Research Center for Endogenous Resource Valorization

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Impact of different irrigation methods on the main chemical characteristics of Typical Mediterranean Fluvisols in Portugal

Publication . Telo da Gama, José; López-Piñeiro, António; Loures, Luis; Nunes, José Rato

The sustainable management of Mediterranean agricultural soils, characterized by salinization and low organic matter content, requires a thorough understanding of their temporal and spatial evolution. The focal point of this investigation encompasses an area of 6769 ha within the Portuguese Mediterranean basin, from which as many as 686 topsoil specimens were acquired during the periods 2001/2002 and 2011/2012 for the purpose of scrutinizing soil organic matter (SOM) content, pH measured in water, and electrical conductivity (EC). The methodology employed both classical and geostatistical techniques, and the terrestrial samples were classified in accordance with the irrigation mechanisms in use (namely, drip and sprinkler systems), subsequently juxtaposed with their counterparts in rainfed systems. Predictive maps were generated using the Ordinary Kriging algorithm for spatial interpolation. The findings demonstrate that irrigated Fluvisols displayed lower SOM content compared to rainfed soils, with sprinkler-irrigated soils experiencing a 16.1% decrease and drip-irrigated soils showing a more pronounced 26.6% decrease. Moreover, drip-irrigated soils contained 12.5% less SOM compared to sprinkler-irrigated soils. The pH levels stabilized at around 6.6 in both rainfed and irrigated soils, with no significant differences observed between the irrigation methods. Furthermore, irrigated Fluvisols exhibited higher EC values compared to rainfed soils, with both sprinkler and drip-irrigated soils showing values that were 35.2% higher. These results underscore the impact of irrigation practices on soil properties, including elevated EC values due to increased soil salt accumulation. The study highlights the necessity of considering specific irrigation systems and associated practices to ensure sustainable soil health and productivity. Adopting management approaches that account for these factors is crucial for preserving optimal soil conditions in Mediterranean agricultural systems.

2023-08Journal article

Open access

Seaweed-derived biochar for effective treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater

Publication . Dias, Ana Paula Soares; Santos, Francisco Ascenção; Rijo, Bruna; Simes, Dina; Pereira, Leonel; Pereira, Manuel Francisco Costa

Freshwater scarcity is a growing concern, exacerbated by industrial effluents containing dyes and other pollutants that endanger aquatic ecosystems. This study explores the potential of biochar sorbents, derived from renewable seaweed biomass, as a sustainable solution for water decontamination. Seaweed biomass (sarga & ccedil;o), collected from Portuguese seashores, was carbonized at 300 degrees C and 400 degrees C to produce biochar. Adsorption experiments with methylene blue (MB) revealed that carbonization at 400 degrees C, followed by ball milling, significantly enhanced adsorption performance. Langmuir isotherm analysis demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 500 mg MB/g sorbent for the optimized biochar (400 degrees C, ball milled), with adsorption efficiency improving at elevated temperatures and pH levels up to 12. Infrared reflectance spectra of fresh and post-adsorption biochars confirmed the involvement of pi-pi interactions and hydrogen bonding in the adsorption mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of seaweed-derived biochar as an effective and eco-friendly solution for water purification.

2025-04-18Journal article

Open access