Brazil has one of the largest herds of cattle in the world, with more than 170 million heads. Over 400 farms have exported more than 2,875 ton (in 1997) of leather to Europe. The wet blue tanning process uses chemicals such as chromium compounds and produces liquid wastes that must be treated by physicochemical and biological systems. About 15,000 ton per month of dewatering sludge with 24% solids content is disposed of into landfills. During the process, pre-tanned skins (wet blue leather) are shaved to the desired thickness and the shavings, like sludge, are among the wastes that must have special attention. The organic content and chromium concentration are high. About 12% of the leather production from cattle hides are shavings, and its chromium concentration ranges from 3.5 to 5.5% of dry matter. The Environmentally friendly leather project, a co-operation between Brazilian and German tanneries, universities and technical schools, is looking for process optimisation, waste minimisation and adequate treatment for solid and liquid wastes from the leather industry. This work presents results of Low Temperature Conversion of chrome-containing sludge and shavings in a laboratory batch reactor, offering a solution for these hazardous wastes, recovering the energy content and transforming metals in insoluble sulphides.

Low Temperature Conversion of corncob, a very common waste material from Brazilian plantations, was accomplished. The qualitative composition of the oily phase obtained in the process was analyzed by GC/MS. This phase was determined to be basically constituted by phenols, which suggests that the oil may have been originated in the decomposition of lignin present in the sample. GC/MS technique was also used to analyze the organic extracts, which were derived from the sequential extraction of the sample taken before the conversion.

Sterols, triterpene alcohols, and hydrocarbons present in the unsaponifiable fraction of some underutilized tropical seed oils have been examined. The seeds include Telfairia occidentalis (TLO), Andenopus breviflorus (ADB), Cucumeropsis edulis (CME), Antiaris africana (ATF), and Monodora tenuifolia (MNT). The oil content of the seeds was high (34.7-68.8%), whereas triacylglycerols comprised the dominant lipid group in the oils (65.4-73.9%). The percentage of unsaponifiables ranged from 1.1 to 7.9%. Ten sterols were identified in the fractions. In the Cucurbitaceae oils (TLO, CME, and ADB), Delta(7)-sterols constituted the dominant sterols. These include 24-ethylcholesta-7,22E,25-trienol (7), 24-ethylcholesta-7,25-dienol (9), 24Z-ethylidenecholes-7-enol (10), and 24-ethylcholesta-7, 24-dienol (11). However Delta(5)-sterols (1-5) occurred at the highest concentration in the other two samples (ATF and MNT). Fifteeen triterpene alcohols were detected in the fractions. Olean-12-enol (16), isomultiflorenol (8), and lupeol (23) were the dominant alcohols in the Cucurbitaceae family, whereas alpha-amyrin (urs-12-enol) (20) was the dominant triterpene alcohol in ATF and MNT. A mixture of C(18)-C(34) n-alkanes, squalene, and some monoterpenes was detected in the hydrocarbon fraction.

Low temperature conversion of sewage sludge from a beverage factory at 380 °C and atmospheric pressure produced oil, water, gas and char. The oil was separated by unsaponifiable matter, saponification reaction and fractionation on a silica column using a mobile phase with increasing polarity. GC/MS analysis was used to identify fatty acids (C 4 - C 26 ) and hydrocarbons (C 14 - C 20 ) as the main components in oil and oil fractions.

Three Brazilian municipal and industrial sludges were subjected to the Low Temperature Conversion (LTC) process. They include activated, digested and lacquer sludges. The activated sludge recorded the highest yield of LTC oil (31.4%), followed by lacquer sludge (14.0%) and the digested sludge 11%. 1H-NMR studies of the oils indicated that they consisted mainly of aliphatic and olefinic compounds, while the concentration of aromatics was below 2.5%. The major hydrocarbons in the oils were pentadecane and heptadecane. The distribution pattern of hydrocarbons present in the oils was similar to what is known from the conversion of other sludges. In addition the LTC oil from activated sludge contained 26% fatty acids, while the oils from digested and lacquer sludge contained only about 3% fatty acids. Recovery studies on the fate of heavy metals in the sludges indicated that they were accumulated in the char. Partial gasification studies of the LTC chars resulted in active carbons with quite low iodine and methylene blue numbers. However, even if their use is limited the production of active carbon together with the recovery of LTC oil constitutes a complete disposal of the sludges.

Chemie Ingenieur TechnikVolume 71, Issue 6 p. 633-637 Wissenschaftliche Kurzmitteilungen Niedertemperaturkonvertierung von Klärschlamm mit Rückstandsvergasung Dr. Harald Lutz, Dr. Harald Lutz Universität Tübingen, Institut für Organische Chemie, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, D-72076 TübingenSearch for more papers by this authorDr. Mohammed Kutubuddin, Dr. Mohammed Kutubuddin Universität Tübingen, Institut für Organische Chemie, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, D-72076 TübingenSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Ernst Bayer, Prof. Dr. Ernst Bayer [email protected] Universität Tübingen, Institut für Organische Chemie, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, D-72076 TübingenSearch for more papers by this author Dr. Harald Lutz, Dr. Harald Lutz Universität Tübingen, Institut für Organische Chemie, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, D-72076 TübingenSearch for more papers by this authorDr. Mohammed Kutubuddin, Dr. Mohammed Kutubuddin Universität Tübingen, Institut für Organische Chemie, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, D-72076 TübingenSearch for more papers by this authorProf. Dr. Ernst Bayer, Prof. Dr. Ernst Bayer [email protected] Universität Tübingen, Institut für Organische Chemie, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, D-72076 TübingenSearch for more papers by this author First published: 03 February 2004 https://doi.org/10.1002/cite.330710618Citations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Literatur 1 LAHL, U. Umwelt Spezial, Oktober (1994) V19/24. 2 BLUME, H. Umwelt 96 (1996) S. 92/100. 3 MEEREIS, J.; HARTMANN, A. Müll und Abfall 12 (1994) S. 808/815. 4 SCHULLER, D.; BRAT, B. Chem.-Ing.-Tech. 65 (1993) 4, S. 401/409. 5 LEE, K. M. Proc. Water Environ. Fed. Annu. Conf. Expo. 67 (1994) 3, S. 481/492. 6 REDEPENNING, K. H. VDI-Bildungswerk GmbH – VEBA OEL, Mai 1994. 7 TA Abfall 3, Allg. Verwaltungsvorschrift zum Abfallgesetz, 1993. 8 BAYER, E., KUTUBUDDIN, M. Bild der Wissenschaft 9 (1981) S. 69/77. 9 BAYER, E. Eur. Pat. EP 52334, 26. Mai 1982. 10 BAYER, E.; KUTUBUDDIN, M. Preprints GVC-Konf., Baden-Baden 1984, S. 141/156. 11 BAYER, E.; KUTUBUDDIN, M. in: BRIDGWATER, A. V., KUESTER, J. L. (Eds.), Elsevier Appl. Science (1988) S. 518/530. 12 CAMPBELL, H.; MARTINOLI, D. Water Env. Technol. 3 (1991) S. 64. 13 LUTZ, H.; ROMEIRO, G. A.; DAMASCENO, R. N.; KUTUBUDDIN, M.; BAYER, E. Biores. Techn., submitted 1998. 14 BAYER, E.; KUTUBUDDIN, M. Umwelt 94 (1994) S. 152/157. 15 BRIDLE, T. R.; HERTLE, C. K. Water 15 (1988) 3, S. 32/36. 16 STENAU, T. Inforschrift Entsorga, Essen 1988. 17 BAYER, E.; KUTUBUDDIN, M. Jahrbuch Wasserversorgungs- und Abwassertechnik (1985/86) S. 563/567. 18 SKRYPSKI-MÄNTELE, S.; HERTLE, C. K.; BRIDLE, T. R., Proc. 66th WEF Conf., Anaheim, Calif., 1993. 19 Klärschlammverordnung vom 25. Juni 1982, S. 1/9. 20 JÜNTGEN, H.; VAN HEEK, K. H. Kohlevergasung – Grundlagen und die technische Anwendung, Karl Thiemig, München 1981. 21 WICKE, E.; ROSSBERG, M. Z. Electrochem. 57 (1953) 8, S. 641. 22 BRIDLE, T. R.; HAMMERTON, I.; HERTLE, C. K. IAWPCR Sludge Management Conf., LA, 1990. Citing Literature Volume71, Issue6June 1999Pages 633-637 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Fast atom bombardment (FAB) and field desorption (FD) were used, as an option to analyse oil from LTC. Twelve samples, which originated from industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants as well as from agricultural wastes and seeds were used. The results obtained were compared with GC/MS data. They show the possibility to identify both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, C-14 to C-20.

This work reports the low temperature conversion (LTC) of the most important sugar-cane by-products, i.e., sugar-cane bagasse, filter mud, molasses and alcohol sludge, into oil, char, reaction water and non-condensable gases. The oil was analysed for fatty acids and hydrocarbons. Active carbon was produced from the char and was characterized subsequently.Filter mud gave the highest yield of LTC oil (20.6%), while other samples recorded yields lower than 6%. The heating values of the oils were between 24.5 kJ g(-1) and 35.6 kJ g(-1). Thermogravimetric studies of the LTC oil from filter mud indicated that 99% was vapourized at temperatures below 450 degrees C. Varying concentrations of C-8-C-30 hydrocarbons were detected in the oil. The distribution pattern of hydrocarbons, however, was unusual compared to typical oils from LTC.The yields of LTC chars were between 35.4% and 77.6%. These chars have been activated and the conditions were optimized. Active carbon from bagasse recorded a high iodine and methylene blue number (1180 mg g(-1) and 275 mg g(-1) respectively). The BET surface is also very high (1035 m(2) g(-1)) and consists of a large proportion of micro- and mesopores. Active carbons produced from the other samples however exhibited also fairly high iodine, methylene blue and BET values. These results are discussed comparatively and the potential of the wastes is outlined. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

The seeds of Telfairia occidentalis have been subjected to standard chemical analysis to evaluate their properties. Proximate analysis indicated a low moisture content (6.30 ± 0.50%). The ash content was slightly higher than the range recommended for compounding of animal feed (3.44 ± 0.06%). The carbohydrate content was low (16.5 ± 0.12%). Starch, however, constituted the dominant carbohydrate (62.5 ± 0.48), while three sugars, glucose, fructose and sucrose were detected in the seed. The crude protein in the seed was high (16.0 ± 0.03%), a value which compared favourably with high protein seeds and nuts. In all, 16 amino acids were detected in the protein. Glutamic acid showed the highest concentration (16.4g 100g−1), while lysine showed the lowest (2.6g 100g−1). The brown oil extracted from the seed (yield 48.6 ± 0.94) had the following physicochemical properties; acid value, 3.05 ± 0.80g, saponification value 166 ± 1.34mg/KOH g−1, free fatty acids, 0.3g and peroxide value 3.02 ± 0.07mg Eq kg−1. The iodine value (80.1 ± 0.10)g 100g−1 indicated a preponderance of unsaturated fatty acid. Four fatty acids were detected whilst unsaturated acids constituted 61.3g. Triglyceride was the dominant lipid species while hydrocarbons, waxes, sterols and sterol esters and higher alcohols, were detected in the unsaponifable matter. Results of nutritionally valuable mineral elements indicated that potassium occurred at the highest concentration.

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of a new polystyrene-based graft copolymer. By immobilization of transition metal complexes it shows high potential for selective heterogeneous hydrogenation under outstanding mild conditions. Here, a branched poly(ethylene imine) with average Mr around 3×104 was used to be grafted on acetylated polystyrene beads. 13C solid state NMR investigations demonstrate a high mobility and flexibility of the chains of this spacer due to branching as compared to, e.g., linear poly(ethylene glycol) with Mr around 3000.

Der Beitrag befaßt sich mit einer Verwertungsmöglichkeit von gemischten Kunststoffabfällen. Dabei wird die Eignung der Niedertemperaturkonvertierung zur Rohstoffrückgewinnung aus Automobilkunststoffen untersucht. Die aus dem Verfahren erhaltenen Produkte Öl und Kohle zeigen eine gute Verwertbarkeit der Ausgangsstoffe an.

Activated carbons produced from Low Temperature Conversion chars of various wastes were subjected to a number of adsorption tests (methylene blue, iodine, COD- and humic acid adsorption, hexane and tetrachloromethane adsorption) in order to compare their adsorption properties with commercial samples. Together with the characterization of the inorganic components and water-solubles, these data permit an approximate estimation of their ecological impact and possible fields of application.

Activated carbons are produced by Low Temperature Conversion of various wastes (sewage sludges, municipal refuse, plastics, agricultural biomass) to oil and char, and subsequent partial gasification of the char. The pore structure of the activated carbon samples, determined by nitrogen adsorption, depends upon the type of raw material converted. Activated carbons from sludges and some oil seeds show high mesoporosity whereas carbons from municipal and car plastic waste are predominantly microporous.

Olive oil and tea seed oil were hydrogenated with a Ni-catalyst bound to polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The investigation of the fatty acid and triglyceride components by GC, GC-MS, HPLC and HPLC-MS (stop-flow) shows that the PVP-Ni-catalyst yields low concentrations of the trans-isomers while possessing high selectivity toward triglycerides. A model is proposed to explain this selectivity.

The recommended urgent surgical management of ocular motility restriction due to orbital muscle entrapment or impingement associated with orbital wall fracture needs to be elucidated.To evaluate the importance of the time from injury to surgery for the outcome in ocular motility and diplopia, the time lapse of ocular motility, diplopia and hypesthesia recovery.Patients with entrapment or impingement of orbital contents due to orbital wall fracture were followed up prospectively over 1 year regarding ocular motility, diplopia, hypesthesia and cosmetic deformity.21 patients (10 entrapments and 11 impingements) were included and treated surgically. The median time from injury to surgery was 36 (8–413) h for the entrapment group and 168 (48–326) h for the impingement group. The median time from study inclusion to surgery was 0 (0–1) days for the entrapment group and 1.0 (0.2–4.8) days for the impingement group. All the patients had ocular motility limitation and diplopia at the inclusion. Ocular motility improved gradually and was normal at final visit. Diplopia resolved gradually in all patients except in two with non-disturbing diplopia, at the final visit. Forced duction test was positive in 90% of the patients in the entrapment group and 70% in impingement group. At final visit, hypesthesia was found in none of the patients in the entrapment group but in 4 patients in the impingement group.In this, the first prospective long term follow up of orbital wall fractures with ocular motility restriction, we did not find any significant correlation between the time from injury to surgery and the outcomes in ocular motility and diplopia. An entrapment requires surgery as soon as possible; however, the surgical reduction is at least as important as surgical timing. Surgery should be delayed until it can be performed by an experienced surgeon. Ocular motility restriction causing diplopia due to impingement is not an ophthalmologic emergency and surgery is recommended if the diplopia and ocular motility has not improved over time. Clinical examination of ocular motility and not CT scan findings is crucial to determine whether a limitation of ocular motility exists or not.