Tipuana Research Articles

A Proximity-Based Approach for the Identification of Fallen Species of Street Trees during Strong Wind Events in Lisbon

The benefits of urban trees are very well known, but they can fall and cause damage, putting people’s lives at risk. There are few studies on the vulnerability of species to falling. In Lisbon (Portugal), fallen trees have been recorded since 1990 without, however, the identification of the species, knowledge of which is fundamental for improving their management. This study aimed to identify the tree species most vulnerable to falling in Lisbon through a proximity-based approach of known species, since the city has 47,713 inventoried trees, of which only 26,595 (55.7%) were identified. Four criteria were designed to presume the species: (i) the tree must be within 15 m from the street median axis; (ii) at least three individuals within 30 m from the occurrence must belong to the same species; (iii) the surrounding species must be representative in the street (>50%); and (iv) visual identification of avenue medians. Through this approach, considering 3767 fallen trees, it was possible to identify 736 cases, representing 19.5% of all occurrences throughout the studied time and representing 43 different species. Species like Morus nigra L., Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze, Liriodendron tulipifera L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., and Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. were most vulnerable. Additionally, in 57.7% of cases (425 fallen trees), the wind speed 12-h before the occurrence was greater than 7 m s−1. This research will provide important data for urban planners seeking to maximize the ecosystem services of urban trees.

Stress-tolerant trees for resilient cities: Tree-ring analysis reveals species suitable for a future climate

Cities are vulnerable to droughts and heatwaves due to the decline in permeable green spaces and the emergence of heat islands. To tackle these environmental challenges, many cities adopted ambitious tree-planting initiatives. However, tree tolerance to climate extremes is overlooked even though physiological and growth limitations jeopardize ecosystem services provision. We assessed the responses of Tipuana tipu to the 2013/2014 summer drought in São Paulo, Brazil. We sampled trees in a park and streets and assessed how tree-ring δ13C and growth responses to drought differ. The Regression Tree shows that microhabitats exert the strongest control on tree-ring δ13C seconded by drought. δ13C is on average 1.0‰ higher in streets where growth rate is 60% higher than in the park. Similarly, δ13C increased by up to 0.9‰ during the drought when growth increased by up to 45% in both sites. This positive association between δ13C and growth rate (R2 = 0.78) indicates that growth is limited by assimilation rate. Assimilation is up to 15% higher in streets and increased by up to 10% during the drought because of higher incident sunlight and air temperature. Thus, T. tipu is a drought-tolerant species with potential to contribute to (sub)tropical cities, thriving in a warming climate.

LC-MS/MS profiling of Tipuana tipu flower, HPLC-DAD quantification of its bioactive components, and interrelationships with antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity: in vitro and in silico approaches

BackgroundFabaceae plays a crucial role in African traditional medicine as a source of large number of important folk medication, agriculture and food plants. In a search of potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory candidates derived from locally cultivated plants, the flowers of Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Lillo growing in Egypt were subjected to extensive biological and phytochemical studies. The impact of the extraction technique on the estimated biological activities was investigated.MethodsThe flowers were extracted using different solvents (aqueous, methanol, water/methanol (1:1), methanol/methylene chloride (1:1), and methylene chloride). The different extracts were subjected to antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and anti-inflammatory (COX-2 and 5-LOX) assays. The methanol extract was assessed for its inhibitory activity against iNOS, NO production, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-KB, TNF-R2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The composition-activity relationship of the active methanol extract was further investigated using a comprehensive LC–QTOF-MS/MS analysis. The major identified phenolic compounds were further quantified using HPLC-DAD technique. The affinity of representative compounds to iNOS, COX-2, and 5-LOX target active sites was investigated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.ResultsThe methanol extract exhibited the highest radical scavenging capacity and enzyme inhibitory activities against COX-2 and 5-LOX enzymes with IC50 values of 10.6 ± 0.4 and 14.4 ± 1.0 µg/mL, respectively. It also inhibited iNOS enzyme activity, suppressed NO production, and decreased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In total, 62 compounds were identified in the extract including flavonoids, coumarins, organic, phenolic, and fatty acids. Among them 18 phenolic compounds were quantified by HPLC-DAD. The highest docking scores were achieved by kaempferol-3-glucoside and orientin. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations supported the docking findings.ConclusionThe flower could be considered a potentially valuable component in herbal medicines owing to its unique composition and promising bioactivities. These findings encourage increased propagation of T. tipu or even tissue culturing of its flowers for bioprospecting of novel anti-inflammatory drugs. Such applications could be adopted as future approaches that benefit the biomedical field.

Estudio aerobiológico en Lima, Perú. ¿Tipuana- Tipu, tal vez un nuevo alérgeno?

Introduction:Knowledge about local airborne allergens in any geographical area is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Tipuana tipu, tree of the Fabaceae family, native from South America, it is present in the main avenues of metropolitan Lima and in some parks (big gardens) of the city. The objective was to report the Tipuana tipu pollen how a new allergen capable of triggering allergic symptoms. Methods:The pollen counts were made according to standardized technique with a Burkard seven days following the European Aerobiology Society´s Network Group recommendations.1 The trap was installed on the roof of Clinica SANNA el GOLF, San Isidro, which is 20 m high, 12°5'54"S 77°3'6"W in the west-south of the Lima urban area. The sampling period was performed from September 2020 to October 2021. Collection of Tipuana tipu pollens and Preparation of Tipuana tipu pollen extracts 1:20 w/v was done using a previously described method.2We carried out systematic skin prick testing with Tipuana tipu pollen extract and other aeroallergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis), molds (Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium notatum), cat and dog danders, Periplaneta americana, grass 6 mix, weed mix (Inmunotek, Spain) on 80 patients (18 to 50 years) seen in our allergy center, they suffering from November to January rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis symptoms. The majority living near avenues and large green areas, where Tipuana trees grew. Results:We found a total of 952 grains/m3 of Tipuana tipu pollen between November 2020 to January 2021, with the maximum concentration of 37 grains/m3 on December 10th. We also found other airborne pollen Types: Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Compositae and Betulaceae.14/80 patients (17.5%) showed positive skin prick test only to Tipuana tipu extract. Most of the patients with positive tests to Tipuana extract presented symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis during the Tipuana pollination period. Four patients showed positive skin prick test to Tipuana tipu and grass 6 mix extracts, most of the rest of our patients were sensitized to dust mites extracts (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).Conclusions:The west-south population of Lima urban city is exposed to Tipuana tipu pollen. We do not found previous publications about Tipuana tipu allergy. Almost 18% of the patients tested in our sample were mono-sensitized to this pollen. The results of this study should be compared with data from the forthcoming years, to identify seasonal and annual fluctuations, extend the traps to other locations in Lima, and of course try to standardize and improve the Tipuana tipu pollen extract.

Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber obtained from the fruit of Tipuana tipu

Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber obtained from the fruit of Tipuana tipu

Aerobiological study in Lima, Perú. ¿Tipuana-Tipu, perhaps a new allergen?

To report the Tipuana tipu pollen as a new allergen capable of triggering allergic symptoms. The pollen counts were made according to standardized technique with a Burkard seven days following the European Aerobiology Society´s Network Group recommendations.1 The trap was installed on the roof of Clinica SANNA, El Golf, San Isidro, which is 20 m high, 12°5'54"S 77°3'6"W in the west-south of the Lima urban area. The sampling period was performed from September 2020 to October 2021. Collection of Tipuana tipu pollens and Preparation of Tipuana tipu pollen extracts 1:20 w/v was done using a previously described method.2 We carried out systematic skin prick testing with Tipuana tipu pollen extract and other aeroallergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis), molds (Cladosporium herbarum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium notatum), cat and dog danders, Periplaneta americana, grass six mix, weed mix (Inmunotek, Spain) on 80 patients (18 to 50 years old) seen in our allergy center, they suffering from november to january rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis symptoms. The majority living near avenues and large green areas, where Tipuana trees grew. We found a total of 952 grains/m3 of Tipuana tipu pollen between November 2020 to january 2021, with the maximum concentration of 37 grains/m3 on December 10th. We also found other airborne pollen Types: Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Compositae and Betulaceae. 14/80 patients (17,5%) showed positive skin prick test only to Tipuana tipu extract. Most of the patients with positive tests to Tipuana extract presented symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis during the Tipuana pollination period. Four patients showed positive skin prick test to Tipuana tipu and grass 6 mix extracts, most of the rest of our patients were sensitized to dust mites' extracts (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). The west-south population of Lima urban city is exposed to Tipuana tipu pollen. We do not foud previous publications about Tipuana tipu allergy. Almost 18% of the patients tested in our sample were mono-sensitized to this pollen. The results of this study should be compared with data from the forthcoming years, to identify seasonal and annual fluctuations, extend the traps to other locations in Lima, and of course try to standardize and improve the Tipuana tipu pollen extract.

Additional records on the occurrence of two alien Leguminosae in Algeria

Abstract During field surveys, carried out between 2021 and 2022 in northeastern Algeria, two populations of Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze were discovered. One population was located in the middle of a quite natural habitat in the Filfilla region (wilaya of Skikda). This population seems more or less established and can be considered to be at the beginning of the naturalization process, a degree of naturalization not previously reported in Algeria and mainland North Africa. The surveys also revealed several populations of Paraserianthes lophantha (Vent.) I.C. Nielsen, a species that was recently reported as naturalized in Algeria but for which details on its naturalization were lacking. Details about the localities in which the two species were observed are given, including a present map of their distribution and field photographs. A key for the identification of both genera is also provided.

Predatory Arthropods Associated with the Invasive Tipu Psyllid, Platycorypha nigrivirga, in Southern Spain.

Platycorypha nigrivirga Burckhardt (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is a neotropical invasive species strictly associated with the tipu tree, Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae). This psyllid has rapidly spread to several temperate areas of Spain and Portugal causing considerable problems in urban landscapes. The aim of this study was to determine the arthropod predator complex of this exotic insect and report the possibility of its biological control. Three urban green areas were surveyed in southern Spain during 2018 and 2019. Platycorypha nigrivirga populations increased during the spring months and reached a maximum level between late May and mid-June, declining greatly during the summer. A large complex of generalist predator species was found to exert a certain natural control on the pest, belonging to Anthocoridae (68.53%), Coccinellidae (18.39%), Chrysopidae (5.67%), Miridae (4.39%) and Araneae (3.02%). Anthocoris nemoralis (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) was the most abundant predatory species, followed by Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Scymnus laetificus Weise (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). High levels of abundance of anthocorids coincided with the highest abundance of the pest, showing a significant relationship with the psyllid density. Anthocoris nemoralis seems to be a promising candidate to control P. nigrivirga in the urban green areas of southern Spain, but more studies are needed to define the optimum management strategies.

The load-bearing mechanism of plant wings: A multiscale structural and mechanical analysis of the T. tipu samara.

Spinning winged fruits ("helicopter" samaras) generate significant lift forces at relatively low velocities, which enable the wind to disperse them across long distances. The biological material of the samara sustains the aerodynamic loadings and maintains the physical shape of the samara in the air via a yet unknown load-bearing mechanism. Here, positing that this mechanism fundamentally originates from the macro-to-microscale structural and mechanical characteristics of the samara, we use sub-micron computer tomography, electron microscopy, and multi-scale mechanical experiments to map the structural and mechanical characteristics of the tipu tree (Tipuana tipu) samara down to the micrometer length scale. Then, using theoretical models, we characterize the multiscale structural-mechanical principles of the samara and use these principles to disclose the underlying load-bearing mechanism. We found that the structural motifs of the tipu tree samara are closely analogous to various other types and forms of winged fruits, suggesting that this load-bearing mechanism is widespread in plant wings. The structural-mechanical principles governing the samara bear unconventional design concepts, which pave the way toward the development and engineering of small-scale wing elements for miniature aviation platforms with specialized mechanical capabilities. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The biomaterial of plant wings grants them mechanical resistance to flight forces during wind dispersal. "Helicopter seeds" demonstrate an intricate load-bearing mechanism that spans three structure-functional scales of their biomaterial. This mechanism appears widespread in plant wings and may promote novel micro-engineering design guidelines for futuristic flight materials and small-scale aviation platforms.

Identifying limitations for invasion: the effect of phosphorus availability on the growth of the non-native tree, Tipuana tipu

Context Despite being a crucial factor in plant growth and fitness, the nutritional requirements of non-native invasive plants are poorly understood and rarely considered when assessing invasion risk; yet, they are particularly relevant in many parts of the world with nutrient-poor soils. Aims We investigated the growth response of a native South American tree species (Tipuana tipu), to soil concentrations of phosphorus (P). T. tipu is widely introduced in some regions of western Australia and South Africa, and we aimed to determine whether soil P availability constrains establishment, naturalisation or invasion of the species. Methods We grew T. tipu (Benth.) Kuntze (Fabaceae), a species that is invasive in some regions, from seed in a glasshouse. All treatments were supplied baseline nutrients, and P from 0 to 640 μg P g−1 dry substrate. Plant height and the number of mature leaves were recorded regularly. Plant biomass, P, and nitrogen (N) concentrations were analysed following destructive harvest. Key results Phosphorus availability had a significant effect on all measured aspects of plant growth. Seed P resources were sufficient to support growth for about 7 weeks, with plants at very low soil P availability (≤5 μg P g−1 dry soil) unable to sustain growth beyond that time. P-toxicity symptoms were observed when substrate P exceeded optimum concentrations (40–160 μg P g−1 dry soil). Conclusions Growth of young T. tipu seedlings was very slow at very low soil P concentrations. Under these conditions, seeds may germinate, and seedlings may survive for a short time, but self-sustaining populations are unlikely to be established. Our study adds to a growing body of research that shows that nutrient requirements of introduced plants and soil nutrient availability influence invasion risk and should be considered in risk assessments for managing species invasions at the landscape level.

INTERDIMENSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS OF TREES IN GREEN AREAS IN CENTRAL CURITIBA, PARANÁ, BRAZIL

Morphometric analysis of trees can help in the selection of the most suitable species in urban areas, by allowing us to understand the dynamics of tree growth forms. The objective was to develop a morphometric index for trees located in green areas of Curitiba, Paraná. 122 trees of the five species with the highest number of records of fall and removal in Curitiba were selected: Tipuana tipu, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Erythrina falcata, Melia azedarach and Ligustrum lucidum, in the Passeio Público Municipal of Curitiba and in nine squares located in the Centro district. From the biometric data obtained in the field, the Integrated Morphometric Index (IMI) was calculated through multivariate factorial analysis performed in the statistical software IBM SPSS® Statistics. There was low variability between interdimensional sizes, indicating a pattern of growth among species, especially for T. tipu. On the other hand, J. mimosifolia, E. falcata and M. azedarach present greater variability of the morphometric data, with trees of size considerably higher than the average of the others, while L. lucidum was the species with the smallest interdimensional size. The biometric variables total height, crown height, north crown radius, east crown radius and DBH were the most correlated with the tree growth pattern, explaining 57.9% of the data variation. The generated IMI was adequate to evaluate the behavior of the variables, as it explained 72% of the data variation. The T. tipu trees showed the lowest variability between their interdimensional sizes, thus indicating a more evident growth pattern for this species.

Endorsement and phylogenetic analysis of some Fabaceae plants based on DNA barcoding

BackgroundDNA barcoding have been considered as a tool to facilitate species identification based on its simplicity and high-level accuracy in compression to the complexity and subjective biases linked to morphological identification of taxa. MaturaseK gene (MatK gene) of the chloroplast is very vital in the plant system which is involved in the group II intron splicing. The main objective of this study is to determine the relative utility of the “MatK” chloroplast gene for barcoding in 15 legume as a tool to facilitate species identification based on their simplicity and high-level accuracy linked to morphological identification of taxa.Methods and ResultsMatK gene sequences were submitted to GenBank and the accession numbers were obtained with sequence length ranging from 730 to 1545 nucleotides. These DNA sequences were aligned with database sequence using PROMALS server, Clustal Omega server and Bioedit program. Maximum likelihood and neighbor-joining algorithms were employed for constructing phylogeny. Overall, these results indicated that the phylogenetic tree analysis and the evolutionary distances of an individual dataset of each species were agreed with a phylogenetic tree of all each other consisting of two clades, the first clade comprising (Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Albizia lebbek), Acacia saligna, Leucaena leucocephala, Dichrostachys Cinerea, (Delonix regia, Parkinsonia aculeata), (Senna surattensis, Cassia fistula, Cassia javanica) and Schotia brachypetala were more closely to each other, respectively. The remaining four species of Erythrina humeana, (Sophora secundiflora, Dalbergia Sissoo, Tipuana Tipu) constituted the second clade.ConclusionMoreover, their sequences could be successfully utilized in single nucleotide polymorphism or as part of the sequence as DNA fragment analysis utilizing polymerase chain reaction in plant systematic. Therefore, MatK gene is considered promising a candidate for DNA barcoding in the plant family Fabaceae and provides a clear relationship between the families.

A study on tree bark samples for atmospheric pollution monitoring

Tree barks are considered a promising indicator of air pollution monitoring, because of its accumulation of aerosol particles, simplicity of species identification and wide geographical distribution. However, there are no established protocols for its sampling as well as there are no detailed studies on its usability as an alternative or complementary indicator of atmospheric pollution. In this study, barks from very common tree species, Sibipiruna (Poincianella pluviosa) and Tipuana (Tipuana tipu), were analyzed to define experimental conditions for their use as biomonitor of air pollution. Bark samples collected at the São Paulo city were cleaned and ground for analysis. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied for the determination of As, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Sb, Sc and Zn and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) for Cd and Pb. Results obtained in these analyses indicated that species of trees, bark surface layers taken for analysis as well as tree trunk diameter or tree age should be considered for use tree bark as a biomonitor. Analytical control of results carried out by analyzing certified reference materials demonstrated that INAA and GF AAS techniques can provide reliable data for element concentrations with standardized differences, |Enscore | < 1.

Conversion of the forest species Inga marginata and Tipuana tipu wastes into biosorbents: Dye biosorption study from isotherm to mass transfer

Residual seed pods from the forest species Inga marginata and Tipuana tipu were used as biosorbents to remove the cationic dye gentian violet from diluted aqueous solutions. It was observed that the materials presented heterogeneous structural characteristics, with a predominance of amorphous regions formed by functional groups typical of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. The dosages of 0.80 and 0.72 g L −1 for the Inga marginata and Tipuana tipu , respectively, were sufficient for good biosorption performance. The isothermal studies for both biosorbents were best described by the Langmuir model, with a maximum biosorption capacity of 448.1 and 376.1 mg g −1 for the Inga marginata and Tipuana tipu , respectively. Thermodynamic parameters showed that both biosorbents possess a spontaneous and endothermic nature in the presence of gentian violet. The PVSDM (pore volume and surface diffusion model) model successfully described the concentration decay curves. It was found that the surface diffusion coefficient ranged from 1.00 × 10 −6 to 6.97 × 10 −6 cm 2 s −1 . However, Biot numbers indicate that the external mass transfer is a rate-controlling step. The application of the biosorbents in the treatment of simulated effluent showed that they were able to remove up to 77.65% ( Inga marginata ) and 68.71% ( Tipuana tipu ) of the dye. Thus, the forest species’ pods showed great potential for removing the gentian violet dye from diluted solutions. • Seed pods from Inga marginata and Tipuana tipu were efficiently used as biosorbents. • From 68 to 75% of contaminant gentian violet was removed through biosorption. • The Langmuir model best-described biosorption process. • The PDVSM described concentration decay of gentian violet. • The external mass transfer was defined as the rate-controlling step.

Variability of <i>In-Situ</i> Plant Species Effects on Microclimatic Modification in Urban Open Spaces of Nairobi, Kenya

Plant species play a key role in microclimate regulation especially in cities where Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects are mostly felt. This study aimed at determining the impact that different tree species have on microclimatic parameters in urban open spaces of Nairobi and the degree to which they reduce UHI implications and improve Thermal Comfort (TC) of inhabitants. Two sites representing two Local Climate Zones (LCZ) were selected for sampling namely; LCZ B: Central Park (Site 1), and LCZ 4: Taifa road (Site 2). Four mature and isolated in-situ plant species with varied tree architecture were chosen for measurements of climatic variables done at 1.1 m above the ground, at the trunk base, 5 m horizontally away from the plant and open in the sun with no trees (control). Leaf area index (LAI) and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) were measured under the trees. In both sites, Terminalia mantaly species with a spreading canopy form provided the best cooling effect with a PET reduction of 9.6°C and 9.3°C in Site 1 and Site 2, respectively. Tipuana tipu (round canopy form) was the second best with 9.2°C and 8.2°C, followed by Cassia spectabilis (vase canopy form) with 8.5°C and 7.6°C, and lastly Podocarpus falcatus (pyramidal canopy form) with 7.9°C and 6.4°C. Air temperatures in Site 1 (Park) were 2.3°C, 1.3°C and 1.0°C lower compared to those in Site 2 (Street) at 1 pm, 6 pm and 8 am, respectively. A strong negative correlation (S1; r = -0.96, S2; r = -0.8) was obtained between LAI and PET for both sites. This showed that plants with higher canopy densities reduced temperature more, which in turn helps improve human TC.

Intra-annual oxygen isotopes in the tree rings record precipitation extremes and water reservoir levels in the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo, Brazil

The impacts of climate change on precipitation and the growing demand for water have increased the water risks worldwide. Water scarcity is one of the main challenges of the 21st century, and the assessment of water risks is only possible from spatially distributed records of historical climate and levels of water reservoirs. One potential method to assess water supply is the reconstruction of oxygen isotopes in rainfall. We here investigated the use of tree-ring stable isotopes in urban trees to assess spatial/temporal variation in precipitation and level of water reservoirs. We analyzed the intra-annual variation of δ13C and δ18O in the tree rings of Tipuana tipu trees from northern and southern Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP), Brazil. While variation in δ13C indicates low leaf-level enrichments from evapotranspiration, δ18O variation clearly reflects precipitation extremes. Tree-ring δ18O was highest during the 2014 drought, associated with the lowest historical reservoir levels in the city. The δ18O values from the middle of the tree rings have a strong association with the mid-summer precipitation (r = −0.71), similar to the association between the volume of precipitation and its δ18O signature (r = −0.76). These consistent results allowed us to test the association between tree-ring δ18O and water-level of the main reservoirs that supply the MASP. We observed a strong association between intra-annual tree-ring δ18O and the water-level of reservoirs in the northern and southern MASP (r = −0.94, r = −0.90, respectively). These results point to the potential use of high-resolution tree-ring stable isotopes to put precipitation extremes, and water supply, in a historical perspective assisting public policies related to water risks and climate change. The ability to record precipitation extremes, and previously reported capacity to record air pollution, place Tipuana tipu in a prominent position as a reliable environmental monitor for urban locations.

Manufacture of activated carbons using Egyptian wood resources and its application in oligothiophene dye adsorption

The following paper presents research on the conversion of wood wastes accessible in Egypt into activated carbon. In this study, wood samples of four Egyptian tree species were used: Delonix regia, Leucaena leucocephala, Salix mucronata, and Tipuana tipu. The wood scraps were soaked in a KOH solution and then carbonized at 600 °C under the flow of nitrogen; the resulting materials were analyzed by means of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen, and an investigation of the surface area using nitrogen sorption. The addition of a chemical activator facilitated an increase of the surface area up to 603 m2 g−1. In its second part, the work aims to experimentally confirm that synthesizing hybrid materials consisting of oligothiophene dye (OT) and the obtained activated carbon may contribute to improving the applicability of these carbons as dye adsorbents. Confocal microscopy, Raman spectra, and SEM-EDX microscopy were used to confirm the immobilization of oligomers on the surface of carbon hybrid materials. Confocal microscopy in particular is considered to be an appropriate technique of detecting the presence of adsorbed 6 T molecules on the carbon surface. The presented research is a major step towards the application of modified carbons as an attractive and inexpensive base for dye molecule adsorption.

Urban arborization management plan: tool design for efficiency and public safety

The inventory of the urban arborization of Positivo University parking lots in Ecoville Campus was conducted through census criteria, concerning the surroundings conflicts related to tree health, origin and phenology, that were scored and weighted. There were 393 individuals, 12 species and five families where 60% were native to Brazil. The main canopy criteria was the reaching branches on the access road in a proportion of 40%; in the trunk analysis, it was observed lesion (45%) and rot (40%); at the base’s analysis it was verified injury (43%) and root damage (35%) and exposed root (25%). The presence of fruit (26%) was higher than the flowering. Handroanthus albus presented the best result for the criteria, unlike Anadenanthera macrocarpa and Tipuana tipu. The trees showed a landscaping potential, however, the space available for the large size ones was not adequate and the large size species intensified the conflicts, when there was no planning. The species characteristics should be observed, in relation to the three-dimensional space availability. Thus, future conflicts that can be avoided endanger tree health, urban infrastructure and residents which can lead to economic losses. For this reason, the elaboration of the Municipal Urban Arborization Plan is considered primordial.

The role of air pollution and climate on the growth of urban trees

The urban environment features poor air quality and harsher climate conditions that affect the life in the cities. Citizens are especially vulnerable to climate change, because heat island and impervious exacerbates extreme climate events. Urban trees are important tools for mitigation and adaptation of cities to climate change because they provide ecosystem services that increase while trees grow. Nonetheless, the growth of trees may be affected by the harsher conditions found in the urban environment. We assessed the impact of air pollution and climate on the spatial/temporal variability of tree growth in São Paulo, Brazil, one of the largest urban conglomerates in the world. For this purpose, we sampled 41 trees of the Tipuana tipu species in a region that includes industrial areas. We built a tree-ring chronology using standard dendrochronological methods. Spatial analyses show that trees grow faster in the warmer parts of the city and under higher concentrations of airborne P, whereas growth is reduced under higher concentrations of Al, Ba, Zn. Particulate matter (PM10) from the industrial cluster also reduce average growth rate of trees, up to 37% in all diameter classes. Similar results were obtained via temporal analyses, suggesting that the annual growth rate is positively associated with temperature, which explain 16% of interannual growth variability. Precipitation, on the other hand, has no association with tree growth. The average concentration of PM10 explains 41% of interannual growth variability, and higher concentrations during the driest months reduce growth rate. Despite heat island effect and water limitation in the soil of the city, this species takes advantage of warmer conditions and it is not limited by water availability as measured by precipitation. On the other hand, air pollution directly impacts the growth of these trees being a major limiting growth factor.

Determination of uranium in tree bark samples by epithermal neutron activation analysis

In this study uranium (U) concentrations were determined in certified reference materials (CRMs) and in tree bark samples collected in “Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira” (CUASO) USP, São Paulo. The barks were collected from different species namely Poincianella pluviosa and Tipuana tipu. These bark samples were cleaned, dried, grated and milled for the analyses by epithermal neutron activation analysis method (ENAA). This method consists on irradiating samples and U standard in IEA-R1 nuclear reactor with thermal neutron flux of 1.9 x 1012 n cm-2 s-1 during 40 to 60 seconds depending on the samples’ matrices. The samples and standard were measured by gamma ray spectroscopy. U was identified by the peak of 74.66 keV of 239U with half life of 23.47 minutes. Concentration of U was calculated by comparative method. For analytical quality control of U results, certified reference materials were analyzed. Results obtained for CRMs presented good precision and accuracy, with |Z score| ≤ 0.39. Uranium concentrations in tree barks varied from 83.1 to 627.6 ng g-1 and the relative standard deviations of these results ranged from 1.8 to 10 %.