Changes in the chemical and physicochemical properties of the solid fraction of cattle slurry during composting using different aeration strategies

Replacement of peat as a growing medium by a renewable material, such as an organic waste, is an issue of concern since harvesting of peat has a considerable environmental impact and, actually, it is a non-renewable resource. Cattle manure is a readily available organic waste, which means that once it goes through the composting process, it can be used as an alternative to peat, specifically, the solid fraction obtained from mechanical liquid-solid separation of cattle slurry (SF). Studies have shown it to be suitable for such uses. The purpose of this study was to detect possible changes in the physicochemical and chemical properties of SF when it is composted using different aeration strategies, with an emphasis on the changes that would make it feasible for use as a substrate. With this aim in mind, an experiment was designed with three aeration strategies that would be used during composting. The first consisted of applying air through a static method (forced ventilation). The second involved improving aeration by adding a bulking agent and a dynamic turning method. In the third strategy, aeration was carried out by turning (control). The results show that the different aeration strategies had a clear effect on the evolution of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrate-N, ammonia-N and bicarbonate content. Nitrification was favored under good aeration conditions using the static composting method, probably due to the greater availability of ammonia-N that was transformed into nitrate-N. In general, the low buffering capacity allowed for a reduction of the pH during the curing stage of composting (in conjunction with low temperatures during this period), a characteristic that favors the use of this compost as a growing medium. We also conclude that measuring bicarbonate levels during composting could be used as an indicator of the possible acidification of the material and as a way of evaluating the level of material aeration.     

Responses of the mussel Anodontites trapesialis (Unionidae) to environmental stressors: effect of pH, temperature and metals on filtration rate

To evaluate the suitability of the tropical freshwater mussel Anodontites trapesialis for ecotoxicity assays, we tested the effects of temperature, pH, and Cd, Cu and Zn on its filtration rate. This is a relevant, sensible sublethal endpoint given the ecological role that this mussel plays in Amazonian environments. Filtration rate was calculated from the clearance of algae, fed to mussels at different temperature, pH and metal concentrations. Filtration rate was highest at 20 degrees C and pH 8, and decreased at low temperatures and pH. For all metals clear dose-response relationships were found. Cd exerted the most toxic effects (EC(50filtration) 64microg/L) followed by Cu (605microg/L) and Zn (4064microg/L). Metal mixtures representing present pollution levels clearly affected filtration rates. The results suggest that A. trapesialis is a suitable ecotoxicological test organism for the Amazonian region.     

From waste to value-added products: A review of opportunities for fish waste valorization

The fishing industry is responsible for generating large amounts of organic waste rich in compounds of commercial interest. This review aimed to present the state of the art about the possibilities of using solid waste to obtain value-added products. Skins, fins, and scales have been used to obtain gelatin and collagen, a promising compound for use as an additive in yogurts and creams, as well as for the synthesis of biodegradable packaging that, if applicable, can reduce the environmental impact caused by petroleum packaging. Other parts, such as the head and the viscera, contain polyunsaturated fatty acids and other fat-soluble vitamins that have been studied for the production of omega-3 capsules for the pharmaceutical industry, but when the extracted oil does not fit the feeding parameters, it can be applied for the production of biodiesel. Furthermore, fishes are a promising source of astaxanthin, a carotenoid with high antioxidant properties. The use of combined techniques such as chemical and enzymatic methods can increase the extraction yield and favor the obtaining of more purified compounds, in addition to promoting the reduction of chemicals that are aggressive to the environment. In general, conscious production in the fishing industry through the valorization of waste generated for use as inputs for other value chains encompasses aspects of the circular economy, which can positively impact several Sustainable Development Goals.     

Evaluation of genotoxicity and coumarin production in conventional and organic cultivation systems of Mikania glomerata Spreng

Abstract

Mikania glomerata Sprengel, popularly known as “guaco,” is used in Brazilian folk medicine for several inflammatory and allergic conditions. Besides, the popular use “guaco” is indicated by the Brazilian Ministry of Health as a safe and effective herbal medicine. The biological activity of M. glomerata extracts is due to the presence of the coumarins, a large family of phenolic substances found in plants and is made of fused benzene and α-pyrone rings. Considering that there are few data on the biological effects of the extracts of M. glomerata, mainly in genetic level, this work aims to evaluate, in vitro, the genotoxicity and coumarin production in M. glomerata in conventional and organic growing. The data showed that the organic culture system showed double the concentration of coumarin being significantly more productive than the conventional system. Besides, the results of comet assay suggest that extracts of M. glomerata cultivated in a conventional system was genotoxic, increased DNA damage levels while the organic extracts seem to have antigenotoxic effect possibly due to the concentration of coumarins. Additional biochemical investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of action of M. glomerata extracts, which were found to have a role in protection against DNA damage.     

Reuse of wood ash from biomass combustion in non-structural concrete: mechanical properties,durability, and eco-efficiency

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Wood biomass fly ash can contribute to a more sustainable urban infrastructure, but requires efficient recycling strategies. This paper...