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Percorrer UA01-Teses por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "06:Água Potável e Saneamento"
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- Análise de métodos de classificação automática de uso do solo associadas à caracterização e quantificação de áreas regadas - Caso de estudo Campina de Faro, AlgarvePublication . Marques, Jonat Stefani Justa; Martins, Fernando Miguel Granja; Costa, Luís Ricardo Dias daA região Algarvia, com um clima temperado de características mediterrânicas, enfrenta uma crescente incidência de fenómenos de seca hidrológica prolongada, o que agrava de forma significativa os desafios relacionados com a escassez de recursos hídricos na região. A estimativa de valores do consumo de água subterrânea em áreas de regadio na região Algarvia consiste numa variável difícil de controlar e quantificar, não só devido ao elevado número de captações particulares, mas também por causa da variação meteorológica, que afeta os regimes de rega e das áreas regadas. Através da informação extraída pelo processamento de imagens digitais obtidas por deteção remota, juntamente com os valores das dotações de rega, pretende-se contribuir para estimativas do balanço hídrico do sistema aquífero de Campina de Faro mais precisas. Neste trabalho, estudou-se a classificação de uso e ocupação do solo para desenvolver uma metodologia de classificação automática de áreas agrícolas e espaços verdes regados, usando imagens de satélite Sentinel-2, aplicados à Campina de Faro. O projeto permitiu caracterizar com precisão as principais culturas agrícolas e espaços verdes regados na área de estudo e estimar o volume de água utilizado na rega com base nas dotações de rega das diferentes culturas. A metodologia desenvolvida é facilmente replicável para diferentes períodos e zonas, oferecendo uma ferramenta útil para a gestão dos recursos hídricos na região do Algarve. Os resultados obtidos permitiram a classificação das principais áreas e culturas regadas no sistema aquífero, bem como a quantificação da sua variação ao longo do tempo. Para além disso, foram aplicadas dotações de rega oficiais da DGADR, com o objetivo de estimar o volume de água utilizado na rega destas parcelas agrícolas, de forma a quantificar o volume de água extraído do aquífero para a agricultura e golfe. Os valores obtidos estão próximos dos valores oficiais reportados nos Planos de Gestão da Região Hidrográfica, o que demonstra, de certa forma, a fiabilidade dos resultados alcançados com esta metodologia.
- An automation system for predictive maintenance of electric machines applied to pumping systemsPublication . Azinheira, Gonçalo José de Sousa; Semião, Jorge Filipe Leal CostaThis thesis presents the development and implementation of an automation system for predictive maintenance of electric machines in pumping systems. The work integrates Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT devices, machine learning algorithms, and advanced sensor systems to enhance the reliability and efficiency of industrial operations. A complete test bench was developed, featuring an electric pump, water reservoir, automation and control board, energy meter, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, motorized valves, and temperature sensors, allowing automated test procedures including fault-injection behaviors through valve control. The research bridges the gap between theoretical models of predictive maintenance and their practical implementation in industrial environments, emphasizing the importance of automation and data-driven decision-making. The core achievements include the successful development and deployment of a system capable of real-time data acquisition, advanced vibration analysis, and fault prediction using machine learning. A detailed analysis was conducted to determine optimal data processing procedures prior to analysis, and automation-based sensors were integrated with electronic-based sensors in a unified predictive maintenance system. Machine learning algorithms demonstrated the feasibility of implementing predictive maintenance within standard automation pumping systems by successfully predicting faults induced in the test pump. The developed system not only reduces unexpected failures but also aligns with modern demandsfor sustainability and operational efficiency. By combining data acquisition, real-time analysis, and predictive modeling, the research offers a comprehensive approach that can be adapted across various industries reliant on electric machines.
- Avaliação da exatidão posicional de ortofotos - caso estudo: Beja - AlquevaPublication . Silva, Sandra; Fernandez, Helena Maria; Martins, Fernando Miguel GranjaO projeto apresentado foi desenvolvido no Centro de Cartografia da Empresa de Desenvolvimento e Infraestruturas do Alqueva. Tem como objetivo avaliar a exatidão posicional das ortofotografias, utilizando técnicas fotogramétricas para a obtenção das imagens retificadas. Além disso, também foram aplicadas técnicas estatísticas para o controlo de qualidade das ortofotografias. A qualidade das ortofotografias é uma temática fundamental para o Centro de Cartografia da Empresa de Desenvolvimento e Infraestruturas do Alqueva, uma entidade especializada detentora de alvará próprio na produção de cartografia vetorial e de fotografia. As ortofotografias são de grande utilidade pois oferecem uma representação precisa e exata do terreno, sendo utilizadas por toda a estrutura da empresa, entidades públicas, privadas e por um vasto número de utilizadores em diversas áreas. A área de estudo está localizada no município de Beja, abrangendo uma extensão de 15.000 ha (equivalente a seis ortofotografias) à escala de 1:5.000. A produção das ortofotografias para o ano de 2022 compreendeu diversas etapas, desde a triangulação aérea até à extração do Modelo Digital de Superfície, passando pela retificação, e por fim, na criação do mosaico final. Para avaliar a exatidão posicional planimétrica, será utilizado o indicador estatístico denominado Erro Médio Quadrático, em conformidade com as normas e especificações técnicas estabelecidas para a Cartografia Topográfica Vetorial e de Imagem, específicas para o nível de detalhe NdD2 da Direção-Geral do Território. As ortofotografias produzidas cumpriram o critério de exatidão posicional exigida. A análise estatística revelou um Erro Médio Quadrático de 0,334 m, e todos os pontos de controlo analisados situaram-se dentro dos limites estabelecidos pelas especificações técnicas.
- Can bivalve selective feeding shape phytoplankton community structure in the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon?Publication . Coscollá, María Nohales; Domingues, Rita; Barbosa, Ana Maria BrancoPhytoplankton plays a vital role in aquatic ecosystems, driving primary production, carbon cycling and nutrient recycling. The impact of bivalve feeding on phytoplankton biomass and community composition has been extensively documented. Nevertheless, there is currently no published research examining the impact of bivalve grazing and its selectivity on natural phytoplankton assemblages within the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon, a region responsible for 90% of Portugal's bivalve mollusc production. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of grazing by Mytilus galloprovincialis on natural phytoplankton assemblages in Ria Formosa. In particular, the effects of grazing on phytoplankton biomass, abundance, community composition, and the mussel's selectivity for different phytoplankton functional groups. The abundance and composition of phytoplankton were assessed using chlorophyll a concentration and microscopy: epifluorescence for pico- and nanophytoplankton and inverted for microphytoplankton. Mussel feeding was assessed by clearance rate. The microcosm experiments revealed a significant reduction in phytoplankton abundance due to mussel grazing in March, with a consistent decline in diatom abundance across all experiments. However, no significant changes were observed in phytoplankton biomass or community structure. The estimated per capita clearance rates of M. galloprovincialis ranged from 0.82 to 4.36 L h -1 individual-1 based on total chlorophyll a concentration, 1.07 to 1.95 L h -1 individual-1 based on total phytoplankton abundance, and 0.41 to 23.63 L h -1 individual-1 1 for specific phytoplankton groups. The results indicate that mussels selectively graze diatoms without significantly affecting overall phytoplankton biomass or community composition in Ria Formosa. Given the region's ecological and economic importance, understanding bivalve selective grazing is crucial for effective ecosystem management. Further studies should investigate the long-term impacts of this grazing on phytoplankton diversity and ecosystem resilience, particularly in light of changing conditions and growing aquaculture demands.
- Characterization of bacteria in seafood and environmental waters samples from Namibe (Angola)Publication . Calado, Beatriz Lopes; Cardoso, João; Power, Deborah MFoodborne diseases are a major burden worldwide and are very common and one of the major causes of death in underdeveloped countries. Coliform bacteria are a non-taxonomic group of Enterobacterales order that commonly inhabit the intestines of warm-blooded animals. While most coliform bacteria are not associated with foodborne illness, there are coliforms (faecal origin) that can cause diseases in humans of which most cases are associated with pathogenic E. coli strains. Therefore, detection of coliforms is commonly used as an indirect measure of quality control and safety of foods and waters for human consumption. The present study aimed to isolate and characterise coliform bacteria from bivalves that are used for human consumption and from their environmental seawater to identify species that may represent a potential risk for human health. Four different locations (Mucoio, Praia das Conchas, Sacomar, and Praia Amélia) in the coast of Namibe in Angola were sampled and microbiology techniques, molecular analysis, biochemical and virulence assays were performed to characterise the different isolates. Our results revealed that isolates correspond to Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Citrobacter freundii and that the mussels collected from Praia das Conchas showed the highest fecal coliform contamination and diversity. At least 6 different strains of E. coli, 4 of Enterobacter spp. and 2 Klebsiella spp. and 1 of Citrobacter freundii were found and they show different resistance to cephalosporins and penicillins which are common antibiotics used in clinical. Virulence tests were performed using a representative strain from each species using the arthropod model Galleria mellonella and suggest that all strains are likely to be pathogenic and most or the larvae were death in the first 24h post injection. This study identify for the first time pathogenic coliforms bacteria in bivalve food samples and environmental waters from Namibe which may represent a health risk to the local population and the major causative agents of foodborne and other diseases.
- Ecohydrological assessment of a complex river-floodplain system for the enhancement of its multidimensional potentialPublication . Guzmán, Damaris Rios; Chicharo, Luis; Jarosiewicz, PawełRiver floodplain systems are critical for sustaining biodiversity and providing a wide range of ecosystem services. However, climate change and anthropogenic activities increasingly disrupt the hydrological and ecological connectivity of these systems, red ucing their resilience to external pressures. The degradation of floodplains undermines key ecosystem services, including the support of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, the regulation of hydrological extremes such as floods and droughts, and the sequ estration of carbon. Given the global challenges of water scarcity and associated ecological consequences, there is an urgent need for innovative management strategies to enhance the mult idimensional roles of floodplains in water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. Therefore, this thesis focused on the study of the river floodplain system that was selected as the demonstration site for the ecohydrological project LIFE Pilica (LIFE19 IPE/PL/000005) in Central Poland. The study addresse d the hydrological connectivity within the river floodplain system during spring and early summer, assessing its effects on water quality. A particular focus was placed on phosphorus dynamics between the water and sediment compartments, aiming to propose management strategies that mitigat e excessive phosphorus release for a sustainable water retention in the floodplain area. Three primary hydrological connection s were identified between the studied floodplain, Pilica river and an upstream wetland . The connectivity decreased significantly throughout the study (from 0.185 m 3 s 1 in March to 0.002 m 3 s 1 in May )), with the first connection turning into a drainage source in April due to Pilica’s water level decrease . By May, the second source dried up, and the third was projected to cease at a river discharge below 12 m³s⁻¹ (R² = 0.94). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a greater difference between water quality from the o xbow l ake with the river ’s inflow (35.4%) than with the wetland’s outflow ( 15.5%). This shift underscores an increased risk of eutrophication in both water bodies, driven by prolonged residence times, nutrient accumulation, and the lack of water exchange from the river. Sediment analysis revealed significant differences in water content and organic matter between samples ( p < 0.05 at the studied floodplain part . Most sediments were rich in organic phosphorus and bound to Fe, Al, and Mn. Sorption tests showed greater phosphorus adsorption in air dried sediments and a high zero equilibrium phosphorus concentration (EPC₀), indicating a tendency to release phosphoru s when exposed to river water , thus highlighting the need of proper management prior increasing hydrological connectivity . In conclusion, the implementation of a water retention basin in the area will tackle the greatest threat to the studied river floodplain system: the progressive loss of hydrological connectivity. Furthermore, the potential risk of phosphorus release was ev aluated to refine the management strategy , ensuring it effectively mitigates nutrient loading and supports long term ecosystem health.
- Ecohydrological nature-based solutions: assessment of sequential sedimentation-biofiltration system efficiency on the removal of nutrients from a polluted stream in central PolandPublication . Portillo, Olga Daniela Mejía; Chícharo, Luís; Jarosiewicz, PawełNutrient pollution in agricultural catchments is a major contributor to water quality degradation and ecosystem decline. Sequential Sedimentation-Biofiltration Systems (SSBS) represent an innovative Ecohydrological Nature-based Solution (EH-NbS) designed to mitigate nutrient and pollutant loads, thus improving surface water quality. The system is divided into three functional zones: sedimentation, biogeochemical, and biofiltration zones. However, the effectiveness of SSBS, as also other NbS designed to treat the water, is heavily reliant on proper maintenance and management. Therefore, understanding of the drivers behind the SSBS efficiency, including aging of the system and other abiotic processes, such as hydrology or temperature, may help to develop better, tailor-fitted solutions in future. This study assesses the performance of the SSBS system implemented in Przedbórz, Poland under ageing process (monitoring years compared between 2019 and 2022-2023 periods), seasonal variations and varying inflow discharge. The novelty of this study was that the water quality change was tested not only from the inlet and outlet, but also within each zone (sedimentation, geochemical, biofiltration) to quantify efficiency of different processes under external impacts. Focus was given to the nutrients pollution, however, since the phosphorus is more challenging in removal, to understand better the P dynamics in ageing system sediment samples from the sedimentation pond and stream were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of nutrient reduction over time. Results indicated that the SSBS system showed highest efficiency towards Total Suspended Solids (TSS) which were removed by 46.5% on average. Removal of Total Phosphorus (TP) and Total Nitrogen (TN), as also dissolved forms such as ammonium (N-NH₄) and nitrite (N-NO₂) were varying within the seasons but showed highest efficiency in summer with the following average levels, 21.4% for TP, 13.5% for TN, 31.1% for N-NH₄, and 16.2% for N-NO₂. Nevertheless, negative performance was observed also, especially during winter season as effectiveness in removal of TP (-78.9%), P-PO4 (-34.0%), TN (-40.2%) and dissolved N forms dropped substantially. Hydrology showed significant impact on the performance of TP and TN removal, specifically during warmer temperatures. Discharge, however, did not seem to have significant effect on the performance of this SSBS. Due to the lack of proper maintenance the sedimentation zone has clogged in October 2023. Therefore, this study focused on the characteristic of sediments in particular the phosphorus dynamics. Phosphorus fractionation in sediments revealed retention primarily in iron/manganese hydroxides and organic phosphorus (NaOH-NRP). Sediments were not significantly polluted by heavy metals, and the presence of TP as also high content of Organic Matter, suggest its reuse potential, that could help to facilitate the sediments removal process by the system owner. This study underscores the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure long-term SSBS performance and improvement of water resources quality.
- Estudo da morfologia das valvas dos cyprideis remanei como indicador das alterações paleoambientais no lago Nyalonzwele (Inhambane, Moçambique)Publication . Nhanombe, Judite Artur; Martins, Maria João Fernandes; Godinho, Ricardo MiguelNeste trabalho, foram estudadas oito amostras, totalizando 327 indivíduos de Cyprideis remanei, recolhidas em 2019 no lago Nyalonzwele, Inhambane, de modo a compreender as alterações morfológicas da valva esquerda dos ostracodos adultos dessa espécie. Foram colectadas imagens fotográficas de indivíduos das oito amostras selecionadas com microscópio binocular e o Software Toupview. A aquisição de dados morfológicos dos pontos anatómicos (Landmarks) no modelo 2D, foram obtidos com os programas TpsDig. Os marcos anatómicos (Landmarks, LMs) foram definidos em quatro regiões das valvas (parte anterior, antero-dorsal, posterior e ventral das valvas) e distribuídos em 4 LMs, às quais acrescem 44 semi-marcos anatómicos deslizantes (sliding semilandmarks, sLMs) distribuídos equidistantemente. A consistência, confiabilidade e precisão das marcações, foi assegurada com o teste de erro intra-observador. A identificação dos outliers e do sexo das valvas, bem como a eficiência do método aplicado, seguiu o método do Hunt et al., (2017). Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se o Generalised Procrustes Analysis (GPA) para a sobreposição das configurações das coordenadas, ajustando o tamanho e removendo os efeitos de localização e orientação das valvas dos C. remanei. A Análises de Componentes Principais (PCA), foi usada para reduzir a dimensionalidade e a variação morfológica e análise das variáveis ambientais (diatomáceas e sedimentos). A Regressão Multivariada, correlacionou os dados ambientais com os morfológicos. Testes não paramétricos, como de kruskall-wallis, seguidos por testes post-hoc Wilcoxon rank sum exact test, foram usados para confirmar diferenças no tamanho mediano das valvas entre amostras. Os resultados morfológicos das valvas de machos e fêmeas de C. remanei do lago Nyalonzwele, revelam ocupação de morfo espaços distintos entre os sexos. Análises realizadas nas fêmeas revelam variações significativas na geometria e tamanho, vinculadas às oscilações ambientais ocorridas entre 7.100-1.800 anos BP, alternando entre períodos húmidos e áridos. As mudanças climáticas, como o aumento da precipitação com a transição para um clima mais húmido, também influenciaram o comportamento humano e a ocupação da região, com registos de migração e assentamento de caçadores-recolectores e agricultores a partir de 5.050 BP. As alterações nas valvas reflectem essas flutuações, com evidências de alterações na geometria e tamanho da valvas correlacionadas com alterações da salinidade em períodos instáveis.
- Green solutions: exploring nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs´ impact on cucurbitaceae for environmental remediationPublication . Mudiyanselage, Chathurika Priyadarshani Huladduwa; Urbaniak, Magdalena; Chícharo, LuisNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used pharmaceuticals in the world, found as contaminants in water, soil, and sediment, posing risks to natural organisms and human health. Phytoremediation is an effective and ecologically acceptable approach for environmental pollutants. Plants from the Cucurbitaceae family have the potential to remediate contaminants in soil. Recent research indicates that certain fungicides can regulate the uptake of organic compounds, modulating major latex-like protein (MLP) in these plants. This study examines the impact of NSAIDs combined with benomyl on the physiology, biochemistry, and leaf endophytes of the zucchini plant (Cucurbita pepo). Plants were grown in OECD soil media under controlled greenhouse conditions for 28 days. There were six variants: control, paracetamol (25 mg/L), paracetamol + benomyl, diclofenac (2.5 mg/L), diclofenac + benomyl and benomyl. Water, fertilizer and benomyl were added according to a predefined schedule. After the incubation, fresh biomass, chlorophyll contents and phenolics concentrations were measured for each variant. Functional and structural diversity of leaf endophytes were analyzed by Biolog EcoPlate™ method and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study demonstrated that paracetamol decreased the fresh biomass of roots, stems and leaves, while diclofenac treatment had a similar trend, with the lowest stems and leaves biomass. Paracetamol treatment increased chlorophyll content, whereas diclofenac had a minimal effect on chlorophyll pigments. Additionally, phenolic compounds increased significantly in plants treated with paracetamol but lowered in the diclofenac variant compared to the control. Both NSAIDs significantly decreased the leaf endophytic metabolic activity and microbial structural diversity. Benomyl, when applied alone, also displayed some impacts on plant physiology and leaf endophytic microbial community. However, benomyl considerably mitigated the detrimental consequences of NSAID-treated plants by enhancing biomass and chlorophyll content, improving resilience to oxidative stress, and promoting endophytic microbial diversity. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the fungicide-mediated regulation of NSAID-induced phytotoxicity in zucchini and highlight the potential for developing strategies to enhance phytoremediation in contaminated environments.
- Harvesting rainwater - the relevance of hydrometeorological factors on rainwater quality and demonstration of the mitigation approach using green roofs and adsorption materialsPublication . Vargas, Julián Camilo Ríos; Jarosiewicz, Paweł; Chicharo, LuisWater pollution is one of the main challenges facing the world at present. As water is a vital resource, it is essential that it meets minimum quality standards in order to be used as drinking water, as well as for the ecosystem health. Rainwater harvesting has received attention in recent years due to its potential use as a water source, and important as climate-adaptation strategy. However, rainwater often contains pollutants that can impact negatively on human health and aquatic ecosystems. In response to these challenges, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as innovative approach that mimic natural processes to enhance ecosystem services, such as water quality improvement. Examples of NbS for rainwater management include green roofs, bioswales, and raingardens, which help improving rainwater quality before it infiltrates or drains to water bodies, protecting rivers, reservoirs and lakes from contamination. To further enhance the effectiveness of NbS in rainwater treatment, the use of natural and innovative sorbent materials like dolomite and biochar have demonstrated good potential. In this way, the project aimed to assess the influence of hydrometeorological factors such as rainfall intensity (RI), antecedent dry period (ADP), and first flush on rainwater quality in the urban catchment (Łódź City, Poland) and to evaluate the efficiency of green roof technology in terms of rainwater retention and rainwater quality. Finally it aimed to identify and compare the potential enhancement of rainwater treatment through the use of innovative sorbent materials. The results demonstrated significant differences in rainwater quality between the two sites studied, particularly concerning pollutants like total phosphorous, indicating spatial impact on water quality. The research confirmed that the runoff from roofs produce elevated concentrations of pollutants including total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), and total organic carbon (TOC). A positive correlation was observed between ADP and pollutants concentration, while RI showed variable correlations across sites, suggesting that factors such as roof material, age, slope and roughness also could play a role in determining pollutant concentrations. Additionally, higher concentration of pollutants were found during the initial time of rainfall. In addition, the study identified that green roofs can significantly improve water retention and enhance rainwater quality by incorporating sorbent materials that mitigate the release of pollutants, such as phosphorus.
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