tabaco é uma das principais drogas consumidas mundialmente e seu uso por mulheres em idade reprodutiva, em particular, têm representado uma grande preocupação por parte de especialistas e da sociedade em geral. Apesar dos efeitos adversos associados ao ato de fumar durante a gestação serem bastante documentados e conhecidos, sabe-se que uma parcela de mulheres grávidas tem dificuldades em abandonar o hábito. A exposição fetal aos constituintes do tabaco tem sido associada com aumento do risco de aborto espontâneo e nascimentos prematuros, incidência de recém-nascidos com baixo peso, síndrome de morte súbita infantil e desordens cognitivas e neurocomportamentais. Entretanto, devido ao sentimento de culpa e medo de ações punitivas, mulheres raramente admitem terem utilizado tabaco durante a gestação. Como resultado, uma série de marcadores biológicos tem sido estudada para se diagnosticar a exposição fetal aos constituintes do tabaco. Dentre os marcadores utilizados estão a nicotina e o seu principal produto de biotransformação, a cotinina, que podem ser detectados em amostras de mecônio de recém-nascidos. No presente estudo, um método analítico foi desenvolvido visando à detecção desses marcadores em amostras de mecônio. Foi considerada neste projeto a técnica de extração acelerada por solvente (ASE) por ser uma técnica promissora para o preparo de amostras sólidas e/ou semi-sólidas. Os analitos foram identificados por cromatografia em fase-gasosa com detector de nitrogênio e fósforo (GC/NPD). Os limites de detecção foram de 3 ng/g e 30 ng/g e os de quantificação foram de 5 ng/g e 40 ng/g, para cotinina e nicotina respectivamente, e apresentaram boa linearidade na faixa de concentração estudada (5-500 ng/g), com coeficiente de correlação (r2) maior que 0,98. A precisão intra-ensaio, determinada pelo coeficiente de variação do método (CV%) foi menor que 15% e a precisão interensaio foram menor ou igual a 20% para nicotina e cotinina. A recuperação média foi de 77%. O método desenvolvido demonstrou ser rápido, preciso, prático e sensível e com uso de menores volumes de solventes orgânicos do que outros métodos descritos na literatura. O método desenvolvido e validado foi aplicado em amostras de mecônio de neonatos com suspeita ou não de exposição fetal aos constituintes do tabaco. / Tobacco is one of the main drugs consumed worldwide and its use by women of reproductive age in particular has played a major concern among experts and society in general. Despite the adverse effects associated with smoking during pregnancy are well documented, it is known that a significant proportion of pregnant women have difficulties to quit the habit. Fetal exposure to tobacco constituents has been associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) and premature births, incidence of newborns with low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome and neurobehavioral and cognitive disorders. However, due to guilt and fear of punitive actions, women rarely admit to have used tobacco during pregnancy. As a result, a series of biological markers have been studied to diagnose fetal exposure to tobacco constituents. Nicotine and cotinine are some of these biomarkers which can be detected in meconium samples from newborns. In this study, an analytical method was developed to detect these biomarkers in meconium samples. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), a promising technique for solid or semi-solid sample preparation, was considered in this work the that is considered a. The analytes were identified by gas-chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detector (GC / NPD). The limits of detection (LOD) were 3 ng/g and 30 ng/g and the limits of quantification (LOQ) were 5 ng/g and 40 ng/g for cotinine and nicotine, respectively. The method showed good linearity in the concentration range studied (5-500 ng/g), with a coefficient of correlation (r2) greater than 0.98. The intraday precision, determined by the coefficient of variation (CV %) was less than 15% and the interday precision was less or equal than 20% for nicotine and cotinine. The average recovery was 77%. The method proved to be fast, accurate, practical and sensitive and smaller volumes of organic solvents are necessary, compared to other methods published in the scientific literature. The developed and validated method was applied to meconium samples of suspected and nonsuspected neonates of having been exposed to tobacco constituents during gestation.

The production of olive oil has seen an increase in recent years due to a broader understanding of the health benefits of the Mediterranean Aliment Culture. With this expanding industry we also see an increase in the waste products associated with olive oil production. Given the high polluting content of the waste streams and the economic costs associated with its removal and processing, waste remediation and disposal has become a significant point of interest for both producers and local bodies. In this project, wastes of the olive oil production industry are examined for their use as the raw material for a novel product used in the control of horticulturally important diseases, examining the effect of extraction protocols on the activity of the final product. Active fractions of the olive oil wastes were identified from literature and protocols for their extraction and recovery developed; incorporating both standard solvent extraction and novel ultrasound-assisted extraction. Criteria for the analysis of extract quality were outlined and potential target applications identified. The biophenolic compounds of olive wastes were identified as providing the majority of the active fraction, so protocols were developed for the recovery of these compounds. Standard solvent extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction were examined for their effectiveness of biophenolic recovery and their effect on product quality. Certain horticulturally important diseases were identified as potential targets, and bioassays undertaken to determine the ability of a crude extract to inhibit and control these diseases. It was found that the action of ultrasound during extraction provides a greater degree of recovery of biophenolic compounds, with minimal loss of product quality; as determined by bioassays and total biophenol determination. This increase in recovery is due primarily to the destruction of cellular material resulting in higher rates and absolute yields of recovery. This work provides evidence of the occurrence of some interesting phenomenon in the recovery of biophenols from olive wastes that deserves further examination. The crude olive leaf extract was shown to have an inhibitory effect on bacteria and effectively no inhibitory effect on fungal species in the total biophenol ranges tested. Erwinia amylovora and Staphylococcus aureus both showed a large susceptibility to the olive leaf extract. Results showed a higher degree of susceptibility of Gram positive bacteria and a potential resistance in soil microbes. For bacterial species, total biophenol concentrations of 0.15 to 3.50 mg GAE/ml provided inhibitory effects, while with the fungal species tested, no inhibitory effects were found at total biophenol concentrations of up to 2.50 mg GAE/ml. Some evidence exists that there is an opportunity for the economic recovery of olive biophenols for use as a novel product, but more work is required to determine specific applications and/or targets of use, as well as optimisation of the extraction and purification protocol. A sample removed from interfering compounds will allow the examination of activity of particular compounds and hence a better understanding of the action of the olive waste extract.

Die Entwicklung neuer Verfahren für die Rückführung von Palladium aus Altmaterialien, wie gebrauchten Autoabgaskatalysatoren, in den Stoffstromkreislauf ist sowohl aus ökologischer als auch ökonomischer Sicht erstrebenswert. In dieser Arbeit wurden neue Flüssig-Flüssig- und Fest-Flüssig-Extraktionsmittel entwickelt, mit denen Palladium(II) aus einer oxidierenden, salzsauren Laugungslösung, die neben Palladium auch Platin und Rhodium sowie zahlreiche unedle Metalle enthält, zurückgewonnen werden kann. Die neuen Extraktionsmittel ungesättigte monomere 1,2-Dithioether und oligomere Ligandenmischungen mit vicinalen Dithioether-Einheiten – sind im Gegensatz zu vielen in der Literatur aufgeführten Extraktionsmitteln hochselektiv. Aufgrund ihrer geometrischen und elektronischen Präorganisation bilden sie mit Palladium(II) stabile quadratisch-planare Chelatkomplexe. Für die Entwicklung des Flüssig-Flüssig-Extraktionsmittels wurde eine Reihe von ungesättigten 1,2-Dithioetherliganden dargestellt, welche auf einer starren 1,2-Dithioethen-Einheit, die in ein variierendes elektronenziehendes Grundgerüst eingebettet ist, basieren und polare Seitenketten besitzen. Neben der Bestimmung der Kristallstrukturen der Liganden und ihrer Palladiumdichlorid-Komplexe wurden die elektro- und photochemischen Eigenschaften, die Komplexstabilität und das Verhalten in Lösung untersucht. In Flüssig-Flüssig-Extraktionsuntersuchungen konnte gezeigt werden, dass einige der neuen Liganden industriell genutzten Extraktionsmitteln durch eine schnellere Einstellung des Extraktionsgleichgewichts überlegen sind. Anhand von Kriterien, die für eine industrielle Nutzbarkeit entscheidend sind, wie: guter Oxidationsbeständigkeit, einer hohen Extraktionsausbeute (auch bei hohen Salzsäurekonzentrationen der Speiselösung), schneller Extraktionskinetik und einer hohen Selektivität für Palladium(II) wurde aus der Reihe der sechs Liganden ein geeignetes Flüssig-Flüssig-Extraktionsmittel ausgewählt: 1,2-Bis(2-methoxyethylthio)benzen. Mit diesem wurde ein praxisnahes Flüssig-Flüssig-Extraktionssystem entwickelt. Nach der schrittweisen Adaption der wässrigen Phase von einer Modelllösung hin zu der oxidierenden, salzsauren Laugungslösung erfolgte die Auswahl eines geeigneten großtechnisch, einsetzbaren Lösemittels (1,2-Dichlorbenzen) und eines effizienten Reextraktionsmittels (0,5 M Thioharnstoff in 0,1 M HCl). Die hohe Palladium(II)-Selektivität dieses Flüssig-Flüssig-Extraktionssystems konnte verifiziert und seine Wiederverwendbarkeit und Praxistauglichkeit unter Beweis gestellt werden. Weiterhin wurde gezeigt, dass sich beim Kontakt mit oxidierenden Medien aus dem Dithioether 1,2-Bis(2-methoxyethylthio)benzen geringe Mengen des Thioethersulfoxids 1-(2-Methoxyethylsulfinyl)-2-(2-methoxyethylthio)benzen bilden. Dieses wird im sauren Milieu protoniert und beschleunigt die Extraktion wie ein Phasentransferkatalysator, ohne jedoch die Palladium(II)-Selektivität herabzusetzen. Die Kristallstruktur des Palladiumdichlorid-Komplexes des Tioethersulfoxids zeigt, dass der unprotonierte Ligand Palladium(II), analog zum Dithioether, über die chelatisierenden Schwefelatome koordiniert. Verschiedene Mischungen von Oligo(dithioether)-Liganden und der monomere Ligand 1,2-Bis(2-methoxyethylthio)benzen dienten als Extraktionsmittel für Fest-Flüssig-Extraktionsversuche mit SIRs (solvent impregnated resins) und wurden zu diesem Zweck auf hydrophilem Kieselgel und organophilem Amberlite® XAD 2 adsorbiert. Die Oligo(dithioether)-Liganden basieren auf 1,2-Dithiobenzen oder 1,2-Dithiomaleonitril-Einheiten, welche über Tris(oxyethylen)ethylen- oder Trimethylen-Brücken miteinander verknüpft sind. Mit Hilfe von Batch-Versuchen konnte gezeigt werden, dass sich strukturelle Unterschiede - wie die Art der chelatisierenden Einheit, die Art der verbrückenden Ketten und das Trägermaterial - auf die Extraktionsausbeuten, die Extraktionskinetik und die Beladungskapazität auswirken. Die kieselgelhaltigen SIRs stellen das Extraktionsgleichgewicht viel schneller ein als die Amberlite® XAD 2-haltigen. Jedoch bleiben die Extraktionsmittel auf Amberlite® XAD 2, im Gegensatz zu Kieselgel, dauerhaft haften. Im salzsauren Milieu sind die 1,2-Dithiobenzen-derivate besser als Extraktionsmittel geeignet als die 1,2-Dithiomaleonitrilderivate. In Säulenversuchen mit der oxidierenden, salzsauren Laugungslösung und wiederverwendbaren, mit 1,2-Dithiobenzenderivaten imprägnierten, Amberlite® XAD 2-haltigen SIRs zeigte sich, dass für die Realisierung hoher Beladungskapazitäten sehr geringe Pumpraten benötigt werden. Trotzdem konnte die gute Palladium(II)-Selektivität dieser Festphasenmaterialien demonstriert werden. Allerdings wurden in den Eluaten im Gegensatz zu den Eluaten, die aus Flüssig-Flüssig-Extraktion resultierten neben dem Palladium auch geringe Mengen an Platin, Aluminium, Eisen und Blei gefunden. / The development of new processes for the recovery of palladium from recycling materials like spent automotive catalysts is of economic and ecologic interest. In this thesis new solvent and solid phase extractants have been designed, which are suitable for the recovery of palladium(II) from an oxidising hydrochloric leach liquor that does not only additionally contain platinum and rhodium but also a number of base metals. In contrast to many extractants described in the literature these new extractants – unsaturated monomeric dithioethers as well as oligomeric mixtures of ligands with vicinal dithioether units – are highly selective for palladium(II). Due to their geometric and electronic preorganisation they form stable square-planar chelate complexes with palladium(II). For the development of the solvent extractant a series of unsaturated dithioethers, which are based on a rigid 1,2-dithioethene unit that is imbedded in an electron-withdrawing backbone, with polar end-groups has been synthesised. In addition to the determination of the crystal structures of the ligands and their dichloridopalladium complexes, the electro- and photochemical properties, the complex stabilities and the behaviour in solution have been investigated. Solvent extraction experiments showed the superiority of some of our ligands over conventionally used extractants in terms of their very fast reaction rates. Considering criteria that are essential for industrial utilisation like: robustness towards oxidation, achieving of high extraction yields (even at a high hydrochloric acid content of the leach liquor), fast extraction kinetics and a high selectivity for palladium(II), 1,2-bis(2-methoxyethylthio)benzene was selected as the extractant of choice. Building on this a solvent extraction system close to industrial practice was devised. After stepwise adaption of the aqueous phase from a model solution to the oxidising hydrochloric leach liquor, the selection of a diluent suitable for commercial operations (1,2-dichlorobenzene) and of an efficient stripping agent (0.5 M thiourea in 0.1 M HCl) has been accomplished. The high selectivity of that solvent extraction system for palladium(II) could be verified and its reusability and suitability for practical application have been proven. Further it was shown that small amounts of the thioether sulfoxide 1-[(2-methoxyethyl)sulfanyl]-2-[(2-methoxyethyl)sulfinyl]benzene form when the dithioether ligand 1,2-bis(2-methoxyethylthio)benzene gets in contact with oxidising media. Under acidic conditions this thioether sulfoxide gets protonated and accelerates the extraction like a phase transfer catalyst; without decreasing the selectivity for palladium(II). The molecular structure of the corresponding dichloridopalladium complex reveals that the nonprotonated ligand coordinates palladium(II) in a similar manner to the dithioether via the chelating sulfur atoms. Mixtures of oligo(dithioether) ligands and the monomeric 1,2-bis(2-methoxyethylthio)benzene have been adsorbed on silica gel and amberlite® XAD 2. These SIRs (solvent impregnated resins) have been used for solid phase extraction experiments. The oligo(dithioether) ligands are based on 1,2- dithiobenzene or 1,2-dithiomaleonitrile units, which are connected via tris(oxyethylene)ethylene or trimethylene chains. With the help of batch experiments it could be shown how structural differences, like the chelating unit, the kind of linking chain and the type of supporting material, impact the extraction yield, kinetics and loading capacity. The SIRs containing silica gel establish the extraction equilibrium much faster than those containing amberlite® XAD 2. On the other hand, the extractants permanently remain on amberlite® XAD 2, in contrast to silica gel. In a hydrochloric medium 1,2-dithiobenzene derivatives are better extractants than 1,2-dithiomaleonitrile derivatives. In column experiments with the oxidising hydrochloric leach liquor and reusable SIRs based on 1,2-dithiobenzene derivatives impregnated into amberlite® XAD 2, it appeared that for the implementation of high loading capacities very low flow rates are required. The selectivity for palladium(II) of these solid phase extractants could be demonstrated, although the eluates, in contrast to the eluates gained from the solvent extraction experiments, contained not only palladium but also small amounts of platinum, aluminium, iron and lead.

Recent developments in converting biomass to bio-chemicals and liquid fuels provide a promising sight to an emerging biofuels industry. Biomass can be converted to energy via thermochemical and biochemical pathways. Thermal degradation processes include liquefaction, gasification, and pyrolysis. Among these biomass technologies, pyrolysis (i.e. a thermochemical conversion process of any organic material in the absence of oxygen) has gained more attention because of its simplicity in design, construction and operation. This research study focuses on comparative assessment of two types of pyrolysis processes and catalytic upgrading of bio-oil for production of transportation fuel intermediates. Slow and fast pyrolysis processes were compared for their respective product yields and properties. Slow pyrolysis bio-oil displayed fossil fuel-like properties, although low yields limit the process making it uneconomically feasible. Fast pyrolysis, on the other hand, show high yields but produces relatively less quality bio-oil. Catalytic transformation of the high-boiling fraction (HBF) of the crude bio-oil from fast pyrolysis was therefore evaluated by performing liquid-phase reactions at moderate temperatures using Pt/HZSM-5 catalyst. High yields of upgraded bio-oils along with improved heating values and reduced oxygen contents were obtained at a reaction temperature of 200°C and ethanol/HBF ratio of 3:1. Better quality, however, was observed at 240 °C even though reaction temperature has no significant effect on coke deposition. The addition of ethanol in the feed has greatly attenuated coke deposition in the catalyst. Major reactions observed are esterification, catalytic cracking, and reforming. Overall mass and energy balances in the conversion of energy sorghum biomass to produce a liquid fuel intermediate obtained sixteen percent (16 wt.%) of the biomass ending up as liquid fuel intermediate, while containing 26% of its initial energy.

The ouricuri (Syagrus coronata) features high oil content, is a rustic tree, resilient, adaptable and persistent. From these features it is possible that she is a promising raw material for biofuel production, through the use of its oil for biodiesel production and enzyme Peel by fermentation for production of second-generation ethanol. This paper proposes the study of drying of the almonds of ouricuri in balance three drying temperatures (100, 80 and 60° C) for the purpose of analyzing the behavior of water loss in these temperatures and study the processes of oil extraction. Mechanical extractions were carried out (in hydraulic press and electric press) and solvent. On mechanical extraction by hydraulic press, used the following pressures: 165; 247.5; 330; 412.5 and 495 kgf/cm ². The extraction with a 495 pressure kgf/cm ² in volume showed the highest amount of oil extracted, with 52 ml 100 g of almond oil. In mechanics, for electric press, were used the following pressures: 165; 247.5 and 330 kgf/cm ². The extraction with a 247.5 pressure kgf/cm ² was the best in terms of efficiency, reaching 75% approximate. In solvent extraction variables were evaluated: time (4:00 and 2); average diameter (1.015 mm and 1.435 mm); and the solvent (hexane and ethanol), analysed statistically observed the influence of these variables. The time was determination on income, because in 2:00 had already been taken from virtually the whole almond oil. The average diameter of 1.015 mm provided an almond 1.57% increase on the amount of oil extracted with solvent ethanol 1.435 mm income higher than that presented in hexane 4.42%. From these results it was possible to develop a model of solvent extraction process in light of the significant variables. The oil extracted was characterized according to the humidity, density, pH and acidity index. The oil density performed over the limit allowed by the ANP. The bark and ouricuri fiber went through the acid and hydrothermal pretreatment, where were characterized according to pH, residual sugars total (ART),° Brix, acidity and moisture. The value of fiber ART indicated the possibility of being subject to subsequent steps of enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation for obtaining second-generation ethanol. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / O ouricuri (Syagrus coronata) apresenta alto teor de óleo, é uma árvore rústica, resistente, adaptável e perene. A partir dessas características é possível que ela seja uma matéria-prima promissora para produção de biocombustíveis, através do uso do seu óleo para produção de biodiesel e pela fermentação enzimática da casca para produção de etanol de segunda geração. Este trabalho propõe o estudo da secagem das amêndoas do ouricuri em balança de secagem em três temperaturas (100, 80 e 60ºC) com a finalidade de analisar o comportamento da perda de água nessas temperaturas e estudar os processos de extração do óleo. Foram realizadas extrações mecânicas (em prensa hidráulica e prensa elétrica) e por solvente. Na extração mecânica por prensa hidráulica, foram utilizadas as seguintes pressões: 165; 247,5; 330; 412,5 e 495 kgf/cm². A extração com uma pressão de 495 kgf/cm² em termos de volume apresentou maior quantidade de óleo extraído, com 52 ml de óleo em 100 g de amêndoa. Na extração mecânica, por prensa elétrica, foram utilizadas as seguintes pressões: 165; 247,5 e 330 kgf/cm². A extração com uma pressão de 247,5 kgf/cm² foi a melhor em termos de eficiência, chegando a aproximados 75%. Na extração por solvente foram avaliados as variáveis: tempo (2 e 4h); diâmetro médio (1,015 mm e 1,435 mm); e o solvente (hexano e etanol), analisadas estatisticamente observou-se a influência dessas variáveis. O tempo não representou determinação sobre o rendimento, pois em 2 horas já havia sido extraído praticamente todo o óleo da amêndoa. O diâmetro médio de 1,015 mm da amêndoa proporcionou um aumento de 1,57% sobre a quantidade de óleo extraída com 1,435 mm. O solvente etanol apresentou rendimento superior ao hexano em 4,42%. Através desses resultados foi possível desenvolver um modelo do processo de extração por solvente em função das variáveis significantes. O óleo extraído foi caracterizado de acordo com a umidade, densidade, pH e índice de acidez. A densidade do óleo se apresentou acima do limite permitido pela ANP. A casca e a fibra do ouricuri passaram pelo pré-tratamento ácido e hidrotérmico, onde foram caracterizadas de acordo com pH, açucares redutores totais (ART), °Brix, acidez e umidade. O valor do ART da fibra indicou a possibilidade de ser submetida a etapas posteriores de hidrólise enzimática e fermentação para obtenção de etanol de segunda geração.

Le recyclage des terres rares à partir de déchets électroniques n'a toujours pas trouvé une réalisation industrielle significative. L'une des raisons est le manque de procédures de séparation optimisées en raison de connaissances fondamentales médiocres sur ces systèmes. En raison des similitudes chimiques et physiques de ces métaux, la conception d'une formulation efficace, adaptative et prédictive est toujours hors de portée des possibilités. L'interprétation supramoléculaire de la formation complexe dans la phase organique est de plus en plus importante au cours des dernières années. C'est l'approche la plus prometteuse permettant l'explication de divers phénomènes, tels que la formation de la troisième phase et les signaux forts dans de petites expériences de diffusion et de revenir à des méthodes bien connues de la science des tensioactifs. Notre contribution à une compréhension plus complète dans cette matière est l'analyse du comportement électrodynamique de ces phases et la corrélation de ces résultats avec les résultats des propriétés d'auto-assemblage et du transport de masse dans ces médias. Pour cette étude, nous avons spécifiquement conçu un modèle de référence, en passant un processus d'extraction à ses quatre composants fondamentaux: l'extracteur avant l'extraction (acide Di-(2-éthylhexyl) phosphorique, HDEHP), l'extrait après extraction (son sel de sodium, NaDEHP ), le toluène comme diluant apolaire et de l'eau. Un prisme de phase de Gibbs a été préparé (illustré sur la figure 1), où l'axe z donne le rapport de HDEHP à NaDEHP, ce qui représente le développement d'une extraction. Couvrant le domaine de basse fréquence, la spectroscopie d'impédance a été la méthode de choix afin de déterminer la conductivité dépendant de la fréquence. En utilisant la spectroscopie de relaxation diélectrique, nous révélons des processus dynamiques rapides à haute fréquence. Des mesures combinées SAXS et SANS ont été effectuées pour comparer les tendances électrodynamiques avec les propriétés d'agrégation et les interactions entre groupes. Deux phénomènes ont été identifiés comme responsables du profil de conductivité dans les systèmes micellaires inverse: la formation d'agrégats chargés par la dissimulation et la percolation. Tout au long du système de référence, ces deux processus ont été sondés en fonction de trois variables: la concentration totale d'agent d'extraction, le rapport eau-agent tensioactif et le rapport Na: H. En tant que résultat majeur, l'eau joue un rôle important dans les deux processus. En cas de percolation, les agrégats inverse ne peuvent pas fusionner en l'absence d'eau. Par conséquent, la conductivité électrique est interdite. Dans les systèmes dilués, l'eau facilite le processus de dismutation, entraînant une augmentation de la conductivité. / Recycling of rare earths from electronic waste has still not found a significant industrial realization. One reason is the lack of optimized separation procedures due to poor fundamental knowledge on these systems. Due to the chemical and physical similarities of these metals, designing an efficient, adaptive and predictive formulation is still out of scope of possibilities. The supramolecular interpretation of complex-formation in the organic phase has gained an increasing importance in the last years. It is the most promising approach allowing the explanation of diverse phenomena, such as third phase formation and strong signals in small scattering experiments and to revert to methods well known from surfactant science. Our contribution towards a more complete understanding in this matter is the analysis of the electrodynamic behaviour of such phases and the correlation of these findings with the results of self-assembly properties and mass transport in these media.For this study, we specifically designed a reference model, breaking an extraction process down to its four fundamental components: The extractant before extraction (Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid, HDEHP), the extractant after extraction (its sodium salt, NaDEHP), toluene as apolar diluent and water. A Gibbs phase prism has been prepared (illustrated in Figure 1), where the z-axis gives the ratio of HDEHP to NaDEHP, representing the development of an extraction. Covering the low frequency-domain, impedance spectroscopy has been the method of choice in order to determine the frequency-dependent conductivity. Using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy, we reveal fast dynamic processes at high frequencies. Combined SAXS and SANS measurements have been performed to compare the electrodynamic trends with aggregation properties and intercluster interactions.Two phenomena have been identified to be responsible for the conductivity profile in reverse micellar systems: the formation of charged aggregates through dismutation and percolation. Throughout the reference system, these two processes have been probed as function of three variables: total extractant concentration, the water-to-surfactant ratio and the Na:H-ratio. As a major result, water plays a significant role in both processes. In case of percolation, reverse aggregates are not able to merge in the absence of water. Therefore, electrical conductivity is prohibited. In dilute systems, water facilitates the dismutation–process leading to an increase in conductivity.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2011 / Treatment of waste material from mining and mineral processing is gaining increasing importance as a result of the increasing demand for high purity products and environmental concerns. Supported liquid membranes (SLMs) have been proposed as a new technology for the selective removal of metal ions from a solution. This technology can be described as the simultaneous extraction and stripping operation, combined in a continuous single process unit. Theoretically, the rate of mass transfer through SLM systems could be controlled by three resistances, namely: · Resistance through the feed-side · Resistance through the strip-side laminar layers; and · Diffusion through the membrane. It has been reported that transport resistance in the feed-side laminar layer is controlling. (Srisurichan et al, 2005:186). The objective of this research was to extract copper ions in a TSLM system, evaluate the effect of the feed characteristics on the feed-side laminar layer and determine a relationship between the applicable dimensionless numbers, i.e. Sherwood, Schmidt and Reynolds numbers. A Counter-current, double pipe Perspex bench-scale reactor, consisting of a single hydrophobic PVDF tubular membrane mounted vertically within, was used for the test work. The membrane was impregnated with LIX 984N-C and became the support for this organic transport medium. Dilute Copper solution passed through the centre pipe and sulphuric acid, as a strippant, passed through the shell side. In this test work, Copper was successfully transported from the feed-side to the strip-side and through repetitive results; a relationship between dimensionless numbers was achieved.