Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu Gao, Jiquan Chen, Neil Saintilan, Bin Zhao, Zutao Ouyang, Tingting Zhang, Haiqiang Guo, Yingying Hao, Feng Zhao, Jianyi Liu, Sikai Wang, Ping Zhuang
Summary: This study investigates the lateral hydrological carbon flux for an estuarine marsh over the course of a year. The results show a significant correlation between imported and exported dissolved organic carbon and dissolved inorganic carbon, but not for particulate organic carbon. The marsh appears to be a net exporter of dissolved organic carbon and dissolved inorganic carbon, but a net sink of particulate organic carbon. The findings highlight the importance of lateral hydrological inflows/outflows in wetland carbon budgets, especially in the meta-ecosystem framework.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
G. Medici, P. Bajak, L. J. West, P. J. Chapman, S. A. Banwart
Summary: This study focuses on quantifying fluxes of DOC and nitrate in farmland, using the Transect Method to calculate mass fluxes in groundwater. The research found that localized contamination significantly impacts groundwater chemical concentrations and identified the vulnerable contamination zone. Future modeling efforts should target this shallow vulnerability zone and the Transect Method can be used to define boundary conditions.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paul A. Bukaveckas, Ruta Bariseviciute, Mindaugas Zilius, Irma Vybernaite-Lubiene, Jolita Petkuviene, Diana Vaiciute, Petras Zemlys
Summary: In this study, a carbon (C) budget for a large coastal lagoon in the Baltic region was analyzed to understand its role in transporting and attenuating C fluxes. It was found that organic C fluxes were mainly controlled by internal cycling, while inorganic C fluxes relied on hydrological transport. The lagoon was a net source of organic matter (OM) to the Baltic Sea, primarily due to the production of particulate organic carbon (POC) through phytoplankton photosynthesis. Additionally, it was estimated that the annual harvested fish production accounted for nearly 22% of OM inputs.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Fan, Tao Long, Yuanyuan Lu, Lu Yang, Na Mi, Feiyang Xia, Xiaohan Wang, Shaopo Deng, Qinghua Hu, Fuwang Zhang
Summary: Heavy metal pollution of agricultural soil, especially Cd, is a global threat to food safety and human health. Analyzing the fluxes of Cd through different pathways can help predict Cd content changes, identify critical pathways, and develop effective management strategies. Atmospheric deposition is the dominant input pathway, and irrigation and livestock manure also contribute significantly in China. Crop harvesting and leaching play important roles as output pathways in China, while leaching is the dominant Cd output pathway in Europe.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rui Cereja, Vanda Brotas, Susana Nunes, Marta Rodrigues, Joana P. C. Cruz, Ana C. Brito
Summary: This study assessed the tidal effect on water quality parameters in a mesotidal estuary and evaluated the impact of tidal conditions on water quality indicators and classification systems. Results showed that nutrient concentrations were the most responsive to tidal conditions, with low neap tide being the best for assessing worst-case scenarios. The classification using mean as a metric was more sensitive to high nutrient concentrations, while the 90th percentile responded better to multiple high values in lower nutrient concentration areas.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kai Xu, Mengya Li, Wenlei Wang, Yan Xu, Dehua Ji, Changsheng Chen, Chaotian Xie
Summary: The difference in organic carbon release between the conchocelis and thallus stages of Pyropia haitanensis is influenced by light intensity and pH, with thalli showing higher growth rates and carbon production than conchocelis. Light intensity affects organic carbon release, while ocean acidification has less significant impact on it.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Thi Mai Huong Nguyen, Thi Phuong Quynh Le, Vinh Van Hoang, Da Le Nhu, Cam Tu Vu, Duong Thi Thuy
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal and spatial variations of organic carbon biodegradability in the Red River basin in North Vietnam. The results showed significant differences in BDOC and BPOC between different seasons and stations, with BDOC biodegradability being higher during the rainy season.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Angela Nascimento, Beatriz Biguino, Carlos Borges, Rui Cereja, Joana P. C. Cruz, Fatima Sousa, Joaquim Dias, Vanda Brotas, Carla Palma, Ana C. Brito
Summary: The study highlighted the significant impact of tidal variability on water quality parameters in the Sado Estuary, with flood mitigating nutrient enrichment effects and notable differences between sampling stations. Short-term variations were emphasized for evaluating water quality according to the Water Framework Directive.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chunyan Zhao, Jingyi Sun, Yifei Shen, Zhangyi Xia, Meijuan Hu, Tingjian Wu, Minmin Zhuang, Yaru Li, Yupei Tong, Jia Yang, Jianheng Zhang, Peimin He
Summary: Due to environmental factors such as global warming, ocean acidification, and eutrophication, the outbreak of golden tides with Sargassum horneri has increased in the Yellow Sea. Understanding and estimating the carbon fixation and storage processes of this algal biomass is crucial for studying the global carbon cycle. Research shows that the carbon content of S. horneri is high, with a significant portion being converted to dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and deposited as particulate organic carbon (POC) and refractory dissolved organic carbon (RDOC). Enhancing salvage and resource utilization is recommended to effectively control golden tides and minimize economic losses, while promoting carbon sequestration and environmental restoration.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingyu Hou, Neal E. Blair, A. N. Thanos Papanicolaou, Timothy R. Filley
Summary: Storm events in agricultural watersheds can transport fluvial organic carbon (OC) in dissolved and particulate forms, but their sources and flow pathways can vary depending on land use and weather conditions. This study monitored six storm events in an agricultural watershed in Eastern Iowa to examine the export mechanisms, landscape connectivity, and hydro-climatological controls of fluvial OC. The results showed a preference for particulate OC over dissolved OC during storm events, with particulate OC accounting for the majority of the export. The export ratio between particulate and dissolved OC varied seasonally and was influenced by vegetation coverage and runoff generation threshold. The study highlights the importance of high-resolution event monitoring to understand the sourcing and transformation of carbon in inland water systems under different land uses and across seasons.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Francisco Pereira, Ana Picado, Humberto Pereira, Joao Pedro Pinheiro, Carina Lurdes Lopes, Joao Miguel Dias
Summary: The interaction between tide, river runoff, and wind in coastal lagoons induces complex salinity gradients, which are remarkable when the meteorological forcing is exacerbated. This study aims to characterize the salinity structure under extreme freshwater and wind events in the Ria de Aveiro coastal lagoon (Portugal). The Delft3D model was implemented and validated in 3D mode, showing that forcing conditions determine salinity stratification intensity and location.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Francisco Silveira, Carina Lurdes Lopes, Joao Pedro Pinheiro, Humberto Pereira, Joao Miguel Dias
Summary: This research evaluates the impact of sea level rise and frequent storm surge events on the inundation of Ria de Aveiro lagoon in Portugal. The numerical model simulations show that both factors could have significant ecological and socioeconomic consequences, changing habitats and threatening local communities.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Katie M. Coluccio, Isaac R. Santos, Luke C. Jeffrey, Leanne K. Morgan
Summary: The research quantified groundwater seepage into a large and shallow coastal lagoon using a detailed radon mass balance. Findings showed higher groundwater discharge in summer compared to winter, with wind-driven radon evasion being the most influential factor. Despite uncertainties, groundwater seepage was identified as an important component of the water budget at the site.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Lorie W. Staver, Jeffrey C. Cornwell, Nicholas J. Nidzieko, Kenneth W. Staver, J. Court Stevenson, Michael Owens, Walter Boynton, Leysa Lopez-Gonzalez
Summary: Tidal marsh restoration using dredged material can replace lost habitat and ecosystem services. The study found that denitrification and nitrogen accumulation in Spartina organic matter are major sinks for nitrogen fluxes, and internal cycling helps retain nitrogen within the marsh.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Sunil N. Oulkar, Meloth Thamban, Parmanand Sharma, Bhanu Pratap, Ajit T. Singh, Lavkush Kumar Patel, Ankit Pramanik, M. Ravichandran
Summary: Various regional climatic factors influence glacier mass balance and thus control the water budget of the Himalayan rivers. The study finds that the mass balance of the Sutri Dhaka Glacier is affected by changes in air temperature and precipitation, but it is less sensitive to the partitioning of precipitation into snow and rain.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Costa, Mogens R. Flindt, Marta Lopes, J. Pedro Coelho, Ana F. Costa, Ana Lillebo, Ana Sousa
Summary: Seagrass meadows provide important ecosystem services, which have been impacted by various stressors. This study conducted in situ experiments in a Portuguese coastal lagoon to determine the best restoration methods for seagrass, offering practical guidelines for restoration practitioners. To enhance the success of seagrass restoration, a three-step process was defined to improve the resilience of Zostera noltei.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joana C. Prata, Joao P. da Costa, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: Microplastics were found in internal organs of Atlantic horse mackerel, with larger particles in the gut and smaller ones in the heart. The most abundant microplastics were of 1-10 µm, which are more likely to translocate due to their minute size but are also more challenging to characterize accurately. This study emphasizes the importance of expanding analytical work on organs and developing methods for precise isolation and identification of microplastics in organisms.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Astrid Avellan, Armando Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: Marine ecosystems serve as major reservoirs for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can persist and accumulate away from their source. Hotspots with high concentrations of POPs pose a threat to marine organisms in both water and sediment. Offshore maximum reported concentrations are often equivalent or higher than coastal ones, with a solubility threshold observed for offshore waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Christina B. Araujo, Monica F. Costa, Jacqueline S. Silva-Cavalcanti, Armando C. Duarte, Vanessa Reis, Teresa A. Rocha-Santos, Joao Pinto da Costa, Violeta Girao
Summary: The study evaluated discarded cigarette butts on an urban beach, finding that they experience mass loss during environmental exposure. Various scientific methods were used to assess the physical and chemical changes of the cigarette butts.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Peres Ribeiro, Nuno C. Cruz, Marcia C. Neves, Sonia M. Rodrigues, Luis A. C. Tarelho, Maria Isabel Nunes
Summary: The study combines granulated biomass fly ash (GBFA) with the Fenton process to enhance the removal of adsorbable organic halides (AOX) from pulp bleaching wastewater. The optimal treatment setup involves sequential treatment by the Fenton process followed by GBFA, resulting in the highest AOX removal (60-70%), reduced COD, and enhanced wastewater biodegradability. GBFA can be recovered and reused without regeneration, yielding similar AOX removal compared with fresh GBFA. Furthermore, the operating cost of this treatment setup is lower than that of conducting the Fenton process alone.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carla Leite, Francesca Coppola, Vanessa Queiros, Tania Russo, Gianluca Polese, Carlo Pretti, Eduarda Pereira, Rosa Freitas
Summary: This study evaluated the responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis to neodymium (Nd) exposure under different temperature conditions. It found that increased temperature and Nd exposure caused histopathological injuries in the gills, and the effects of previous exposure to Nd persisted even during the recovery period.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
N. Cruz, L. Ruivo, A. Avellan, P. F. A. M. Romkens, L. A. C. Tarelho, S. M. Rodrigues
Summary: After the revision of the Fertilizer Regulation, biomass ash can now be used as a component material for soil improvers in the EU market, opening up opportunities for large-scale recycling. However, before application to soil, the ash needs to be stabilized through carbonation, which also allows for CO2 capture and storage. This study demonstrates that accelerated carbonation can efficiently and quickly prepare valuable soil additives compared to natural carbonation, improving plant nutrient availability.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Regina M. B. O. Duarte, Armando C. Duarte
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nicole Ferreira, Bruno Henriques, Thainara Viana, Lina Carvalho, Daniela Tavares, Joao Pinto, Jessica Jacinto, Joao Colonia, Eduarda Pereira
Summary: A simple and efficient method was validated in this study to quantify nine elements in different food matrices by ICP-MS. Significant changes in most element levels were observed between raw and cooked food, while the contents of PTEs complied with the maximum permissible values.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
N. Cruz, A. Avellan, L. Ruivo, F. C. Silva, P. F. A. M. Romkens, L. A. C. Tarelho, S. M. Rodrigues
Summary: Biomass ash and sludge from pulp and paper industry have great potential to be recycled and used as components in soil improvers. However, processing is required to ensure their efficient utilization and reduce potential risks. This study tested different ash formulations and stabilization conditions to optimize the properties of ash-based granules for soil improvement.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Veronica Godoy, Joana Correia Prata, Antonio Perez, Joao Pinto da Costa, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Armando C. Duarte
Summary: The main objective of this study was to estimate the microplastic pollution on Costa Nova sandy beach in Portugal using longitudinal and cross-sectional transects. The results showed low variability in data, with median concentrations ranging from 142 to 356 p/kg d.w. in cross-sectional transects, and from 211 to 270 p/kg d.w. in longitudinal transects. Microspheres were the predominant morphology, accounting for over 90% of all samples, and the most abundant microplastics were <200 μm in size. Despite moderate-low tourist activity, microplastic contamination was higher in Costa Nova compared to other Portuguese beaches, possibly due to nearby port activities and ocean currents. However, this study highlights the disparity in data caused by different methodologies used in analyzing similar areas.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elsa T. Rodrigues, Eduarda Pereira, Paulo J. Oliveira, Miguel A. Pardal
Summary: The present study validates the potential of the in vitro H9c2(2-1) cell-based sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay to evaluate the temporal variability of wastewater quality. It also highlights the capability of this assay to discriminate influent and effluent toxic characteristics and its suitability for water quality monitoring and surveillance of treatment processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Regina M. B. O. Duarte, Antoine S. Almeida, Pedro F. Brandao, Armando C. Duarte
Summary: This article reviews the most important multidimensional analytical strategies for targeted and untargeted analysis of complex atmospheric organic aerosols (OAs) in both outdoor and indoor environments. It also discusses the major challenges faced in OAs analysis.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Paco, Ana M. Oliveira, Diogo A. Ferreira-Filipe, Andreia C. M. Rodrigues, Rui J. M. Rocha, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Armando C. Duarte, Ana L. Patricio Silva, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: Disposable facemasks are found in high abundance in wetlands and can be biodegraded by naturally occurring fungi. The microfibres released from these facemasks can have ecotoxic effects on local bivalves.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana L. Patricio Silva, Aleksandra Tubic, Maja Vujic, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Armando C. Duarte, Damia Barcelo, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on human activities and behavior, leading to both positive and negative environmental changes. While it has helped restore ecological systems and improve air and water quality, it has also resulted in an increase in medical waste, hazardous chemicals, and plastic waste.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)