Políticas públicas indutoras de novas tecnologias para soluções de problemas ambientais: estudo de caso no Departamento de Química da Universidade Federal de Lavras

Abstract

This study investigates the public policies of incentive to the novel technologies turned to the solution of environmental problems. The study starts from the presupposed that the aware if the society and environmental legislation have induced the organizations to a more sustainable relationship with environment. The search for alternatives which minimize the negative impacts of the productive business has motivated the organizations to invest on solutions for the environmental problems. However, in addition to the effort on the part of the organization, govern actions which give support to the development of new technologies which present solutions to the environmental problems. The study discusses the current set of Brazilian public policies which offer both incentive and financial support to the universities and research centers in the tasks of developing such technologies. To better understand the dynamics and practical aspects of the public policies in this important area, a case study was conducted in the Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras – UFLA, where the generation of a novel technique of extracting chrome from leather was investigated. The residues containing chrome (clippings, leather powder, sawdust etc.) are extremely dangerous, as they present risks to public health and environment. Unlike other chrome-extracting techniques, the research work developed in the UFLA offers an ecologically correct and more profitable alternative to the residues. The technique allows that chrome to be extracted in a clean and free form, it s being able to be reutilized by the leather-tanning factory itself in the next hides. During the chrome removing process, there is still the collagen removal, a chemical compound which can also be used in the industry of foods, glue or as fertilizer.