Browsing by Author "Pereira, Sofia I. A."
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- Advanced treatment in constructed wetlands: the role of photocatalytic modules and nanostructured filtersPublication . Ojediran, Adetunji A.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Rosa-Santos, Paulo; Arenas, Francisco; Dolbeth, Marina; Ntougias, Spyros; Calheiros, Cristina S. C.Background & Aim: Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as a leading nature-based solution (NBS) for wastewater treatment, offering multiple benefits such as low maintenance costs, high pollutant removal efficiency, carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, and aesthetic value (Justino et al., 2023; Kadlec, 2008). However, in tourism facilities, two major challenges affect wastewater management: seasonal variability in wastewater composition and volume, and the lack of connection to centralized treatment systems (Calheiros et al., 2015). To address these issues, a decentralized CW system was developed, operating alongside a septic tank for wastewater collection. This horizontal subsurface flow CW has been operational since 2010. The study aims to integrate photocatalytic modules and nanostructured filter technologies with CW to enhance water quality for irrigation. Methods: wastewater quality characterization will be performed according to national legislation and the efficiency of the photocatalytic modules and nano filters will be assessed. Results: CW efficiency is being assessed, and ongoing studies are being carried out related to the best approach for the implementation of the photocatalytic modules and nanostructured filters technologies. Conclusions: By integrating advanced filtration and photocatalytic technologies, this research intends to develop a highly efficient, self-sustaining, and ecofriendly wastewater treatment system suitable for the tourism industry. The findings will contribute to the broader application of CW in decentralized wastewater management and sustainable water reuse strategies, most especially in a tourism facility.
- Approach to phytotechnology regulatory and market trends in Europe: future perspectivesPublication . Vega, Alberto; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Moreira, Helena; Ávila, Paula; Ferreira, Adelaide; Castro, Paula M. L.
- Assessment of metal(loid)s phytoavailability in mining soilsPublication . Ávila, Paula F.; Ferreira, Adelaide; Moreira, Helena; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Vega, Alberto; Candeias, Carla; Castro, Paula M. L.
- Assessment of metalloids phytoavailability in mining soilsPublication . Ávila, Paula F.; Ferreira, Adelaide; Moreira, Helena; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Vega, Alberto; Candeias, Carla; Castro, Paula M. L.
- Assessment of metallophytes diversity in a metal(loid) contaminated Portuguese mine for phytotechnological purposesPublication . Sousa, Ana S. S.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Cunha, Joaquim; Vila-Viçosa, Carlos; Castro, Paula M. L.; Moreira, Helena
- Assessment of rhizospheric culturable bacteria of Phragmites australis and Juncus effusus from polluted sitesPublication . Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Pires, Carlos; Henriques, Isabel; Correia, António; Magan, Naresh; Castro, Paula M. L.This study aimed at the isolation and characterization of metal(loid)-tolerant bacteria from the rhizosphere of Phragmites australis and Juncus effusus plants growing in two long-term contaminated sites in Northern Portugal. Site 1 had higher contamination than Site 3. Bacteria were isolated using metal(loid)-supplemented (Cd, Zn, and As) media. Isolates were grouped by random amplified polymorphic DNA and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Strains were also examined for their metal(loid) tolerance. The counts of metal(loid)-tolerant bacteria were higher in Site 1 and ranged between log 7.17 CFU g(-1) soil in As-containing medium and log 7.57 CFU g(-1) soil in Zn-containing medium, while counts at Site 3 varied between log 5.33 CFU g(-1) soil in Cd-containing medium and log 6.97 CFUg(-1) soil in As-containing medium. The composition of bacterial populations varied between locations. In Site 1, the classes Actinobacteria (36%) and Bacilli (24%) were well represented, while in Site 3 strains were mainly affiliated to classes Actinobacteria (35%), 'y-Proteobacteria (35%), and 13-Proteobacteria (12%). The order of metal(loid) toxicity for the isolated strains was Cd > As > Zn. Overall, 10 strains grew at 500 mg Cd L-1, 1000 mg Zn L-1, and 500 mg As L-1, being considered the most metal(loid)-tolerant bacteria. These strains belonged to genera Cupriavidus, Burkholderia, Novosphingobium, Sphingo bacterium, Castellaniella, Mesorhizobium, Chryseobacterium, and Rhodococcus and were mainly retrieved from Site 1. The multiple metal(loid)-tolerant strains isolated in this study have potential to be used in bioremediation/phytoremediation.
- Bacterial and macro/mesofauna diversity of a Portuguese mine tailingPublication . Sousa, Ana S. S.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Moreira, Helena; Cunha, Joaquim; Nunes de Sousa, Álvaro; Natal-Luz, Tiago; Tentugal, Rita; Alves, Daniela; Castro, Paula M. L.
- Bio-based superabsorbent hydrogels for nutrient releasePublication . Ribeiro, Alessandra B.; Moreira, Helena; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Godinho, Mariana; Sousa, Ana Sofia da Silva; Castro, Paula; Pereira, Carla F.; Casanova, Francisca; Freixo, Ricardo; Pintado, Manuela E.; Ramos, Óscar L.Drought is characterized by a low water precipitation rate, with strong impact on crop productivity, threatening global food production. In this context, the use of soil amendments, such as superabsorbent hydrogels constitute a potential technology for better water use efficiency and higher crop yields. In this work, we synthesised cellulose-based hydrogels, characterized their physical and functional properties, evaluated their impact on the environment, and their potential to be used as a soil amendments. The hydrogel showed pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and conductivity below 10.0 µS cm-1. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a low intensity peak in the crystallinity region, which was supported by the low crystallinity index (27.3% ± 0.6) verified by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. The swelling capacity reached more than 200 g of water, the hydrogel showed good resistance to osmotic pressure and high thermostability, which favours the application in hot and arid areas. In addition, no potentially hazardous compound was detected, nor was there any adverse effect on soil microorganisms. Further, the hydrogel was found to be safe for use during seed sowing and for promoting seedling development. In the greenhouse pot experiment, the hydrogels showed a significant increase in maize shoot and root biomass, demonstrating their ability to contribute to the overall water holding capacity of the soil, thereby influencing nutrient availability for more efficient plant growth. In conclusion, the superabsorbent hydrogel exhibited promising characteristics for use as a soil amendment, scalability potential and constitutes a sustainable alternative for agricultural applications.
- Bio-based superabsorbent hydrogels for nutrient-controlled releasePublication . Ribeiro, Alessandra B.; Moreira, Helena; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Godinho, Mariana; Castro, Paula; Pereira, Carla F.; Casanova, Francisca; Freixo, Ricardo; Pintado, Manuela E.; Ramos, Óscar L.The drought is characterized by a low water precipitation rate, with strong impact on the crop productivity, threaten global food production. In this context, the use of soil amendments, such as superabsorbent hydrogels constitute a potential technology for water use efficiency and increase crop yields. In this work, it was synthesised a cellulose-based hydrogel, carrying out its characterisation, evaluated its environmental safety and its potential to be used as a soil amendment. The hydrogel was successfully synthesised using a simple process and inexpensive reagents. The hydrogel showed pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and conductivity below 10.0 µS cm-1. The FTIR showed a low intensity peak in the crystallinity region, which was supported by the low crystallinity index (27.3 % ± 0.6) verified by PXRD analysis. The swelling capacity reached more than 200 g of water, the hydrogel showed good resistance to osmotic pressure and high thermostability, which favours the application in hot and arid areas. Regarding the safety evaluation, no potentially hazardous compound was detected, nor was there any adverse effect on soil microrganisms. In addition, the hydrogel was found to be safe for use during sowing and for promoting seedling development. In the green pot experiment, the hydrogel demonstrated a significant increase in maize biomass, root biomass and potential to serve as a reservoir for soil nutrients. In conclusion, the superabsorbent hydrogel exhibited promising characteristics for use as a soil amendment, scalability potential and constitutes a sustainable alternative for agricultural applications.
- Biodiversity assessment in a floating treatment wetland established in a stormwater pondPublication . Calheiros, Cristina S. C.; Ilarri, Martina; Godinho, Mariana; Castro, Paula M. L.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.Floating treatment wetland (FTW) are a nature-based solution delivering a wide range of ecosystem services when applied in water bodies, such as lakes and rivers. They are recognized for delivering biodiversity, aesthetic integration, and water quality enhancement through phytoremediation processes, although research is still needed to go deeper into the processes underlying the performance of these systems and evaluate the extent of biodiversity promotion especially on pond ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the plant establishment and biodiversity associated with an FTW set up in a rural artificial stormwater pond, with a polyculture comprising Iris germanica, Acorus gramineus, Caltha palustris, and Typha latifolia set in a cork agglomerate platform. For this, it was assessed the culturable bacterial communities associated to the floating platform and the rooting system, and the macroinvertebrates associated to the FTW and to the pond margin. Culturable bacterial communities colonizing the floating platform biofilm and the plant rhizosphere were isolated, identified by 16S rRNA, and characterized for their ability to produce plant growth-promoting substances (e.g., indole-acetic acid, siderophores). There was a high bacterial genera diversity associated with the FTW and with the ability to produce plant growth-promoting substances. Bacterial strains with outstanding growth-promoting traits can be used in the future to support phytoremediation strategies or plant resilience to climate change-related abiotic stresses. Regarding the biodiversity of macrofauna, namely macroinvertebrates, associated with FTW, they were mostly from the order Odonata. The FTW attracted mainly individuals of the genus Coenagrion, which represented more than 80 % of the associated fauna. The full life cycle of dragonflies and damselflies occurred in the FTW. These systems proved to be a hotspot of biodiversity supporting water and landscape management plans, besides aesthetics integration. This study gives new insights into broadening the FTW applications in stormwater or prospects to polluted water.