Avaliação da substituição do nonilfenol em um adjuvante utilizado como fertilizante

Abstract

Fertilizers are products used with the aim of providing essential nutrients to plants. In the composition of these fertilizers, additives that contain surfactants are often used, aiming to maximize the efficiency of application. Most of the surfactants used in the manufacture of these additives are of synthetic origin and derived from petroleum. Inadequate handling or application of these substances can result in the contamination of bodies of water, such as rivers and lakes. An example of this is nonylphenol, a surfactant widely employed in fertilizers and agricultural pesticides. This compound has demonstrated toxic effects on the environment and human health, which has motivated several countries to establish regulations to limit or prohibit its use. Considering this context, the main objective of this study is to replace the surfactant nonylphenol with a surfactant of similar action. For this, the experimental phase of the work was based on a pre-existing formulation, replacing the nonylphenol surfactant with one of comparable performance. Tests were carried out to evaluate the stability of the new formulation, the breaking of surface tension, and the reduction of foam formation. The results obtained show that it is viable to replace the nonylphenol surfactant with one with similar stability characteristics and that has superior performance in spreading and foam tests. Notably, two of the new formulations demonstrated results similar or even superior to the original formulation, suggesting a promising direction for advancement in the production of safer and ecologically sustainable adjuvants.