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International audienceThe aim of the present work was to evaluate the morphologic and chemical characteristics of Isabel grape (Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera) bagasse and to describe the adsorption of diclofenac sodium (DCF) from aqueous solutions by this biomass. Grape bagasse was constituted mainly of particles with heterogeneous shapes and sizes, and it exhibited a macroporous structure and a low specific surface area (∼ 2 m2 g-1). The adsorbent material was also rich in oxygenated functional groups, especially -OH, and required an acidic pH to neutralize its surface. With respect to the adsorption of DCF, the percentage removal did not appear to depend on the initial concentration of the pharmaceutical. A pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the rate-controlling step, and the adsorption isotherms were well fitted by the Freundlich model. Concerning the thermodynamic data, the results showed that the adsorption of DCF onto grape bagasse occurred via an exothermic process accompanied by a decrease in the randomness at the solid/solution interface. Furthermore, the removal percentages of DCF ranged from 16.4 to 22.8%

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The oxidation kinetics of lignosulfonates (LS) from acidic magnesium-based sulfite pulping of Eucalyptus globulus wood with oxygen under alkaline conditions was studied. The analysis of oxidation products in the reaction system O 2 /NaOH revealed a predominance of aromatic aldehydes (vanillin and syringic aldehyde) though small amounts of vanillic and syringic acids and acetophenone/phenylacetaldehyde derivatives have also been detected. The rate constant of syringic aldehyde formation was roughly twice of that for vanillin. The effective activation energies for the oxidation of LS to aromatic aldehydes (ca. 60-70 kJ/mol) were rather different to those found for the formation of aromatic acids (ca. 110 kJ/mol) indicating different mechanisms involved in the rate-determining reaction step. The addition of catalyst (copper salt, 20% w/w) promoted the LS oxidation with increments of aromatic aldehyde yields by 25-50%. The maximum yields of syringic aldehyde and vanillin upon LS oxidation were 16.1 and 4.5%, respectively (150°C, 20 min, P O 2 ) 10 bar, 0.9 M NaOH solution). The highly negative effect of concomitant sugars in sulfite liquor to the yield of aromatic aldehydes was highlighted.

Formalin (aqueous solution of formaldehyde stabilized with methanol) is one of the most used disinfectants in aquaculture. It is used to eliminate infectious agents but may be responsible for negative effects on fish and water quality. This work focuses on physical–chemical properties of formalin and on its reactions and its use in intensive aquaculture and in environment. The types of treatments and the action mode of formalin are also described. The main consequences of formalin exposure to fish are damage in gills and alterations in mucous cells. Formalin also interacts with some treatments adopted in aquaculture establishments, for example biological filter, where the nitrification process seems to be strongly affected. With respect to formalin inactivation, formaldehyde (effluent) may be diluted with water or specific treatments should be conducted to decrease the concentration levels before its discharge into the environment. The common methodologies applied to aquaculture are not completely efficient on formalin removal from water, and the advanced oxidation processes may be a good alternative.

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