Initial Storage Research Articles

Advantage of mixed trees in the trade-off between soil water storage and tree biomass: A meta-analysis from artificially planted forests in Chinese Loess Plateau

Afforestation is an effective measure to combat land degradation and mitigate climate change. However, afforestation tends to consume a tremendous amount of soil moisture while increasing vegetation biomass and coverage. Although convincing evidence indicates that mixed trees have higher resistance and resilience to climate change and natural disturbance than pure trees, it is unclear how tree mixtures affect the relationship between soil water storage and tree biomass. By conducting a meta-analysis of 86 observations from 27 studies, we showed that there was a trade-off between soil water storage and tree biomass in artificially planted trees on the Loess Plateau, with an average root mean square deviation (RMSD) value of 0.22. The RMSD value between soil water storage and tree biomass for mixed trees was significantly lower than that for pure trees, and the relative benefits of the trade-off were biased toward soil water storage. In dry areas (aridity index (AI) < 0.3), the RMSD value between soil water storage and tree biomass of artificially planted trees was the highest, and this value of mixed trees was significantly lower than that of pure trees. In terms of different plantation ages, the RMSD value between soil water storage and tree biomass for mixed trees was significantly lower than that for pure trees in plantations aged >20 years. Additionally, RMSD values between soil water storage and tree biomass under different afforestation patterns were negatively correlated with the initial water storage and soil organic carbon content. Our results show that tree mixtures optimize the trade-off between soil water storage and tree biomass in arid and semiarid areas.

Construction and Application of a Water Quality Risk Sensitive Area Identification System in the Wudongde Reservoir

Numerous water quality risks exist during the initial water storage stage in reservoirs; however, little water quality data is available for this stage. Taking the Wudongde Reservoir as an example, we proposed a water quality risk sensitive area identification system for the initial impoundment stage comprising three modules: water quality assessment, water quality similarity clustering analysis, and sensitive area identification. Temporal and spatial variation in the water quality of the whole reservoir was analyzed, combined with a comprehensive evaluation using the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index. A water quality similar clustering module was used to form similar clusters for monitoring sections in the reservoir area. The water quality risk sensitive areas were then identified and verified through a prototype test. The reservoir water quality was primarily excellent to good, although that of the Madian and Longchuan Rivers was poor. Through cluster analysis, the Madian River and tributaries of the Longchuan River were identified as sensitive areas, and the causes of water quality risk were analyzed. Based on these findings, we suggested focus areas for water environmental protection measures, providing a basis for the protection and restoration of the reservoir water environment.

Establishment of a Laboratory Scale Set-Up with Controlled Temperature and High Humidity to Investigate Dry Matter Losses of Wood Chips from Poplar during Storage

The aim of this work was to improve the understanding of dry matter losses (DML) that occur in wood chips during the initial phase of storage in outdoor piles. For this purpose, a laboratory scale storage chamber was developed and investigated regarding its ability to recreate the conditions that chips undergo during the initial phase of outdoor storage. Three trials with poplar Max-4 (Populus maximowiczii Henry × Populus nigra L.) chips were performed for 6–10 weeks in the storage chamber under controlled temperature and assisted humidity. Two different set-ups were investigated to maintain a high relative humidity (RH) inside the storage chamber; one using water containers, and one assisted with a humidifier. Moisture content (MC) and DML of the chips were measured at different storage times to evaluate their storage behaviour in the chamber. Additionally, microbiological analyses of the culturable fraction of saproxylic microbiota were performed, with a focus on mesophilic fungi, but discriminating also xerophilic fungi, and mesophilic bacteria, with focus on actinobacteria, in two trials, to gain a view on the poplar wood chip-inhabiting microorganisms as a function of storage conditions (moisture, temperature) and time. Results show that DML up to 8.8–13.7% occurred in the chips within 6–10 storage weeks. The maximum DML were reached in the trial using the humidifier, which seemed a suitable technique to keep a high RH in the testing chamber, and thus, to analyse the wood chips in conditions comparable to those in outdoor piles during the initial storage phase.

Impact of initial grain moisture, fumigation, and storage period on physicochemical characteristics of wheat in Pakistan

Wheat is a seasonal crop in Pakistan, that is why the government and milling-industry procures and stores its significant portion. This study was aimed to investigate impact of storage-duration, initial grain moisture (IGM), and fumigation (Aluminum-phosphide) on wheat quality characteristics during bulk storage. During study, storage-period and warehouse-temperature showed a significant impact, while relative-humidity showed no correlation. During storage, wet-gluten (WG) (24.6-20.2%) and dough-softening (SF) (57.1-11.2FU) were reduced. While moisture (MC) (9.9-11.9%), water-absorption (WA) (62.1-64.8%), dough-development-time (DDT) (6.2-7.5min), and dough-stability (ST) (7.9-15.6min) were increased. Fumigation showed non-significant effects on DDT and ST, while WG, WA, and SF varied. IGM showed a non-significant impact on MC, while WG, WA, DDT, ST, and SF considerably changed.

Influence of &lt;i&gt;Tribolium castaneum&lt;/i&gt; (Herbst) Infestation on Farinographical Properties of Wheat Flour Dough

The effect of T. castaneum infestation on farinographical properties of dough made from wheat flour infested by initial 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 T. castaneum adults for 0, 30, 60, and 90 d at 15, 25, and 30°C and 75% RH was investigated. The water absorption and softening degree of dough made from wheat flour infested by T. castaneum increased with increasing initial adult population density, storage temperature, and storage time, but the dough development time and stability time decreased significantly at 25 and 30°C. The water absorption, development time, stability time and softening degree of dough made from wheat flour infested by initial 8 T. castaneum adults respectively reached 75.40±0.30%, 1.23±0.25 min, 1.17±0.15 min, and 182.67±1.53 FU after 90 d of storage at 30°C. The farinographical quality of wheat flour infested by adult T. castaneum population changed little at 15°C. Therefore, wheat flour should be stored at low temperature and insect-free environment.

Antibacterial Activity of Bacteriocin from Pediococcus pentosaceus Strain 2397 and Application as Biopreservative for Fishballs

Meatballs are one of the most popular processed meats in various countries. The meats commonly used to make meatballs are beef, chicken, and fish. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the nitrogen, carbon, and Tween sources on the growth and antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin of P. pentosaceus strain 2397 and to assess the quality of fish balls preserved with bacteriocin from P. pentosaceus strain 2397 during initial storage at freezing temperature in –18 °C. The experimental design used in this study was a factorial, completely randomized design. There were two factors, i.e. bacteriocin concentrations (0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60%) and storage time (0, 3, 6, and 9 d). Data obtained were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) at 5% level. Meanwhile, data on microbiological counts were tabulated and analyzed descriptively. The data showed that the addition of various nitrogen, carbon, or Tween sources did not significantly (p &gt; 0.05) affect the growth of P. pentosaceus strain 2397. The addition of peptone, beef extract or ammonium sulfate, lactose, or Tween 80 into the de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe broth (MRSB) significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased the bacteriocin antimicrobial activity of strain 2397 against E. coli. Using 0.60% bacteriocin produced fish balls according to the quality standard of fish balls and maintained the quality of fish balls during initial storage for 9 d at freezing temperatures.

Osmotic Dehydration, Drying Kinetics, and Quality Attributes of Osmotic Hot Air-Dried Mango as Affected by Initial Frozen Storage.

Using frozen mango for osmotic hot air drying is still uncommon due to a lack of knowledge on the effect of the freezing process on the final product’s quality attributes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the freezing method (slow and quick freezing) and frozen storage time at −18 °C (0, 1, and 2 months) on mass transfer kinetics during osmotic dehydration, drying kinetics during hot air drying, and final quality attributes of the dried mango. The results indicated that Peleg’s model could describe the water loss and solid gain during the osmotic dehydration in a 38° Brix sugar solution. Freezing before osmotic dehydration reduced the water loss rate while increasing the solid uptake content. Frozen mangoes showed slightly higher drying rates at 50 and 60 °C than the fresh ones. Freezing and frozen storage also retarded the browning reaction and polyphenol oxidase activities. The osmotic-dried mango obtained from frozen mangoes showed a chewy and gummy texture, which could be considered a distinctive texture characteristic for dried mango.

Reservoir Sediment Management and Downstream River Impacts for Sustainable Water Resources—Case Study of Shihmen Reservoir

Sustainable water resources of reservoirs depend on preserving the valuable storage capacity. Sediment management is a crucial task in reservoir operations. Extreme floods caused by typhoon events have brought a massive amount of sediments from the watershed of Shihmen Reservoir in Taiwan. In the case study of Shihmen Reservoir, the primary purpose of the sediment management strategies is to minimize sediment deposition and recover reservoir capacity. Two assessment indexes, the capacity–inflow ratio (CIR) and the capacity–sediment ratio (CSR) are investigated to provide a feasible assessment of desilting techniques. Three desilting projects have been planned and implemented in progress, including one modified power plant penstock and two desilting tunnels. Without effective sediment management strategies, the projected storage capacity may drop to 32.9% of the initial storage capacity in the next fifty years. On the other hand, if sediment management is implemented as per the project schedule, 70.3% of the initial storage capacity may be retained, enabling the provision of sustainable water supplies to meet projected water demands. In investigating the impacts caused by the desilting operations, the floodwater level and riverbed variations along the downstream river of the dam are simulated by the hydromorphological model. From simulated results, the downstream river morphology may adjust toward the equilibrium state under the long-term desilting operations of Shihmen Reservoir. Although relatively high sediment concentration is released during the desilting operation, it decays gradually along the downstream river. In addition, riverbed deposition does not significantly affect the floodwater level caused by the increment of riverbed elevation in desilting operations.

Impacts of power sector model features on optimal capacity expansion: A comparative study

The transition towards decarbonized energy systems requires the expansion of renewable and flexibility technologies in power sectors. Many powerful tools exist to find optimal capacity expansion. In a stylized comparison of six models, we evaluate the capacity expansion results of basic power sector technologies. The technologies under investigation include base- and peak load power plants, electricity storage, and transmission. We define four highly simplified and harmonized test cases that focus on the expansion of only one or two specific technologies to isolate their effects on model results. We find that deviating assumptions on limited availability factors of technologies cause technology-specific deviations between optimal capacity expansion in models in almost all test cases. Fixed energy-to-power ratios of storage can entirely change optimal expansion outcomes, especially shifting the ratio between short- and long-duration storage. Fixed initial and final-period storage levels can affect the seasonal use of long-duration storage. Models with a pre-ordered dispatch structure substantially deviate from linear optimization models, as missing foresight and limited flexibility can lead to higher capacity investments. A simplified net transfer capacity approach underestimates the need for grid infrastructure compared to a more detailed direct current load flow approach. We further find deviations in model results of optimal storage and transmission capacity expansion between regions, and link them to variable renewable energy generation and demand characteristics. We expect that the general effects identified in our stylized setting also hold in more detailed model applications, although they may be less visible there.

Synergistic effect of polyurethane‐coated carbon fiber and electron beam irradiation on the thermal/mechanical properties and long‐term durability of polyamide‐based thermoplastic composites

AbstractTo attain thermoplastic polymer composites with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties as well as long‐term durability, in this study, polyurethane‐coated carbon fiber (CF) and electron beam (EB) irradiation are adopted as an effective reinforcing filler and efficient crosslinking process, respectively. For this purpose, polyamide 6 (PA)‐based composites with different CF contents of 1–10 wt% were fabricated through melt‐compounding and compression molding, and then irradiated with various EB doses of 50–200 kGy. The SEM and FT‐IR data reveal that CFs are well dispersed in the PA matrix with excellent interfacial adhesion via specific intermolecular interactions, which are even enhanced for the composites with crosslinked PA matrices after the EB irradiation. As the result, the thermal stability (initial decomposition temperature and residue at 800°C) and dynamic mechanical properties of PA/CF composites increased noticeably with increasing the CF content and EB irradiation dose. The initial storage modulus of 1.90 GPa for neat PA at 30°C was improved significantly to 2.94 GPa by 10 wt% CF addition and to 4.67 GPa by 200 kGy EB irradiation. In particular, the long‐term mechanical properties of PA/CF composites, which were evaluated using a stepped isothermal method based on the time–temperature superposition principle, were found to be highly enhanced by the synergistic effect of CF filler reinforcement, EB‐induced PA matrix crosslinking, and improved interfacial adhesion.

Pre-analytical challenges for the quantification of endocannabinoids in human serum

Endocannabinoids (ECs) are potent lipid mediators with high physiological relevance. They are involved in a wide variety of diseases like depression or multiple sclerosis and are closely connected to metabolic parameters in humans. Therefore, their suitability as a biomarker in different (patho-)physiological conditions is discussed intensively and predominantly investigated by analyzing systemic concentrations in easily accessible matrices like blood. Carefully designed pre-analytical sample handling is of major importance for high-quality data, but harmonization is not achieved yet. Whole blood is either processed to serum or plasma before the onset of analytical workflows and while knowledge about pre-analytical challenges in plasma handling is thorough they were not systematically investigated for serum.Therefore, the ECs AEA and 2-AG, and closely related EC-like substances 1-AG, DHEA, and PEA were examined by LC-MS/MS in serum samples of nine healthy volunteers employing different pre-analytical sample handling protocols, including prolonged coagulation, and storage after centrifugation at room temperature (RT) or on ice. Furthermore, all analytes were also assessed in plasma samples obtained from the same individuals at the same time points to investigate the comparability between those two blood-based matrices regarding obtained concentrations and their 2-AG/1-AG ratio.This study shows that ECs and EC-like substances in serum samples were significantly higher than in plasma and are especially prone to ex vivo changes during initial and prolonged storage for coagulation at RT. Storage on ice after centrifugation is less critical. However, storage at RT further increases 1-AG and 2-AG concentrations, while also lowering the already reduced 2-AG/1-AG ratio due to isomerization. Thus, avoidance of prolonged processing at RT can increase data quality if serum as the matrix of choice is unavoidable. However, serum preparation in itself is expected to initiate changes of physiological concentrations as standard precautionary measures like fast and cooled processing can only be utilized by using plasma, which should be the preferred matrix for analyses of ECs and EC-like substances.

A Daily Water Balance Model Based on the Distribution Function Unifying Probability Distributed Model and the SCS Curve Number Method

A new daily water balance model is developed and tested in this paper. The new model has a similar model structure to the existing probability distributed rainfall runoff models (PDM), such as HyMOD. However, the model utilizes a new distribution function for soil water storage capacity, which leads to the SCS (Soil Conservation Service) curve number (CN) method when the initial soil water storage is set to zero. Therefore, the developed model is a unification of the PDM and CN methods and is called the PDM–CN model in this paper. Besides runoff modeling, the calculation of daily evaporation in the model is also dependent on the distribution function, since the spatial variability of soil water storage affects the catchment-scale evaporation. The generated runoff is partitioned into direct runoff and groundwater recharge, which are then routed through quick and slow storage tanks, respectively. Total discharge is the summation of quick flow from the quick storage tank and base flow from the slow storage tank. The new model with 5 parameters is applied to 92 catchments for simulating daily streamflow and evaporation and compared with AWMB, SACRAMENTO, and SIMHYD models. The performance of the model is slightly better than HyMOD but is not better compared with the 14-parameter model (SACRAMENTO) in the calibration, and does not perform as well in the validation period as the 7-parameter model (SIMHYD) in some areas, based on the NSE values. The linkage between the PDM–CN model and long-term water balance model is also presented, and a two-parameter mean annual water balance equation is derived from the proposed PDM–CN model.

Effects of different frozen temperatures of pork sausage batter on quality characteristics of reduced-salt sausages using pre-rigor muscle.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate quality characteristics of reduced-salt pork sausage (PS) using pre-rigor muscle compared to those of regular-salt PS. In addition, effects of freezing on sausage batter with different temperatures (−30°C vs −70°C) on quality characteristics of both sausage batter and cooked sausages during frozen storage were observed.MethodsPre-rigor and post-rigor pork hams were used to manufacture low-fat sausages. Sausages using post-rigor (Post) muscle were manufactured at a salt level of 1.5%, whereas those with pre-rigor (Pre) muscle were processed at salt level of 1.0%. After these muscles were made at two salt levels (1.5% salt, Post-rigor; 1.0% salt, Pre-rigor), Sausage batters were stored at two frozen temperatures (−30°C vs −70°C). During storage for 12 wks, they were measured for physicochemical and textural properties every 4 wks up to 12 wks.ResultspH values and temperatures of sausage batter of pre-rigor muscle were higher than those of post-rigor muscle regardless of the frozen temperature. The lightness and yellowness values of batter at the initial storage were the highest during storage. For PS, there were no differences in most parameters measured among all treatments. However, expressible moisture values (%) of Pre-30 and Pre-70 were lower than those of Post-30 (p<0.05).ConclusionRegardless of frozen temperature during storage, quality characteristics of pre-rigor PS with salt level of 1.0% salt were similar to those of post-rigor PS with salt level of 1.5%. By using the pre-rigor muscle, salt content could be reduced by one third of the regular-salt level (1.5%) of post-rigor muscle.

Intelligent Optimization of Parameters for Tens of MA-Class Z-Pinch Accelerators

In order to minimize the initial energy storage of tens of MA-class Z-pinch accelerators, an intelligent optimization method was developed based on the transmission line code circuit model and PSOGSA algorithm. Using several input parameters, the four overall parameters of the Z-pinch accelerator could be fast determined, including the connection and parallel combination of LTD cavities, the outer radius of the stack-MITL system, and electrical length of monolithic radial transmission lines. The optimization method has been verified by comparing the results with the Z-300 and Z-800 conceptual designs. By means of this intelligent optimization, some factors that affect the initial energy storage on high-current Z-pinch accelerators have been investigated, such as the operating electrical fields, the diameter of the stack-MITL system, and the inner diameter of the LTD cavity. The suggestions for designing relatively low-cost, efficient LTD-based accelerators have been proposed.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Leaching Fractions on Soil Salinity

Soil salinisation is one of the main problems in agriculture. To overcome this problem, different methods of managing saline soils are used, including the practice of leaching under irrigation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of different leaching fractions on saline soils in the Nguetiouro lowland in Gandiolais, in Senegal. For this purpose, a completely randomized block set-up has been implemented with three treatments, repeated three times: 1) T0 equivalent to a water volume input equal to the daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo), 2) T1 equivalent to a water volume input equal to the daily reference evapotranspiration plus 10% ETo of leaching and 3) T2 equivalent to a water volume input equal to the daily reference evapotranspiration of the medium plus 20% ETo of leaching. The results showed that leaching has an effect on soil salinity. The initial soil salt storage was reduced by 22.5%, 33.5%, and 50.6% in the first soil horizon, from 0 to 10 cm and by 14%, 35.3%, and 45% at depth from 10 to 30 cm for T0, T1, and T2, respectively. The fitting of simple linear regression models between electrical conductivity and soil moisture showed a negative linear relationship as a function of leaching fractions. The coefficients of determination of model are 0.74 for T0, 0.84 for T1 and 0.86 for T2 in the first soil horizon and 0.63 for T0, 0.83 for T1 and 0.88 for T2 in the depth form 10 to 30 cm. These results can be of great importance in the fight against soil salinity.

Optimal loading of repairable system with perfect product storage

It is a common practice to use product storage to enhance the system operation efficiency and mission success probability (MSP). However, very few studies in the reliability literature considered the storage component and none of the existing models addressed the optimal loading problem. This paper contributes by analyzing and maximizing the MSP for repairable systems with load-dependent performance and product storage of limited capacity. The storage is used to cumulate surplus product when the system performance exceeds the demand and compensate the deficiency when the system has insufficient performance or is failed and under repair. Both time-to-failure and time-to-repair are random, following arbitrary distributions. A numerical MSP evaluation algorithm is put forward for the considered repairable system with specified demand and mission time. As another contribution, the optimal loading problem is solved to determine the loading policy that maximizes the MSP. A case study on a repairable pump system in a chemical reactor is provided to examine the influences of storage capacity and initial storage filling on the MSP and the optimized loading policy.

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Tribolium castaneum&lt;/i&gt; (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Infestation on Wheat Flour Quality at Different Temperatures

Tribolium castaneum is one of the most destructive insects infesting cereals and their products worldwide. The quality changes of wheat flour infested by initial 0 (as a control), 2, 4, 6, and 8 adults of T. castaneum in 500 g wheat flour were investigated at 15, 25, and 30°C after different storage periods. The quality of wheat flour changed little during 150 d storage at 15°C, but it significantly decreased with increasing initial insect density and storage time during 150 d storage at 25 and 30°C. The moisture content, fatty acid value, falling number, and protein content of wheat flour were 12.21±0.19%, 190.08±3.51 mg KOH (100 g)-1, 208.67±7.23 s, and 14.25±0.02% after 30 d storage at 30°C, respectively. The wet gluten content and dry gluten content of wheat flour could not be detected after 90 d storage at 25 and 30°C. These results provide useful information for maintaining wheat flour quality.

Extended stability of the trastuzumab biosimilar ABP 980 (KANJINTI™) in polyolefin bags and elastomeric devices

Study Objectives: To investigate the quality and in-use stability of the trastuzumab biosimilar ABP 980 (KANJINTI™) in both concentrated multi-dose bags and following dilution and extended storage in intravenous (IV) bags and elastomeric devices, to address the stability requirements of diff erent global pharmacy practices. Methods: The eff ect of extended refrigerated storage plus exposure to in-use temperature conditions on KANJINTI™ (trastuzumab) solutions was assessed using a range of stability-indicating analytical methods, including appearance, pH, SEC, nonreducing CGE, reducing-CGE, CZE, sub-visible particle counting and potency by a cell-based proliferation inhibition assay. Stability of reconstituted 21 mg/mL solution stored in multi-dose bags and diluted samples at 0.3 mg/mL, 0.8 mg/mL and 4 mg/ mL in 0.9% w/v NaCl solutions stored in IV bags and elastomeric devices was determined over diff erent storage durations. Forced degraded samples exposed to room temperature and natural daylight were used to demonstrate the stability-indicating abilities of the methods. Results: No signifi cant changes were observed in the appearance, pH, monomer concentration, purity, charge heterogeneity, sub-visible particle counts or bioactivity, regardless of initial concentration, container or storage duration. Discussion: There was no indication of signifi cant changes to the physicochemical stability or bioactivity of any of the solutions following extended storage when compared to the initial results acquired on the day of preparation. Conclusion: The data presented has demonstrated the physicochemical stability and bioactivity of a range of KANJINTI™ (trastuzumab) solutions when prepared using controlled and validated aseptic processes, stored protected from light for extended periods at 2°C–8°C and subjected to in-use temperatures. The stability demonstrated in multi-dose bags and elastomeric devices provides additional preparation options to address diff erent global pharmacy practices and requirements.

Dehydrogenation-driven Li metal-free prelithiation for high initial efficiency SiO-based lithium storage materials

Silicon monoxide (SiO) based materials are the most widely used high-capacity anode materials for commercialized lithium-ion batteries. However, their low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) hinders their full potential as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Here, we demonstrate that Li metal-free dehydrogenation-driven prelithiation employing lithium hydride (LiH) could improve the ICE of SiO up to 90.5%. Lithium liberated from LiH served as a source for preemptive formation of lithium silicate phases that are the main reason for the poor ICE of SiO, leading to three-dimensionally networked Si/lithium silicate nanocomposites, which were visualized by laser-assisted atom probe tomography (LA-APT) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The prelithiated SiO delivered a capacity of 1203 mAh g−1 with an ICE of 90.5% without any degradation in other electrochemical performance. The improved ICE of prelithiated SiO made possible to enhance the energy density of full cell (37 mAh) by 50% compared to that adopting pristine SiO with an excellent cycle performance over 800 cycles.

Avaliação de meios para armazenagem de resíduos de amálgama de prata

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shown efectiveness by different ways of storage of amalgam residues, to reduce the liberation of mercury from such residues to the air ambience and to compare with lhe highest value established by the NR-15 (regulation norm number 15) from the decroe number 3214, of the brazilian labor ministry, dated from june, 8 h of 1978. As mercury source, amalgam in capsules of the brand Dispersalloy (Dentsplay) was used after grinding, in the mechanic amalgamizer varimix II (caulk), the quantity of amalgam in cach capsule was collected from a sieve that had a mesh with mm of width to standardize lhe fragmentation. The fragmented amalgam was stored in jars made of transparent polypropylene, that could store 5()() ml; one of the jars was kept in a dry atmosphere (group l), and the others were immersed in distilled water (group 2), in glycerin (group 3) and in a solution of dentistry x-ray fixer (group 4). These jars were kept tightly shut, and put inside a bigger polypropylene recipient, during the time they were stored. Thirty minutes after the storage of the fragments, the jars were opened and air samples were collected around each of the four jars. The same procedure was performed 30 days after the initial storage. A Pump Sampler of Air manufactured by SKCâ was used to do the air collection. The air samples were analyzed by a spectrophotorneter of atomic absorption, to determinate the quantity of mercury. This analysis showed the following mercury concentration rates in the air samples, from the first and the second collection of the four groups, in the following order: group I 6,100 mg/m3 and 0,816 mg/m3 ; group 2 - 0,252 mg/rn3 and 0,157 mg/m 3 ; group 3 — 0,071 mg/m3 and 0,005 mg/m3 ; groui) 4 — 0,256 mg/m3 and 0,005 mg/m3. The results showed that glycerin is the safest way to store amalgam residues, since the quantity of mercuor vapor found in the air, in both collections: the first one and the other 30 days after, never surpassed the highest value established by NR-15 (Regulation Norm number 15), also demonstrating, bigger security, since the initial period of storage of these residues.