ABSTRACT Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) is a species with promising potential for commercial production; therefore, studies involving practices of conducting culture in the initial stage are essential. The present study aimed to evaluate different shading levels and substrate compositions in the seedling production of tamarind. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4×4 factorial scheme, four levels of shading (0%, 18%, 30%, and 50%) and four substrates (pine bark-based substrate pure and mixed with 50% vermiculite, and sphagnum peat-based substrate pure and mixed with 50% vermiculite), with four replicates of four seedlings. Growth and biometric relationships were evaluated at 40 and 98 d after transplantation (DAT). The results reported that seedlings formed on the sphagnum peat-based substrate on pure or associated with vermiculite at 98 DAT had a height greater than 35 cm and a total 8.5 g DM. In contrast, seedlings produced in pine bark-based substrate did not reach 20 cm in height and had less than 3 g total DM. The condition of 30% and 50% shading promoted greater growth in height, reaching an average height greater than 40 cm, while in the full sun environment, seedlings showed an average of less than 35 cm; however, for the other variables, full sun environment did not differ from 30% shading, producing good quality seedlings. Thus, the cultivation of seedlings in an environment with 0% or 30% shading, associated with the sphagnum peat-based substrate pure or mixed with 50% vermiculite promoted the production of tamarind seedlings with vigorous growth. In the best environments, the best substrates increased, on average, 41.3% number of leaves, 80.5% shoot dry mass, 56.8% root dry mass, and 71.0% total dry mass. In the best substrates, the best environments increased, on average, 18.0% number of leaves, 20.7% shoot dry mass, 8.7% root dry mass, and 14.3% total dry mass.

ABSTRACT Tahiti lime is a species of great economic importance worldwide. In Brazil, production is concentrated in the states of São Paulo and Pará, where it is usually grafted onto the Rangpur lime. This study aimed to analyze the effects of different irrigation depths on the fruit yield, phenology, and gas exchange of Tahiti lime trees grafted onto Swingle citrumelo. Irrigation was performed during the first year at four different irrigation depths in a random block design with five blocks and four treatments to maintain the soil matric potential in the following ranges: T1: below -50 kPa, T2: from -30 to -50 kPa, T3: from -10 to -30 kPa, and T4: above -10 kPa. The flowering, carbon assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration (E), and fruit yield were measured. Fruits were harvested earlier in the most irrigated treatment, T4, and the yield increased from 2.22 to 6.89 kg per plant from T1 to T4. The average fruit weight escalated from 78.6 to 96.1 g from T1 to T4, and carbon assimilation increased from 6.89 to 9.51 μmol CO2m-2s-1 from T1 to T4.

RESUMO A lima ácida Tahiti é uma espécie de grande importância econômica em todo o mundo. Em território brasileiro, a produção concentra-se nos estados de São Paulo e Pará, onde geralmente é enxertada em limão-cravo. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar o efeito de diferentes lâminas de irrigação na produção de frutos, fenologia e trocas gasosas de lima ácida Tahiti enxertada em citrumelo Swingle. A irrigação foi realizada durante o primeiro ano, com quatro lâminas de irrigação diferentes em um delineamento de blocos ao acaso com 5 blocos e 4 tratamentos, para manter o potencial matricial do solo nas seguintes faixas: T1: abaixo de -50 kPa, T2: de -30 a -50 kPa , T3: de -10 a -30 kPa e T4: acima de -10 kPa. Foram medidos florescimento, taxa de assimilação de carbono (A), condutância estomática (gs), transpiração (E) e produção de frutos. Os frutos foram colhidos mais cedo no tratamento mais irrigado, T4, e a produtividade aumentou de 2,22 para 6,89 kg por planta de T1 para T4. O peso médio dos frutos aumentou de 78,6 para 96,1 g de T1 para T4. A assimilação de carbono aumentou de 6,89 para 9,51 μmol CO2 m-2 s-1 de T1 para T4.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and yield of okra as a function of phosphorus (P) doses and to obtain the critical leaf P content, under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Maranhão (MA), Brazil. The field experiment was carried out from February 15, 2017, to May 9, 2017, in São Luís, MA. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four replications. The treatments were doses of 0, 80, 160, 240 and 320 kg ha-1 of P2O5, in the form of triple superphosphate, at planting, plus 10 t ha-1 of solid cattle manure. The increase of the P dose increased plant height, leaf dry mass and stem dry mass. With phosphorus supply, flowering occurred earlier than in plants without fertilization. Considering soils with low P content (P(resin) = 11 to 25 mg dm-3) and the minimum recommended organic fertilization for the okra crop of 10 t ha-1 of solid cattle manure, the maximum number of fruits, length of fruit and yield (9960.36 kg ha-1) were obtained with the fertilization of 80 kg ha-1 of P2O5, for the edaphoclimatic conditions of MA, Brazil. The critical leaf P content in okra is 3.4 g kg-1.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento e a produtividade do quiabo em função de doses de fósforo (P) e obter o teor crítico de P foliar, nas condições edafoclimáticas do Maranhão (MA), Brasil. O experimento de campo foi realizado no período de 15 de fevereiro de 2017 a 9 de maio de 2017, em São Luís, MA. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram doses de 0, 80, 160, 240 e 320 kg ha-1 de P2O5, na forma de superfosfato simples, no plantio, mais 10 t ha-1 de esterco bovino sólido. O aumento da dose de P aumentou a altura das plantas, massa seca de folhas e caule. Com o fornecimento de fósforo a precocidade do florescimento foi maior que em plantas não fertilizadas. . Considerando solos com baixo teor de P (P(resina) = 11 a 25 mg dm-3) e a adubação orgânica mínima recomendada para a cultura do quiabo de 10 t ha-1 de esterco bovino sólido, o número de frutos, comprimento do fruto e a produtividade máxima de frutos (9960.36 kg ha- 1) foram obtidos com a adubação de 80 kg ha-1 de P2O5, para as condições edafoclimáticas de MA, Brasil. O teor crítico foliar de P em quiabeiro é de 3,4 g kg-1.

RESUMO No semiárido brasileiro a ocorrência de fontes de águas com níveis elevados de sais se destaca como fator limitante para produção da maioria das culturas sob condições irrigadas. Desenvolveu-se esta pesquisa com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade física e química de frutos de maracujazeiro-azedo sob estratégias de irrigação com água salobra e doses de potássio. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em condições de campo, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 6 × 2, sendo os tratamentos constituídos de seis estratégias de irrigação com águas salobras (SE - irrigação com água de 1,3 dS m-1 durante todo ciclo; irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 na fase vegetativa - VE; floração - FL; frutificação - FR; nas fases sucessivas vegetativa/floração - VE/FL; vegetativa/frutificação - VE/FR) e duas doses de potássio 60 e 100% (345 g de K2O por planta por ano) da recomendação, com quatro repetições e três plantas por parcela. A irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 na fase de floração ou quando utilizada de forma contínua na fase vegetativa e de floração reduziu a produtividade e o tamanho dos frutos de maracujazeiro-azedo. Adubação com 60% da recomendação de K proporcionou a produção de frutos de maracujazeiro-azedo com maior diâmetro polar. É viável o cultivo de maracujazeiro-azedo sob irrigação com água de 4,0 dS m-1 nas fases de floração e frutificação e adubação com 60% da recomendação de K sem perdas nos teores de ácido ascórbico e açúcares solúveis totais.

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian semiarid region, the occurrence of water sources with high salt concentrations stands out as a limiting factor for the production of most crops under irrigated conditions. This research was conducted to evaluate the physical and chemical quality of sour passion fruit as a function of brackish water irrigation strategies and potassium doses. The experiment was carried out under field conditions using a randomized block design in a 6 × 2 factorial scheme, consisting of six strategies of irrigation with brackish water (irrigation with water of 1.3 dS m-1 throughout the cycle - WS; irrigation with water of 4.0 dS m-1 in the vegetative stage - VE; flowering stage - FL; fruiting stage - FR; in the successive vegetative/flowering stages - VE/FL; vegetative/fruiting stages - VE/FR) and two potassium doses: 60 and 100% (345 g of K2O per plant per year) of recommendation, with four replicates and three plants per plot. Irrigation with water of 4.0 dS m-1 in the flowering stage or continuously in the vegetative and flowering stages reduced the yield and size of sour passion fruit. Fertilization with 60% of K is recommended for the production of sour passion fruits with greater polar diameter. It is feasible to cultivate sour passion fruit under irrigation with 4.0 dS m-1 of water in the flowering and fruiting stages and fertilization with 60% of the K recommendation without losses in ascorbic acid and total soluble sugars.

The Amazon suffers from the occurrence of mining along its hydrographic routes, which releases toxic substances into the aquatic environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of contamination by As and Hg that indigenous peoples are exposed to through the consumption of fish in an area impacted by mining activity in the basin of the Curuá and Baú Rivers, Altamira-PA. In total, 55 fish specimens and 30 surface water samples were collected. The decomposition of the fish samples was done by wet method with the use of nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and microwaves. The quantification of total mercury (THg) and total arsenic (TAs) was carried out by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with vapor generation (VG-ICP OES). The methodology proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was used. The results showed that TAs presents safe levels; however, THg presents a sample with levels up to (4.6 µg g 1), exceeding the permitted levels (1 µg g 1). The risk assessment shows that only the consumption of fish, linked to Hg, represents the existence of deleterious risks to indigenous peoples (hazard quotient (HQ)) > 1). Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) in fish represents a risk to indigenous people, because of the Hg’s presence. The study identified that illegal mining activities are responsible for Hg pollution in the Baú and Curuá Rivers. The fish species analyzed can be used as bioindicators of Hg in the rivers, which is relevant for making environmental and public health policy decisions.

Resumo A influência de fatores abióticos sobre a abundância de populações de microrganismos no solo tem sido pouco estudada, principalmente com relação à bactéria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Assim, objetivou-se analisar a relação entre as características químicas e texturais do solo do Cerrado maranhense na abundância de Bacillus thuringiensis. As coletas de solo foram realizadas em municípios do leste maranhense: São Mateus do Maranhão, Alto Alegre, Coroatá, Timbiras e Codó. As amostras de solo foram obtidas na camada de 0-0.1 m, para análise da fertilidade do solo e sua textura. As colônias obtidas no isolamento que apresentaram características morfológicas de Bacillus spp. foram visualizadas sob microscopia de contraste de fase. Em seguida, na mesma área para o isolamento do Bt, foi coletado 1g de solo. De posse dos dados procedeu-se análise de componentes principais, agrupamentos e correlações. Resultados: A areia correlacionou-se positivamente com o índice de Bacillus thuringiensis (iBt). A análise de agrupamento permitiu verificar que os solos que não apresentaram iBt, possuíam altas concentrações de alumínio e acidez potencial (H+Al). Como estes atributos alteram a disponibilidade de P no solo, a abundância de Bacillus thuringiensis pode ter sido prejudicada pela deficiência deste elemento no ambiente. Conclusão: Bt possui correlações com a textura do solo, e altas concentrações de alumínio e acidez potencial no solo influenciam na permanência de Bacillus thuringiensis no Cerrado do leste maranhense.

Abstract The influence of abiotic factors on the abundance of microorganism populations in soil has been sparsely studied, especially regarding Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria. Therefore, this research was aimed at analyzing the relationship between the chemical and textural characteristics of the soil of the Cerrado (savanna) of Maranhão State on the abundance of Bacillus thuringiensis. Soil samples were collected in different municipalities in eastern Maranhão: São Mateus do Maranhão, Alto Alegre, Coroatá, Timbiras and Codó. The soil samples were obtained in the 0-0.1 m layer for soil fertility and texture analysis. Then, in the same area for the isolation of Bt, 1 g of soil was collected. The colonies obtained in the isolation that featured morphological characteristics of Bacillus spp. were visualized under phase contrast microscopy. Principal component analysis, clustering and correlations were peformed. Results: The sand content correlated positively with the Bacillus thuringiensis index (iBt). The cluster analysis allowed for verifying that the soils not showed iBt in function of high concentrations of aluminum (Al) and potential acidity (H+Al). Considering as these attributes (Al and H+Al) alter the availability of P in the soil, the abundance of Bacillus thuringiensis may have been impaired by the deficiency of this element in the environment. Conclusion: Bt has correlations with soil texture, and high concentrations of aluminum and potential acidity in the soil influencing the permanence of Bacillus thuringiensis in Maranhão eastern Cerrado.

Forming semiconductor heterojunction is promising for improved photocatalytic performance due to synergistic combination of the best properties of each material. The present study reports a simple hydrothermal strategy to form n-n heterojunction of Ta2O5 nanotubes and BiVO4 microstructures. The Ta2O5/BiVO4 heterojunctions were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, UV Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by hydrogen production and photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous medium under AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm2) condition. The heterojunctions have optical absorption in the visible region (200 500 nm) with crystal structures defined as monoclinic for BiVO4 and orthogonal for Ta2O5. For MB photodegradation, the Ta2O5/BiVO4 obtained via hydrothermal route showed a photodegradation of 72.3%, compared to 28.3% presented by the sample produced through the mechanical mixture, with the maintenance of 86.4% of its photocatalytic performance after 3 cycles of photodegradation. For H2 production, hydrothermally prepared Ta2O5/BiVO4 generated 10.2 μmol g-1 of H2 in 3 h; while Ta2O5 nanotubes and mechanical Ta2O5/BiVO4 mixture shows 6.82 and 2.80 μmol g-1, respectively. The results suggest that Ta2O5/BiVO4 is a promising material for applications in photocatalysis, promoting sustainable energy production through hydrogen and for the treatment of effluents containing cationic dyes.

Abstract This study aimed to make and characterize a fresh cheese using the surplus of bovine colostrum from dairy farms. The bovine colostrum was characterized in terms of fat (4.00%), protein (16.30%), moisture (79.68%), ash (0.95%), minerals, pH (6.32), titratable acidity (0.27 g/100 mL), immunoglobulin G (>50 g/L), lactose (1.60%), color, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The fresh cheese made with colostrum was characterized in the same terms as the bovine colostrum (fat (7.00%), protein (22.95%), moisture (67.98%), ash (1.85%), minerals, pH (6.15), titratable acidity (0.04 g/100 mL), immunoglobulin G (30.95 g/L), lactose (not detectable), color, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria), with the addition of the texture and sensory analysis. The colostrum cheese had high moisture content (67.98%) and low-fat content (7.00%). The protein content was also high (22.95%), whose major percentage was composed by immunoglobulins. An important finding in this work was associated with the possible absence of lactose in the colostrum cheese, thus opening opportunities for future research regarding the development of dairy products for lactose intolerant consumers. In addition, the high concentration of immunoglobulin G might give this product an immune boost feature. The sensorial analysis showed that the recipe of the fresh cheese requires improvement to achieve higher acceptance from the public, especially regarding texture.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo a elaboração e caracterização de um queijo fresco a partir do excedente de colostro bovino de fazendas leiteiras. O colostro foi caracterizado quanto aos teores de gordura (4,00%), proteínas (16,30%), umidade (79,68%), cinzas (0,95%), minerais, pH (6,32), acidez titulável (0,27 g/100 mL), imunoglobulina G (>50 g/L), lactose (1,60%), cor e presença de bactérias patogênicas. O queijo fresco elaborado com colostro foi submetido às mesmas caracterizações do colostro: gordura (7,00%), proteínas (22,95%), umidade (67,98%), cinzas (1,85%), minerais, pH (6,15), acidez titulável (0,04 g/100 mL), imunoglobulina G (30,95 g/L), lactose (não detectável), cor e presença de bactérias patogênicas, além da avaliação dos parâmetros de textura e da análise sensorial. O queijo fresco elaborado com colostro apresentou alto teor de umidade (67,98%) e baixo teor de gordura (7,00%). A porcentagem de proteína foi elevada (22,95%), sendo grande parte composta por imunoglobulinas. O teor de lactose do queijo fresco elaborado com colostro foi muito baixo para ser quantificado, indicando a possibilidade de desenvolvimento de novos produtos lácteos a partir de colostro para consumidores intolerantes à lactose. Além disso, o queijo apresentou elevada concentração de imunoglobulina G, que pode conferir a esse produto a propriedade de reforço imunológico. A análise sensorial mostrou que o processo de elaboração do queijo fresco com colostro deve ser aprimorado para aumentar a aceitação dos consumidores, principalmente no que se refere à textura.

SUMMARY Prosopis alba has high potential as forest material and important forage features for arid and semi-arid areas. Prosopis alba is commercially propagated by seeds, because of its rooting difficulties. Its cloning would allow to cultivate highly productive silvicultural materials in less time. The aim of this work was to analyze the lignification degree of P. alba cuttings and mini-cuttings and its relation with the rooting capability. The sprouts obtained from the garden and clonal mini-garden were rooted with different concentrations of IBA. Serial transversal sections of the sprouts were carried out before rooting induction and 40 days after this process to observe the lignification of these material and to relate them with rooted cuttings and mini-cuttings. Results show that mini-cuttings with greater juvenility and etiolation degree presented lower lignification degree and reached higher rooting percentages (99.6%) with respect to cuttings (7.6%). Mini-cutting and etiolation techniques are promising for the vegetative propagation of P. alba and other native species with difficult rooting.

RESUMEN Prosopis alba posee potencial para la producción forestal y forrajera, destacándose su utilización en zonas áridas y semi-áridas. La especie, considerada de difícil enraizamiento, se propaga comercialmente mediante semillas. Su clonación permitiría cultivar materiales de interés silvícola altamente productivos y en un menor tiempo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el grado de lignificación de estacas y miniestacas de P. alba y su relación con su capacidad de enraizamiento. Los brotes obtenidos del jardín y minijardín clonal fueron inducidos al enraizamiento con diferentes concentraciones de IBA. Se realizaron cortes anatómicos de los brotes, previo a la inducción del enraizamiento y 40 días posteriores al mismo para observar la lignificación de estos materiales y relacionarlos con estacas y miniestacas enraizadas. Las miniestacas con mayor grado de juvenilidad y de etiolación presentaron menor grado de lignificación y lograron mayores porcentajes de enraizamiento (99,6%) con respecto a las estacas (7,6%). Se observó que la utilización de la técnica de miniestacas asociada a la de etiolación son promisoras para la propagación vegetativa de P. alba y posiblemente de otras especies nativas de difícil enraizamiento.

Abstract Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have received great interest in recent decades. However, PGPB mechanisms remain poorly understood in forage species. We aimed to evaluate roots endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria strains from Brachiaria humidicola and Brachiaria decumbens. The strains were evaluated for biological nitrogen-fixing in saline stress (0 to 10.0 g L-1 of NaCl), N-acyl homoserine lactones and indole-like compounds (ILC) production, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes, and inorganic phosphate solubilization (IPS) under different C sources. The diversity of strains was assessed by BOX-PCR. About 58% of strains were positive for BNF. High salinity levels reduced the growth and BNF. About 58% produced N-acyl homoserine lactones. The ILC was present in 39% of strains. Cellulase, polygalacturonase, pectate lyase, and amylase production were observed in 77, 14, 22, and 25% of strains, respectively. The IPS was observed in 44, 81, and 87% of isolates when glucose, mannitol and sucrose were used, respectively. Comparing two plant species and niches, the strains associated with B. humidicola and root endophytic presented more PGPB mechanisms than others. We found high strain diversity, of which 64% showed similarity lower than 70%. These results can be supporting the bioproducts development to increase forage grasses production in tropical soils.

Resumo Synadenium grantii é uma planta Euphorbiaceae comumente encontrada no Brasil, conhecida como Janaúba ou Leitosinha, e tem seu látex usado tradicionalmente para diferentes propósitos. Entretanto, não se conhece se a atividade nematicida da planta ocorre devido à ação de proteases. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a atividade nematicida das proteases do látex de Synadenium grantii sobre Meloidogyne incognita e Panagrellus redivivus. O látex de S. grantii utilizado no presente trabalho foi coletado a partir de espécimes encontradas na Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. O látex foi coletado em microtubos Eppendorf e imediatamente armazenado em gelo a 4 °C. Após esta extração, o látex foi congelado (-20 °C) durante 2 horas, descongelado à temperatura ambiente (25 °C) e centrifugado a 10000 g a 4 °C durante 30 minutos para a remoção de partículas e concentração das proteases. Após a centrifugação, foram realizados ensaios de atividade enzimática para saber em qual das fases as enzimas foram encontradas. O látex de S. grantii apresentou atividade de protease, mas nenhuma atividade de quitinase. Os resultados mostram que houve diferença significativa (p <0,01) entre os grupos tratados e controle, com 100% de mortalidade de Meloidogyne incognita e 72% de mortalidade média de Panagrellus redivivus. Além disso, foi demonstrado que a ação nematicida ocorreu devido à ação das proteases, uma vez que o grupo controle só foi diferenciado do tratamento pela presença das enzimas com atividade biológica.

Abstract Synadenium grantii is a Euphorbiaceae plant commonly found in Brazil, known as Janaúba or Leitosinha, whose latex is traditionally used for several purposes. However, it is not known whether the nematicidal action of this plant latex occurs due to the action of proteases. The present work aims to evaluate the nematicidal activity of proteases from Synadenium grantii latex on Meloidogyne incognita and Panagrellus redivivus. S. grantii latex used in the present study was collected from specimens found in Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The drained latex was collected in Eppendorf microtubes and immediately stored on ice at 4 °C. After this extraction, the latex was frozen (-20 °C) during 2 hours, thawed at room temperature (25 °C) and centrifuged at 10,000 g at 4 °C for 30 minutes to remove larger particles and concentrate the proteases. After the centrifugation, assays of enzymatic activity were performed in order to know in which of the phases the enzymes were found. S. grantii latex presented protease, but no chitinase activity. The results show that there was a significant difference (p <0.01) between the treated and control groups, with 100% mortality of Meloidogyne incognita and 72% average mortality of Panagrellus redivivus. In addition, it was demonstrated that the nematicidal action occurred due to the action of the proteases, since the control was only differentiated from the treatment by the presence of the enzymes with biological activity.

Resumo O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana, antioxidante, a toxicidade e a prospecção fitoquímica da Própolis Vermelha de Alagoas. A atividade antimicrobiana foi avaliada pelo método de difusão em disco. A determinação do potencial antioxidante foi realizada utilizando o método de DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil), FTC (Tiocianato Férrico) e determinação de compostos fenólicos pelo método de Follin. A toxicidade foi realizada pelo método de Artemia salina e a citotoxicidade pelo método do MTT. Foi realizada a prospecção fitoquímica para a pesquisa de aleloquímicos. O extrato etanólico da própolis vermelha de Alagoas apresentou resultados significantes para atividade antimicrobiana, tendo a atividade inibitória para Staphylococcus aureus e Candida krusei. Quanto a atividade antioxidante o método de FTC teve 80% a 108,3% de sequestro de peróxido de hidrogênio, o método de DPPH apresentou um CE50 de 3,97 μg/mL, o teor de compostos fenólicos totais foi determinado mediante curva de calibração do ácido gálico, tendo resultado de 0,0005 mg/100 g equivalente de ácido gálico. O extrato foi atóxico pelo método de A. salina. O extrato da própolis mostrou elevada atividade com percentual de inibição maior que 75% sobre células tumorais OVCAR-8, SF-295 e HCT116. Foram observados constituintes químicos como flavononas, xantonas, flavonóis, Chalconas e Auronas, Catequinas e Leucoantocianidinas. Conclui-se que o extrato testado pode ser considerado é uma fonte potencial de metabólitos bioativos.

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, toxicity and phytochemical screening of the Red Propolis Alagoas. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disk diffusion method. Determination of antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH assay (1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FTC (ferric thiocyanate) and determination of phenolic compounds by Follin method. Toxicity was performed by the method of Artemia salina and cytotoxicity by MTT method. The phytochemical screening for the detection of allelochemicals was performed. The ethanol extract of propolis of Alagoas showed significant results for antimicrobial activity, and inhibitory activity for Staphylococcus aureus and Candida krusei. The antioxidant activity of the FTC method was 80% to 108.3% hydrogen peroxide kidnapping, the DPPH method showed an EC50 3.97 mg/mL, the content of total phenolic compounds was determined by calibration curve gallic acid, resulting from 0.0005 mg/100 g of gallic acid equivalent. The extract was non-toxic by A. salina method. The propolis extract showed high activity with a higher percentage than 75% inhibition of tumor cells OVCAR-8, SF-295 and HCT116. Chemical constituents were observed as flavonones, xanthones, flavonols, and Chalcones Auronas, Catechins and leucoanthocyanidins. It is concluded that the extract can be tested is considered a potential source of bioactive metabolites.

Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. (Lecythidaceae) is a South American tree worldwide known for providing the Brazil nuts. In the Amazon Region, B. excelsa is found in monocultures, integrating agroforestries and providing raw materials for food and timber industries. Through the application of an integrative analysis based on high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, the present study showed that B. excelsa bark biomass residues contain large quantities of ellagic acid (EA) and its derivatives. Qualitatively, five compounds were characterized for the first time in this species. Quantitations were carried out to determine the total amount of these compounds in outer and inner bark tissues. A total of 4.96 and 44.09 g of EA derivatives per kg of dry residues was determined for the outer and inner barks, respectively. Among the EA derivatives, eschweilenol C, ellagic acid and valoneic acid dilactone were the main compounds. These results pointed B. excelsa barks as a valuable biomass residue with potential to be source of health-promoting compounds. Therefore, a potential raw material as source of valuable bioactive phenolic compounds is described herein.

A continuous-flow process at atmospheric pressure was designed for the conversion of glycerol to solketal, an oxygenated fuel additive, through the acid-catalyzed reaction of glycerol with acetone. Process optimization was performed by checking the influence of different variables on the conversion and selectivity. The variables examined were: residence time (12, 24, 60 and 120 min), catalyst type (Amberlyst-15 and K-10 Montmorillonite), catalyst loading (7, 3, and 1 g), reaction temperature (50, 40 and 30 ºC), molar ratio of the reactants (1:2, 1:5, 1:10, 1:15 and 1:20) and solvent used to homogenize the system (dimethylsulfoxide or dimethylformamide). The highest conversion (92%) was observed with 7.0 g of Amberlyst-15, reaction temperature of 50 °C, molar ratio of glycerol to acetone of 1:20 and dimethylformamide as solvent. In all cases, solketal isomers (five and six-membered ring ketals) were the only product observed. The results of solketal formation of this study, carried out at atmospheric pressure, were similar to other studies with pressures of up to 120 bar. The utilization of higher catalyst loading and molar ratio of reactants compensate the use of atmospheric pressure to achieve high conversion levels and selectivity to the desired product

The carbon source is the most expensive nutrient for Spirulina production; effluents from anaerobic digestion contain this nutrient in the form of HCO3-. The aim of this study was to assess the growth kinetics, composition and fatty acid profile of Spirulina sp. LEB-18 grown in standard Zarrouk medium (NaHCO3 16.8 g L-1) and in Zarrouk medium replaced with 20% (v/v) effluent with reduced concentrations of NaHCO3 (5.3 and 2.8 g L-1). The use of effluent and lower concentrations of HCO3 was found to be an alternative to reduce the costs of Spirulina production, because there were no significant differences in growth parameters (µmax 0.324 - 0.354 d-1; Pmax 0.280 - 0.297 g L-1 d-1), in the different culture medium used. Lipids ranged between 4.9 and 5.0%; the media with effluent had higher levels of linoleic acid compared to the standard medium.