Studies on diversity and evolution of Iridaceae species in southern Brazil.

Plants of the family Iridaceae are well represented in the grassland vegetation of southern Brazil, occurring in the Pampa and Atlantic Forest biomes. Nevertheless, little is known about the taxonomy and evolution of Iridaceae species in southern Brazil. The main goal of this review is to compile published information about South American Iridaceae, and to discuss the evolution and genetic diversity of the family presenting our own research data in the light of the published literature.

Desorption rate of volatile compounds in polishing ponds.

Increase of pH in polishing ponds can be predicted quantitatively from variations in alkalinity and acidity. These variables are affected by processes that develop simultaneously in ponds: (1) CO(2) desorption, (2) biological CO(2) removal by photosynthesis and (3) NH(3) desorption. An experimental investigation was carried out to determine the desorption rate of carbon dioxide and ammonium.