Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF)
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Browsing Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina (CBQF) by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) "07:Energias Renováveis e Acessíveis"
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- Conversion into food ingredients and solid biofuel from olive pomace biomass in centre inner region of PortugalPublication . Ribeiro, Tânia B.; Oliveira, Ana L.; Costa, Cristina; Vicente, António A.; Pintado, Maria; Nunes, João
- Green roofs vegetation as a biotechnological solution to improve buildings thermal performance in urban areasPublication . Monteiro, Cristina M.; de Freitas, Sara; Ramos, Nuno M.M.; Castro, Paula
- Microbial fuel cells’ integration in constructed wetlands: a mini-reviewPublication . Ojediran, Adetunji A.; Pereira, Sofia I. A.; Rosa-Santos, Paulo; Rodrigues, Ana C.; Calheiros, Cristina S. C.Background & Aims: Constructed wetlands (CW) are widely recognized as an e?ective nature-based solution for wastewater treatment with benefits that include low energy consumption, ecological enhancement, aesthetics, and carbon sequestration potential (Calheiros et al., 2015; Vymazal, 2011). As stated by Justino et al. (2023) and Vymazal (2011) CW’s performance could be enhanced through hybrid configurations, combining di?erent hydraulic flows (vertical or horizontal), macrophyte types (emergent, submerged, or floating), and hydrological regimes (subsurface or surface flow). In addition to their treatment capacity, CW are characterized by having organic matter in their substrate and surrounding wastewater, and hosting microbial communities capable of electricity generation through biocatalytic metabolism, under anaerobic conditions. This dual functionality of a CW has been demonstrated in several studies (Angassa et al., 2024; Jacobs et al., 2024). The electroactive bacteria oxidize organic matter and transfer electrons to the anode. The electrons are then transferred to the cathode region through an external resistance. This process results in the generation of bioelectricity while simultaneously treating wastewater. This is the basic principle of microbial fuel cells (MFC) operation. This study aims to critically review current research on the integration of MFCs into CW, focusing on electricity generated from the organic matter content present in the wastewater. Methods: The study proposes a systematic review of relevant scientific literature, with a particular focus on recent developments in MFC associated to CW (Colares et al., 2022). Emphasis will be placed on decentralized wastewater treatment scenarios where influent quality and quantity fluctuate, as typically observed in rural tourism facilities. Implementation challenges such as system complexity, potential toxicity from electrode materials, and pollutants accumulation will also be assessed. The review will be carried out based on scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Scopus to identify trends, technological frameworks, and knowledge gaps. Results: The review provides insights into the current state of MFC application in CW, comparing their performance in treating wastewater and assessing their energy recovery potential. Conclusion: The findings will support the development of a conceptual framework for integrating MFC into CW, enabling more sustainable, decentralized water treatment systems. This contributes directly to SDG 6 by enhancing access to safe water, SDG 11 through support for resilient and sustainable community infrastructure, and SDG 13 by promoting low-carbon, energy- generating wastewater technologies that mitigate climate impact.
- Microbial fuel cells’ integration in constructed wetlands: a mini-reviewPublication . Ojediran, Adetunji; Pereira, Sofia; Rosa-Santos, Paulo; Rodrigues, Ana; Calheiros, Cristina S. C.Introduction: Constructed wetlands (CWs) are sustainable wastewater treatment systems leveraging natural processes to remove pollutants. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) enhance CWs by converting organic matter into bioelectricity via electroactive bacteria [1]. Integrating MFCs with CWs creates hybrid systems that improve treatment efficiency and generate renewable energy. The CW-MFC’s performance factors include design setup, water quality, electrochemical conditions, microbial activity, plant type, and environmental parameters. The synergy between CWs and MFCs aligns with circular economy goals, offering decentralized solutions for water and energy sustainability. This review aims to establish a foundation for advancing CW-MFC systems in sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Conclusion: CW-MFC systems combine sustainable wastewater treatment with renewable energy generation, achieving high pollutant removal and modest power output. Overcoming key barriers—such as low energy yields, electrode fouling, and scalability—requires innovation in materials and hybrid designs (e.g., solar integration) to complement output power. Future efforts should focus on long-term field trials, standardized evaluation, and socioeconomic viability. CW-MFCs hold strong potential as decentralized solutions aligned with SDGs 6, 11, and 13.
- Numerical simulation and optimization of heat transfer in solar box cookers: a pathway to Sustainable cookingPublication . Araújo, Ana C.; Silva, Cristina L. M.Solar box cookers offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cooking methods, harnessing solar energy to generate heat for food preparation. A solar box cooker consists of an insulated box with a transparent cover that allows sunlight to enter, where it is then trapped and converted into heat, similar to the greenhouse effect. This simple yet effective design can reach sufficient temperatures to cook meals without the need for fossil fuels or electricity. Box solar cookers are especially beneficial in regions with abundant sunlight, as they provide a cost-effective, renewable way to cook food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on non-renewable energy sources. In this study, a comprehensive mathematical model was developed for a solar box cooker equipped with multi-step inner reflectors, aimed at simulating its thermal performance. The model incorporates various heat transfer mechanisms, including conduction, convection, and radiation, across key components such as the double-glazed cover and reflectors positioned at specific angles (30°, 45°, and 75°). By solving a system of nonlinear differential equations, the temperature distribution across the cooker’s components was predicted over time. A statistical surface design was also applied to assess and optimize critical factors, including reflector angles, material properties, and ambient conditions, revealing key variables that enhance the cooker’s overall performance. The findings highlight the potential of this design to improve the efficiency of solar cooking systems and promote their use as a viable solution for sustainable food preparation, particularly in sun- rich regions.