Publications

Abstract Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are an important atmospheric aerosol constituent. However, there still needs to be a standard procedure for their sampling and size fractionation, which is an obstacle to the aggregation and critical analysis of results obtained by different research groups. This review focuses on the sampling and fractionation methodologies used for MNPs. Moreover, a streamlined, simplified methodology for sampling and fractionation is proposed.

Abstract <jats:p>Green carbon-based materials (GCM), i.e. carbon materials produced using renewable biomass or recycled wastes, ought to be used in order to processes become sustainable and carbon neutral. Carbon nanomaterials, like for example carbon dots and nanobichar families, and carbon materials, like for example activated carbon and biochar substances, are sustainable materials with great potential to be used in different technology applications. In this review, the following four applications were selected, and the works published in the last two years (since 2022) critically reviewed: agriculture; water treatment; energy management; and, carbon dioxide reduction and sequestration. GCM improved the performance of the technological applications under revision and play an important role in the sustainability of the processes, contributing to the mitigation of the climate change, namely by reducing emission and increase sequestration of CO2eq..</jats:p>

Abstract Green carbon-based materials (GCM), i.e., carbon materials produced using renewable biomass or recycled waste, ought to be used to make processes sustainable and carbon-neutral. Carbon nanomaterials, like carbon dots and the nanobichar families, and carbon materials, like activated carbon and biochar substances, are sustainable materials with great potential to be used in different technological applications. In this review, the following four applications were selected, and the works published in the last two years (since 2022) were critically reviewed: agriculture, water treatment, energy management, and carbon dioxide reduction and sequestration. GCM improved the performance of the technological applications under revision and played an important role in the sustainability of the processes, contributing to the mitigation of climate change, by reducing emissions and increasing the sequestration of CO2eq.

Abstract In Portugal, Decree-Law no 102-D/2020 determines the establishment of networks for the selective collection of bio waste or the separation and recycling of bio waste at the source. The goal of this demanding is to decrease landfill deposition and ensure that, starting from 2030, landfills will not accept waste that can be recycled or recovered, such as bio waste from urban solid waste. This study determines the potential for energy generation through anaerobic digestion of bio waste collected from 14 Portuguese municipalities based on a previously published report on solutions for the separation, collection, and recycling at the source of bio waste. Assuming a population of 181,839 inhabitants and a selective collection of bio waste ranging from 11,659 to 17,808 tons by 2030, it is possible to generate up to 7.6 GWh of electricity. This electricity can meet the energy needs of up to 1650 people for a year and avoid until 1402 tons of CO2. © 2024 The Author(s).

Abstract Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste (PPWD) aimed at harmonizing regulations and coherence of the European Union (EU) internal market and preserving the environment and natural resources. Despite its economic importance, packaging production poses significant environmental challenges, including the generation of solid waste and the depletion of natural resources. This paper addresses the current policy framework that the EU intends to implement to minimize the growing generation of packaging waste, promote circularity, and integrate recycled materials in the EU. The proposed regulatory measures, including the transition from a directive to a Regulation, the establishment of mandatory targets for the reduction of solid waste and recycled content, and the strengthening of reuse systems, aim to promote a resilient value chain, mitigate environmental degradation, and stimulate economic growth. By adopting a circular economy approach, the EU strives to champion sustainable development in the internal market and improve social well-being in various sectors. © 2024 Cisa Publisher. All rights reserved.

Abstract Lithium mining driven by the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, has environmental consequences linked to soil and water pollution. Nevertheless, research on the environmental impacts of lithium extraction still needs to be improved, highlighting the imperative for additional research. The article addresses the potential impact of the C57 lithiniferous feldspar mine on water quality, specifically focusing on surface, groundwater and spring water samples collected at the mining site and surrounding area in Gonçalo (Guarda, Portugal). The objective is to evaluate the environmental consequences of mining activities, with particular emphasis on mineral leaching. This study aims to evaluate the water quality around the C57 mine and the potential environmental impacts of mining operations. Water samples were collected from different sources, such as surface, underground, and spring waters, and chemical analyses were carried out to determine concentrations of different parameters, which were later compared with national and international reference guidelines. In addition to analysing the water samples, weathering tests were carried out using the Soxhlet extractor method to simulate the leaching of minerals over a shorter period (about 125 days). The concentrations of the analysed elements by atomic absorption spectroscopy (Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the weathering solutions were generally low and decreased throughout the testing period, with significant concentrations of aluminium and chromium exceed Canadian environmental quality guidelines for surface waters. The detected lithium concentrations are quite different, ranging from 8.7 to 19.8 μg/L in surface waters, from 6.9 to 74.1 μg/L in groundwater, and from 25.6 to 35.4 μg/L in spring waters, but are all below the US EPA (2021) recommendations threshold of 0.7 mg/L. Based on the findings, the article concludes that there is currently no clear evidence to indicate the environmental impact of mining activities on water quality in the analysed samples. However, weathering tests suggest potential long-term implications regarding the leaching of specific chemical elements, particularly aluminium and chromium. © The Author(s) 2024.

Abstract <jats:p>Esta investigação tem por objetivo identificar as melhores soluções para implementar sistemas de recolha de biorresíduos num conjunto de municípios da Região Centro de Portugal, dos distritos de Castelo Branco e da Guarda, através da reciclagem na origem e/ou da recolha seletiva, no sentido de valorizar e reduzir os impactes ambientais deste tipo de resíduos. A reciclagem na origem e a recolha seletiva diferenciam-se pelo seu método de tratamento: a primeira recorre a compostores domésticos, compostores comunitários e biocompostores, responsabilizando os cidadãos pelo tratamento dos seus biorresíduos; e a segunda consiste no processo de recolha seletiva dos resíduos sólidos, separados por tipo de material (vidro, papel, plástico, biorresíduos, entre outros) para que possam ser reciclados pelas infraestruturas disponibilizadas pelos municípios. Contudo, ambas as modalidades são complementares na resposta às necessidades económicas e ambientais da sociedade. Metodologicamente, desenvolve-se uma dupla abordagem: inicialmente efetua-se a revisão de literatura, com base na legislação que propõe medidas de proteção do ambiente e da saúde humana, por meio da prevenção ou redução de resíduos; e, posteriormente, uma análise estatística descritiva, suportada na informação disponibilizada pelo conjunto de municípios, que evidencia os recursos económico-financeiros necessários para suportar o investimento requerido num período de dez anos.</jats:p>

Abstract The Portuguese Decree-Law No. 102-D/2020, of December 10 (PCM, 2020b), dictates the implementation of biowaste selective collection networks or the separation and recycling of biowaste at the source until December 31, 2023. This chapter aims to analyze the financial support provided to municipalities (local authorities) for implementing biowaste collection solutions, such as on public roads or through door-to-door collection, and to citizens for adopting biowaste separation and recycling practices through domestic or community composting. The authors also explore the application of the polluter-pays principle, which requires citizens to pay environmental taxes and fees to support sustainable development. Regarding this focus, the chapter highlights the legal, financial, and fiscal measures used to support biowaste collection and recycling efforts in Portugal, providing insight into the steps needed to achieve a sustainable environment while addressing the economic and social needs of the population. © 2023, IGI Global.

Abstract The European Union (EU) prioritises sustainable development and aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through investments in green technologies and a legislative climate framework. Waste collection and treatment systems, including biowaste like food waste, protect natural capital and citizens' well-being. Directive 2008/98/EC defines biowaste and sets the stage for exploring alternative solutions. This study focuses on the city of Guarda (Portugal) and analyses the use of disposers for food waste treatment. By comparing storage/collection systems with disposers regarding environmental and economic costs and benefits, the study aims to determine the most effective solution for collecting food waste. The analysis utilises a simulator provided by the Portuguese Fundo Ambiental (R). The results show that while operating costs are higher for food waste collection systems, disposers require a more significant initial investment. Nevertheless, the cost-benefit ratio favours disposers, while the net present value analysis suggests that the food waste collection system is more favourable. Additionally, food waste collection systems contribute to higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per tonne of food waste compared to using disposers.