Banca de DEFESA: DANIEL DE MORAIS SOBRAL

Uma banca de DEFESA de DOUTORADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : DANIEL DE MORAIS SOBRAL
DATE: 20/08/2025
TIME: 15:00
LOCAL: IATI
TITLE:

DEVELOPMENT OF AN ULTRASONIC CONTROLLER OF FLOATING MACROPHYTES IN HYDROELECTRIC RESERVOIRS

KEY WORDS:

Ultrasonic frequencies. Ultrasonic controller. Foating macrophytes. Electricity production. Water treatment.

PAGES: 93
BIG AREA: Outra
AREA: Multidisciplinar
SUBÁREA: Biotecnologia
SUMMARY:

The excessive proliferation of floating macrophytes, such as Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), in reservoirs causes serious environmental and economic impacts, including the obstruction of hydroelectric turbines, increased evaporation, higher water treatment costs, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Traditional management techniques, such as mechanical removal and herbicide application, have proven ineffective in the long term and harmful to the ecosystem. This study aimed to develop and test an ultrasonic controller capable of inhibiting plant growth sustainably, using the principles of acoustic cavitation. Ultrasound induces the formation of microbubbles in the water, whose collapse generates shock waves and heat, damaging plant cells and impairing their buoyancy and growth. The choice of Eichhornia crassipes as the target species in this study is justified by its prevalence in water bodies across the Northeast of Brazil, where its impact is more pronounced. The species’ high adaptability and reproductive capacity make it one of the main challenges for environmental management in the region. To validate the proposed method, laboratory experiments were conducted using different ultrasonic frequencies and intensities to assess biomass response and plant growth under ultrasound exposure. The results demonstrated that the technology effectively reduced biomass without the need for chemical products, with less environmental impact compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, precise ultrasound application minimized harm to non-target organisms and reduced toxin release by associated cyanobacteria, enhancing ecological safety. The ultrasonic controller proved to be a promising solution for integrated reservoir management, offering a more environmentally friendly and economically viable alternative. Continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure the method's effectiveness and prevent ecosystem imbalances. Further technological improvements and large-scale studies are suggested, particularly in Northeast reservoirs where water hyacinth impact is most severe. This study contributes to biotechnology by proposing an innovative and sustainable approach to aquatic macrophyte management, promoting ecological balance and efficiency in water resource management.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Externa à Instituição - CHRISTINE LAMENHA LUNA FLINKER - UFPE
Interna - ***.501.554-** - GALBA MARIA DE CAMPOS TAKAKI - UNICAP
Externo à Instituição - ITALO JOSÉ BATISTA DURVAL - UFRPE
Externa à Instituição - RITA DE CASSIA FREIRE SOARES DA SILVA
Presidente - ***.743.104-** - VALDEMIR ALEXANDRE DOS SANTOS - UNICAP