Waldir Nagel Schirmer

Bio: Waldir Nagel Schirmer is an academic researcher from Midwestern State University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Biogas & Gasoline. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 40 publications receiving 262 citations. Previous affiliations of Waldir Nagel Schirmer include Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Treatment of paper and pulp wastewater and removal of odorous compounds by a Fenton-like process at the pilot scale

Abstract: A Fenton-like process, involving oxidation and coagulation, was evaluated for the removal of odorous compounds and treatment of a pulp and paper wastewater. The main parameters that govern the complex reactive system [pH and Fe(III) and hydrogen peroxide concentrations] were studied. Concentrations of Fe(III) between 100 and 1000 mg L−1 and of H2O2 between 0 and 2000 mg L−1 were chosen. The main mechanism for color removal was coagulation. The maximum COD, color and aromatic compound removals were 75, 98 and 95%, respectively, under optimal operating conditions ([Fe(III)] = 400 mg L−1; [H2O2] = 500–1000 mg L−1; pH = 2.5; followed by coagulation at pH 5.0). The biodegradability of the wastewater treated increased from 0.4 to 0.7 under optimal conditions and no residual hydrogen peroxide was found after treatment. However, partially or non-oxidized compounds present in the treated wastewater presented higher acute toxicity to Artemia salina than the untreated wastewater. Based on the optimum conditions, pilot-scale experiments were conducted and revealed a high efficiency in relation to the mineralization of organic compounds. Terpenes [(1S)-α-pinene, β-pinene, (1R)-α-pinene and limonene] were identified in the wastewater and were completely eliminated by the Fenton-like treatment. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

Air pollution in internal environments and sick building syndrome

Abstract: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) emerged as a science from the 1970s onwards with the energy crisis and the subsequent construction of sealed buildings (without natural ventilation). This mainly occurred in developed countries and it soon came to public attention that lower levels of air exchange in these environments was the main culprit for the increase in concentration of indoor air pollutants. It is common knowledge that ventilation is one of the principal factors that interfere with air quality in indoor environments and that the occupants contribute to the pollution of these environments with their activities. Furthermore, poor indoor air quality is associated with some diseases (cough, rhinitis, allergy, etc.) and with Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). For sampling of the indoor contaminants there are several methodologies, available including passive monitoring systems, active and automatic systems. To ensure a healthy indoor environment, the application of specific legislation needs to be reconciled with research and fostering awareness among the occupants of such buildings. This survey seeks to identify the different contaminants found in internal environments, their effects on human health and the methodologies available for sampling them.

Qualidade do ar em ambientes internos hospitalares: estudo de caso e análise crítica dos padrões atuais

Abstract: The objective of this paper was to evaluate the air quality in three indoor hospital environments: a neonatal intensive care unit (ICU), an adult ICU and a surgical ward of a hospital in Florianopolis, Brazil. Carbon dioxide concentrations, exchange air flow rates as well as fungi and bacteria concentrations were measured in these rooms. Bioaerosol concentrations were evaluated throughout one-work day for each operating room. No relationship was observed between bioaerosol concentration and the period of use in the surgical ward. Average bioaerosol concentrations were of 231 UFC.m-3 for filamentous fungi and 187 UFC.m-3 for bacteria. All environments evaluated were, overall, in compliance with current legislations. Results allowed a critical review of the present regulations and suggestions for the establishment of a specific regulation for hospital environments in Brazil.

A review on Fenton-like processes for organic wastewater treatment

Abstract: Fenton-like processes have been studied widely in recent years and are considered promising for organic wastewater treatment. Due to the demand for high efficiency wastewater treatment, a summary of the study status of Fenton-like processes is necessary to develop a novel and high efficiency organic wastewater treatment method. In this review, some important effect parameters (pH, H2O2 dosage, catalyst dosage, temperature) in hetero-/homo-geneous Fenton-like processes are discussed, and then the physical field/phenomenon-assisted hetero-/homo-geneous Fenton-like processes are presented. After that, catalyst types and the evaluation of wastewater treatment costs for various Fenton-like processes are summarized and discussed. Finally, possible future research directions and some guidelines for Fenton-like processes are given.

An overview of the application of Fenton oxidation to industrial wastewaters treatment

Abstract: This review provides updated information on the application of the Fenton process as an advanced oxidation method for the treatment of industrial wastewaters. This technology has been used in recent decades as a chemical oxidation process addressed to meet a variety of objectives including final polishing, reduction of high percentages of organic load in terms of chemical oxygen demand or total organic carbon and removal of recalcitrant and toxic pollutants thus allowing for further conventional biological treatment. The efficiency and flexibility of this technology has been proven with a wide diversity of effluents from chemical and other related industries or activities, including pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, textile, food, cork processing, and landfilling among others.

The application of advanced oxidation technologies to the treatment of effluents from the pulp and paper industry: a review.

Abstract: Paper industry is adopting zero liquid effluent technologies to reduce fresh water use and meet environmental regulations, which implies water circuits closure and the progressive accumulation of pollutants that must be removed before water re-use and final wastewater discharge. The traditional water treatment technologies that are used in paper mills (such as dissolve air flotation or biological treatment) are not able to remove recalcitrant contaminants. Therefore, advanced water treatment technologies, such as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), are being included in industrial wastewater treatment chains aiming to either improve water biodegradability or its final quality. A deep review of the current state of the art regarding the use of AOPs for the treatment of the organic load of effluents from the paper industry is herein addressed considering mature and emerging treatments for a sustainable water use in this sector. Wastewater composition, which is highly dependent of the raw materials being used in the mills, the selected AOP itself, and its combination with other technologies, will determine the viability of the treatment. In general, all AOPs have been reported to achieve good organics removal efficiencies (COD removal >40%; and about an extra 20% if AOPs are combined with biological stages). Particularly, ozonation has been the most extensively reported and successfully implemented AOP at an industrial scale for effluent treatment or reuse within pulp and paper mills; although Fenton processes (photo-Fenton particularly) have actually addressed better oxidative results (COD removal ≈65-75%) at lab scale, but still need further development at large scale.