Cristina Zalazar
@conicet.gov.ar
INTEC (UNL-CONICET)
Institute of Technological Development for the Chemical Industry (National Council for Scientific and Technical Research - Universidad Nacional del Litoral)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Environmental technologies
Advanced oxidation processes
Bioremediation systems
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Sofia Nobili, Carolina Elisabet Masin, Cristina Susana Zalazar, and Maia Raquel Lescano
Elsevier BV
Maia Lescano, Nerina Fussoni, Eduardo Vidal, and Cristina Zalazar
Elsevier BV
In this work, a pilot biobed was built up to treat pesticide-contaminated wastewaters discharged from a formulation plant. The pre-treated wastewater was spiked with additional pesticides in order to simulate a scenario of higher contamination: glyphosate, atrazine, imidacloprid, prometryn and carbendazim were added to reach a final Total Organic Carbon (TOC) of 70 mg L-1. An Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) was filled with a biomixture of soil and foxtail millet stubble (50:50% v v-1), and 200 l of the wastewater was added to the system recycling tank. The recirculation to the IBC was established for 12 h. After that (Day 0), the recirculation was turned on during the assay only to maintain the moisture for 180 days. Biomixture and wastewater samples were taken periodically to analyse pesticides and phytotoxicity in both matrices. In addition, hydrolytic and phenoloxidase activities, total bacteria and yeast and fungi communities were determined in the biomixture. The designed pilot scale biobed allowed to treat wastewaters with high concentration of pesticides reaching a complete removal of glyphosate, AMPA, atrazine, carbendazim and prometryn at 180 days. A good degradation percentage of the recalcitrant imidacloprid was achieved (60%) and the biomixture showed enough biological activity to continue treating additional wastewater. The root elongation index from the germination test showed low toxicity on day 180 both in biomixture and wastewater. The millet stubble resulted an appropriate lignocellulosic material to be used in biobeds to treat a wide variety of pesticides. The application of the seed germination test proved to be a low cost and simple tool to determine the end point of process.
Maria Emilia Fernandez, María del Rosario Morel, Aldana Carolina Clebot, Cristina Susana Zalazar, and María de los Milagros Ballari
Elsevier BV
Rocio Vicentin, Carolina Elisabet Masín, Maia Raquel Lescano, and Cristina Susana Zalazar
Elsevier BV
Sofía Lammertyn, Carolina Elisabet Masín, Cristina Susana Zalazar, and Maria Emilia Fernandez
Elsevier BV
Abstract Atrazine is one of the most used herbicides and its over-application in fields can affect the soils and their associated biota. In this work, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed to different concentrations of atrazine to assess possible sublethal harmful effects. In the search for reliable biomarkers of these effects, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were measured as well as behaviour and population biological parameters such as biomass, growth and production of cocoons. It was found that biomass changes were not significantly affected by atrazine presence and after 28 days the increment was around 18.3–27.3%. Protein content in earthworms was reduced in the presence of atrazine after 28 days. The lower atrazine concentration (2 mg Kg−1) affected in the shortest term (7 days) the rate of cocoon production and increased LDH activity and, especially, the AChE activity in around 40%. The presence of a higher concentration (10 mg Kg−1) of the herbicide reduced one third of the number of total cocoons, affecting the reproduction. ALP was the least sensitive biomarker to atrazine exposure. When exposed to up to 10 mg Kg−1 of atrazine, E. fetida showed a tendency to rebalance and maintained its general health.
Maia R. Lescano, Alejandro O. Lopez, Roberto L. Romero, and Cristina S. Zalazar
Elsevier BV
Abstract The degradation of a commercial chlorpyrifos (CP) formulation solution under the UV/H2O2 process was predicted through a lumped kinetics modelling approach (LKA). The proposed models are based on different reaction schemes that include the hydroxyl radical reaction rate with the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). TOC represents the concentration of the mixture of CP and “unknown organic matter”, both components present in CP formulation. TOC is one of the most practical parameter that can be used to quantify organic pollution in a complex matrix. A one-step model was selected and a second-order reaction rate constant between hydroxyl radical and TOC was obtained by optimization: 1.75 × 107 M−1 s−1. According to computed performance metrics, the chosen model well fitted the concentrations evolution of the reactants (TOC and H2O2). The model could be useful to predict the behaviour of reaction systems with different configuration for wastewater treatment applications.
Maia R. Lescano, Carolina E. Masin, Alba R. Rodríguez, José L. Godoy, and Cristina S. Zalazar
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
In this work, earthworm effect on the efficiency of biobeds for glyphosate degradation was studied. Three biomixtures with and without the addition of earthworms ( Eisenia fetida species) were evaluated. The initial concentration of glyphosate was 1000 mg/kg biomixture. Glyphosate and biological parameters were measured as a function of time. Earthworm survival, biomass, and reproduction were evaluated as well. All biomixtures that contain earthworms reached 90% of glyphosate degradation at 90 days in comparison with the biomixtures without earthworms that reached 80% approximately at the same time. Also, within the biomixtures that contained earthworms, glyphosate degradation rate was significantly higher in the one made up with soil and wheat stubble (Ws-E) showing excellent capacity for aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) degradation, the main metabolite of glyphosate degradation. In addition, a study performed after the vermiremediation process showed that E. fetida can tolerate high glyphosate concentration without modifications in its life traits. It can be concluded that the use of E. fetida within the biobeds is an excellent combination to improve glyphosate and AMPA removal.
C. Masin, A.R. Rodríguez, C. Zalazar, and J.L. Godoy
Elsevier BV
Abstract Land degradation due to anthropic factors is the reduction of its actual or potential productivity. Nowadays, this topic is a major concern, as it affects more than one third of the soil in the world. This work presents an empirical assessment of the anthropic disturbance level (ADL) for agricultural and livestock production systems. This assessment is obtained by mapping the characteristics of land use and management practices by using five specific indicators and integrating them into a global indicator (ADL score). Earthworm populations (good indicators of soil quality) in soils under different production systems are studied to determine if the population changes are attributable to the intensity of land use and management practices. A correlation model between ADL, edaphic properties, and earthworm population characteristics is developed by using samples of 20 sites in Santa Fe province, Argentina. The inclusion of ADL allowed finding a consistent correlation structure. The results also showed that earthworm density, species diversity, and activity change at the different sites were highly sensitive to anthropic disturbance. Based on this data-driven model, the ADL can be estimated by measuring edaphic and biological data on a soil sample to monitor soil conditions for different production systems. Thus, ADL monitoring would allow deciding how to continue using and managing the land to improve its sustainability.
C. Masin, María E. Fernández, M. Lescano and C. Zalazar
Purpose A combined treatment of composting and vermicomposting of poultry litter (PL), rice hulls (RH) and/or eucalyptus sawdust (ES) was carried out in order to obtain a high-quality organic fertilizer and avoid the environmental problems associated with the use of raw poultry manure and fresh agricultural waste materials. Methods Three composting mixtures were made at volume proportions: 1:3 RH/PL (M1); 1:2 ES/PL (M2) and 0.5:1:2 RH/ES/PL (M3). Composting (120 days) followed by vermicomposting (90 days) using earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were conducted during the autumn-winter season, outdoors and sheltered. Moisture content was kept at 60-70%. Physicochemical (pH, electrical conductivity, lignin, total carbon and nitrogen, organic matter, ammonium and specific cations), total microbial activity (fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis) and microbiological parameters were recorded throughout both processes. Phytotoxicity tests were lastly performed by means of Lactuca sativa, L. seed germination, to compare the quality of the organic fertilizers obtained. Results A sequential compost-vermicompost process enhanced the properties of the final products. Particularly, electrical conductivity was markedly lower in all vermicomposts (1.81-2.28 mS cm-1) and within the values recommended for the growth of sensitive plants; microbial activity reached 187.1-203.8 µg FDA gsoil-1 h-1. Germination Index values in vermicomposts were greater than 60%, indicating the high quality of the products obtained, being the mixture 0.5RH:1ES:2PL, the one which showed better quality and higher maturation degree. Conclusion The system that combines both processes (composting+vermicomposting) was effective to produce a stabilized organic fertilizer from poultry litter with other waste organic materials.
Carlos Alberto Busatto, María Eugenia Taverna, Maia Raquel Lescano, Cristina Zalazar, and Diana Alejandra Estenoz
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
The use of lignin as polymeric matrices for controlled release systems in agriculture is a promising alternative for its revalorization. In this work, different atrazine delivery systems were studied. Lignin derived from ionic isolation was used for the preparation of atrazine-loaded microparticles by the solvent extraction/evaporation and microfluidic techniques. Microparticles were also encapsulated in sodium alginate beads. Lignin microparticles prepared by microfluidics presented a larger particle size, higher encapsulation efficiency and a narrow size distribution. The in vitro release of atrazine was evaluated in water. Atrazine release from microparticles prepared by the solvent extraction/evaporation technique showed a significant burst release, and this effect was reduced by incorporating microparticles within alginate beads. In addition, the phytotoxicity of the systems was evaluated employing Lactuca sativa seeds. The phytotoxicity results showed that lignin-based formulations are safe according to the parameters evaluated, in contrast with commercial atrazine that resulted phytotoxic.
M.R. Lescano, L. Pizzul, M.d.P. Castillo, and C.S. Zalazar
Elsevier BV
The aim of the work was to evaluate novel biomixtures for their use on biopurification systems (BPS) in Argentina also called biobeds. Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) degradation was evaluated on biomixtures containing local materials: alfalfa straw (As), wheat stubble (Ws), river waste (Rw) and soil. Glyphosate, AMPA concentrations and biological activity were followed with time. Soil was used as control. Glyphosate initial concentration was 1000 mg kg-1. Glyphosate disappeared almost completely after 63 days in all tested biomixtures. For Ws, WsRw and AsRw glyphosate degradation was around 99% and for As 85%. The biomixture Ws showed the highest glyphosate degradation rate. In all cases AMPA was formed and degraded to concentrations between 60 and 100 mg kg-1. In the control with only soil, glyphosate was degraded 53% and AMPA concentration at the end of the test was 438 mg kg-1. We conclude that alfalfa straw, wheat stubble and river waste are local materials that can be used in the preparation of biomixtures since they showed higher glyphosate degradation capacity and less AMPA accumulation compared to the soil alone. Also, the presence of river waste did enhance the water retention capacity.
María Eugenia Taverna, Carlos Alberto Busatto, Maia Raquel Lescano, Verónica Viviana Nicolau, Cristina Susana Zalazar, Gregorio Raúl Meira, and Diana Alejandra Estenoz
Elsevier BV
Lignins are natural polymers of the lignocellulosic biomass. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in developing value-added products based on lignins due to their renewability, low cost and abundance. In this work, lignin microspheres from organosolv and ionic isolation processes were prepared for the controlled release of atrazine. Microspheres were prepared by the solvent extraction/evaporation technique. The controlled release of atrazine from organosolv and ionic lignins microparticles was studied in water. Mobility experiments were performed in an agricultural soil from Argentina. The results showed that microparticles prepared using dichloromethane as the dispersed phase were spherical, while lignins dispersed in ethyl acetate produce irregular microparticles. Organosolv lignin microparticles presented higher encapsulation efficiency for all herbicide loads. About 98% and 95% of atrazine was released in 24 and 48 h approximately from organosolv and ionic lignin microparticles, respectively. The release profiles of atrazine from both lignin microparticles were not affected by the herbicide load. Atrazine mobility experiments in soil showed that about 80% of free atrazine was leached in 37 days, while 65.0% and 59.7% of the herbicide was leached from ionic and organosolv lignin microparticles, respectively. Thus, atrazine-loaded microparticles could reduce leaching compared to a commercial formulation of free atrazine.
Carolina Elisabet Masin, Fernando Roberto Momo, Cristina Susana Zalazar, and Alba Rut Rodríguez
Universidad de Costa Rica
Updated list of earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricina) from Santa Fe (Argentina) is presented in this work, including current data of species richness and territorial distribution status and information collected by Ljungström and collaborators 40 years ago. Field samplings were conducted between 2012 and 2015 at 23 sites, located in 11 of the 19 districts of the province. Earthworms were collected following a standard methodology (Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility). The conservation of specimens was done with 4 % formalin solution and their identification was performed according to taxonomy keys. Richness, similarity and complementarity of species between the phytogeographic provinces were analyzed. A total of 15 earthworm species were identified and grouped into ten genera and five families: Acanthodrilidae (Dichogaster bolaui, Microscolex dubius), Glossoscolecidae (Glossodrilus parecis), Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea trapezoides, Bimastos parvus, Eisenia fetida, Octolasion tyrtaeum), Megascolecidae (Amynthas gracilis, Amynthas morrisi, Metaphire californica), Ocnerodrilidae (Eukerria saltensis, Eukerria rosea, Eukerria stagnalis). From all the species found five, G. parecis, E. saltensis, E. rosea, E. stagnalis and M. dubius, are native to South America, and the rest were introduced from Asia and Europe. The Espinal presented the greatest richness of earthworms (12), while the Pampeana showed high values of complementarity (greater than 70 %) with the Chaco Húmedo and Valle de Inundación del Río Paraná. Endogeic species were present in all environments surveyed. In particular, the exotic species A. trapezoides and A. morrisi showed a wide geographical distribution, having been found at 70 and 50 %, respectively, of the total number of the studied sites. One species, E. rosea, which is in the list, was not recorded in the sampling of 40 years ago. The results of current survey show that the number of species was lower compared to study by Ljungström and collaborators (60 % of the 23 species registered). Possibly the remarkable change in the richness and distribution of earthworms could be a process associated with changes in soil use and land management developed over 40 years.
Carolina E. Masin, Maia R. Lescano, Alba R. Rodríguez, José L. Godoy, and Cristina S. Zalazar
Informa UK Limited
ABSTRACT In this study, the innocuousness of different biomixtures employed for glyphosate degradation was tested through Eisenia fetida earthworms. Eight biomixtures were prepared with local materials: alfalfa straw (AS), wheat stubble (WS), river waste (RW) and two different soils (A and B). Each biomixture was divided into two equal portions: one without glyphosate application (control substrate) and the other was sprayed with a commercial glyphosate formulation of 1,000 mg glyphosate a.i. kg−1 biomixture (applied substrate). The bioassay started when all sprayed biomixtures reached high percentages of glyphosate degradation (spent biomixtures). Three parameters were studied: survival, adults and juveniles biomass and reproduction. The results allowed the identification of three biomixtures (AWS, BWS and BWSRW) for good maintenance and development of E. fetida. In addition, at the end of the bioassay two of the viable biomixtures (AWS and BWS) showed the highest performance of juvenile earthworms compared to a reference soil. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the biomixtures containing high silt and clay percentages and minor density renders higher values of earthworm growth and reproduction. Therefore, these innocuous biomixtures can be used as organic amendments or recycled materials for new treatments on biobeds.
Alejandro López, Andrea Coll, Maia Lescano, and Cristina Zalazar
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
In this work, the suitability of the UV/H2O2 process for commercial herbicides mixture degradation was studied. Glyphosate, the herbicide most widely used in the world, was mixed with other herbicides that have residual activity as 2,4-D and atrazine. Modeling of the process response related to specific operating conditions like initial pH and initial H2O2 to total organic carbon molar ratio was assessed by the response surface methodology (RSM). Results have shown that second-order polynomial regression model could well describe and predict the system behavior within the tested experimental region. It also correctly explained the variability in the experimental data. Experimental values were in good agreement with the modeled ones confirming the significance of the model and highlighting the success of RSM for UV/H2O2 process modeling. Phytotoxicity evolution throughout the photolytic degradation process was checked through germination tests indicating that the phytotoxicity of the herbicides mixture was significantly reduced after the treatment. The end point for the treatment at the operating conditions for maximum TOC conversion was also identified.
Ulises Reno, Luciana Regaldo, Eduardo Vidal, Melisa Mariani, Cristina Zalazar, and Ana María Gagneten
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
The environmental pollution caused by pesticides is considered a major problem worldwide. Glyphosate is one of the herbicides most widely used, and its use has increased sharply in the last years. In this work, the toxicity of four commercial glyphosate formulations (Eskoba®, Panzer Gold®, Roundup Ultramax® and Sulfosato Touchdown®) was assessed by determining the median effective concentration at 96 h (96 h-EC50) using the microalga Chlorella vulgaris as the biological model. Although the formulations tested are moderately to slightly toxic to C. vulgaris according to the World Health Organization’s toxicity categories for aquatic and terrestrial organisms, this research shows that the four formulations are toxic, with Eskoba® the least toxic and Roundup Ultramax® the most toxic one. A UV/H2O2 remediation process for the detoxification of the samples was tested also. Its effectiveness was evaluated using a C. vulgaris growth inhibition test. Growth inhibition of C. vulgaris did not reach 18.2 %, indicating the efficacy of the UV/H2O2 remediation process to reduce glyphosate toxicity. In some of the samples tested within the first 48 h of the assay, C. vulgaris growth was even increased. The results of the present work suggest that the selected species was a good indicator to determine the toxicity level of glyphosate formulations and shows the relevance of the ecotoxicological tests to evaluate a physicochemical remediation process.
Ulises Reno, María Florencia Gutierrez, Melisa Longo, Eduardo Vidal, Luciana Regaldo, Antonio Negro, Melisa Mariani, Cristina Zalazar, and Ana María Gagneten
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Ecotoxicity studies using two glyphosate-based formulations (Eskoba® and Sulfosato Touchdown®) were undergone with three microcrustacean species to establish their LC50 values and to evaluate the efficacy of cleaning treatments with UV/H2O2.Samples were collected at the beginning of the process −50 mg acid equivalent per liter of glyphosate without H2O2 and at different treatment timepoints: 2, 4, and 6 h. Three microcrustacean species were used as biological models.The Eskoba® LC50 ranged between 14.49 and 95.23 acid equivalents (a.e.) mg L−1and for Sulfosato Touchdown® between 0.31 and 1.74 a.e. mg L−1. The glyphosate-based formulations registered the following order of sensitivities: Ceriodaphnia dubia > Daphnia magna > Notodiaptomus conifer. The treatment duration and mortality (%) were negative and significantly correlated for both formulations, indicating that the remediation process diminished the glyphosate concentration. Therefore, microcrustacean mortality decreased linearly with the remediation time. C. dubia and N. conifer were more sensitive than the holarctic D. magna to the remediation process, since the first two species showed greater percentage of mortality at 6 h of processes, compared with D. magna, for both formulations evaluated. Sulfosato Touchdown® was more toxic but showed greater degradability than Eskoba®. The results provide relevant information regarding (1) the urgency to clearly identify the additives on product labels, (2) the efficiency of UV/H2O2 process for reducing adverse effects of two glyphosate-based formulations, and (3) the importance of developing studies to evaluate the effectiveness of cleaner technologies with an emphasis on microcrustacean species as biological models.
Maia R. Lescano, Claudio Passalía, Cristina S. Zalazar, and Rodolfo J. Brandi
Informa UK Limited
The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the efficiencies of three different adsorbents for arsenic (As) removal from water: titanium dioxide (TiO2), granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) and activated alumina (AA). Equilibrium experiments for dissolved arsenite and arsenate were carried out through batch tests. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were adopted and their parameters were estimated by non-linear regressions. In addition, dynamic experiments were performed in mini fixed bed columns and breakthrough curves were obtained for each combination of sorbate/adsorbent. Experimental results obtained by column assays were compared with predictions of well-known breakthrough models (Bohart–Adams and Clark). Results indicate that As(V) is more easily adsorbed than As(III) for AA and GFH, while TiO2 has a similar behavior for both species. The titanium-based material is the most efficient adsorbent to carry out the process, followed by the GFH.
Maia Lescano, Cristina Zalazar, and Rodolfo Brandi
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
A combined system employing photochemical oxidation (UV/H2O2) and adsorption for arsenic removal from water was designed and evaluated. In this work, a bench-scale photochemical annular reactor was developed being connected alternately to a pair of adsorption columns filled with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and granular ferric hydroxide (GFH). The experiences were performed by varying the relation of As concentration (As (III)/As (V) weight ratio) at constant hydrogen peroxide concentration and incident radiation. Experimental oxidation results were compared with theoretical predictions using an intrinsic kinetic model previously obtained. In addition, the effectiveness of the process was evaluated using a groundwater sample. The mathematical model of the entire system was developed. It could be used as an effective tool for the design and prediction of the behaviour of these types of systems. The combined technology is efficient and promising for arsenic removal to small and medium scale.
Melisa L. Mariani, Roberto L. Romero, and Cristina S. Zalazar
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
A kinetic model to interpret the simultaneous oxidation of a mixture of herbicides (glyphosate and 2,4-D) in water using the UV/H2O2 process was proposed. Good agreement of the experimental data and the model were achieved.
Eduardo Vidal, Antonio Negro, Alberto Cassano, and Cristina Zalazar
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
This work reports the degradation kinetics of glyphosate in water employing the UV/H2O2process. The kinetic model was experimentally validated. Results compare the kinetics of the herbicide alone and a commercial formulation.
M Lescano, C Zalazar, and R Brandi
CRC Press
J. Femia, M. Mariani, C. Zalazar, and I. Tiscornia
IWA Publishing
Chlorpyrifos (CP) is an organophosphorus pesticide widely used in agriculture. Due to its toxicity, it has been necessary to develop a treatment to eliminate the environmental wastes generated by this substance. The combination of UV radiation and hydrogen peroxide seemed an interesting option to reduce the concentration of CP in water, as it has proved to be a simple and effective method to degrade other similar pesticides. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of different initial concentrations of H2O2 on the degradation of commercial CP in water using UV/H2O2. Conversions of 93% were achieved in 20 min with 450 mg L−1 of H2O2 initial concentration (0.16 mg of CP degraded per mg of H2O2 consumed). The total organic carbon analysis showed interesting mineralization values, reaching a 70% conversion after 4 h of reaction. In addition, this degradation procedure leads to a clear reduction of the toxicity of the reaction mixture over Vibrio fischeri.