Browsing by Author "Calheiros, C. S. C."
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- Bacterial community dynamics in constructed wetlands with different plants for the polishing of high salinity industrial wastewaterPublication . Calheiros, C. S. C.; Teixeira, A.; Pires, C.; Franco, A. R.; Crispim, L. F. C.; Moura, S. G. C.; Castro, P. M. L.
- Biodiversity associated to a floating wetland island in a freshwater pondPublication . Calheiros, C. S. C.; IIarri, M.; Godinho, M.; Castro, P. M. L.; Pereira, S. I. A.Floating wetland islands (FWI) are considered nature-based solutions that can be applied in different water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, in order to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. They are recognized to promote local biodiversity, aesthetic integration and provide water quality enhancement through phytoremediation processes, although research is still needed to go deeper on the processes underlying the performance of these systems. The aim of this study was to assess de biodiversity associated to a FWI made of cork agglomerate, set up in 2018 in a freshwater pond. A polyculture comprising the plant species Iris germanica, Acorus gramineus, Caltha palustris, and Typha latifolia was considered. The culturable bacterial communities associated to the floating platform biofilm and to the plant rhizosphere were analyzed. The bacterial isolates were identified by 16S rRNA and characterized for their ability to produce plant growth promoting substances (e.g., indole-acetic acid, siderophores). The diversity of macroinvertebrates associated to FWI was also assessed. Water analysis of the pond were conducted. Preliminary data shows that there is a high bacterial diversity associated to this system and the ability to produce plant growth promoting substances has been shown. The bacterial strains with outstanding growth promoting traits can be used in the future to support phytoremediation strategies or plant resilience to climate change abiotic stresses. Regarding the biodiversity of macroinvertebrates associated with FWI they were mainly from the order Odonata. The FWI attracted mainly individuals of the genus Coenagrion (represented more than 80% of the fauna). These systems had proven to be a hotspot of biodiversity supporting water management plans and landscape and aesthetics integration. This study gives new insights into broadening the FWI applications in freshwater or polluted water.
- Biodiversity associated to floating wetland islandsPublication . Calheiros, C. S. C.; Ilarri, M.; Pereira, S. I. A.Floating wetland islands (FWI) are nature-based solutions that can be applied in different water bodies, such lakes, ponds and rivers, considering a wide range of purposes. They have been considered for eutrophication abatement, wastewater treatment and ecosystem rehabilitation. They are of great value since their efficiency relies on bioremediation processes and are thus very versatile in terms of water depuration but also on biodiversity promotion. These systems comprise a floating platform, selected plants and an anchoring system. Depending on their configuration, they will attract and harbor different organisms such macrofauna and microorganisms, that will use the platform as shelter, habitat, stepping stone, nursery, food source among other benefits. The plant species are of particular interest since they are the living interface between the platform and the water body and they must be selected according to criteria that will enable their successful establishment having in consideration the biotic factors. The present paper intends to give an overview of the role of FWI towards their associated biodiversity and what has been identified in literature as the main groups that can be found and related to operational conditions. This approach can support future decisions concerning the FWI implementation conditions and components towards biodiversity enhancement.
- Contributions to the design of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with green roofs in a Mediterranean climatePublication . Monteiro, C. M.; Calheiros, C. S. C.; Pimentel-Rodrigues, C.; Silva-Afonso, A.; Castro, P. M. L.Green roofs (GRs) are becoming a trend in urban areas, favouring thermal performance of buildings, promoting removal of atmospheric pollutants, and acting as possible water collection spots. Rainwater harvesting systems in buildings can also contribute to the management of stormwater runoff reducing flood peaks. These technologies should be enhanced in Mediterranean countries where water scarcity is increasing and the occurrence of extreme events is becoming very significant, as a result of climate change. An extensive pilot GR with three aromatic plant species, Satureja montana, Thymus caespititius and Thymus pseudolanuginosus, designed to study several parameters affecting rainwater runoff, has been in operation for 12 months. Physico-chemical analyses of roof water runoff (turbidity, pH, conductivity, NH4(+), NO3(-), PO4(3-), chemical oxygen demand) have shown that water was of sufficient quality for non-potable uses in buildings, such as toilet flushing. An innovative approach allowed for the development of an expression to predict a 'monthly runoff coefficient' of the GR system. This parameter is essential when planning and designing GRs combined with rainwater harvesting systems in a Mediterranean climate. This study is a contribution to improving the basis for the design of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with extensive GRs under a Mediterranean climate.
- Exploring challenges and opportunities of nature-based solutions for urban agriculture within buildingsPublication . Calheiros, C. S. C.; Ma, W. M.; Pereira, S. I. A.Urban centers, teeming with increase population density, rely on their rural and peri-urban counterparts for food provision. However, this conventional linear food system gives rise to environmental challenges, such as an elevated carbon footprint due to extensive transportation networks and the accumulation of waste from excessive packaging materials. Promoting Urban Agriculture (UA) within buildings, coupled with Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), holds significant promise for revolutionizing urban food systems and fostering the development of more resilient and sustainable cities, particularly in densely populated urban areas such as Macao. Indeed, Macao relies on mainland China for its fresh fruits and vegetable supply which results in shortages of fresh food when cross-border activities are restricted. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify the technologies, environmental and social impacts, as well as the main challenges and barriers for the public acceptance of UA in buildings. The primary findings from the literature review reveal that the most prevalent NbS for UA within buildings include indoor hydroponics, rooftop farming, and greenhouses. These solutions contribute to significantly decrease the carbon footprint, while promoting food security, healthier dietary choices and reducing reliance on imported or processed foods. Moreover, UA helps mitigating the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling the surrounding environment and improving air quality, creating more comfortable and sustainable urban living environments. However, UA in buildings encounters several challenges, including high energy consumption, generation of consumable waste from building farming facilities, restrictions on crop selection, and limitations imposed by building orientation for facade farming. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is paramount to develop tailored sustainable agricultural systems in buildings. Such initiatives have the potential to significantly benefit communities in densely populated cities. To grasp the full potential of UA in buildings, policymakers and stakeholders need to collaborate closely in tackling the accompanying challenges.
- Feasibility of typha latifolia for high salinity effluent treatment in constructed wetlands for integration in resource management systemsPublication . Jesus, J. M.; Calheiros, C. S. C.; Castro, P. M. L.; Borges, M. T.High salinity wastewaters have limited treatment options due to the occurrence of salt inhibition in conventional biological treatments. Using recirculating marine aquaculture effluents as a case study, this work explored the use of Constructed Wetlands as a treatment option for nutrient and salt loads reduction. Three different substrateswere tested for nutrient adsorption, of which expanded clay performed better. This substrate adsorbed 0.31 mg kg−1 of NH4 +−N and 5.60 mg kg−1 of PO4 3−−P and 6.9 mg kg−1 dissolved salts after 7 days of contact. Microcosms with Typha latifolia planted in expanded clay and irrigated with aquaculture wastewater (salinity 2.4%, 7 days hydraulic retention time, for 4 weeks), were able to remove 94%NH4 +−N(inlet 0.25±0.13 mg L−1), 78%NO2 −−N(inlet 0.78±0.62 mg L−1), 46% NO3 −−N (inlet 18.83 ± 8.93 mg L−1) whereas PO4 3−−P was not detected (inlet 1.41 ± 0.21 mg L−1). Maximum salinity reductions of 52% were observed. Despite some growth inhibition, plants remained viable, with 94% survival rate. Daily treatment dynamics studies revealed rapid PO4 3−−P adsorption, unbalancing the N:P ratio and possibly affecting plant development. An integrated treatment approach, coupled with biomass valorization, is suggested to provide optimal resource management possibilities.
- Floating islands implementation in marine and freshwater environmentsPublication . Octaviano, A. L. M.; Imbernon, R.; Pereira, S. I. A.; Martina, I.; Calheiros, C. S. C.Rapid industrialization, changes in human activities, and agricultural practices have led to the widespread use of toxic organic compounds, resulting in increased concentrations of pollutants in the environment that can be transmitted through air, water, or soil, resulting in numerous environmental and health problems. Therefore, the efficient management of water in these polluted sites is urgently needed. Aiming at this, this work proposes the use of floating wetland islands (FWI) for phytoremediation of these environments, since they have a great potential to promote several ecosystem services, such as biodiversity and water quality improvement. Having that in consideration it will be carried out an assessment related to the most adequate materials for the floating platform to be applied in marine and freshwater environments. Plants will be selected based on previous research carried out by the group It is intended that the floating platform developed under the present study will be compared with a commercial system cork based. It will be monitored the plant development and establishment in the two floating platforms materials and environments, the associated fauna and the water characterization. From the analysis of these results, this work hopes that these nature-based solutions can contribute to better water management, in such a way that will involve the conservation and rehabilitation of ecosystems.
- Floating islands implementation in marine and freshwater environmentsPublication . Octaviano, A. L. M.; Imbernon, R.; Pereira, S. I. A.; Martina, I.; Calheiros, C. S. C.
- Floating wetland islands to support biodiversity promotion in a freshwater pondPublication . Calheiros, C. S. C.; IIarri, M.; Castro, P. M. L.; Pereira, S. I. A.
- Isolation and characterization of polymeric galloyl-ester- degrading bacteria from a tannery discharge placePublication . Franco, A. R.; Calheiros, C. S. C.; Pacheco, C. C.; Marco, P. De; Manaia, C. M.The culturable bacteria colonizing the rhizosphere of plants growing in the area of discharge of a tannery effluent were characterized. Relative proportions of aerobic, denitrifying, and sulfate-reducing bacteria were determined in the rhizosphere of Typha latifolia, Canna indica, and Phragmites australis. Aerobic bacteria were observed to be the most abundant group in the rhizosphere, and plant type did not seem to influence the abundance of the bacterial types analyzed. To isolate bacteria able to degrade polyphenols used in the tannery industry, enrichments were conducted under different conditions. Bacterial cultures were enriched with individual polyphenols (tannins Tara, Quebracho, or Mimosa) or with an undefined mixture of tannins present in the tannery effluent as carbon source. Cultures enriched with the effluent or Tara tannin were able to degrade tannic acid. Six bacterial isolates purified from these mixed cultures were able to use tannic acid as a sole carbon source in axenic culture. On the basis of 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis, these isolates were closely related to organisms belonging to the taxa Serratia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Klebsiella oxytoca, Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum, and Pseudomonas putida.