Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes Mart. Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae), a freefloating aquatic macrophyte of Neotropical origin, was introduced into South Africa as an ornamental aquarium plant in the early 1900’s. By the 1970’s it had reached pest proportions in dams and rivers around the country. Due to the sustainability, cost efficiency and low environmental risk associated with biological control, this has been a widely used method in an attempt to reduce infestations to below the threshold where they cause economic and ecological damage. To date, five arthropod and one pathogen biocontrol agents have been introduced for the control of water hyacinth but their impact has been variable. It is believed that their efficacy is hampered by the presence of highly eutrophic systems in South Africa in which plant growth is prolific and the negative effects of herbivory are therefore mitigated. It is for these reasons that new, potentially more damaging biocontrol agents are being considered for release. The water hyacinth grasshopper, Cornops aquaticum Brüner (Orthoptera: Acrididae), which is native to South America and Mexico, was brought into quarantine in Pretoria, South Africa in 1995. Although the grasshopper was identified as one of the most damaging insects associated with water hyacinth in its native range, it has not been considered as a biocontrol agent for water hyacinth anywhere else in the world. After extensive host-range testing which revealed it to be safe for release, a release permit for this candidate agent was issued in 2007. However, host specificity testing is no longer considered to be the only important component of pre-release screening of candidate biocontrol agents. Investigating biological and ecological aspects of the plant-herbivore system that will assist in determination of potential establishment, efficacy and the ability to build up good populations in the recipient environment are some of the important factors. This thesis is a pre-release evaluation of C. aquaticum to determine whether it is sufficiently damaging to water hyacinth to warrant its release. It investigated interactions between the grasshopper and water hyacinth under a range of nutrient conditions found in South African water bodies as well as the impact of the grasshopper on the competitive performance of water hyacinth. Both plant growth rates and the response of water hyacinth to herbivory by the grasshopper were influenced by nutrient availability to the plants. The ability of water hyacinth to compensate for loss of tissue through herbivory was greater under eutrophic nutrient conditions. However, a negative linear relationship was found between grasshopper biomass and water hyacinth performance parameters such as biomass accumulation and leaf production, even under eutrophic conditions. Water hyacinth’s compensatory ability in terms of its potential to mitigate to detrimental effects of insect feeding was dependent on the amount of damage caused by herbivory by the grasshopper. Plant biomass and the competitive ability of water hyacinth in relation to another freefloating aquatic weed species were reduced by C. aquaticum under eutrophic nutrient conditions, in a short space of time. It was also found that grasshopper feeding and characteristics related to their population dynamics such as fecundity and survival were significantly influenced by water nutrient availability and that environmental nutrient availability will influence the control potential of this species should it be released in South Africa. Cornops aquaticum shows promise as a biocontrol agent for water hyacinth but additional factors that were not investigated in this study such as compatibility with the South African climate and the current water hyacinth biocontrol agents need to be combined with these data to make a decision on its release. Possible management options for this species if it is to be introduced into South Africa are discussed.

The majority of South Africa’s fresh water (lotic and lentic), is eutrophic and this has resulted in water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (C.Mart.) Solms. (Pontederiaceae) becoming South Africa’s most damaging aquatic macrophyte. Recently however, concerns have also been voiced over the presence of highly invasive submerged macrophyte species, such as Eurasian water-milfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum L. (Haloragaceae) in the Vaal River. Interaction studies between floating and submerged macrophytes have shown that floating macrophyte dominance restricts light penetration into the water column shading out submerged macrophytes while submerged macrophyte dominance reduces nutrient availability in the water column limiting floating macrophyte growth. This cycle ensures that these species cannot coexist in the same habitat for extended periods of time. The aims of this thesis were to: 1. Investigate changes in the historical and current macrophyte dominance in the Vaal River 2. Determine whether these changes could be attributed to stochastic events, such as floods and herbicide control measures. 3. The physio-chemical conditions of the water column, and whether pressure from herbivory by macroinvertebrates had possibly influenced Eurasian water-milfoil’s ability to dominate. Spatial and temporal analysis of satellite imagery revealed that water hyacinth and submerged macrophyte species dominated different regions of the study area over different periods of time from 2006 to 2010. This was significantly correlated with nitrate concentrations of the water column. One of the lower Vaal River Water Management Areas (WMA) had changed from a water hyacinth dominated state in 2006 to an alternative submerged macrophyte dominated stable state in 2008. It was concluded that this change could be attributed to: a stochastic flooding event in 2006; perturbation from integrated control measures implemented against water hyacinth; and low nitrate concentrations of the WMA. The lack of any substantial macroinvertebrate herbivory pressure or control measures implemented against Eurasian water-milfoil, compared to similar surveys conducted in the U.S.A. and its native range in Eurasia was shown to contribute to its dominance. Future successful integrated control programmes, including biological control against Eurasian water-milfoil, could provide the perturbation required to restore the ecosystem. However, without the reduction in nitrate concentration levels, water hyacinth will remain the dominant stable state of the rest of the Vaal River.

Submitted by Socorro Pontes (socorrop@ufersa.edu.br) on 2017-01-16T15:03:50Z No. of bitstreams: 1 HiaraRSCG_DISSERT.pdf: 1989229 bytes, checksum: e4965a0c31e89207c1535ca74caaff9e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-16T15:03:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 HiaraRSCG_DISSERT.pdf: 1989229 bytes, checksum: e4965a0c31e89207c1535ca74caaff9e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The intensification of human activity for economic purposes has caused environmental impacts increasingly significant, for example, the suppression of vegetation and as a result soil impoverishment. In this sense, this research aimed to evaluate the use of pottery ash and organic macrophyte compound in the recovery of degraded soils. Thus, the experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with experimental design in a factorial arrangement of 5x5, being five doses of the compound of water hyacinth and five doses of ash with three replications, where the volume of soil corresponded to 2 dm³ and ash doses corresponded to 0, 1, 3, 5 and 10% of the volume of each vessel and the water hyacinth compound at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30%. After mixing the composition of soil, compound and gray equivalent to each treatment, these were placed in plastic vessels, incubated for 20 days and then held the transplanting of Jucá seedlings (Libidibia ferrea). On the occasion of collection, the plants were cut at ground level, dry in forced-air oven at 70° C to constant weight, weighed, crushed in a grinder to obtain the dry matter of shoot (MSPA) and they were subsequently mineralized by nitric digestion. In the extracts were determined the total content of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pb. After removal of the plants, the soil in each vessel was air dried, homogenised and a sample was removed for performing analysis of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pb. The addition of ash and compound doses contributed to the increase in pH, which consequently influenced the absorption of heavy metals by plants as well as in their growth / A intensificação da atividade humana para fins econômicos tem ocasionado impactos ambientais cada vez mais significativos, como por exemplo, a supressão vegetal e por consequência o empobrecimento do solo. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o uso de cinza de olaria e composto orgânico de macrófita aquática na recuperação de solos degradados. Assim, o experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação com delineamento experimental em esquema fatorial 5x5, sendo cinco doses do composto de aguapé e cinco doses de cinza com três repetições, onde o volume de solo correspondeu a 2 dm³ e as doses de cinza corresponderam à 0, 1, 3, 5 e 10% do volume de cada vaso e às de composto de aguapé à 0, 5, 10, 20 e 30%. Após a mistura da composição solo, composto e cinza equivalente a cada tratamento, esta foi colocada em vasos plásticos, incubados 20 dias e em seguida realizado o transplantio das mudas de Jucá (Libidibia ferrea). Por ocasião da coleta, as mudas foram cortadas ao nível do solo, secas em estufa de circulação forçada de ar a 70°C até peso constante, pesadas, trituradas em moinho para obtenção da matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA) e posteriormente foram mineralizadas por digestão nítrica. Nos extratos foram determinados os teores totais de Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd e Pb. Após a retirada das mudas, o solo de cada vaso foi seco ao ar, homogeneizado e quantificado os teores de Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd e Pb. A adição das doses de cinza e o composto contribuíram para o aumento do pH, que consequentemente influenciou na absorção dos metais pesados pelas mudas, bem como no crescimento das mesmas / 2017-01-16

Globalization has seen an unprecedented dispersal of exotic and alien species worldwide resulting in worldwide homogenization and sometimes extinction of indigenous or endemic taxa. When an exotic species becomes established in a new habitat the invasive organisms are capable of having an impact on indigenous community dynamics and the overall structure and function of ecosystems. Furthermore, the impact of invasion is determined by the geographical range, abundance and the per-capita or per-biomass effect of the invader. However, the success of the introduced organisms is reliant on their ability to acclimate to the physiochemical conditions of the newly invaded environment.Freshwater ecosystems are especially vulnerable to invasions because there are numerous potential routes of introduction including intentional pathways such as stocking, and unintentional pathways such as the release of ballast water and aquarium releases. Efforts to limit the introduction of invasive species or to manage established exotic populations are often hindered by insufficient understanding of the natural history of problematic species. Relatively little is known regarding the physiological tolerances of many taxa. Knowledge about specific species ecophysiological constraints allows for the prediction of future patterns of invasion more accurately, including where an introduced organism would probably survive, thrive and disperse. Furthermore, data on the physiological tolerances of an introduced exotic organism may provide data necessary for effective management and control. This studyinvestigated three invasive species in the Nseleni River system in a protected area in KwaZulu-Natal. The species studied were, Tarebia granifera (Quilted melania – Lamarck, 1822), Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus (Suckermouth armoured catfish - Weber, 1991) and Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth – (Martius) Solms-Laubach,). The Nseleni River flows into Lake Nsezi which is responsible for providing potable water to the surrounding towns and industry, as well as the surrounding rural communities. The Enseleni Nature reserve has become the centre for biodiversity dispersal in the immediate area, due to the change in landscape surrounding the protected area.An important step in developing alien invasive species management strategies in protected areas is determining their extent and invasive traits. Tarebia granifera is a prosobranch gastropod originally from South-East Asia that has become invasive in several countries around the world including South Africa. Snail populations were sampled at nine sites throughout the Nseleni/Mposa river system every six weeks over a twelve month period. The snail was abundant throughout the system, especially in shallow waters of less than 1m in depth.The first positive identification the loricariid catfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus for the Nseleni River was in 2006. The original introduction is believed to have been via the aquarium trade. The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of the unified framework with regard to management of fish invasions by assessing the invasion stage of the loricariid population and identifying appropriate management actions using the Blackburn et al. (2011) framework. The fish were sampled at nine different sites and three different depths over a period of twelve months, as well as when two ichthyological surveys were carried out on the Nseleni River system. This invasive fish has been located throughout the system and both male and female fish were collected. The smallest fish sampled was a fingerling of a day or two old and the smallest pregnant female was a mere 270mm TL. This is a clear indication that this fish is breeding in the river system.Although T. granifera and P. disjunctivus were abundant in the Nseleni/Mposa river system, it was not clear what their role in the system was, and in particular if they were competing with any of the indigenous species. Therefore, isotope samples were collected from numerous taxa over a two week period, with the exception of Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus samples, which were collected over 12 months. The δ13C and δ15N signatures of all samples were determined. The niche overlap between the invasive and indigenous snails was effectively zero (1.02E-13%), indicating no shared food resources. The medium ranges of dNRb (7.14) and dCRb (9.07) for the invasive fish indicate that it utilizes a wider range of food resources and trophic levels than the majority of indigenous fish. A medium CDb value (2.34) for the invasive fish species, P. disjunctivus, describes medium trophic diversity, with three indigenous species possessing higher diversity and three possessing lower diversity. Furtherresults indicated that there was no direct dietary competition between P. disjunctivus and indigenous species. Eichhornia crassipes was first recorded on the Nseleni River in 1978, and has been shown to have a significant negative impact on the biodiversity of the Nseleni/Mposa River system and therefore required a control intervention. Although biological control using the two weevil species Neochetina eichhornia (Warner) and N. bruchi (Hustache) has been credited with affecting a good level of control, the lack of a manipulated post-release evaluation experiments has undermined this statement. Five experimental plots of water hyacinth of 20m2 were sprayed with an insecticide to control weevils. After ten months the plants in the sprayed plots were significantly bigger and heavier than those in the control plots that had natural populations of the biological control agents. This study has shown unequivocally that biological control has contributed significantly to the control of water hyacinth on the Nseleni/Mposa River system.The management plan for the Enseleni Nature Reserve identifies the need to control invasive and/or exotic organisms within the boundary of the protected area. In addition, set guidelines have been implemented on how to control these organisms, so that indigenous organisms are least affected. Lack of control of exotic organisms can have serious consequences for indigenous species. It is therefore of utmost importance that the population dynamics of the invading organism be understood, what the potential impact could be and how to control them. Furthermore, it has also acknowledged the threat of possible exotic species invasions from outside of the protected area that might result in threats to the protected area and that these must be investigated, researched and managed.This thesis has identified Tarebia granifera, Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus and Eichhornia crassipes as being a threat to indigenous biodiversity within the protected area, as well as in adjacent areas to the protected area. The thesis will therefore investigate the hypothesis that both Tarebia granifera and Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus are having a direct negative effect on available food resources for indigenous species of organisms. In addition, this thesis will investigate if theNeochetina species that have previously been introduced onto E. crassipes are having any negative effect on this invasive alien aquatic plant.

CAPES / Neste trabalho foi avaliado o comportamento de diferentes configurações de sistemas de wetlands construídas na remoção de matéria carbonácea, nitrogenada e fosforada de esgotos sanitários. Foram construídos três sistemas de tratamento em caixas retangulares de polipropileno com 55 cm de largura, 95 cm de comprimento e 58 cm de altura (cada), com volume útil de 0,10 m3. Os sistemas foram operados com tempos de detenção hidráulica (TDH) de 24 h, 48 h e 72 h e mantidos a temperatura ambiente. Estes foram classificados como sistema de wetlands construída (SWC 1) preenchida com areia, brita e mudas da macrófita aquática (Eichhornia crassipes), sistema de wetlands construída (SWC 2) preenchido com areia e brita (controle) e sistema de lâmina livre (SLL) com mudas da macrófita no esgoto sanitário. A caracterização físico-química dos materiais filtrantes foi realizada com determinação do pH, massa específica aparente, densidade relativa, teor de umidade, teor de cinzas e granulometria. Os parâmetros pH, temperatura do líquido, demanda química de oxigênio (DQO), fósforo total, nitrogênio total Kjeldahl (NTK), nitrogênio amoniacal, nitrito, nitrato, sólidos totais e suspensos totais foram determinados em amostras do afluente e efluente de cada sistema. Na análise do crescimento e da composição das macrófitas foram aferidos o comprimento e a largura de cada indivíduo e determinado os teores de fósforo e nitrogênio total no tecido vegetal. Para determinação de sólidos totais e totais voláteis no biofilme formado nos materiais filtrantes foram coletadas amostras de brita e areia dos sistemas. Análises da biomassa da macrófita para incorporação em blocos de concreto foram também realizadas. Na caracterização dos materiais suporte foi observado que os mesmos estão de acordo com os recomendados para este tipo de tratamento. O afluente utilizado na alimentação dos SWCs foi caracterizado como esgoto sanitário e classificado como fraco para DQO e SST e médio para ST. As melhores eficiências de remoção para fósforo, nitrogênio amoniacal e NTK foram obtidos no SLL com 38% (TDH de 72 h), 35% (TDH de 48 h) e 47% (TDH de 72 h), respectivamente. Para DQO a melhor eficiência de remoção foi verificada no SWC 2 com 80% no TDH de 48 h. Os resultados de absorção de NTK e fósforo total pela Eichhornia crassipes, mostraram que as macrófitas possuem capacidade de absorção destes nutrientes. Na absorção de fósforo, o SLL apresentou maior porcentagem de incorporação pela planta de 1,56% no TDH de 72 h (135° dia), coincidindo com o TDH de melhor eficiência de remoção obtida na análise físico-química de 38%. O melhor resultado da porcentagem de incorporação da fibra vegetal da macrófita em blocos de concreto foi de 2%. / The behavior of different configurations of constructed wetlands was evaluated in the removal of carbonaceous, nitrogenous and phosphorous matter of sanitary sewage. There treatment systems were set up in rectangular box of polypropylene with 55 cm of width, 95 cm of length and 58 cm of height (each) with total volume of 0.10 m3. The systems were operated with hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h, 48 h and 72h and kept at room temperature. These were classified as constructed wetlands system (CWS 1) filled with sand, gravel and seedlings of aquatic macrophyte (Eichhornia crassipes), constructed wetlands system (CWS 2) filled with sand and gravel (control) and free-water-surface (FWS) with macrophyte seedlings in the sanitary sewage. The physical-chemical characterization of the support materials was carried out with determination of pH, bulk density, relative density, moisture content, ash content and particle size. The parameters pH, liquid temperature, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, total and total suspended solids were measured in samples of the influent and effluent of each system. In the macrophyte growth and composition survey, the length and width of each individual were measured and phosphorus and total nitrogen in the plant tissue were determined. Samples of gravel and sand were collect from the systems to determine the concentrations of total and total volatile solids in the biofilm formed in the support materials. Analysis of macrophyte biomass for incorporation into concrete blocks were also performed. In the characterization of supported materials it was observed that the same are consistent with recommended for this type of treatment. The affluent used in feeding the SWCs was characterized as sewage and classified as weak to COD and TSS and medium to ST. The best efficiency for phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and NTK was obtained in 38% SLL (HRT of 72 hours), 35% (HDT of 48 h) and 47% (HDT 72h), respectively. To the best COD removal efficiency was observed in the SWC 2 to 80% in the HDT 48 h. The results NTK absorption and total phosphorus by Eichhornia crassipes, macrophytes have shown that absorptive capacity of these nutrients. In phosphorus absorption, the SLL had a higher percentage of incorporation by 1.56% in the plant TDH 72 h (135 th day), coinciding with the TDH best removal efficiency obtained in the physical and chemical analysis of 38%. The best result of the percentage of incorporation of vegetable fiber macrophyte in concrete blocks was 2%.

Orientador: Ana Maria Rodrigues Cassiolato / Banca: Luiz Antonio Graciolli / Banca: Gilberto Colodro / Resumo: O solo é um meio que engloba diferentes substâncias químicas e colóides e uma alta diversidade biológica. Estes componentes apresentam íntima relação funcional para sustentabilidade dos ecossistemas e, sua degradação, geralmente causada pela ação antrópica, acarreta um grande prejuízos ambientais e socioeconômicos para as gerações atuais e um enorme risco para as gerações futuras. Para reverter um processo como este, são necessárias intervenções por meio de estratégias como a revegetação. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar crescimento e colonização micorrízica do pinhão manso em solo decaptado que recebeu inoculo de fungos micorrizicos arbusculares, hidrogel e materiais orgânicos. O experimento foi conduzido de maio de 2008 a maio 2009, na Fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão (FEPE) da UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Ilha Solteira, no município de Selvíria-MS. O delineamento experimental foi o em blocos casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x2x2, ou seja, 3 tratamentos com material orgânico (aguapé, composto e aguapé+composto), 2 tratamentos com hidrogel (com e sem adição) e 2 tratamentos de inoculação (com e sem inoculação) empregando solo proveniente de uma área preservada de cerrado como fonte de microrganimos, incluíndo fungos micorrízicos arbusculares, com 4 repetições e 5 plantas por tratamentos. O composto foi preparado com materiais de poda e esterco de bovino. Avaliou-se: o crescimento das plantas em 7 épocas diferentes, a caracterização química e número de esporos em 4 épocas, além da porcentagem de colonização micorrízica, presença de flores, número de ramos e de folhas e peso fresco e seco da parte aérea. O tratamento com hidrogel não mostrou interferência no crescimento de plantas, mas, assim como o solo-inóculo, aumentou a esporulação, a colonização micorrízica e a produção de matéria seca... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The soil is a medium that contain different chemical substances and colloids and a high biological diversity. These components have functional relationship on the sustainability of ecosystems and their degradation, usually caused by human action, which causes great socio-economic damage to the present generations and an enormous risk for the future generations. To reverse such process, action is needed using strategies, such as, revegetation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and mycorrhiza colonization of Jatropha on decapitated soil that received organic materials and hydrogel. The experiment was conducted from May 2008 to May 2009, the Farm Education, Research and Extension (FEPE), UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira Campus, located at Selvíria city-MS, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial scheme 3x2x2, i.e., 3 treatments with organic materials (water hyacinth, compost and water hyacinth + compost), 2 hydrogel treatments (with and without addition) and 2 inoculations treatments (with and without inoculation) using natural soil from a preserved 'cerrado' area as a source of microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi, with 4 replications and 5 plants per each. The compound was prepared with materials pruning and cow dung. The growth of plants in 7 different times, the chemical characterization and number of spores in 4 times, and the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization, presence of flowers, branches and leaves and fresh and dry weight of air part was evaluated. Treatment with hydrogel showed no interference with the growth of plants; however, as well as the soilinoculum, they increased sporulation, root colonization and production of dry matter. The organic materials treatments positively altered the condition of the ground, plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization and sporulation; the improved performances... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:29:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-01-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:39:15Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 santos_aa_me_ilha.pdf: 676511 bytes, checksum: f49f6d1a9f6dfba6539f793f9e93426c (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O solo é um meio que engloba diferentes substâncias químicas e colóides e uma alta diversidade biológica. Estes componentes apresentam íntima relação funcional para sustentabilidade dos ecossistemas e, sua degradação, geralmente causada pela ação antrópica, acarreta um grande prejuízos ambientais e socioeconômicos para as gerações atuais e um enorme risco para as gerações futuras. Para reverter um processo como este, são necessárias intervenções por meio de estratégias como a revegetação. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar crescimento e colonização micorrízica do pinhão manso em solo decaptado que recebeu inoculo de fungos micorrizicos arbusculares, hidrogel e materiais orgânicos. O experimento foi conduzido de maio de 2008 a maio 2009, na Fazenda de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão (FEPE) da UNESP – Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Ilha Solteira, no município de Selvíria-MS. O delineamento experimental foi o em blocos casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x2x2, ou seja, 3 tratamentos com material orgânico (aguapé, composto e aguapé+composto), 2 tratamentos com hidrogel (com e sem adição) e 2 tratamentos de inoculação (com e sem inoculação) empregando solo proveniente de uma área preservada de cerrado como fonte de microrganimos, incluíndo fungos micorrízicos arbusculares, com 4 repetições e 5 plantas por tratamentos. O composto foi preparado com materiais de poda e esterco de bovino. Avaliou-se: o crescimento das plantas em 7 épocas diferentes, a caracterização química e número de esporos em 4 épocas, além da porcentagem de colonização micorrízica, presença de flores, número de ramos e de folhas e peso fresco e seco da parte aérea. O tratamento com hidrogel não mostrou interferência no crescimento de plantas, mas, assim como o solo-inóculo, aumentou a esporulação, a colonização micorrízica e a produção de matéria seca... / The soil is a medium that contain different chemical substances and colloids and a high biological diversity. These components have functional relationship on the sustainability of ecosystems and their degradation, usually caused by human action, which causes great socio-economic damage to the present generations and an enormous risk for the future generations. To reverse such process, action is needed using strategies, such as, revegetation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and mycorrhiza colonization of Jatropha on decapitated soil that received organic materials and hydrogel. The experiment was conducted from May 2008 to May 2009, the Farm Education, Research and Extension (FEPE), UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira Campus, located at Selvíria city-MS, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial scheme 3x2x2, i.e., 3 treatments with organic materials (water hyacinth, compost and water hyacinth + compost), 2 hydrogel treatments (with and without addition) and 2 inoculations treatments (with and without inoculation) using natural soil from a preserved ‘cerrado’ area as a source of microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi, with 4 replications and 5 plants per each. The compound was prepared with materials pruning and cow dung. The growth of plants in 7 different times, the chemical characterization and number of spores in 4 times, and the percentage of mycorrhizal colonization, presence of flowers, branches and leaves and fresh and dry weight of air part was evaluated. Treatment with hydrogel showed no interference with the growth of plants; however, as well as the soilinoculum, they increased sporulation, root colonization and production of dry matter. The organic materials treatments positively altered the condition of the ground, plant growth, mycorrhizal colonization and sporulation; the improved performances... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive aquatic weed whose main characteristic is its high growth rate. The methods applied to control this plant have high cost and waste generation. Using the water hyacinth as an adsorbent for remediation of metals is a viable and eco-friendly application. In this work, a magnetic hybrid adsorbent matrix (AGMG) was synthesized utilizing water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) biomass to compose an organic phase, and its adsorption efficiency was compared to the adsorption efficiency of in natura (AGIN) water hyacinth and its biochar (BIO) in the remediation of metals in water. The adsorbents were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, confirming the presence of hydroxyl groups and carboxylates, with bands that are typical of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, structures found in AGIN and BIO. The AGMG spectrum presented the bands previously described and new bands in the region of 513 cm-1, characteristic of the Fe-O bond of CoFeO4, confirming the formation of a magnetic hybrid. The essays on the influence of pH on the remediation of copper, zinc, nickel and cobalt presented higher percentages of removal in the range of pH 4-5 for all adsorbents, and the following crescent order of removal efficiency AGIN<AGMG<BIO for all metals. The kinetic studies showed fast kinetics for the three adsorbents and the metals under study with a removal rate of more than 50% in the first 5 minutes. The kinetic data were adjusted to the pseudo-second order model, with correlation coefficients higher than 0,99 for the three materials. The AGMG was prominent among the other adsorbents because its adsorption capacity is high and its separation from the aqueous medium is more feasible. The isotherm data for the AGMG were adjusted to the Langmuir model, showing a good linear correlation in the concentration range studied (5-250 mg g-1), with correlation coefficient r2 between 0,9973-0,9999. The values of the calculated maximum capacity of AGMG (qmax) were 18,3 mg g-1 Cu (II), 10,1 mg g-1 Zn (II) and 7,33 mg-1 Ni (II). The percentage of removal in the different mixed solutions by the adsorbent AGMG followed this order of selectivity, Cu>Zn>Ni, copper as a highlight, > 84% removal in all evaluated mixed solutions. The AGMG was reused in four cycles of adsorption in mixed solution, without using a desorption process, and the efficiency varied according to the metal. The adsorption of copper remained high in all cycles, with 77% removal in the first cycle and 72% in the fourth cycle. For zinc and nickel, the removal decreased with each cycle, and in the third cycle there was no more nickel removal. The saturated with metals AGMG residues (AGMG-sat) showed high catalytic activities in the reduction of 4- nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. The residues were reused in ten reduction cycles and the conversion rate in the cycles ranged from 88,9 to 100%, with short periods of time (21-26 s). / Aguapé (Eichhornia crassipes) é uma planta daninha aquática invasora cuja principal característica é sua alta taxa de crescimento. Os métodos aplicados para o controle dessas plantas possuem alto custo e geração de resíduos. Uma aplicação viável e eco-amigável é utilizá-la como adsorvente para a remediação de metais. Neste trabalho foi efetuada a síntese de uma matriz adsorvente híbrida magnética (AGMG) utilizando a biomassa aguapé (Eichhornia crassipes), para compor a fase orgânica, e comparou sua eficiência adsortiva com a aguapé in natura (AGIN) e seu biocarvão (BIO), na remediação de metais em água. Os adsorventes foram caracterizados por espectroscopia de infravermelho, que confirmou a presença de grupos hidroxilas e carboxilatos, com bandas típicas da celulose, hemicelulose e lignina, estruturas essas encontradas no AGIN e BIO. O espectro do AGMG apresentou as bandas descritas anteriormente e novas bandas na região de 513 cm-1, característica da ligação Fe-O da CoFeO4, confirmando a formação do híbrido magnético. Os ensaios da influência do pH na remediação do cobre, zinco, níquel e cobalto mostraram maiores porcentagens de remoção na faixa de pH 4-5, para todos os adsorventes, podendo estabelecer a seguinte ordem crescente de eficiência de remoção AGIN<AGMG<BIO para todos os metais. O estudo cinético evidenciou uma cinética rápida para os três adsorventes e os metais em estudo com uma taxa de remoção superior a 50% nos primeiros 5 minutos. Os dados cinéticos ajustaram-se ao modelo de pseudo-segunda ordem, com coeficientes de correlação superiores a 0,99 para os três materiais. O AGMG destacou-se entre os demais adsorventes devido sua alta capacidade de adsorção e de ser mais viável sua separação do meio aquoso. Os dados das isotermas para o AGMG ajustaram-se ao modelo de Langmuir, apresentando boa correlação linear na faixa de concentração estudada (5-250 mg g-1), com coeficiente de correlação r2 entre 0,9973-0,9999. Os valores de capacidade máxima do AGMG calculada (qmax) foram de 18,3 mg g-1 Cu(II), 10,1 mg g-1 Zn(II) e 7,33 mg -1 Ni(II). A porcentagem de remoção nas diferentes soluções mistas pelo adsorvente AGMG seguiu a ordem de seletividade, Cu>Zn>Ni, com destaque para o cobre >84% de remoção em todas as soluções mistas avaliadas. O AGMG foi reutilizado em quatro ciclos de adsorção em solução mista, sem utilização de processo de dessorção, e a eficiência variou de acordo com o metal. A adsorção para o cobre permaneceu elevada em todos os ciclos, com 77% de remoção no primeiro ciclo e 72% no quarto ciclo. Para o zinco e níquel, a remoção diminuiu a cada ciclo, sendo que no terceiro ciclo não houve mais remoção de níquel. Os resíduos do AGMG saturados com metais (AGMG-sat) apresentaram altas atividades catalíticas na redução do 4-nitrofenol a 4-aminofenol. Os resíduos foram reutilizados em dez ciclos de redução e a taxa de conversão nos ciclos variou de 88,9-100%, com curtos tempos (21-26 s). / São Cristóvão, SE

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-19T12:56:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao JULIO EVANGELISTA DE LUCENA.pdf: 1411452 bytes, checksum: b8994e2b79faae23cab57fbe95b70fb9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-05-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Activated carbon produced from water hyacinth (CAA) was used for the adsorption of textile dye Remazol Turquoise and Violet Remazol aqueous solutions. ZnCl₂ was used as the activating agent in the impregnation ratio (2:1) and pyrolysis was at 700 ° C under N₂ flow, resulting in a surface area with CAA 640 m² gˉ¹. The adsorbent was characterized, and analysis of the surface area by the BET method, by elemental analysis, vibrational spectroscopy in the infrared region, Boehm titration method, which quantified the phenolic, carboxylic and lactonic groups groups on the carbon surface, thermogravimetric analysis, diffraction the x rays and point of zero charge (PZC). Factors affecting adsorption, such as pH, equilibration time, concentration of adsorbate and temperature were estudied in batch system. The activated carbon showed better adsorption rate at pH's in the acidic range. The kinetic data were fitted to models Elovich, pseudo first order and pseudo-second order, which the Elovich model showed better fit. Adsorption isotherms were measured and fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich models, where the latter provided better fit to the experimental data. The thermodynamic data obtained by evaluation of the isotherms at temperatures of 10, 25, 35, 45 and 55 ° C, indicated that the adsorptive process is endothermic, spontaneous and favorable. The CAA proved ultimately to be a good alternative in the adsorption of the dyes studied, it showed a low production cost and a high rate of removal. / Carvão ativado produzido a partir do aguapé (CAA) foi utilizado para a adsorção dos corantes textêis Turquesa Remazol (TR) e Violeta Remazol (VR) em meio aquoso. Foi ultilizado o ZnCl₂ como agente ativante por impregnação na proporção (2:1) e a pirólise ocorreu em 700° C, sob fluxo de N₂, resultando em um CAA com área superficial de 640 m² gˉ¹. O adsorvente foi caracterizado, além de análise da área superficial pelo método BET, por análise elementar, espectroscopia vibracional na região do infravermelho, titulação pelo método de Boehm, que quantificou os grupos fenólicos, lactônicos e carboxílicos na superfície do carvão, análise termogravimétrica, difratometria de raios x e ponto de carga zero (pcz). Fatores que afetam a adsorção, como pH, tempo de equilíbrio, concentração do adsorvato e temperatura foram estudados em sistema de batelada. O carvão ativado apresentou uma boa taxa de adsorção em pH s na faixa ácida. Os dados cinéticos foram ajustados aos modelos de Elovich, pseudo-primeira ordem e pseudo-segunda ordem, apresentando melhor ajuste o modelo de Elovich. Isotermas de adsorção foram determinadas e ajustadas aos modelos de Langmuir e Freundlich, onde o último forneceu melhor ajuste aos dados experimentais. Os dados termodinâmicos, obtidos pela avaliação das isotermas nas temperaturas de 10, 25, 35, 45 e 55° C, indicaram que o processo adsortivo é endotérmico, espontâneo, e favorável. O CAA mostrou, por fim, ser uma boa alternativa na adsorção dos corantes estudados, pois apresentou um baixo custo de produção e um alto índice de remoção.

Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Martius) Solms-Laubach (Pontederiaceae), a free floating aquatic plant was discovered by C. von Martius in 1823 in Brazil. It is believed to have been introduced into South Africa, as an ornamental plant, in 1908 to the Cape Province and Natal. Since its introduction, water hyacinth has spread throughout South Africa to the detriment of all aquatic systems that it has been introduced to directly or indirectly. The weed was first positively identified on the Nseleni and Mposa rivers on the Nseleni Nature Reserve which is a protected area near Richards Bay in KwaZulu- Natal in 1982 and formed a 100% cover of the river by 1983. An integrated management plan was implemented in 1995 and resulted in a reduction of the weed from a 100% cover to less than 20% cover in 5 years. The keys to success of the water hyacinth integrated management plan, presented here, were finding the source of the weed, mapping the extent of the water hyacinth infestation, identifying sources of nutrient pollution, appointing a champion to drive the programme, dividing the river into management units, consultation with interested and affected parties, judicious use of herbicides and biological control and a commitment to follow-up. This study further showed that water hyacinth on the Nseleni and Mposa river systems had a negative impact on the biodiversity of the protected area and the control of water hyacinth resulted in the recovery of the benthic invertebrate, amphibian, reptile, fish and avian fauna. The implementation of this integrated management plan was very cost-effective and serves as a model approach to the control of water hyacinth in both South Africa and the rest of the world.