Projets de recherche
104 résultats
Porteur: Célia Alves
Coporteurs: Teresa Nunes, Estela Vicente, Isabella Charres, Himanshi Rohra, Margarita Evtyugina, Mário Tomé
Disciplines:
Chimie physique et analytiqueSciences informatiques et informatiqueBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionMots clés:
SCHOOLSPARTICULATE MATTERSOURCESTOXICITYMITIGATIONRésumé:
Over 70% of a pupil’s school life is spent inside a classroom, and indoor air quality (IAQ) has a significant impact on students’ attendance, learning potential and health. Childhood exposure to air pollution, especially particulate matter, can result in cardiorespiratory diseases that persist into adulthood. STOP complements a previous OHM-E/2022 project, taking advantage of samples of inhalable particles (PM10) collected in 2022/22 in several rooms and outside the school closest to the Estarreja industrial complex. Cutting-edge analytical techniques will be used to obtain the detailed organic and inorganic composition of PM10. Additionally, samples will be subjected to an ecotoxicity screening bioassay, followed by determination of the oxidative potential (OP) by two complementary acellular assays. The application of the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model to the PM10 chemical composition dataset will enable to identify sources and to quantify their contributions to the particulate matter levels. The PMF will also be run with the OP values and ecotoxicity data as input data to assess which sources or compounds contribute most to oxidative stress and toxic effects on biota. A multizone IAQ and ventilation model will also be employed. After validation with the measurements, the model will be applied to estimate pollutant and exposure levels for a vast range of building operating options and weather scenarios, contributing to inform solutions to chronic indoor environmental problems. At the end of the project, a set of guidelines and good practices will be proposed for effective IAQ management and behavioural changes towards a healthy school environment.
Participants:
Célia Alves, Teresa Nunes, Margarita Evtyugina, Isabella Charres, Himanshi Rohra, Estela Vicente, Mário ToméPorteur: Cátia Venâncio
Coporteurs: Isabel Lopes, Carla Patinha, Solange Magalhães, Pedro Pato
Disciplines:
Sciences du système terrestreBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionBiotechnologie et ingénierie des biosystèmesMots clés:
Invasive speciesValorizationCircular economyRegenerative agricultureSustainabilityRésumé:
Estarreja is a unique ecosystem that harmonizes the subsistence of local communities with the environment. The Estarreja OHM Observatory has been working to understand the effects of pollution on water, soil, ecosystem services, and the health of local population. Several sources of diffuse pollution, namely agriculture and livestock, have contributed to the increase in concentrations of sulphates, chlorides, and phosphorus in the surrounding waters. These increases contribute to the worsening of other problems, such as infestation by invasive plants. Water hyacinth (WH) has caused several disturbances in the region, interfering with the circulation of water courses and native biodiversity, causing damage to infrastructure, and mobilizing an expensive collection of machinery and labour to control it. This proposal aims to evaluate the potential value of using WH as fertilizer for sustainable agricultural practices in the Estarreja region. WH biomass, whose potential has been tested as a source of phosphorus and nitrogen, could decrease local farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers and improve plant growth while contributing to compliance with national and European regulations on water pollution, and invasive species control and mitigation. Furthermore, Estarreja fits perfectly as a lighthouse study for this work due to the extensive work carried out by the OHM Observatory in many areas (biology, geology, ecology, and agronomy), but also because the accessibility, involvement, and receptivity of local communities and municipalities to this type of initiative are excellent.
Participants:
Cátia Venâncio, Carla Patinha, Isabel Lopes, Solange Magalhães, Pedro PatoPorteur: Ana Catarina Sousa
Coporteurs: Sónia Namorado
Disciplines:
Physiologie de la santé, de la maladie et du vieillissementImmunité, infection et immunothérapieBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionMots clés:
Exposomesalivary biomarkersdietfood frequency questionnairesRésumé:
DEMETER est un projet visant à aborder et atténuer les impacts potentiels de l’exposition aux produits chimiques environnementaux sur la population d'Estarreja, avec un accent particulier sur les enfants et les femmes en âge de procréer. L'objectif global est de générer des données de haute qualité évaluant l'exposition spécifique de ces groupes vulnérables à des produits chimiques dangereux, notamment des métaux tels que le mercure, dans le but de faciliter le développement et la mise en place de mesures politiques ciblées. Le projet inclut l'investigation des habitudes alimentaires et l'exploration des biomarqueurs d'effet salivaires. DEMETER cherche à caractériser les habitudes alimentaires des enfants et des femmes en âge de procréer à Estarreja, mettant l'accent sur la contribution de l'alimentation à l'exposition aux contaminants environnementaux. Une enquête unique de ces groupes de sous-population appariés est prévue, ainsi qu'une étude d'intervention autonomisant les participants à faire des choix alimentaires plus sûrs et à réduire l'exposition aux contaminants ciblés. L'efficacité de l'intervention sera évaluée en quantifiant les niveaux de marqueurs métaboliques et immunologiques dans la salive. À noter, DEMETER adopte une approche non invasive, utilisant des matrices telles que l'urine, les cheveux et la salive pour faciliter le recrutement, notamment avec les enfants, assurant une compréhension globale des schémas d'exposition et des impacts potentiels sur la santé associés aux choix alimentaires dans ces populations vulnérables.
Participants:
Sónia Namorado, Ramiro Pastorinho, Raquel Vareda, Elsa LamyPorteur: Isabel Henriques
Résumé:
Action de médiation vers la société civile, les institutionnels, les acteurs du territoire
Porteur: Michael Rapinski
Résumé:
Frais de participation à un colloque
Porteur: Lopes Isabel
Disciplines:
BiologieEcologieMots clés:
Microbial consortiaSoilMetalsRemediationSustainabilityParticipants:
Cátia Venâncio, Etelvina Figueira, Paulo Cardoso, Bruno CarneiroPorteur: Jean-Philippe Bedell
Coporteurs: Yann Philippe Tastevin
Disciplines:
BiogeochimieBiologieBotaniqueEcologie de la santeSante publiqueMots clés:
BiocapteursBiomagnétismeMagnétisme environnementalParticules atmosphériquesQualité de l'airSusceptibilité magnétiqueVégétationParticipants:
Eduardo Anselmo Ferreira da Silva, Carla Alexandra Patinha, Duraes Nuno Miguel dos Santos, Helena Maria Sant’Ovaia Mendes da Silva, Yann Philippe Tastevin, Moustapha B. SAGNA, Priscilla Duboz, Mélina Macouin, Sonia Rousse, Jean-François Leon, Myriam HammadaPorteur: Célia Alves
Coporteurs: Teresa Nunes, Ana Vicente, Margarita Evtyugina, Carla Viegas, Nóra Kóvats, Xavier Querol
Disciplines:
ChimieEco-epidemiologieGenomiqueSante publiqueMots clés:
Indoor air qualitySchoolsISAACabsenteismbioburdenRésumé:
Children are in school for one-third of their normal day where bad indoor air quality (IAQ) emerges as a real problem. As in most countries, schools in Portugal are not subject to regular monitoring of IAQ and its health effects. STEP has Estarreja as a case study, and aims to answer the following 3 main questions: What causes air pollution in and around schools? What are the effects? What are the possible solutions to tackle it? A citizen-science initiative to monitor indoor and outdoor air quality in and around primary and kindergarten school classrooms is proposed, involving multipollutant monitoring and the application, for the first time, of new disciplines, such as analytical toxicology, microbial genomics, and occupational epidemiology. In addition to regulated pollutants and comfort parameters, a bioburden assessment will be done, including the detection of toxigenic fungi and antimicrobial-resistance genes. Dust will be chemically characterised and subject to a toxicological screening to obtain stressor-response patterns. A cross-sectional study in which pupils will be diagnosed by means of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire will be conducted to estimate the burden and risk factors of diseases. Multivariate models will be applied to search for associations between air quality, respiratory health, and absenteeism. A dosimetry model will be used for risk assessment and development of occupational exposure limits for inhaled particles. A set of guidelines and good practices will be proposed for effective IAQ management and behavioural changes towards a healthy school environment.
Participants:
Teresa Nunes, Margarita Evtyugina, Ana Vicente, Carla Viegas, Nóra Kóvats, Xavier QuerolPorteur: Marta Tacão
Coporteurs: Isabel Henriques, UC, Carla Patinha, UA
Disciplines:
BiogeochimieBiologieSante publiqueMots clés:
ContaminationvegetablesAntibiotic resistancepathogensRésumé:
Microbiological contamination in domestic productions represents a high danger for consumers’ health since there is no quality control. What is produced goes from farm to fork, with higher risks associated with produce usually eaten raw. As consequence of the industrialization for the last 50 years, Estarreja area became one of the most polluted in Portugal. Hence, the putative contamination of soil and water may question food security of vegetables grown in this region. In a previous project our team examined vegetables and irrigation water from domestic farms in Estarreja. The microbiological quality and the presence of different contaminants were examined. Results showed that in fact in some farms, irrigation water and leafy greens were contaminated with metals and antibiotic resistant bacteria, with some strains identified as putative human pathogens. Hence, we propose a follow-up project, ten years apart, to perform a farm-to-fork chain analysis of the Estarreja municipality domestic farms. Considering that fresh produce may be contaminated at any point, we will determine the level of chemical and microbiological contamination of soils, irrigation water and vegetables, but also we will examine farmers hands and tools surfaces. Putative pathogenic strains will be characterized in detail to identify possible health-risk traits. We will register information regarding the farm setting and agricultural practices, as for example irrigation water origin, use of fertilizers and the harvest procedures. We will provide guidance for good agricultural and hygiene practices to minimize microbiological threats, and ultimately, we will propose a monitoring program for household farms.
Participants:
Isabel Henriques, Carla PatinhaPorteur: Isabel Henriques
Coporteurs: Marta Tacão, Isabel Silva, Filipa Bessa, Maria Paula Marques
Disciplines:
BiochimieBiologieChimieGenomiqueSante publiqueMots clés:
MicroplasticsIndustryAquatic SystemsPathogensAntibiotic ResistancePublic HealthRésumé:
The intense industrial activity in Estarreja region predictably resulted in contamination of aquatic systems with microplastics (MPs). These contaminants provide an ideal niche where pathogens and antibiotic resistant bacteria can proliferate, being transported along rivers and entering the food chain. However, risk assessment of MPs and associated microbes is limited by the scarce information available for these ecosystems. This project aims to determine the abundance and diversity of MPs in Estarreja rivers and to quantify and characterize pathogenic agents and antibiotic resistant bacteria associated to these contaminants. Mesocosm-based studies exposing MPs in rivers will also be carried out to compare the microbes that settle on different types of MPs and in different locations. MICRANT will provide solid quantitative and qualitative data for assessing and predicting the risks related to exposure to MPs and associated microbes.
Participants:
Marta Tacão, Isabel Silva, Filipa Bessa, Maia Paula MarquesPorteur: Flavio Silva
Coporteurs: Luis Tarelho, Marija Prodana
Disciplines:
BiologieChimieEcologieMots clés:
PyrolysisResidual forest biomassEcotoxicitySoil amendmentWildfires preventionEnvironmental engineeringRésumé:
Circular economy has emerged for sustainable management of natural resources aligned with good industrial practices. New-generation fertilisers are an example of industrial synergies and environmental compatibility. The recently revised EU Fertilisers Regulation creates room for development of waste-based fertilisers, as long as their agronomic value and environmental safety are proven. In this sense, there are still on-going discussions at the stakeholders/regulators’ level in order to systematically assess the effectiveness and environmental safety of new waste-based fertilisers. Such discussions are an excellent opportunity for the OHM-E to provide scientific insights on the safe and effective application of local-based fertilisers and turn Estarreja into an example of good agronomic practices aligned with industrial synergies and environmental protection. Biochar is a potential candidate for EU fertilisers. It has raised great interest as a way of managing organic residues through pyrolysis, as well as recycling of carbon and nutrients, thus improving soil quality/productivity. Former (DRuMBEAT) and on-going (MOSAIC) research has proven the merit of biochar in improving Estarreja soil quality. MOSAIC project is currently assessing the cost-effectiveness of biochar production from Estarreja-based byproducts. Coupling of agronomic value with environmental safety of recycling biochar to soils is still lacking in the equation, especially regarding the impact on non-target soil and aquatic organisms as consequence of leaching of potentially toxic compounds. By taking advantage of on-going research and inter-disciplinary networking, SAYFERT research relies in two fundamental axes – pyrolysis and ecotoxicology – for pursuing biochar application rate thresholds that yields trade-offs between agronomic productivity and environmental safety.
Participants:
Luis Tarelho, Marija ProdanaPorteur: Patrícia Silva
Coporteurs: Roberto Martins, Ana Rita R. Silva, Carlos Pinheiro, João Tedim, Susana Loureiro
Disciplines:
BiologieChimieEcologieSociologieMots clés:
NANOCLAYSWATER REMEDIATONWATER QUALITYSALINIZATIONEUTROFICATIONSUSTAINABILITYGLOBAL CHANGERésumé:
Global sea-level rise and eutrophication constitute serious threats to freshwater bodies worldwide, posing severe risks to economy and to environmental and human health. Given its location and its higher industrialization and population density, coastal regions are particularly in danger. It is predicted that coastal areas will suffer from seawater intrusion, causing salinization of freshwater and terrestrial systems. Furthermore, the excessive nutrient loadings from industrial and domestic effluents and leaching from agricultural fields may increase the risk for eutrophication. Consequently, these phenomena may potentially cause the deterioration of water quality and loss of aquatic fauna and flora. Even though some technologies are available in the market to remediate waters, there is a need to find more environmentally safe alternatives to overcome this problem without harming aquatic life. Innovative remediation alternatives based on nanotechnology, such as the use of layered double hydroxides (LDHs), are emerging and have proven to be suitable alternatives for remediation. The overarching aim of this proposal is to evaluate the potential of LDHs to remediate waters of Estarreja region. Even though waters from any region could be used for this purpose, waters of the Estarreja municipality are ideal for this project due to their low-lying coastal lagoon location and to the historically pressure from the intense industrial and agricultural activities. This study will provide information on the water quality and the degree of eutrophication and salinization of waters of Estarreja, and will promote the use of more sustainable alternatives for water remediation and water quality improvement.
Participants:
Roberto Martins, Ana Rita Silva, Carlos Pinheiro, João Tedim, Susana LoureiroPorteur: Marie-Laure Trémélo
Coporteurs: Corinne PARDO
Mots clés:
Science ouverteOuverture des donnéesPrincipes FAIRInterdisciplinaritéRésumé:
Informer et former la communauté scientifique aux bénéfices du partage et de l’ouverture des données pour tendre vers un changement progressif des pratiques de gestion et de diffusion de la donnée sont les objectifs du WP1 du projet SO-DRIIHM (ANR 2020) conduit par le groupe Data-DRIIHM. Dans ce cadre, il est important de prendre en compte aussi bien les chercheurs qui croulent sous les informations de leurs établissements que ceux isolés qui ne bénéficient d’aucun accompagnement sur cette thématique. Le groupe Data-DRIIHM se pose désormais en « Aiguilleur de la Science Ouverte » pour l’ensemble de la communauté DRIIHM en regroupant les informations et supports pédagogiques, en mettant à disposition ces ressources tout en accompagnant et conseillant au mieux les chercheurs. L’objectif de ce projet est donc de recenser et faciliter l’accès aux ressources pédagogiques en matière de Science Ouverte, dans son acception large, pour les chercheurs de la communauté DRIIHM et de répondre à leurs questionnements : comment créer un PGD ? Comment gérer les données personnelles et respecter le RGDP ? Mes recherches sont-elles soumises à l’APA ? Comment répondre aux principes FAIR pour la mise à disposition de mes données ? Dans quel entrepôt puis-je déposer mes données ? Comment publier en Open access ? etc. Le tout en tenant compte des spécificités disciplinaires et interdisciplinaires du DRIIHM.
Participants:
Corinne PARDO, Mathieu MASSAVIOLPorteur: Ana Rita Silva
Coporteurs: Nazaret González-Alcaraz, Marija Prodana, Patrícia V. Silva, Susana Loureiro
Disciplines:
BiologieClimatologieEcologieGeologieMots clés:
climate changeextreme eventsmultiple climate factorscontaminationecotoxicology.Résumé:
Although great efforts have been made over the last years, climate change continues to impact our planet. According to IPCC predictions, atmospheric CO2 levels and mean temperature are expected to continue rising jointly with the frequency/intensity/duration of extreme weather events (e.g., droughts and floods). The impact of climate change may be exacerbated in metal(loid)-contaminated areas, such as the Estarreja municipality, where ecosystems have been under stress for decades. TERRA aims to understand the effects of climate change alterations on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, using contaminated soils from Estarreja. For that, extreme climate events/predicted climate change scenarios (including changes in combined climate factors according to IPCC) will be simulated to evaluate their effects on the ecotoxicity in terrestrial and aquatic inhabitants. Moreover, soil/water properties, e.g. pH, metal(loid) content, soil organic carbon, will be evaluated to establish the link between soil/water properties and effects under changing climate factors. Considering that extreme climate events have been reported in the last years in Portugal, the project intends to understand the dynamics behind contamination in this region after these events, by evaluating contamination level in Estarreja region five years later (by comparing with previous works). TERRA will provide crucial data for Portugal and worldwide regarding the consequences of climate changes in contaminated areas. The present project will also promote an easy and active communication with the society, with the final aim of increasing awareness about climate change and its environmental impacts.
Participants:
María Nazaret González Alcaraz, Marija Prodana, Patrícia V. Silva, Susana LoureiroPorteur: Sirine Bouguerra
Coporteurs: João Oliveira-Pacheco, Anabela Cachada, Carla Patinha, Nuno Durães & Ruth Pereira
Disciplines:
BiologieMots clés:
AGRICULTURAL SOILSMETAL(LOIDS)SALINIZATIONMAIZEBIOINOCULANTSPRODUCTIVITYRésumé:
The threatens to agriculture soils from the Estarreja and Baixo Vouga Lagunar (BVL) regions include the combination of several anthropogenic and environmental factors, such as industrial pollution, intensive farming practices, overuse of fertilizers, the use of contaminated groundwater for irrigation, and salinization due to surface saltwater intrusion. For instance, these factors contributed to land degradation and therefore to crop productivity and safety decreasing. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important crops in these regions and boosting maize production in affected soils can have a significant socio-economic impact. Thus, the need of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to improve productivity is one of the major challenges of agriculture activity in these regions. Estarreja and BVL may also be living labs, providing experience to other sites, where these approaches may be transferred. Several studies have demonstrated that inoculation with indigenous rhizobacteria can enhance plant performance and growth. Driven by described issues and based on knowledges acquired from our previous OHM projects (e.g: SoilGenomic, 2016; NotillAgri-Estarreja, 2017; Nameless, 2017; SoilSalt, 2017; SoilRice, 2018), this proposal aims to explore the potential of a consortium of indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPB) that are resistant to metal(loids) present in those soils, as well as PGPB well adapted to high levels of salinity and re-applied them to reduce problems associated with stressful environments via ex-situ bioinoculation of new seeds (before sowing) and in-situ bioinoculation of new plantlets. Accordingly, this may contribute to minimizing impacts on crops productivity and assure more sustainable agriculture practices.