This work reports a theoretical and experimental study to evaluate the fluid dynamic of an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket reactor (UASB), treating domestic wastewater in a pilot scale. Simulations were developed using the Ansys CFX 10.0. For validating the numerical results, an experimental study was conducted by monitoring the total concentration of suspended solids in the effluent and pressure along the reactor. The comparative analysis between the numerical and experimental results of the pressure and sludge concentration in the outlet of the reactor presented few differences, being considered satisfactory.

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Green liquor dregs (GLD) are a major waste of the pulp and paper industry, and their correct classification is important to finding alternatives to landfill disposal. In the European Union, the methodology to determine the hazard property HP 14 (“ecotoxic”) is under discussion. Although biological tests are likely more representative of wastes’ environmental behavior, there are still no official guidelines on procedures, and ecotoxicity classification relies on the chemical composition. This work aimed to evaluate the ecotoxicity of GLD to determine HP 14. The assessment comprised a chemical analysis (using ClassifyMyWaste software) and a battery of biotests targeting aquatic ecosystems (Lepidium sativum, Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Lemna minor, and Daphnia magna). The chemical analysis denoted GLD as a “Possible Hazard,” while the battery of biotests showed high ecotoxic effects for three out of five organisms, the most sensitive being Lepidium sativum, Lemna minor, and Daphnia magna. The pH correction of tested eluates to neutral values did not modulate the noticed effects. Globally, the results suggest that GLD should be classified as ecotoxic. Though, the European waste legislation should provide guidelines to apply the end-of-waste criteria and avoid landfilling even for materials like GLD.

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Introduction: Whipple's disease is a rare, chronic, systemic disease caused by the actinomycete Tropheryma whipplei. Clinical manifestations vary widely depending on the affected system, the most common being the digestive tract. Case Presentation: The authors report the case of a 52-year-old man with malabsorption syndrome, diarrhea, marked weight loss, melanoderma, and visual and proprioception disorders. Periodic acid-Schiff staining of a proximal small bowel biopsy and peripheral-blood PCR identification of T. whipplei confirmed the disease. The patient was initially treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, followed by oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole with significant clinical improvement. Conclusions: This case is reported due to its rarity and the diagnostic challenge it presents. Although uncommon, Whipple's disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis of malabsorption syndrome due to its systemic impact and possible treatment with targeted antibiotic therapy.sua raridade e pelo desafio diagnóstico. Apesar de incomum deve ser considerada como diagnóstico diferencial do síndrome de má absorção atendendo ao seu impacto sistémico e ao possível tratamento com antibioterapia dirigida.