Deterministic and stochastic methods applied to the study of microporous materials

Abstract

Samples from spiny lobster exoskeleton Panulirus argus, collected in October 2002 and 2004 from fishery
wastes were compared according to their chemical composition and trace elements content. Chemical composition parameters:
humidity, ashes, protein, chitin and total lipids contents from samples were determined by gravimetric analysis,
while pigment contents was determined by ultraviolet spectrofotometry. Exoskeleton samples were also characterised
by X Ray techniques. Elemental analysis was performed by means of a non destructive technique, energy dispersive
X Ray fluorescence (EDXRF). It was found that the chemical composition of lobster exoskeleton samples studied were
similar to those reported previously for spiny lobster. X Rays Fluorescence technique allowed to achieve, for the first
time, a comprehensive characterization of trace elements composition for this marine specie which it was very similar for
samples of two years in study. It was interesting the presence of rhodium and hafnium found in year 2004 sample, while
neither Pb, Cd, As, Hg nor other molecules considered as contaminant of this material were detected. It was also found
that exoskeleton metal trace contents are lower than maximum biosolid levels accepted in international regulations,
therefore agricultural use for this material may be proposed.