Major impacts of current and pre-regulatory mining activities on the environment include the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD) and metal(loid)-laden acid sulfate soils. Current remediation techniques are mostly cost prohibitive due to high energy, material, and labor requirement. This study investigated two complementary low-cost methods that harnessed the metal(loid)-removing and acid-neutralizing properties of drinking water treatment residuals (WTRs) and the uptake (phytoremediation) potential of vetiver (Vetiviera zizanioides L.) and pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) to attenuate and immobilize metal(loid)s from natural AMD and metal(loid)-contaminated soil. Metals were removed from AMD by using a reverse flow fluidized column filter and hydroponic phytoremediation with vetiver and pokeweed. Metals were immobilized in soil through the amendment with Fe and Ca-WTR complimented by the uptake and translocation of metals by vetiver and pokeweed. Experiments were performed under controlled greenhouse conditions as well as under natural Illinois environment in simulated field conditions. Furthermore, the integrated effects of WTR application and the growth of vetiver on soil erosion were also studied. Physicochemical analysis of AMD and soil samples from the Tab-Simco abandoned mine in the Illinois Coal Basin, U.S.A, showed significant concentrations of major metals and metalloids such as Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu and As at acidic pH levels. The degree of soil contamination at the site was spatially variable with respect to the location of the main AMD seep. Physical, chemical, agronomic and mineralogical characterization of locally acquired water treatment residuals (WTR) showed that the silty and alkaline (pH ≈ 7.0-9.1) materials also contained significant amounts of plant required micronutrients. The presence of amorphous phases of mostly metal (oxy)hydroxides, alkalinity, and porosity of the WTRs suggested the potential to neutralize acidity and capability to remove metal(loid)s in contaminated soils and AMD. Recorded metal removal (%MR) rate by WTR was rapid in the first 80 min in a batch agitation study, except for Mn. Thus, high metal removal ranging from 99.8% to 84.9% at selectivity sequence of Al>Fe>Cu>Zn and Mn (9.6%) was obtained at equilibrium. The pH of the AMD was also increased from 2.6 to 6.7. Analysis of leachate samples from gravity-drained columns following simulated rain events in a greenhouse study showed reduced concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, As and Pb at sustained neutral pH compared with unamended control columns during the 12 weeks study period. Metal immobilization in soil by the lower amendment rates of WTR was comparable to the higher application rates and also showed lower oxalate extractability of metals. Tissue analysis of pokeweed and vetiver hyperaccumulators showed appreciable uptake of relevant elements although translocation was relatively low in both. The analytical results at the greenhouse scale was reproducible in a simulated field scale study under natural Illinois environmental condition where the best amendment rate including 50 g/kg Fe-WTR and 15 g/kg of Ca-WTR and manure helped to improve metal(loid) retention, soil structure and enhanced vetiver growth which subsequently aided in reducing the rate of erosion to levels comparable to bermudagrass which was used as control. The developed integrated WTR fluidized column and phytoremediation technique with vetiver and pokeweed under hydroponic conditions sequentially removed significant quantities of most heavy metals from AMD. Thus, the overall findings showed that the locally collected WTRs - the otherwise waste materials, showed high metal-removing and acidity-reducing capabilities in AMD and contaminated soil treatment applications. The similarity between the results obtained from the laboratory and simulated field study also showed that laboratory/greenhouse experiments may serve as reliable proxies for field responses in applications such as soil and water conservation in agricultural environments, remediation of abandoned mine lands, as well as wastewater treatment systems.

L'objectif de cette étude est de développer un procédé hybride qui combine à lacoagulation, la floculation et le procédé de flottation dans un hydroclone pour réaliser letraitement de l'eau. Le développement sert à déterminer la caractérisationhydrodynamique ainsi que les conditions optimales pour réaliser le traitement de l'eau.L'étude de caractérisation hydrodynamique est réalisée à l’aide d’une simulationnumérique (Computational Fluid Dynamics). Le travail expérimental a été réalisé à l’aidede la technique dite de l'échographie Doppler afin d’étudier l'hydrodynamique. Lesrésultats ont servi à valider la technique expérimentale « méthode de la goutte d’huile » et les connaissances de base expliquant les phénomènes du procédé hybride. La technique de diffraction du laser est utilisée pour déterminer la taille des micro-bulles ainsi que les paramètres qui affectent leur taille.Le travail expérimental sur le développement d'un pilot hybride est étudié avec del'eau synthèse et de l'eau naturelle. L'objectif de cette étude est d'appliquer ce procédéhybride pour le traitement de l'eau. Différents paramètres tels que les caractéristiques del'eau brute, le type et la concentration de coagulant et de floculant, la fraction de l'air et ledébit d'entrée, ont été modifiés à plusieurs reprises afin d'en déterminer les effets sur leprocédé hybride / The aim of this study is to develop a hybrid process which combines withcoagulation, floculation and flotation process in a hydroclone for water treatmentprocess. The development is for characterization the hydrodynamics of this process andto find the optimum condition for water treatment process.The hydrodynamics characterization study is carried out by the numericalsimulation (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and experimental work by Dopplerultrasound velocimetry technique to study the hydrodynamics for the further research.The results are used for validating the oil droplet experimental technique and to be thebasis knowledge to explain the phenomena in the hybrid process. Laser diffractiontechnique is involved for determining the micro bubbles size and also study on theparameter affects to the size. The experimental work of a developed hybrid pilot plant is studied with synthesisraw water and natural river water. The objective of this study is to apply this hybridprocess for the water treatment. The parameters have been varied in many operatingconditions to indicate the separation and the water treatment phenomena such as rawwater characteristic, coagulant - floculant type and concentration, air fraction and inletflow rate

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a técnica de desaguamento de resíduos sólidos gerados em estações de tratamento de água utilizando tubos geotêxteis - Bags, que representam uma alternativa tecnológica para a redução do teor de umidade dos resíduos. O trabalho foi dividido em duas etapas: ensaios com Bags suspensos e com Bags dispostos sobre o solo. Nos estudos são abordadas as características mais relevantes do processo de desaguamento face às solicitações mecânicas e hidráulicas a que qualquer sistema está submetido, bem como são apresentados resultados e discussões sobre as características físico-químicas dos resíduos gerados, geocondicionados nos Bags geotêxteis e da água drenada. A técnica de desaguamento por Bags mostrou-se uma alternativa viável para a redução do teor de umidade, apresentando um melhor desempenho em relação às técnicas convencionais. Pode-se também utilizá-la em paralelo com outras técnicas já existentes para a otimização do processo de desaguamento. Ressalta-se que a correta operação da tecnologia garante a eficiência da drenagem, sendo, então, necessária a adição de polímeros como agentes coagulantes, de forma a promover a separação da fase líquida da fase sólida. Observou-se que os resíduos geocondicionados ao reduzirem o teor de umidade passam a concentrar alguns componentes químicos tais como: sílica, nitrogênio e alumínio. As dificuldades relacionadas à disposição de resíduos sólidos em estações de tratamento de água justificam esse estudo. A despeito dos resultados satisfatórios desse estudo, é importante salientar a necessidade de mais projetos que avaliem os resultados obtidos nos ensaios e o comportamento dos Bags com o passar do tempo, já que a técnica mostrou-se viável ambiental, econômica e tecnicamente. / The present study aims at evaluating the disposal process of slurry from a water treatment plant. In replacement to the conventional technique of disposing slurry in pools, a geotextile tube has been used to dehydrate and retain the slurry inside the Bag. This is achieved because the geotextile is permeable, yet soil-tight, and any excess water pressure is expelled from the tube. The work has been divided in two sets of tests: suspended Bags to define a treatment methodology and a prototype geoBag laid on the ground over a drained layer to simulate the treatment process. The mechanical, hydraulic and chemical responses associated with this process considering both solid waste and drained water contents have been evaluated and discussed. As a whole, the use of geoBags has proved to be a viable option to reduce the water content in slurry, as well as an attractive alternative to replace or to be combined with other techniques currently in use in Brazil. A critical aspect controlling the efficiency of the operation is the addition of polymers for flocculation before introducing slurry into the Bag so that liquid and solid phases are dissociated. Upon monitoring the process, it has been observed that solids retained inside the Bag exhibit concentrated levels of chemical components such as silica, nitrogen and aluminum. This study has been considered relevant in face of the environmental needs and public policy control of the disposal of solid wastes. In spite of being a promising alternative technique to slurry treatment, further investigation is needed to evaluate the trials results of this research and bag behavior as time goes by. So far, the technique has proved to be environmentally, economically and technically feasible.

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a técnica de desaguamento de resíduos sólidos gerados em estações de tratamento de água utilizando tubos geotêxteis - Bags, que representam uma alternativa tecnológica para a redução do teor de umidade dos resíduos. O trabalho foi dividido em duas etapas: ensaios com Bags suspensos e com Bags dispostos sobre o solo. Nos estudos são abordadas as características mais relevantes do processo de desaguamento face às solicitações mecânicas e hidráulicas a que qualquer sistema está submetido, bem como são apresentados resultados e discussões sobre as características físico-químicas dos resíduos gerados, geocondicionados nos Bags geotêxteis e da água drenada. A técnica de desaguamento por Bags mostrou-se uma alternativa viável para a redução do teor de umidade, apresentando um melhor desempenho em relação às técnicas convencionais. Pode-se também utilizá-la em paralelo com outras técnicas já existentes para a otimização do processo de desaguamento. Ressalta-se que a correta operação da tecnologia garante a eficiência da drenagem, sendo, então, necessária a adição de polímeros como agentes coagulantes, de forma a promover a separação da fase líquida da fase sólida. Observou-se que os resíduos geocondicionados ao reduzirem o teor de umidade passam a concentrar alguns componentes químicos tais como: sílica, nitrogênio e alumínio. As dificuldades relacionadas à disposição de resíduos sólidos em estações de tratamento de água justificam esse estudo. A despeito dos resultados satisfatórios desse estudo, é importante salientar a necessidade de mais projetos que avaliem os resultados obtidos nos ensaios e o comportamento dos Bags com o passar do tempo, já que a técnica mostrou-se viável ambiental, econômica e tecnicamente. / The present study aims at evaluating the disposal process of slurry from a water treatment plant. In replacement to the conventional technique of disposing slurry in pools, a geotextile tube has been used to dehydrate and retain the slurry inside the Bag. This is achieved because the geotextile is permeable, yet soil-tight, and any excess water pressure is expelled from the tube. The work has been divided in two sets of tests: suspended Bags to define a treatment methodology and a prototype geoBag laid on the ground over a drained layer to simulate the treatment process. The mechanical, hydraulic and chemical responses associated with this process considering both solid waste and drained water contents have been evaluated and discussed. As a whole, the use of geoBags has proved to be a viable option to reduce the water content in slurry, as well as an attractive alternative to replace or to be combined with other techniques currently in use in Brazil. A critical aspect controlling the efficiency of the operation is the addition of polymers for flocculation before introducing slurry into the Bag so that liquid and solid phases are dissociated. Upon monitoring the process, it has been observed that solids retained inside the Bag exhibit concentrated levels of chemical components such as silica, nitrogen and aluminum. This study has been considered relevant in face of the environmental needs and public policy control of the disposal of solid wastes. In spite of being a promising alternative technique to slurry treatment, further investigation is needed to evaluate the trials results of this research and bag behavior as time goes by. So far, the technique has proved to be environmentally, economically and technically feasible.

abstract: Water recovery from impaired sources, such as reclaimed wastewater, brackish groundwater, and ocean water, is imperative as freshwater resources are under great pressure. Complete reuse of urine wastewater is also necessary to sustain life on space exploration missions of greater than one year’s duration. Currently, the Water Recovery System (WRS) used on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shuttles recovers only 70% of generated wastewater.1 Current osmotic processes show high capability to increase water recovery from wastewater. However, commercial reverse osmosis (RO) membranes rapidly degrade when exposed to pretreated urine-containing wastewater. Also, non-ionic small molecules substances (i.e., urea) are very poorly rejected by commercial RO membranes. In this study, an innovative composite membrane that integrates water-selective molecular sieve particles into a liquid-barrier chemically resistant polymer film is synthetized. This plan manipulates distinctive aspects of the two materials used to create the membranes: (1) the innate permeation and selectivity of the molecular sieves, and (2) the decay-resistant, versatile, and mechanical strength of the liquid-barrier polymer support matrix. To synthesize the membrane, Linde Type A (LTA) zeolite particles are anchored to the porous substrate, producing a single layer of zeolite particles capable of transporting water through the membrane. Thereafter, coating the chemically resistant latex polymer filled the space between zeolites. Finally, excess polymer was etched from the surface to expose the zeolites to the feed solution. The completed membranes were tested in reverse osmosis mode with deionized water, sodium chloride, and rhodamine solutions to determine the suitability for water recovery. The main distinguishing characteristics of the new membrane design compared with current composite membrane include: (1) the use of an impermeable polymer broadens the range of chemical resistant polymers that can be used as the polymer matrix; (2) the use of zeolite particles with specific pore size insures the high rejection of the neutral molecules since water is transported through the zeolite rather than the polymer; (3) the use of latex dispersions, environmentally friendly water based-solutions, as the polymer matrix shares the qualities of low volatile organic compound, low cost, and non- toxicity. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Chemical Engineering 2016

abstract: As selenium is toxic at low levels, treatment methods to remove selenium from industrial waste waters are needed. In this work, three groups of sorbent materials were investigated in detail for their effectiveness for selenium and arsenic removal from water: 1) nanostructured carbon-based materials, 2) layered double hydroxide (LDH)-based materials, and 3) biopolymer-based sorbents. The materials were investigated in spiked de-ionized water and waters collected from different locations at Salt River Project’s (SRP) Santan Generating Station in Gilbert, AZ. The results show that nanostructured carbon-based materials removed ~80% and up to 100% selenium and arsenic, respectively in spiked DI water. Heat treated layered double hydroxides removed close to 100% removal in selenium and arsenic spiked DI water. Isotherms conducted in spiked DI water fit the Langmuir model and showed a maximum selenate adsorption capacity of 67 mg/g for the calcined LDH powder. Results from SRP waters showed that certain LDH sorbents were effective for removing the selenium, but that higher pH and existence of competing ions affected the removal efficiencies. The functionalized biopolymer sorbent from Crystal Clear Technologies: CCT-149/OCI-B showed good removal efficiencies for both selenate and selenite in DI water. Isotherms conducted in spiked DI water for CCT-149 fit the Langmuir model and showed a maximum selenate adsorption capacity of 90.9 mg/g. Column tests using spiked DI water and waters obtained from SRP wells were investigated using both LDH and CCT-149/OCI-B. Removal of sulfate using chemical pre-treatment of the water with barium chloride resulted in about three times higher selenate loading onto the granular LDH and doubled the water volume that can be treated using CCT-149/OCI-B. The results from the column tests are being used to guide the pilot testing investigating the implementation of LDH sorbents at pilot scale at the Santan plant. The good results in the cooling tower #5 blowdown water and combined discharge waste water of SRP provide valuable information about the efficacy and efficiency of adsorptive media for the removal of selenium. Composites comprising LDH nanosheets with different substrates were successfully synthesized that were able to retain the performance in removing selenate of nanosheet LDH. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Materials Science and Engineering 2017

abstract: Granular activated carbon (GAC) is effectively used to remove natural organic matter (NOM) and to assist in the removal of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and their precursors. However, operation of GAC is cost- and labor-intensive due to frequent media replacement. Optimizing the use of GAC is necessary to ensure treatment efficiency while reducing costs. This dissertation presents four strategies to reduce improve GAC usage while reducing formation of DBPs. The first part of this work adopts Rapid Small Scale Tests (RSSCTs) to evaluate removal of molecular weight fractions of NOM, characterized using size exclusion chromatography (SECDOC). Total trihalomethanes (TTHM), haloacetic acids (HAA5) and haloacetonitriles (HAN) formation were quantified after treatment with GAC. Low MW NOM was removed preferentially in the early bed volumes, up until exhaustion of available adsorption sites. DBP formation potential lowered with DOC removal. Chlorination prior to GAC is investigated in the second part of this work as a strategy to increase removal of NOM and DBP precursors. Results showed lower TTHM formation in the effluent of the GAC treatment when pre-chlorination was adopted, meaning this strategy could help optimize and extend the bed life if GAC filters. The third part of this work investigates in-situ GAC regeneration as an alternative to recover adsorption capacity of field-spent GAC that could potentially offer new modes of operation for water treatment facilities while savng costs with reactivation of spent GAC in an external facility. Field-spent GACs were treated with different oxidant solutions and recovery in adsorption capacity was evaluated for NOM and for two micro pollutants. Recovery of GAC adsorption capacity was not satisfactory for most of conditions evaluated. This indicates that in-situ GAC regeneration could be more effective when the adsorbates are present at high concentrations. Lastly, this work investigates the impact of low molecular weight polyDADMAC on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation. Water treatment facilities rely on polyDADMAC as a coagulant aid to comply with NOM removal and turbidity requirements. Since polymer-derived NDMA precursors are not removed by GAC, it is essential to optimize the use and synthesis of polyDADMAC to reduce NDMA precursors during water treatment. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2017

L’accès à l’eau potable est un des plus importants problèmes que l’on rencontre partout dans le monde même dans les pays riches en eau. Par exemple, les provinces côtières du Delta du Mékong (DM) subissent des périodes alternées d’inondations et de sécheresse. De plus, le changement climatique à l’origine d’une diminution de la pluviométrie et d’intrusion d’eau salée affecte gravement la qualité des eaux de la région. Les principales sources de pollution proviennent des déchets humains et des rejets des élevages de poissons, bétail et volaille. La pollution aux pesticides peut s’avérer un problème sérieux dans certaines zones. La détérioration de la qualité des eaux dans le DM et l’absence d’accès à l’eau potable dans les communes rurales via des systèmes d’approvisionnement sûrs entraine une augmentation des maladies d’origine hydrique liées à la salinité, la présence de microorganismes et de polluants organiques. L’objectif de ce travail a consisté à examiner dans quelle mesure la technologie membranaire peut permettre de produire de l’eau potable de qualité. L’étude a porté sur les eaux saumâtres contenant des pesticides. Deux solutions modèles synthétiques ont été choisies pour représenter les eaux de surface du DM. Le dessalement et l’élimination des pesticides ont été réalisés en utilisant la nanofiltration (NF) couplée à l’électrodialyse. Le logiciel Nanoflux® a été utilisé pour interpréter les performances de deux membranes de NF (NF90 et NF270). Par ailleurs, la consommation d’énergie des deux procédés couplés a été estimée en fonction de la qualité de l’eau d’alimentation. Toutes ces données seront utilisées pour concevoir un démonstrateur pour la production familiale d’eau potable. / Access to clean water is one of the most important problems that is encountered worldwide even in countries as water-rich. For instance, the Mekong Delta (MD)’s coastal provinces have to face up to alternated flooding and drought periods. Moreover, climate changes inducing less rainfall and salt water intrusion water severely affect the water quality of the area. The main sources of pollution come from the human and farming wastes including fish, livestock and poultry. Pesticide pollution can also be a serious problem in some areas. The deterioration of water quality in the MD and the lack of access to clean water via safe supply systems in the rural communes entail an increase of waterborne diseases related to the salinity, the presence of microorganism and organic pollutants. The study is aimed at investigating the membrane technology to treat surface water in the MD region in order to produce good drinking water. The study was focused on brackish waters containing pesticides. Two synthetic model water samples were chosen as representative of surface waters found in the Mekong Delta. Desalination and pollutant removal were performed using nanofiltration (NF) integrated with electrodialysis. The Nanoflux® software was used to explain the experimental performance of two NF membranes (NF90 and 270). On the other hand, energy consumption of the two coupled processes was also estimated depending on the quality of water feed. All the data obtained should be used in the future to design a demonstrator pilot for the family-sized production of drinking water.

L’objectif de cette thèse est la mise en œuvre de matériaux monolithiques à porosité hiérarchique pour le piégeage en continu des ions strontium et césium contenus dans des eaux de rejet de l’industrie nucléaire. Les zéolithes LTA et FAU-X sont connus pour piéger sélectivement ces cations, respectivement. Ce travail concerne d’une part la synthèse de matériaux, et d’autre part, leur utilisation en échange ionique. Nous avons d’abord optimisé la synthèse de monolithes siliciques à porosité hiérarchique méso/macroporeux qui constituent notre matériau de départ et qui présentent d’excellentes propriétés de transport. Nous avons ensuite développé la synthèse de monolithes zéolithiques par transformation pseudomorphique des monolithes de silice. L’étude des temps et températures de mûrissement et de cristallisation, a permis de suivre et de contrôler les processus de nucléation et de croissance des cristaux de zéolithes dans le squelette des monolithes. Des monolithes de zéolithe A avec un squelette formé de nanoparticules de 100 nm dans le cœur et de 400 nm en surface ont été obtenus, donnant des monolithes LTA à porosité hiérarchique trimodale (micro-/méso-/macroporeux). Des monolithes mixtes LTA/FAU micro/macroporeux ont également été obtenus. Des monolithes purement FAU-X ont été synthétisés mais s’effritent. Les monolithes LTA et LTA/FAU ont été utilisés en échange ionique en flux continu pour la capture du Sr2+ et celle simultanée du Cs+ et du Sr2+, respectivement. Les monolithes LTA à porosité hiérarchique trimodale ont montré des performances remarquables pour la capture du Sr2+ avec des courbes de percée presque idéales. L’ajout de la mésoporosité dans les monolithes LTA a permis un accès plus rapide aux sites d’échange de la zéolithe et ainsi d’augmenter le débit des solutions en maintenant un piégeage total. Les premiers résultats concernant l’utilisation des monolithes LTA/FAU pour la capture simultanée Sr2+/Cs+ sont encourageant et sont à améliorer en créant de la mésoporosité dans ces monolithes pour accroître leur vitesse d’échange en flux continu. / The aim of this thesis is the implementation of monolithic materials with hierarchical porosity for trapping strontium and caesium ions from nuclear wastewater in continuous flow. LTA and FAU-X zeolites are known to selectively trap these cations, respectively. This work is focused on the materials synthesis and their application in cation-exchange. We first optimized the synthesis of silica monoliths with hierarchical porosity meso-/macroporous that constitute our starting material and which have excellent mass-transfer properties. Then, we developed the synthesis of zeolite monoliths by pseudomorphic transformation of silica monoliths. Aging and crystallization times and temperatures were studied to follow and control the processes of nucleation and crystal growth of the zeolites in the skeleton of the monoliths. Zeolite A monoliths with skeleton featuring 100 nm nanoparticles in the core and 400 nm in the shell were obtained, giving rise to LTA monoliths with trimodal hierarchical porosity (micro-/meso-/macropores). Mixed LTA/FAU zeolite monoliths featuring micro-/macropores were also synthesized. Pure FAU-X monoliths were obtained, but were very fragile and crushed. Na-LTA and Na-LTA/FAU monoliths were used in cation-exchange in continuous flow processes to capture from aqueous solutions Sr2+ and simultaneously Cs+ and Sr2+, respectively. LTA monoliths with trimodal hierarchical porosity have shown outstanding performance for the capture of Sr2+ with almost ideal breakthrough curves. The addition of mesoporosity in LTA monoliths has enabled faster access to the exchange sites of the zeolite and has allowed to increase the flow rate of the process. First results obtained with LTA/FAU monoliths for simultaneous Sr2+/Cs+ capture are encouraging and must be improved by adding mesoporosity in these monoliths to increase their cation-exchange rate to be used in rapid continuous flow processes.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Acrylamide is a water soluble monomer with a multitude of industrial and chemical applications. In polymeric form, which is also known as polyacrylamide, it may be used as a flocculant for water treatment. However, this monomer presents carcinogenic risk and it can cause changes in the endocrine system of living beings, it is also called endocrine disrupter. On the Ordinance of the Ministry of Health 2914/2011, it was established a maximum limit of 0.5 micrograms/L acrylamide for drinking water. However, there is no evidence in the literature on the detection of acrylamide in the drinking water. Thus, the study of the behavior of acrylamide as an environmental contaminant and carcinogen is of a great value to the public health. Thus, the main objective of this study was the analysis of the expected changes toxicology of acrylamide in different concentrations, using green algae as indicator organisms. The study was conducted through the following steps: (I) The structure of a study methodology, based on the references that are available and adapted for a consistent routine of work with the good laboratory conditions of the institution; (II) the performance of the ecotoxicological tests with algae, which are treated with polyacrylamide solution used in the municipality of Santa Maria Water Treatment Station - RS; (III) the performance of ecotoxicological tests with algae, treated with different concentrations of acrylamide; (Iv) the calculation of the sample cell biovolume (V) the analysis of chlorophyll "a" and (VI)the statistical analysis of the results and interpretation of the data of the research. The experiments were performed in the laboratory of sanitation- Lasam, from the Federal University of Santa Maria - UFSM from February to August 2014. The results demonstrated that it was possible to develop the ecotoxicological study with polyacrylamide, because it is a commercial substance that has no analytical purity, which led to no regular results, making it impossible to reproduce the tests. However, in the ecotoxicological analysis of acrylamide, the acrylamide results indicated that significantly inhibited the growth of algae, yielding 5.88 mg/L-1 as the concentration which inhibited 50% of the growth of the algal cells. Both the microscopic cell counting as the dosage of chlorophyll "a" was effective in the experimental biomass quantification. The most important outcome of the work consist in assessing changes in cell biovolume and phenotypic plasticity of the species D. quadricauda unprecedentedly parameters evaluated for exposure to acrylamide. The use of calculation of biovolume combined with cell counts proved quite useful for analyzing the results, showing the variation in cell size during the experiment. Phenotypic plasticity of gender has changed with exposure to acrylamide, which gives an important finding in the evaluation of toxicity. / A acrilamida é um monômero solúvel em água com uma infinidade de aplicações químicas e industriais. Na forma polimérica, também denominada de poliacrilamida, pode ser utilizada como floculante para o tratamento de água. Entretanto, esse monômero apresenta risco carcinogênico e causa alterações no sistema endócrino dos seres vivos, também denominado de desregulador endócrino. A Portaria do Ministério da Saúde 2914/2011 estabelece um limite máximo de 0,5 micrograma/L de acrilamida para água potável. Contudo, não há evidências na literatura sobre a detecção da acrilamida nas águas para consumo humano. Assim, o estudo do comportamento da acrilamida como um contaminante ambiental é de grande valia para a saúde pública. Desta forma, o objetivo principal deste estudo consistiu na análise das alterações toxicológicas esperadas da acrilamida, em distintas concentrações utilizando uma clorofícea como organismo indicador. O estudo foi realizado mediante as seguintes etapas: (I) Estruturação de uma metodologia de estudo, baseada nas referências bibliográficas disponíveis e adaptada para uma rotina de trabalho condizente com as condições laboratoriais da instituição; (II) Realização de ensaios ecotoxicológicos com algas, tratadas com solução de poliacrilamida utilizada na Estação de Tratamento de Água do município de Santa Maria RS; (III) Realização de ensaios ecotoxicológicos com algas, tratadas com distintas concentrações de acrilamida; (IV) Cálculo do biovolume celular das amostras; (V) Análise da concentração de clorofila a ; (VI) Análise da Plasticidade Fenotípica, (VII) Análise estatística dos resultados obtidos e interpretação dos dados. Os experimentos foram realizados no laboratório de engenharia do meio ambiente- LEMA, da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria UFSM, durante o período de fevereiro a agosto de 2014. Os resultados demonstraram que não foi possível desenvolver o estudo ecotoxicológico com a poliacrilamida, pelo fato de se tratar de uma substância comercial, que não possui pureza analítica, o que levou a resultados irregulares, tornando impossível a reprodução dos ensaios. Porém, na análise ecotoxicológica da acrilamida, os resultados indicaram que esta inibiu significativamente o crescimento das algas, obtendo-se 5,88 mg.L-1 como a concentração que inibiu 50% do crescimento das células algais. Tanto a contagem celular microscópica como a dosagem da clorofila a se mostraram eficientes na quantificação da biomassa do experimento. Os resultados mais importantes do trabalho consistem na análise das alterações do biovolume celular e da plasticidade fenotípica da espécie D. quadricauda, parâmetros ineditamente avaliados para a exposição à acrilamida. A utilização do cálculo do biovolume aliado à contagem celular se mostrou bastante proveitosa na análise dos resultados, demonstrando a variação do tamanho das células no decorrer do experimento. A plasticidade fenotípica do gênero sofreu alterações com a exposição à acrilamida, o que confere um achado importante na avaliação da toxicidade.