ASSESSMENT OF THE PLA COMPOSITES WITH COTTON FIBERS IN BIOREMEDIATION

• Grant number: 15/09708-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: July 31, 2015
• End date: January 14, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Grantee: Derval dos Santos Rosa
• Host Investigator: Prof Andrew Cundy
• Host Institution: Centro de Engenharia, Modelagem e Ciências Sociais Aplicadas (CECS). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Brighton, England

Abstract

The use of biodegradable polymers has been one of the strategies used internationally to minimize problems caused by the improper disposal of plastic waste in the environment. Biodegradation is considered a very important phenomenon, although there is a need for better elucidation despite the existence of standardized methodologies. Problems in determining the degradation time of a given material are common, since the speed of this process varies from one method to another, due to different environmental conditions and degrading factors to which the samples are exposed. The use of biodegradable composites has increased significantly, to provide new solutions to environmental problems, including their use as "active elements" in environmental recovery processes. In this regard, I intend to perform a study (through six-month internship), in partnership with the Drs. Andy Cundy (professor of applied geochemistry) and Irina Savina (School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences) of the University of Brighton, in order to investigate the feasibility of using composites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) obtained by incorporating cotton fibers in natura (0, 10 and 20%, mass) as adsorbent agents of organic and metal components in bioremediation of contaminated systems (water or soil). The materials will be prepared and characterized in Brazil (in the applicant's research lab), while evaluation of the use of the composites as active agents in bioremediation of contaminated systems (with organic substances and metal waste) will be carried out at the University of Brighton. Another aim of this study program is to learn from the expertise in remediation that the research group at the University of Brighton has. Furthermore, the integration with Prof. Cundy's group will expand the role of the applicant, who has been working in biodegradation materials but has not had experience in the association of the biodegradation process and the removal of metals and/or organic materials from contaminated systems.