Mitigation of CH4 emissions in sanitary landfills: An efficient technological arrangement to reduce Greenhouse gas emission.

Problems related to the solid waste have been shown a relevant subject, by contributing to global warming and climate change. The MSW is one of the main sources of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions, especially the methane gas (CH4). Towards this concern, the general objective of this research is to estimate CH4 emissions produced at the Dom Antonio Barbosa II Sanitary Landfill, situated in the City of Campo Grande, state of MS. Its aim, specifically, is to verify the gravimetric composition of these residues, as well as measure the amount of the MSW already existing and also the volume placed in the mentioned sanitary landfill. The CH4 emissions were estimated in an accumulated total of 2,364,556.28 tCO2eq. It was obtained a total reduction of 1,479,693.87 tCO2eq by methane burning, transforming it into CO2, thus it was possible mitigating the emissions of 62.65% of CH4 generated in DAB II landfill. It is expected that the results from this research contribute to the attenuation of the problems related to the MSW impact on the environment, as well as reflect on the effectiveness of the current adopted technological model.

Knowledge of university students regarding the use of toxic substances, daily and eating habits with carcinogenic character

The knowledge of university students regarding the use of toxic substances, daily and eating habits with a carcinogenic character was assessed by using a semi-structured questionnaire. In addition, a systematic review was carried out on an electronic basis on the subject. The results revealed that university students know little about the risks and association of high consumption of hyperglycemic foods, omega-6 and red meat, as well as the exposure to BPA and insecticides, despite the fact that most are aware of the harmful effects of excessive use of cell phones and its relation with cancer. Thus, we notice the importance of disseminating preventive information that promotes a change in living and eating habits with carcinogenic character, resulting in self-care and a better quality of life.

Contribution to the identification of the species Myrcia hatschbachii D. Legrand (Myrtaceae): anatomical and histochemical analyses

The genus Myrcia is used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. The plants used in folk medicine require morphological and anatomical references to attest to its authenticity. This is the first report of the microscopic study of Myrcia hatschbachii. In this sense, the aim of the present study was to describe the anatomical characteristics, in order to contribute to the species' identification. For anatomical and surface analyses free-hand sections were prepared and observed using optical microscopy, simultaneously some materials were processed and observed under scanning electron microscopy. In addition, histochemical tests were performed. The anatomical features described here correspond with previously reported features found in other species of the genus Myrcia. Furthermore, the following anatomical markers were observed in Myrcia hatschbachii: druses in the spongy parenchyma, concave-convex midrib, heart-shaped petiole, oval-shaped stem, C-shaped vascular bundle in the midrib and open arc shape with invaginated ends in the petiole; phenolic compounds in the phloem and lignified cells in the pith. The results of anatomical and histochemical analyses provide micromorphological and microchemical features that can help in the taxonomy and proper identification of the species.

Phenolic compounds, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, and identification of phytochemicals present in Inga marginata Willd seeds

Brazil has an invaluable source of plants and fruits rich in phenolic compounds important to health, some of which have yet to be discovered. Inga marginata Willd is a fruit that can be found throughout Brazil, and its seeds are rich in phenolic compounds and antimicrobial activity, thus making their extraction and characterization highly relevant. This study aimed to determine the total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial and antifungal activities, cytotoxicity evaluation, and characterize the phytochemical compounds present in the extract. The results indicated that extraction by agitation at 30 ºC obtained the highest yield of total phenolic compounds (48.23 mg GAE g-1), antioxidant capacity (40.34 mg TEAC g-1), and IC50 (2.60 mg mL-1). The extracts at 30 and 60 ºC inhibited all microorganisms tested, and the temperature of 30 ºC acted as a bactericide and fungicide at low concentrations. Ten phytochemical compounds were found, mainly being antioxidants and antimicrobials. The cytotoxicity assays showed that Inga marginata seeds do not present cellular cytotoxicity up to the concentration of 250 µg mL-1, maintaining cell viability above 90%.