In line with global demand for greenhouse gas reduction, the aviation industry has invested in biofuels development. A source feedstock that deserves special mention for this process is microalgae, because of its cultivation of renewable biomass with high yields, low cost, and high CO2 sequestering potential. This research aimed the study of microalgae culture with hard potential for biofuel production and its obtaining through catalytic deoxygenation to renewable source hydrocarbons in C12–C18 range. Thus, the oils of the Scenedesmus acuminatus and Cosmarium sp. species were cultivated and identified. Scenedesmus acuminatus oil is the majority composition of palmitic acid (C16:0) and has a higher production and yield than Cosmarium sp. oil. Scenedesmus acuminatus oil was then submitted to catalytic deoxygenation by the semi-batch reaction using the 5% Pd/C catalyst. The obtained results showed a selectivity of 82.9% and n-alkane yielding of 36.6%, placing the specie as potential biojet fuel precursor.

Microalgae has a great potential to produce biofuels and bioproduct but the cost is still too high mainly due to the biomass production. Mixotrophic cultivation has been pointed as microalgae cultivation mode for biomass/bioenergy production with lower cost and able to make remediation of organic waste. The proposals of this work was to make a review of microalgae growth under mixotrophic condition using agro-industrial waste. Agro-industrial by-products and wastes are of great interest as cultivation medium for microorganisms because of their low cost, renewable nature, and abundance. However biotechnological technologies are necessary to develop the production of microalgae on a large scale.

Alternative foods that could diminish traditional nutritional deficits in human populations through new processes and new materials have been investigated in numerous recent publications. Within this context, the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis has attracted a good deal of attention due to its high protein content and the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, salts, and vitamins. Seventy-five rural workers from the municipality of Frei Martinho, semiarid region of Paraíba State, Brazil. Participated in the present research that evaluated the acceptability of S. platensis as a food supplement. We evaluated their attitudes in terms of the possibility of cultivating that microalgae, if they would be open to dietary changes (innovative attitudes) or refractory to them (conservative attitudes), their attitudes towards possible artisanal cultivation of S. platensis, Laboratory cultures were prepared using synthetic media and the microalgae biomass was used for producing cakes, juices, and cookies; “in natura” or dried materials were also tested for acceptability, as well as their inclination to buy products based on Spirulina. The observed acceptability indices of were higher than expected (70%) for all of the attributes evaluated (appearance, odor, and texture) in three different presentations (“in natura”, dry, and incorporated into foods), except for the variable of odor in the “in natura” form (66.12%). In terms of intentions to buy, 88% of the interviewees confirmed that they would buy supplemented products if they were available. The attitude tests showed a consistent internal positive view of Spirulina, indicating that the agricultural workers tested were open to technological innovations.

Fish farming and aquaculture activities use large amount of feed and clean water and generate effluent that increases the environmental impact locally. The present work aims to study how an integrated biosystem to produce fish can be benefited with the microalgae biomass production. The benefites assessed were the reuse of the fish tank effluente as an alternative culture medium for microalgae growth and the use of the biomass produced as a source of protein supplementation for animal feed. Six microalgae species were evaluated. The effluent from the fish tank showed very low levels of nitrate and phosphate when compared to the synthetic media. The highest yield in terms of dry biomass was obtained with Arthrospiraplatensis (0.69 g/L), however the protein values obtained for Monoraphidium contortum (48.67%) and Golenkinia radiata (44.75%) were higher than the other species at the same growth conditions. In this context, the Nexus composed by Water, Energy and Food presents itself as a holistic approach to pursuing sustainable development feasible to evaluate the synergy and potential of biosystem integrated associated with microalgae biotechnology.

The potential of four regional microalgae species was evaluated in relation to their cell growth and biomass production when cultured in the following alternative media: bio-composts of fruit/horticultural wastes (HB), sugarcane waste and vinasse (VB) chicken excrements (BCE), raw chicken manure (RCM), and municipal domestic sewage (MDS). The cultures were maintained under controlled conditions and their growth responses, productivities, biochemical compositions, and the ester profiles of their biomasses were compared to the results obtained in the synthetic media. The MDS and HB media demonstrated promising results for cultivation, especially of Chlorella sp., Chlamydomonas sp., and Lagerheimia longiseta, which demonstrated productivities superior to those seen when grown on the control media. The highest lipid levels were obtained with the HB medium. The data obtained demonstrated the viability of cultivating microalgae and producing biomass in alternative media prepared from MDS and HB effluents to produce biodiesel.

The way the urbanization process and its complexity have been reaching the traditional artisanal fishing communities is contributing to generate a lack of interest of the artisanal fisherman for fishing and other activities related to the sea. Traditional communities are being pressured, influenced and are receiving opportunities for new economic activities related to the urban space. On the other hand, fishing in Paraiba has been historically marginalized by civil society, business and governments. The economic scene for the sector discourages fishermen to remain in this activity. The qualitative leap should result from an analysis that considers the complexity of this sector, which includes food safety. If it is seen as an economic activity that can be diversified, it tends to generate more jobs and income, ensuring the production of healthy protein, leisure and entertainment even in the condition of urban dwellers, because the activities that are related to the sea can be operated primarily by the residents of the traditional community considering that the process of urbanization should bring elements that will ensure the economic diversification and continued existence of the artisanal community. However, what is still observed is capital acting in a faster and planned way over the traditional community, pressuring its activities and discouraging the professional fisherman to continue in this profession and in related activities. In this context, objective with this text suggest possibilities for diversification and strengthening of economic activities related to the sea, including socially and economically artisanal fishermen and their families.

This work emerges from the need of analyzing the traditional communities of artisanal fishermen with other scientific eyes, more specifically on the coast of...

Changes in the pigmentation patterns of 70 randomly-selected colonies of Siderastrea stellata growing on coastal reefs at Cabo Branco, Paraiba State, Brazil, were examined using photographic records and visual inspections following Coral Health Chart criteria, between September/2008 and May/2009. Fragments of healthy colonies with different pigmentation patterns were collected monthly to analyze the zooxanthellae and other associated microsymbionts, and to identify the Symbiodinium clades. The highest percentages of colonies demonstrating color pattern alterations were observed in the summer and at the begining of the rainy season. Colonies showing color alterations demonstrated expressive losses of zooxanthellae (often up to 100%) and significant increases in zooxanthellae mitotic index. Molecular studies indicated that Siderastrea stellata contains clade C zooxanthellae. Healthy (tonalities C or D, and scores 5-6), moderate bleached (tonalities C or D, and scores 3-4), bleached (tonalities C or D, and scores 1-2), and pink colonies (tonality C, and scores 3-2) demonstrated wide diversity of associated symbionts, including foraminiferans, diatoms, cyanobacteria, worms (like nematodes), and microcrustaceans.

We investigated the Bucatu microbasin in order to characterize the structure and composition of its surrounding mangrove area by recording the main anthropic interferences on the vegetation. This study was performed along 10 plots (1000 m(2) in total), perpendicular to the estuarine canal. Deposition and accumulation of sediments on the plants root system were evaluated using auger holes and photographs. Four plant species, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. (White Mangrove), Rhizophora mangle L. (Red Mangrove), Conocarpus erectus L.(Silver-leaved Buttonwood), and Annona glabra L. (Pond-apple) were recorded. The structural parameters obtained were low, and a great number of dead plants were observed, most of them of the species L. racemosa. Sediment deposition rates of 10-15 cm were recorded. Silting in the mangrove area and alterations of water flow in the drainage basin of the Bucatu River were the main anthropic effects observed, exerting a high negative impact on the mangrove ecosystem we investigated.

Injuries caused by venomous animals reported by the agricultural workers from the municipality of Cuité, Curimataú region of Paraiba State, Northeast of Brazil, and the practices of folk medicine which they use to treat these cases were studied in this work from June to August 2010. The farmers studied aged from 11 to 90 years. The number of people who reported cases of injury by these animals in their families was high (89.3%). Scorpions, wasps, bees and snakes were the most cited and the extremities of the body (hands, feet, legs and head) were the most affected. The practice of folk medicine to treat these injuries includes various procedures ranging from ritualistic treatments, use of animals or parts of them, and some herbal preparations. The folk treatment was reported as effective by most of the workers injured (63.9%). Body parts of dead snakes are used in various zootherapic treatments. In the imaginary of the agricultural workers the venomous animals are considered hazardous (48.7%) or disgusting (11.3%), and several parts of such animals as the rattle, bee sting or snake leather are used as amulet. Several legends have also been reported about snakes, scorpions and bees. The need for educational activities that aim to clarify these workers about the dangers of such practices is urgent.

Injuries caused by venomous animals reported by the agricultural workers from the munici-pality of Cuite, Curimatau region of Paraiba State, Northeast of Brazil, and the practices of folk medicine which they use to treat these cases were studied in this work from June to August 2010. The farmers studied aged from 11 to 90 years. The number of people who reported cases of injury by these animals in their families was high (89.3%). Scorpions, wasps, bees and snakes were the most cited and the extremities of the body (hands, feet, legs and head) were the most affected. The practice of folk medicine to treat these inju-ries includes various procedures ranging from ritualistic treatments, use of animals or parts of them, and some herbal preparations. The folk treatment was reported as effective by most of the workers injured (63.9%). Body parts of dead snakes are used in various zoo-therapic treatments. In the imaginary of the agricultural workers the venomous animals are considered hazardous (48.7%) or disgusting (11.3%), and several parts of such animals as the rattle, bee sting or snake leather are used as amulet. Several legends have also been reported about snakes, scorpions and bees. The need for educational activities that aim to clarify these workers about the dangers of such practices is urgent.

This paper is a reflection about the relationship between man and nature in coastal areas where use and land cover is dominated by the tourism and the artisanal fishery is the main traditional activity. Our case study was the coastal plain of Lucena municipality, Paraiba State, in northeastern Brazil. The geographical location, environmental and cultural resources of this region have attracted diverse interests in claim

O propósito deste trabalho foi estudar a relação entre homem e natureza na zona costeira do município de Lucena, Paraíba, nordeste do Brasil, onde o turismo é a principal forma de uso e ocupação do solo e a pesca artesanal a principal atividade tradicional.A localização geográfica e os recursos ambientais e culturais da região têm atraído interesses diversos que ocasionaram diferentes tipos de impactos ambientais e sociais.Esses impactos foram identificados através de observações diretas, por meio de questionários semi-estruturados, e entrevistas livres aplicados a 130 moradores locais, a maioria sendo pescadores.Adicionalmente foram feitas visitas à área para checar todas as informações coligidas.O Processo Analítico Hierárquico (PAH), aplicado com base nas respostas dos entrevistados, foi usado para identificar as principais ações para melhorar a situação social e ambiental da área.Os dados mostraram que o critério C2 (Preservação e valorização do patrimônio ambiental e humano) responde com cerca de 70% das ações que são necessárias para melhorar as condições ambientais e sociais da área, e que as alternativas A2 (Melhoria das infra-estruturas urbanas básicas) e A3 (Valorização das potencialidades locais) representaram respectivamente 28% e 19% de todas as ações que podem garantir o sucesso desse critério.

MICROSSIMBIONTES DE Siderastrea stellata (CNIDARIA, SCLERACTINIA) NOS RECIFES COSTEIROS DE CABO BRANCO, PARAÍBA, NORDESTE DO BRASIL Análises microscópicas dos organismos epibiontes (efetuadas em água de lavagem das colônias) e endobiontes (presentes nos tecidos dos corais) foram realizadas em colônias branqueadas e sadias do coral Siderastrea stellata. Estas colônias foram coletadas em junho e julho de 2003, nos recifes costeiros do Cabo Branco, Nordeste do Brasil. Foi registrado a presença de zooxantelas, diatomáceas, cianobactérias, protozoários, vermes e microcrustáceos. A maior diversidade taxonômica ocorreu nas amostras resultantes da lavagem das colônias sadias. Desenhos e fotomicrografias de alguns dos representantes identificados são apresentados. Palavras chaves: Siderastrea stellata; Endossimbiose; Corais escleractínios; Brasil

The seasonal dynamics of cell density and photosynthetic pigment contents of the zooxanthellae hosted by Montastrea cavernosa were investigated on coastal reefs off Picãozinho (06º42'05"/07º07'30"S and 34º48'37"/34º50'00" W), Northeast Brazil between September 1999 and 2000. A distinct pattern of these parameters was found: cell numbers were greater during the rainy season (autumn/winter) while photosynthetic pigments were greater during the dry season (summer). Both parameters showed drastic reductions during heavy rains (June and July 1999). We speculate that this pattern is largely influenced by the rain cycles which, owing to their magnitude and frequency, affect the water clarity and the seasonal physiological condition of the cells.

O sistema lagunar de Intermares (07º 02’ 52’’ e 07º 06’ 02’’ S e 34º 49’ 10’’ e 34º 51’ 34’’ W) foi estudado, visando caracterizar a estrutura e a composição do manguezal que o margeia e, ao mesmo tempo, caracterizar as principais interferências antrópicas na área. Os impactos antrópicos foram catalogados mediante a elaboração de uma matriz descritiva. Os estudos no manguezal foram conduzidos em 3 transecções, respectivamente localizadas próximo a desembocadura (T1, 800 m2 ), na porção mediana do sistema lagunar (T2, 1000 m2 ) e na porção superior (T3, 500 m2 ), entre os meses de maio de 1996 e janeiro 1997. Amostras para a análise da composição florística foram obtidas tanto no manguezal como na zona de transição com a restinga. Foram identificadas 13 espécies vegetais na área estudada, 7 das quais no interior do manguezal, 3 na zona de transição e 3 comuns às duas áreas. Rhizophora mangle e Laguncularia racemosa foram as únicas espécies típicas de manguezais. A última predominou, quantitativamente. Conocarpus erecta também esteve presente na área, porém em baixas densidades. Annona glabra, Dalbergia ecastophyllum, Sophora tomentosa e Acrostichum aureum também foram encontradas no manguezal. As transecções T1 e T2 apresentaram os menores valores estruturais, em decorrência, principalmente, do elevado número de cortes (até 1576,2 cortes/0,1 ha e até 75 cortes/árvore em T1). A terceira transecção mostrou-se mais preservada, com menor número de cortes e valores estruturais mais expressivos. O DAP médio variou de 3,6 a 7,2 cm, a altura média de 2,9 a 7,3 m e a área basal de 5,7 a 14,08 m2 /ha. De modo geral, os valores para os parâmetros estruturais analisados foram baixos, possivelmente em decorrência dos vários impactos que atuam no ambiente. Entre eles, foram catalogados: cortes das árvores de mangue, acúmulo de lixo, ocupação humana em área de mangue, expansão urbana nas adjacências, além da presença de esgotos domésticos e alterações no regime hidrológico. Palavras chave: Impactos antrópicos; Laguna Costeira; Manguezal; Nordeste do Brasil; Fitossociologia; Composição de Espécies. Tropical Oceanography, R

This paper reports the results obtained from studies on the estuarine phytoplankton of the Paraíba do Norte River in northeastern Brazil. Surface and near-bottom samples were taken at four stations numbered seawards, during high and low tides from September 1978 to September 1979. A total of 139 phytoplankters were encountered. Diatoms and dinoflagellates showed highest diversity in most saline areas. Typical freshwater organisms were restricted to stations I and II where salinity was more reduced. Maximum cell densities were: 11,256,000 cells/1, 4,380,000 cells/1, 1,276,000 cells/1 and 1,035,000 cells/1, for stations I, II, III and IV, respectively. Sewage enrichments were probably responsible for the greatest values of the first two stations. However, in these stations the turbidity reduces light penetration, limiting phytoplankton growth particularly during the rainy season. The phytoflagellates (maximum of up to 4,874,000 cells/1) and the diatoms Thalassiosira spp (maximum of up to 9,262,000 cells/1) were dominant during the annual cycle. Other important taxa were Navicula spp, Cylindrotheca closterium, Paralia sulcata, Thalassionema nitzschioides and the dinoflagellate Protoperidinium spp. Seasonal variations of phytoplankton densities, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, water transparency, temperature, salinity and suspended material are also presented.