CIMO - Artigos em Revistas Indexados à WoS/Scopus
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- Comprehensive assessment of PM10 from home heating using different appliances and biomass fuels: Chemical composition, oxidative potential, and ecotoxicityPublication . Cipoli, Yago Alonso; Vicente, Estela D.; Charres, Isabella; Evtyugina, Margarita; Alfosea-Simón, Marina; Lucarelli, Franco; Kováts, Nora; Ryšavý, Jiří; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaThe European Union has implemented policies to promote renewable energy, with an emphasis on biomass for heat generation. However, residential biomass combustion is a major source of particulate matter (PM10), and its chemical constituents pose health concerns worldwide. This study characterised the organic and inorganic composition, oxidative potential (OP), and ecotoxicity of PM10 indoors and outdoors during the operation of two heating appliances fuelled with different types of biomasses: a modern hydronic stove and a traditional wood stove. PM10 concentrations were higher in the room equipped with the traditional system during the combustion of briquettes (95.9 f 74.9 mu g m-3) and firewood (50.1 f 25.6 mu g m- 3), compared to the modern stove using pellets (27.1 f 11.8 mu g m-3) and olive stone (23.0 f 4.5 mu g m- 3). While element oxides accounted for similar PM10 mass fractions (7 %), the wood stove produced higher levels of organic constituents, including carbonaceous fractions, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), quinones and saccharides. Significant correlations between OP assays and concentrations of PAHs, quinones and phenolic compounds were found in the room equipped with wood stove, with indoor to outdoor (I/O) ratios higher than 1. In contrast, I/O ratios below 1 were observed for OP in PM10 samples collected during hydronic stove operation. Ecotoxicity assays using Aliivibrio fischeri classified indoor PM10 from the wood stove as 'very toxic', whereas samples from the hydronic stove exhibited lower toxicity and OP levels. These findings highlight the need to reconcile renewable energy goals with air quality and public health.
- A comprehensive mechanical and physico-chemical characterization of fly ash-based geopolymersPublication . Silva, Ana P. F.; Natal, Ana Paula S.; Oliveira, Isaac; Bezerra, Ana J.B.; Baldo, Arthur P.; Silva, Adriano S.; Díaz de Tuesta, Jose Luis; Peres, José A.; Ferreira, Débora; Gomes, Helder T.This work focuses on developing a predictive optimization method for geopolymer concrete, addressing both mechanical strength and water absorption. Despite numerous formulations proposed in the literature, no systematic method has been established to evaluate these properties simultaneously. This research addresses this gap by employing a Design of Experiments approach to systematically explore the effects of key variables such as NaOH molar concentration, sodium silicate-to-sodium hydroxide ratio, and alkaline solution-to-fly ash ratio. After 28 days, geopolymer concrete exhibits competitive compressive strength (geopolymer concrete: 25 MPa, reference Ordinary Portland concrete: 27 MPa), and after 365 days, its compressive strength surpasses that of traditional Ordinary Portland concrete (geopolymer concrete: 56 MPa, reference Ordinary Portland concrete: 27 MPa). Moreover, through Response Surface Methodology, an optimization model indicates that geopolymer concrete compressive strength can reach up to 64 MPa, with a strong influence from the alkaline solution-to-fly ash ratio. Additionally, the materials were characterized in terms of crystalline phases, surface chemistry, thermal stability, and surface area to gain a deeper understanding of the behaviour of these materials.
- Effect of melatonin implants on carcass characteristics and meat quality of slow-growing chickensPublication . Nieto, Jaime; Leite, Ana; Vasconcelos, Lia; Plaza, Javier; Abecia, José-Alfonso; Revilla, Isabel; Palacios, Carlos; Teixeira, AlfredoThis study evaluated the effect of melatonin implants on carcass characteristics and meat quality of slow-growing broilers slaughtered at 43 and 97 days (d) of age. A total of 128 one day-old male broilers (Coloryeld) were randomly divided into two groups, which in turn were divided into 8 groups (replicates) of 8 broilers each one. One group (64 animals) was the control group (C) and the other received a melatonin implant (18 mg melatonin per animal) at 8 d of age (M). The animals were reared for 97 d. For the first 42 d they were kept in an enclosed facility and then allowed access to the outside. Two culls were performed: one at 43 d and one at 97 d, randomly selecting 8 chicks from each group at each time (N = 8 × 2 × 2= 32). Carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated on these samples. Chickens slaughtered at older ages had higher dead-plucked, leg and carcass weights (P < 0.05). In terms of meat quality, chickens slaughtered at 97 days had higher L* (P < 0.001), lower a*, b* and chroma values (P < 0.01), as well as lower pH (P = 0.006), higher shear strength (P < 0.001), water holding capacity (P < 0.001) and water activity (P = 0.036). The melatonin implants did not influence carcass characteristics (P>0.05). Luminosity, tone and water activity decreased with melatonin implants at 43 d of age (P <0.001), whereas pH increased (P = 0.004). At 97 d after slaughter, meat yellowness was lower (P = 0.028) and firmness increased (P = 0.029). At both time points, melatonin caused reddening of the meat (P < 0.001). Lipid oxidisability tended to be reduced, extending the shelf life of the meat (P = 0.068). The fatty acid profile was little affected by the placement of the implants. Age and melatonin have different effects on the meat quality of slow-growing chickens. While age affects several factors such as texture and fatty acid profile, melatonin improves colour, water activity and lipid oxidation. Its use could improve preservation and extend the shelf life of meat
- Effects of nitrogen fertilization on forage production, animal performance, and greenhouse gas emissions in tropical pastures: A systematic reviewPublication . Silva, Hitalo Rodrigues da; Difante, Gelson dos Santos; Roberto, Francisca Fernanda da Silva; Ferreira Júnior, Marcos Antônio; Araújo, Carolina Marques Costa; Longhini, Vanessa Zirondi; Rodrigues, Jéssica Gomes; Pereira, Marislayne de Gusmão; Montagner, Denise Baptaglin; Ítavo, Luís Carlos Vinhas; Gurgel, Antônio Leandro Chaves; Castro, MarinaThis systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on forage production, animal performance, and greenhouse gas emissions in tropical pastures. The research question was developed based on the PICOS strategy. A total of 84,629 documents were retrieved from six databases, of which 34 studies met the inclusion criteria due to their methodological robustness. Most studies were conducted under grazing conditions (69.7%), using Brachiaria brizantha (52.9%) and Panicum maximum (26.5%). Urea (53.2%) and ammonium nitrate (25.5%) were the most evaluated N sources, with application rates ranging from 0 to 1000 kg ha⁻¹ , often split into three applications. Nitrogen use increased stocking rate (157.7%), gain per area (189.4%), and average daily gain (31.0%) when application rates rose from 0 to 300 kg ha⁻¹ . Overall, N fertilization has potential to improve forage productivity and animal performance in tropical pastures; however, responses vary depending on rates, sources, and experimental conditions. Splitting N rates (20–60 kg ha⁻¹) and synchronizing applications with plant demand are effective strategies to reduce NH₃ and N₂O losses, enhance fertilizer use efficiency, and mitigate environmental impacts. Future research should focus on evaluating the effects of different N sources and doses on soil CO₂ and CH₄ emissions, enteric CH₄, and C/N dynamics within the soil–plant–animal system, as well as expanding studies to other forage and animal species representative of tropical grazing systems.
- First long-term air quality assessment in Luanda, Angola: Performance evaluation of a low-cost monitoring station against reference equipmentPublication . Silva, Alan Victor; Furst, Leonardo; Cipoli, Yago A.; Soares, Marlene J.S.; Leitão, Anabela G.A.; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, Célia A.Low-cost air quality monitoring stations (LCMS), which integrate sensors for gases and particulate matter (PM), offer an economical solution for expanding monitoring networks. However, their reliability requires validation, particularly in rapidly urbanising regions with limited infrastructure. This study presents the first long-term, continuous, multi-pollutant air quality assessment in Luanda, Angola - where no monitoring stations currently exist - by evaluating the performance of an LCMS against reference-grade equipment. Daily averages, correlation metrics (R-2, RMSE), and a hybrid Bland-Altman/regression analyses were used to evaluate the agreement. Results indicated strong correlation for CO (R-2 = 0.96; RMSE = 0.24 ppm) and good for NO2 (R-2 = 0.81; RMSE = 6.35 ppb), although limitations near detection limits were noted. Significant challenges were identified in O-3 measurements (R-2 = 0.77, RMSE = 7.13 ppb), primarily due to strong cross-sensitivity to high ambient NO2 levels and potential sensor ageing. For PM10 and PM2.5, although good linear correlations (R-2 similar to 0.82) were observed with reference methods, the LCMS exhibited considerable systematic bias (RMSE over 46 mu g/m(-3)) and consistently underestimate concentrations. The study also registered frequent and severe exceedances of WHO AQG and EU standards for PM10, PM2.5, and NO2, underscoring significant public health risks. Despite limitations, particularly for O-3 measurements and biases in PM data, the LCMS demonstrates potential as a cost-effective tool to complement reference networks, enhance spatial monitoring coverage, identify pollution hotspots, and support air quality management in resource-constrained settings, since continuous calibration and validation procedures are implemented to mitigate measurement uncertainties.
- Operationalizing the “Social” in Mountain Social–Ecological Systems: A Proposed Framework and Indicator SetPublication . Santos, José M.R.C.A.Mountain Social–Ecological Systems (MtSES) are global assets, providing essential ecosystem services to nearly half of humanity, yet they are disproportionately vulnerable to global change, experiencing “polytraps” of depopulation, poverty, and environmental degradation. Despite the inherent human dimension in sustainability, the social pillar remains conceptually chaotic, forming a highly fragmented “publication labyrinth”, and is often neglected in favor of more easily quantifiable environmental and economic metrics. These oversights leave mountain communities in a precarious state, underscoring an urgent need for robust, context-specific assessment tools. This paper addresses this critical gap by employing a two-step methodology: first, a literature review identifies prevailing social sustainability issues in mountain contexts; second, a comparative analysis evaluates prominent frameworks and indicator-based tools against these themes, using Ostrom’s multi-tier Social–Ecological Systems (SES) framework as the theoretical lens. Our findings reveal a persistent environmental bias in MtSES research and highlight the necessity for frameworks that integrate local knowledge, address power imbalances, and support bottom-up governance. A tool is proposed with indicators specifically for mountainous contexts. This study contributes to theory by offering a structured approach to unpack the elusive “social” in SES and to practice by providing a model and tool for developing actionable, context-sensitive social sustainability assessments, thereby fostering resilience and equitable development in vulnerable mountain regions. Ultimately, by operationalizing these social dimensions, this research provides a direct roadmap for achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in marginalized high-altitude contexts, particularly focusing on No Poverty (SDG 1), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Communities (SDG 11), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
- PM10-bound elements in Luanda's urban atmosphere: Concentrations, sources, and their environmental and health impactsPublication . Alves, Célia A.; Campa, Ana Sanchez de la; Cipoli, Yago; Furst, Leonardo; Higawa, Gustavo; Leitão, Anabela; Silva, Alan Victor; Feliciano, ManuelAn unprecedented study was carried out in the megacity of Luanda, Angola, involving daily sampling of particulate matter (PM10) from June to November 2023. The analysis was focused on the detection of 56 metal(loid)s and complemented by the application of several contamination and health risk indices. PM10 levels ranged from 23.6 to 108 μg/m3, averaging 59.3 μg/m3, exceeding WHO’s 24-h guideline on 83% of days. In addition to crustal elements, the most abundant constituents were Zn (159 ng/m3), Ba (43.2 ng/m3), Pb (17.8 ng/m3), Cu (10.5 ng/m3), Sr (7.0 ng/m3), Ni (4.5 ng/m3), Sb (3.7 ng/m3) and Cr (3.5 ng/m3). Mineral dust, primarily from unpaved roads and local soils, accounted for 31 wt% of PM10, while sea salt contributed 6%. Geochemical markers (e.g., Ce-La-V relationships) suggest that vanadium originates predominantly from upper crust weathering. Elemental ratios such as Fe/Cu, Cu/Sb, and Zn/Sb indicate significant contributions from traffic-related emissions (e.g., brake and tyre wear) and industrial sources. Sulphur, an important PM10 component, likely stems from fossil fuel combustion and petroleum refining. Luanda experiences severe air pollution, with high inputs from Sb, Cd, Zn, and other elements linked to traffic, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The extremely high ecological risk (RI = 4360 ± 2440) highlights critical contamination, driven primarily by Cd and Sb, while the Nemerow risk index (1990 ± 1530) underscores urgent public health concerns. Non-cancer hazard indices (HI) exceeded safe thresholds for children (2.29) and adults (2.18), with Fe, Mn, Be, Pb, Ni, Co, and Sb identified as key contributors. Carcinogenic risks from PM10 inhalation (2.34 × 10 3 for children and 1.36 ×10 3 for adults) also exceeded acceptable levels, emphasising the need for targeted pollution mitigation strategies.
- School air quality and thermal comfort: a multi-pollutant seasonal assessmentPublication . Charres, Isabella; Furst, Leonardo; Furst, Leonardo; Vicente, Estela D.; Soares, Marlene; Viegas, Carla; Cervantes, Renata; Cerqueira, Mário; Pena, Pedro; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaAs evidence of children's vulnerability to air pollution grows, research on school air quality has increased significantly in the 21st century. Given the complex factors influencing indoor and outdoor air quality in schools, each study offers valuable insights. This study contributes by assessing particulate matter, gaseous pollutants, thermal comfort and microorganisms in a large school encompassing different education levels over two seasons. The assessment combined passive and continuous sampling using various techniques, including chromatography and estimations of air change and ventilation rates. Classroom ventilation was insufficient to ensure adequate air renewal. During class hours, CO2 concentrations ranged from 760 to 1,118 ppm in winter and from 807 to 1,022 ppm in spring, repeatedly exceeding 1,000 ppm. CO2 and PM10 concentrations were significantly higher during school hours than when the classrooms were empty, indicating the strong influence of school activities. In contrast, PM1 and PM2.5 concentrations were more influenced by external factors, especially outside of school hours. The lack of thermal comfort created an unhealthy environment. Carbonyl concentrations were higher in classrooms (average: 68.8 mu g m-3) compared to the schoolyard (3.86 mu g m-3), in both seasons. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of fungi with toxigenic potential, with the highest fungal diversity observed in spring. These findings highlight that while some pollutant levels may appear low, they can occasionally reach extremely high levels, even in newer buildings. The novelty of this research lies in demonstrating that, despite recent improvements and numerous studies, significant progress is still needed to ensure healthier school settings.
- Study protocol for Valor Barroso: a mixed-method approach to dietary–physical activity patterns in Barroso, PortugalPublication . Cortez-Ribeiro, Anna Carolina; Ribeiro, José Carlos; Alves, Maria José; Ferro-Lebres, VeraThis community-based mixed-methods study aims to evaluate the dietary habits and physical activity patterns of the Barroso population in northern Portugal. Methods: This study was divided into two phases. The quantitative phase will be a cross-sectional study involving 416 participants from different age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and elderly individuals. Sociodemographic and clinical, including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and quality of life, will be collected. Physical activity will be assessed wGT3X+ Actigraph accelerometers and validated questionnaires, whereas dietary habits will be evaluated via food frequency questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recalls, and food diaries. In the qualitative phase, participants will be selected through stratified sampling and ethnographic analysis will be conducted through observations and semi-structured interviews to explore the cultural, social, and environmental factors influencing dietary habits and physical activity in the local population. Discussion: By integrating objective measures of physical activity and diet, such as accelerometers and validated questionnaires, with qualitative data on cultural and traditional practices, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of lifestyle behaviors in the region and their associations with health. Additionally, the study investigated how geographical, socioeconomic, and cultural contexts influence these dietary and physical activity behaviors. The conclusions drawn will help develop public health interventions to improve health outcomes in rural communities and will contribute to the development of more effective strategies for similar populations.
- Tracking PM10 composition and source assignment in classrooms and schoolyard: A case study near an industrial estatePublication . Charres, Isabella; Cipoli, Yago; Vicente, Estela D.; Furst, Leonardo; Nunes, Teresa; Sánchez de la Campa, Ana M.; Feliciano, Manuel; Alves, CéliaSchools are essential environments where people spend a significant portion of their early lives. Air quality in schools is shaped by various factors, including location, climate, and surrounding activities. Additionally, both indoor and outdoor sources can release chemicals into the air, potentially exposing pupils and staff to harmful conditions. This work characterised the chemical composition and potential sources of particulate matter (PM10) in a school, with different educational levels, located near an industrial estate in Portugal. PM10 daily samples were measured in classrooms and the schoolyard in two seasons. Samples were analysed by chromatography, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and thermo-optical transmittance techniques. Ancillary tools, such as factor analysis, multiple linear regression, meteorological analysis and air mass backward trajectories were applied to determine source contributions. Mass closure analysis revealed that organic matter accounted for similar to 39% of the PM10 mass in both seasons. Six sources were identified as contributors to PM10 in both the classrooms and the schoolyard. Common sources included biomass burning (18% and 28%), mineral dust (28% and 7.1%), sea salt (16% and 20%), and traffic (1.4% and 1.8%), for indoor and outdoor environments, respectively. In the classrooms, resuspension of calcium was a major contributor to PM10, whereas in the schoolyard, secondary aerosol formation played a significant role.