Projets de recherche
107 résultats
Líder de projeto: Helena Sant Ovaia
Disciplinas:
Sciences du système terrestrePrévention, diagnostic et traitement des maladies humainesBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionL'esprit humain et sa complexitéPalavras chave:
BiosensorsCitizen ScienceCommunity EngagementEducationEnvironmental MagnetismHazardsGeochemistryMagnetic parametersResumo:
This project is rooted in a dual-purpose framework, emphasizing the complementarity between environmental science and societal awareness and communities’ engagement. The objectives revolve around (i) the comprehensive evaluation of airborne particles in designated areas, Estarreja and Téssékéré, and (ii) the assessment of social perceptions regarding the particles in the air we breathe and associated risks, in three schools situated in Estarreja and one in Téssékéré. The latter initiative seeks to foster essential dialogue between scientific knowledge and societal understanding, crucial for the development of scientific literacy and democratic life of territories. The evaluation of air quality in the two OHMi areas will use the identification of geochemical and magnetic signatures of particulate matter, employing unconventional passive biosensors such as eucalyptus barks and barks-built collectors. This approach aims to discern critical aspects of airborne particles, including its sources and its spatial and temporal distribution. To gauge the local community's perception of air quality and associated risks in the study areas, an inclusive educational community project will be implemented. This citizen science initiative will actively engage students and teachers from local schools in Estarreja and in Téssékéré. Participants will collaborate on building the barks biosensors, placing them within school, and conducting measurements of magnetic parameters. The project's findings will be disseminated through educational channels, contributing to a broader understanding of the presence of lithic/anthropogenic particles in air within the community. This approach not only advances scientific research but also empowers the local community to actively participate in the ongoing discourse surrounding environmental health.
Participantes:
Helena Maria Sant'Ovaia, Carla Patinha, Mélina Maccouin, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, Lúcia Fernandes, Nuno Miguel Durães, Cláudia Cruz, Sofia Bento, Jean-Philippe Bedell, Sonia Rousse, Priscila Duboz, Yann TastevinLíder de projeto: Cátia Venâncio
Co-líders de projeto: Andreia C.M. Rodrigues, Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida, Carla Patinha, Pedro Pato, Isabel Lopes, Daniela Figueiredo
Disciplinas:
Chimie physique et analytiqueMolécules de la vie : Mécanismes biologiques, structures et fonctionsBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionLe monde social et sa diversitéPalavras chave:
Knowledge-returnFood safetyEngagementParticipatory activityResumo:
Historical contamination from the Estarreja Chemical Complex is the central theme of OHMi Estarreja. Although extensive information exists on soil, water, and air contamination, key knowledge gaps persist, particularly regarding long-term risks and contaminant dynamics. Sampling has been episodic, with temporal gaps that hamper a trend analysis and evaluation of remediation processes. Sentinel species, which could serve as integrative bioindicators or proxies for human exposure, have been also largely overlooked. The R5-OHM project aims to: i) broadening analyte–matrix coverage (arsenic, methylmercury), ii) harmonizing sampling to reduce temporal discontinuities, iii) introducing sentinel species for long-term monitoring, and iv) co-creating a user-friendly fact sheet for sustained contaminant trend tracking. These objectives will improve understanding of exposure pathways, from the water–soil system through food to animal. A central component of the R5-OHM it is community engagement and knowledge return. By analysing materials sourced directly from residents’ properties, the project strengths local trust and returns decision-making power to the community, in line with the 2025 OHM theme of restitution. At the project’s conclusion, guidance will be developed on sampling frequency, matrix selection, and optimal sentinel species, culminating in a cost-effective, reproducible monitoring protocol for future OHM follow-up studies. The protocol will focus on two matrices, such as cow milk or leafy greens, with recommended sampling schedules for long-term trend analysis. The collection of local products and delivery of tailored fact sheets will involve direct engagement with households and farmers, translating scientific results into clear and easily accessible information. Demonstration plots will provide hands-on examples to reinforce recommended practices.
Participantes:
Daniela Figueiredo, Carla Patinha, Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida, Pedro Pato, Isabel Lopes, Andreia C.M. Rodrigues, Cátia VenâncioLíder de projeto: Carla Patinha
Disciplinas:
Sciences du système terrestreBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionLe monde social et sa diversitéPalavras chave:
Industrial contaminationKnowledge restitutionMultidisciplinary researchCommunity engagementTerritory and memoryResumo:
Ce projet s’appuie sur plus de vingt ans de recherche pluridisciplinaire sur Estarreja, une région présentant un important passif de contamination industrielle au Portugal. Bien que de nombreuses connaissances existent sur les voies de contamination, les impacts écologiques et les perceptions du risque, ces informations demeurent souvent dispersées et peu accessibles à la population qui a contribué à leur production. Le projet vise à combler cette lacune en intégrant les recherches environnementales et sociales accumulées et en les restituant de manière claire et constructive. Articulant les sciences environnementales portugaises et les sciences sociales françaises, et s’inspirant d’expériences internationales sur la vie dans des environnements contaminés, le projet développe un programme d’un an structuré en trois tâches : (1) une synthèse pluridisciplinaire des études existantes ; (2) un engagement communautaire comprenant des séminaires avec des spécialistes d’autres territoires contaminés, des ateliers avec les habitants et des actions éducatives dans les écoles ; et (3) une diffusion publique par une exposition et deux publications — une synthèse scientifique et un livret destiné au grand public. Ces actions renforceront la confiance entre citoyens, chercheurs et autorités locales, soutiendront une prise de décision éclairée et contribueront à réduire la stigmatisation historique liée à la contamination. Le projet participe également à la formation des jeunes générations en histoire environnementale, communication du risque et résilience socio-écologique. Pour la municipalité, il offre des connaissances consolidées appuyant la planification territoriale et préparant la création d’un futur open lab dédié au savoir, à la mémoire et au territoire.
Participantes:
Carla Patinha, Nuno Durães, Sofia Bento, Anabela Cachada, Eduardo Silva, Rita Silva, Cátia Venâncio, Patricia Silva, Fabienne WATEAU, Sophie HOUDART, Louis BIDOU, Noé OBADIA, Clément LEVARD, Florence MENEZ, Christelle GRAMAGLIALíder de projeto: Célia Alves
Co-líders de projeto: Teresa Nunes, Estela Vicente, Isabella Charres, Himanshi Rohra, Margarita Evtyugina, Mário Tomé
Disciplinas:
Chimie physique et analytiqueSciences informatiques et informatiqueBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionPalavras chave:
SCHOOLSPARTICULATE MATTERSOURCESTOXICITYMITIGATIONResumo:
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.
Participantes:
Célia Alves, Teresa Nunes, Margarita Evtyugina, Isabella Charres, Himanshi Rohra, Estela Vicente, Mário ToméLíder de projeto: Cátia Venâncio
Co-líders de projeto: Isabel Lopes, Carla Patinha, Solange Magalhães, Pedro Pato
Disciplinas:
Sciences du système terrestreBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionBiotechnologie et ingénierie des biosystèmesPalavras chave:
Invasive speciesValorizationCircular economyRegenerative agricultureSustainabilityResumo:
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.
Participantes:
Cátia Venâncio, Carla Patinha, Isabel Lopes, Solange Magalhães, Pedro PatoLíder de projeto: Ana Catarina Sousa
Co-líders de projeto: Sónia Namorado
Disciplinas:
Physiologie de la santé, de la maladie et du vieillissementImmunité, infection et immunothérapieBiologie environnementale, écologie et évolutionPalavras chave:
Exposomesalivary biomarkersdietfood frequency questionnairesResumo:
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.
Participantes:
Sónia Namorado, Ramiro Pastorinho, Raquel Vareda, Elsa LamyLíder de projeto: Isabel Henriques
Resumo:
Action de médiation vers la société civile, les institutionnels, les acteurs du territoire
Líder de projeto: Michael Rapinski
Resumo:
Frais de participation à un colloque
Líder de projeto: Lopes Isabel
Disciplinas:
BiologieEcologiePalavras chave:
Microbial consortiaSoilMetalsRemediationSustainabilityParticipantes:
Cátia Venâncio, Etelvina Figueira, Paulo Cardoso, Bruno CarneiroLíder de projeto: Jean-Philippe Bedell
Co-líders de projeto: Yann Philippe Tastevin
Disciplinas:
BiogeochimieBiologieBotaniqueEcologie de la santeSante publiquePalavras chave:
BiocapteursBiomagnétismeMagnétisme environnementalParticules atmosphériquesQualité de l'airSusceptibilité magnétiqueVégétationParticipantes:
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 HammadaLíder de projeto: Célia Alves
Co-líders de projeto: Teresa Nunes, Ana Vicente, Margarita Evtyugina, Carla Viegas, Nóra Kóvats, Xavier Querol
Disciplinas:
ChimieEco-epidemiologieGenomiqueSante publiquePalavras chave:
Indoor air qualitySchoolsISAACabsenteismbioburdenResumo:
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.
Participantes:
Teresa Nunes, Margarita Evtyugina, Ana Vicente, Carla Viegas, Nóra Kóvats, Xavier QuerolLíder de projeto: Marta Tacão
Co-líders de projeto: Isabel Henriques, UC, Carla Patinha, UA
Disciplinas:
BiogeochimieBiologieSante publiquePalavras chave:
ContaminationvegetablesAntibiotic resistancepathogensResumo:
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.
Participantes:
Isabel Henriques, Carla PatinhaLíder de projeto: Isabel Henriques
Co-líders de projeto: Marta Tacão, Isabel Silva, Filipa Bessa, Maria Paula Marques
Disciplinas:
BiochimieBiologieChimieGenomiqueSante publiquePalavras chave:
MicroplasticsIndustryAquatic SystemsPathogensAntibiotic ResistancePublic HealthResumo:
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.
Participantes:
Marta Tacão, Isabel Silva, Filipa Bessa, Maia Paula MarquesLíder de projeto: Flavio Silva
Co-líders de projeto: Luis Tarelho, Marija Prodana
Disciplinas:
BiologieChimieEcologiePalavras chave:
PyrolysisResidual forest biomassEcotoxicitySoil amendmentWildfires preventionEnvironmental engineeringResumo:
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.
Participantes:
Luis Tarelho, Marija ProdanaLíder de projeto: Patrícia Silva
Co-líders de projeto: Roberto Martins, Ana Rita R. Silva, Carlos Pinheiro, João Tedim, Susana Loureiro
Disciplinas:
BiologieChimieEcologieSociologiePalavras chave:
NANOCLAYSWATER REMEDIATONWATER QUALITYSALINIZATIONEUTROFICATIONSUSTAINABILITYGLOBAL CHANGEResumo:
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.