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Percorrer CIMA por Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) "12:Produção e Consumo Sustentáveis"
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- Best beaches of the world: a critique of web-based ratingPublication . Oliveira, Elaine Baroni de; Newton, Alice; Botero, Camilo M.This study analyzes the content of internet ratings of beaches to identify the indicators used. The methodology used an exploratory internet survey using the term ‘best beaches’ in five languages. For each site, the ranking method used was extracted and the indicators considered were listed, where applicable. Of the 70 websites analyzed, 47 ranked the beaches (67%) but less than 50% used indicators. The remaining were based on the opinion of the editorial board, personal experience, and users’ perceptions. The most used indicator was the color of water, followed by the color of the sand. These results show that the majority of ‘best beaches’ lists are based on subjective criteria. They are an overview of places that appeal to the person that wrote the page and are not scientifically or analytically based. Even when indicators are considered, these are mostly a reflection of the idea of an idealized beach, crystal blue waters with white or gold sand. The actual quality of the beach, including water quality, carrying capacity, and eco system balance, is not addressed. Although visual attractiveness is a key element for the public, these rankings should incorporate a wider range of indicators to fully assess the quality of a beach.
- Dominant effects of the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine over climate change stressors on mytilus galloprovincialis toxicityPublication . Nascimento Bajwa, Farhat-Un-Nisá; Cunha, Marta; Vilke, Juliano Marcelo; Dias Duarte Fragoso, Bruno; Borges, Rodrigo; Soares, Amadeu M. V. M.; Freitas, Rosa; GARCIA DA FONSECA, TAINÁPharmaceuticals have become ubiquitous in marine realms, raising concerns about their ecological effects. This study investigates the ecotoxicological impact of the antiepileptic drug carbamazepine on marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) under increased seawater temperature and salinity, reflecting projected climate change scenarios. Mussels were exposed to carbamazepine (CBZ, 5 μg L− 1 ) for 28 days in both current (17 ◦C and salinity 35) and predicted (23 ◦C and salinity 40) conditions. A multiple-biomarker approach was employed to assess alterations in energy balance, antioxidant and biotransformation systems, membrane damage, neurotoxicity, and genotoxicity in gills and digestive glands. The results indicated that CBZ caused significant oxidative stress, disruption in energy metabolism, and neurotoxic and genotoxic effects, regardless of the combination of stressors. Moreover, biomarkers were modulated by the time of exposure, suggesting a time-specific response in mussels exposed to either a single or multiple stressors. The findings underscore the complex interplay between pharmaceutical pollution and climate change stressors. This study provides crucial insights into the toxicity of pharmaceuticals in marine environments under future climate change scenarios. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of CBZ on marine mussels in conjunction with the simultaneous rise in seawater temperature and salinity.
- Efficacy of slow sand filtration enriched with trichoderma atroviride in the control of fusarium oxysporum in soilless cultivation systemsPublication . Matias, Pedro; Guerreiro David Coelho, Luísa Isabel; Reis, MárioOn a planet intending to move toward carbon neutrality while ensuring food security, maximizing water and nutrient use efficiency in agriculture is essential. Soilless cultivation offers a promising solution for food production, yet in substrate-based systems, excess nutrient solution (drainage) is often discarded to maintain phytosanitary safety, resulting in considerable water and nutrient waste. Reusing this drainage requires disinfection to eliminate pathogens. Among available methods, slow sand filtration (SSF) is ecological, economical, and simple, showing strong biological control potential, though not always fully effective against Fusarium oxysporum. Trichoderma atroviride, an antagonistic fungus, may enhance SSF performance. Its antagonistic capacity was evaluated in vitro via direct confrontation assays and in vivo using a closed-loop soilless cucumber cultivation system with eight treatment combinations of SSF, T. atroviride, and F. oxysporum. SSF reduced F. oxysporum incidence by approximately 48%, T. atroviride in irrigation by 44%, and SSF enriched with T. atroviride reached 58% disease incidence reduction, though this increase was not statistically significant. These results confirm that both SSF and T. atroviride can partially suppress F. oxysporum, but further optimization is needed for consistent and complete pathogen control.
- From Lignocellulosic residues to protein sources: insights into biomass pre-treatments and conversionPublication . Vera dos Anjos, Isabela; Coelho, Natacha; Duarte, Hugo; Proença, Diogo Neves; Duarte, Maria F.; Jorge de Barros, Raúl José; Raposo, Sara; Gonçalves, Sandra; Romano, Anabela; Medronho, BrunoWith the global population steadily rising, the demand for sustainable protein sources has become increasingly urgent. Traditional animal- and plant-based proteins face challenges related to scalability, resource efficiency, and environmental impact. In this context, single-cell protein has emerged as a promising alternative. Derived from microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, and yeast, single-cell protein offers a high nutritional profileincluding all essential amino acids and vitamins—while enabling rapid production, minimal land and water requirements, and no generation of greenhouse gas emissions. A particularly compelling advantage of single-cell protein is its ability to be produced from agro-industrial waste, converting low-cost residues into valuable nutritional resources and contributing to environmental sustainability. Among these waste streams, lignocellulosic biomass from agricultural and forestry residues stands out as a renewable, biodegradable, and abundant feedstock. This review explores the potential of lignocellulosic waste as a substrate for single-cell protein production, emphasizing both its environmental advantages and nutritional value. It highlights the single-cell protein role as a sustainable and scalable alternative to conventional protein sources. The review also identifies key scientific, economic, and regulatory challenges, and recognizes the importance of targeted investments, particularly in policy development, public awareness, and technological innovation, to enable the broader adoption and acceptance of single-cell protein -based products.
- Impact of trace elements of wastewater from steel and iron industry on benthic communities of Bizerte lagoon (Tunisia)Publication . Jaziri, Sayda; Said, Olfa Ben; Mahmoudi, Ezzeddine; Duran, Robert; Strungaru, Stefan-Adrian; Plavan, Oana; Nicoara, Mircea; Plavan, Gabriel; Chicharo, LuisThe metallurgical industry is amongst the most water-intensive industrial sectors. It generates significant quantities of trace elements (TEs) in wastewater, which are largely discharged into the aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of TEs in wastewater effluent (WWF) from the Tunisian Iron and Steel Company "EL FOULADH" on the Bizerte Lagoon ecosystem. To this end, it entailed collecting samples of EL FOULADH WWF, Bizerte Lagoon water, and sediments from seven stations located both adjacent and far (-0.12, 0.34, 5.37, 7.58, 8.26, 8.65, 11.96 m) from WWF discharge points and measuring their TEs contents. Additionally, sediment contamination indices were estimated and bacterial and meiofaunal community assemblages were analyzed. Both univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (PCA/CCA/Cluster) analysis revealed significant dissimilarities in the distribution of TEs, meiofaunal, and bacterial communities between downstream and upstream WWF discharge points. The comparison of abiotic and biotic variables revealed specific benthic assemblages for the station closest to the WWF discharge points. Interestingly, these sediments are distinctively characterized by the total disappearance of copepods. These findings offer us valuable information, pointing out to specific meiofauna and bacterial taxa, TEs sediment content affects the benthic assemblage of Bizerte lagoon via modeling trophic relationships.
- Matrix solid-phase dispersion procedure for determination of antibiotics and metabolites in mussels: application in exposure bioassaysPublication . Mejías, Carmen; GARCIA DA FONSECA, TAINÁ; García-Criado, Noelia; Martín, Julia; Santos, Juan Luis; Aparicio, Irene; Alonso, EstebanAbstract: The presence of antibiotics in seafood for human consumption may pose a risk for consumers. Furthermore, some marine organisms, such as mussels, can result in appropriate bioindicators of marine contamination. In this work, a multiresidue analytical methodology suitable for the determination of antibiotics and metabolites in mussels is proposed. The target compounds include three sulphonamides and trimethoprim (TMP) and six of their main metabolites. Sample treatment involves extraction and clean-up in a single step using matrix solid-phase dispersion with acetonitrile. Analytical determination was carried out by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Good linearity (R2 > 0.99), accuracy (from 80.8 to 118%), and limits of quantification (lower than 5 ng g−1 (dry matter, dm)) were obtained for all selected compounds. The method was applied to the determination of antibiotics in mussel samples from an exposure assay with contaminated seawater with TMP and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Both antibiotics were detected in the analysed samples with concentrations up to 77.5 ng g−1 dm. TMP was bioconcentrated to a higher extent than SMX, attributable to its higher hydrophobicity. None of the metabolites were detected. These results demonstrate that Mytilus galloprovincialis is a suitable bioindicator to assess marine pollution.
- Metal ecotoxicity in sea anemones: accumulation, effects, and knowledge gapsPublication . Vilke, Juliano Marcelo; Power, Deborah Mary; Vieira de Sousa, Cármen Sofia; Mestre, NéliaMetals are a major class of legacy pollutants that end up in marine ecosystems, posing a significant threat to marine biota, including sea anemones. The current review critically synthesises studies published over the last 50 years on the uptake, tissue distribution, and biological effects of 20 metals across 18 sea anemone species in both field and laboratory settings, including interactions with climate change stressors (salinity and pH). Field studies have focused on bioaccumulation and report the high capacity of sea anemones to accumulate metals, mainly iron and barium, primarily in the pedal disk. Laboratory exposure studies reveal a dose- and timedependent accumulation and highlight that symbionts take up and store essential metals (Cu, Fe, and Mn) due to their key biological roles. Available data point to Exaiptasia pallida as a promising model for metal ecotoxicology. Across studies, metals elicit alterations at molecular to behavioural/morphological levels, including transcriptome reprogramming, oxidative stress, and detoxification failures, as well as genotoxicity, cellular injury, immune dysfunction, metabolic and morphological disruption, reproductive impairment, and bleaching, which are generally amplified by climate change stressors. Ultimately, this review identifies key knowledge gaps and outlines future research directions on metal ecotoxicity in sea anemones. Collectively, these insights position sea anemones as informative sentinels of metal contamination in marine ecosystems.
- Microplastics hot spots at the South Iberian MarginPublication . Bebianno, Maria; Cristina, Sónia; Nathan, Justine; Goela, Priscila; Dias Duarte Fragoso, Bruno; Icely, John David; Moura, DelmindaThe persistent accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in sediments poses ecological risks to benthic organisms and contributes to the broader issue of marine pollution. This study quantitatively analysed MPs in sediments, water and mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis from eleven sites of the South Portuguese coast in two contrasting climatic seasons (summer and winter). MPs were detected in sediments, water, and M. galloprovincialis at all study sites, although their abundance, colour, size, and type varied across compartments, locations, and seasons. Three hot spots of MPs contamination were identified at the South Portuguese coast. In these areas, the concentration of MPs in sediments was three orders of magnitude higher than water and mussels. The MPs identified had distinct colour patterns: transparent particles dominated in sediments, while blue was the most common in water and mussels. A size-dependent accumulation pattern was observed in the sediments, suggesting selective retention of MPs according to natural particle size, and a relationship was observed between MP levels in sediments and in mussels. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were dominant polymers in sediments while PP, PE and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were consistently present in water and mussels. Polybuthyl methachrylate (PBMA) was also detected in surface water and ingested by mussels. These findings suggest that variability in MPs abundance and polymer composition is linked to differences in local human activities. They also provide strong evidence for the importance of controlling land-based sources of MPs, particularly those transported to the coastal area by transported by rivers.
- Trade-offs in marine policy decisions through the lens of literaturePublication . Queiroz, Joyce Dias Gois Rodrigues de; Gutierrez, Débora; Calado, Helena Maria Gregório PinaThe ocean is increasingly affected by the rise in maritime activities. Increased anthropogenic pressures have led to environmental impacts and also intensified competition for space and resources among various socioeconomic sectors. To mitigate these impacts on marine ecosystems and reduce conflicts, management tools and processes such as marine protected areas (MPAs) and maritime spatial planning (MSP) have become more prevalent. Trade-offs are inherent to these, and necessary to meet specific conservation and socioeconomic goals. In response, understanding and managing these trade-offs has become crucial to achieving ocean sustainability. This study performs a bibliometric review to identify the types of trade-offs discussed in the marine literature and examines their operationalization for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. The analysis reveals that trade-offs, particularly those between conservation and development, and the interests of specific stakeholders, are most frequently addressed in the trade-off literature and are typically approached through integrative methods. This comprehensive examination highlights the significance of recognizing and addressing trade-offs to achieve effective marine management and conservation, aligning ecological integrity with socioeconomic interests.