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C. Calheiros graduated in Environmental Engineering and holds a PhD in Biotechnology. Currently, she develops scientific research at the CIIMAR-Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research at the University of Porto. She collaborates as an invited professor, and has her Environmental Sciences and Management, M.S., from the University of Saint Joseph–Macau SAR/China, and a Master's degree in Functional Biology and Biotechnology of Plants at the Science Faculty, UP. Her work focuses on the development of nature-based solutions, such as constructed and floating wetlands and green roofs and walls, towards the sustainability of territories, and as tools for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Additionally, she dedicates her work to the application of phytotechnology, including phytoremediation and bioremediation, treatment and valorization of water and solid waste, circular cities, geo-ethics, environmental education, education for sustainability, tourism, rural development, and integrative productive practices.
Water in the city is typically exploited in a linear process, in which most of it is polluted, treated, and discharged; during this process, valuable nutrients are lost in the treatment process instead of being cycled back and used in urban agriculture or green space. The purpose of this paper is to advance a new paradigm to close water cycles in cities via the implementation of nature-based solutions units (NBS_u), with a particular focus on building greening elements, such as green roofs (GRs) and vertical greening systems (VGS). The hypothesis is that such “circular systems” can provide substantial ecosystem services and minimize environmental degradation. Our method is twofold: we first examine these systems from a life-cycle point of view, assessing not only the inputs of conventional and alternative materials, but the ongoing input of water that is required for irrigation. Secondly, the evapotranspiration performance of VGS in Copenhagen, Berlin, Lisbon, Rome, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv, cities with different climatic, architectural, and sociocultural contexts have been simulated using a verticalized ET0 approach, assessing rainwater runoff and greywater as irrigation resources. The water cycling performance of VGS in the mentioned cities would be sufficient at recycling 44% (Lisbon) to 100% (Berlin, Istanbul) of all accruing rainwater roof–runoff, if water shortages in dry months are bridged by greywater. Then, 27–53% of the greywater accruing in a building could be managed on its greened surface. In conclusion, we address the gaps in the current knowledge and policies identified in the different stages of analyses, such as the lack of comprehensive life cycle assessment studies that quantify the complete “water footprint” of building greening systems.
David Pearlmutter; Bernhard Pucher; Cristina S. C. Calheiros; Karin A. Hoffmann; Andreas Aicher; Pedro Pinho; Alessandro Stracqualursi; Alisa Korolova; Alma Pobric; Ana Galvão; Ayça Tokuç; Bilge Bas; Dimitra Theochari; Dragan Milosevic; Emanuela Giancola; Gaetano Bertino; Joana A. C. Castellar; Julia Flaszynska; Makbulenur Onur; Mari Carmen Garcia Mateo; Maria Beatrice Andreucci; Maria Milousi; Mariana Fonseca; Sara Di Lonardo; Veronika Gezik; Ulrike Pitha; Thomas Nehls. Closing Water Cycles in the Built Environment through Nature-Based Solutions: The Contribution of Vertical Greening Systems and Green Roofs. Water 2021, 13, 2165 .
AMA StyleDavid Pearlmutter, Bernhard Pucher, Cristina S. C. Calheiros, Karin A. Hoffmann, Andreas Aicher, Pedro Pinho, Alessandro Stracqualursi, Alisa Korolova, Alma Pobric, Ana Galvão, Ayça Tokuç, Bilge Bas, Dimitra Theochari, Dragan Milosevic, Emanuela Giancola, Gaetano Bertino, Joana A. C. Castellar, Julia Flaszynska, Makbulenur Onur, Mari Carmen Garcia Mateo, Maria Beatrice Andreucci, Maria Milousi, Mariana Fonseca, Sara Di Lonardo, Veronika Gezik, Ulrike Pitha, Thomas Nehls. Closing Water Cycles in the Built Environment through Nature-Based Solutions: The Contribution of Vertical Greening Systems and Green Roofs. Water. 2021; 13 (16):2165.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Pearlmutter; Bernhard Pucher; Cristina S. C. Calheiros; Karin A. Hoffmann; Andreas Aicher; Pedro Pinho; Alessandro Stracqualursi; Alisa Korolova; Alma Pobric; Ana Galvão; Ayça Tokuç; Bilge Bas; Dimitra Theochari; Dragan Milosevic; Emanuela Giancola; Gaetano Bertino; Joana A. C. Castellar; Julia Flaszynska; Makbulenur Onur; Mari Carmen Garcia Mateo; Maria Beatrice Andreucci; Maria Milousi; Mariana Fonseca; Sara Di Lonardo; Veronika Gezik; Ulrike Pitha; Thomas Nehls. 2021. "Closing Water Cycles in the Built Environment through Nature-Based Solutions: The Contribution of Vertical Greening Systems and Green Roofs." Water 13, no. 16: 2165.
Green building–integrated systems and technologies (e.g., green roofs (GR) and walls (GW)) are classified as nature-based solutions (NBS) in the context of urban green infrastructure (GI), which contribute to add both natural elements and processes, as a result of locally designed, resource-efficient, and systemic interventions in cities. They have also been considered to address several urban challenges towards cities’ circularity. The European Union (EU) Biodiversity Strategy and the Action Plan recently adopted by the European Commission, represent a comprehensive long-term programme aspiring to protect nature and reversing the ecosystem degradation by 2030. Sustainable and resilient societies under the challenge ‘innovating with nature’ are the leading aim of the EU Research and Innovation (R&I) policy agenda goals on NBS and re-naturing urban areas. The European GI/NBS Associations build the bridge to provide a network among stakeholders from academia, municipalities, entrepreneurs and private-sector entities and other non-governmental organisations, by creating a platform to build and share knowledge and create collaboration on sustainable GI/NBS, regarding building-integrated vegetation approaches as well as related policies, regulations and technical guidelines. The commitments of the foundations to encourage and promote the advanced adoption of green urban infrastructure practice and planning as part of the built environment, drive active efforts to support NBS innovation objectives and the transition from ‘grey to green’ infrastructure. The present manuscript aims at reflecting the crucial role of the Associations on GI/NBS, mainly GR and GW, to develop local frameworks applying innovative plans of action, and allocate R&I opportunities implementing relevant and inclusive urban regeneration solutions. Within this context, it will be highlighted the example of the Portuguese National Association of Green Roofs.
Rocío Pineda-Martos; Cristina S. C. Calheiros. Nature-Based Solutions in Cities—Contribution of the Portuguese National Association of Green Roofs to Urban Circularity. Circular Economy and Sustainability 2021, 1 -17.
AMA StyleRocío Pineda-Martos, Cristina S. C. Calheiros. Nature-Based Solutions in Cities—Contribution of the Portuguese National Association of Green Roofs to Urban Circularity. Circular Economy and Sustainability. 2021; ():1-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRocío Pineda-Martos; Cristina S. C. Calheiros. 2021. "Nature-Based Solutions in Cities—Contribution of the Portuguese National Association of Green Roofs to Urban Circularity." Circular Economy and Sustainability , no. : 1-17.
The present study was undertaken in a constructed wetland (CW), setup in a tourism house, for domestic wastewater treatment. The influence of season variations on the abundance of fecal indicator organisms (total coliforms and Escherichia coli) in the wastewater and in the substrate and the roots of plants inhabiting the inlet and outlet zones of the CW was evaluated along three consecutive years. The structure and diversity of bacterial communities associated to the CW’s substrate of inlet and outlet zones was also analyzed overtime. Wastewater was characterized for physicochemical and microbiological parameters and the bacterial communities colonizing the substrate surface, were analyzed by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). The CW was effective in removing COD, BOD5, TSS, PO4 3−, NH4 +, NO3 −, and NO2 −. It was also effective in removing fecal indicators, with a generalized decrease of total coliforms and E. coli in the substrate and in the wastewater from inlet to outlet of up to 2–3 log. The structure and composition of bacterial communities associated with the substrate was mainly influenced by the year rather than by the season or the CW zone.
Cristina Calheiros; Sofia Pereira; Albina Franco; Paula Castro. Spatial-Temporal Changes in Removal of Fecal Indicators and Diversity of Bacterial Communities in a Constructed Wetland with Ornamental Plants. Applied Sciences 2021, 11, 3875 .
AMA StyleCristina Calheiros, Sofia Pereira, Albina Franco, Paula Castro. Spatial-Temporal Changes in Removal of Fecal Indicators and Diversity of Bacterial Communities in a Constructed Wetland with Ornamental Plants. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11 (9):3875.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Calheiros; Sofia Pereira; Albina Franco; Paula Castro. 2021. "Spatial-Temporal Changes in Removal of Fecal Indicators and Diversity of Bacterial Communities in a Constructed Wetland with Ornamental Plants." Applied Sciences 11, no. 9: 3875.
Domestic wastewater has been targeted for the presence of emerging contaminants such as antibiotics, of which diclofenac is one of the most frequently detected. Many studies have focused on the removal of these emerging pollutants. However, the legislation has focused on toxicity monitoring. In search of simplified solutions for rural areas, and to guarantee the safe reuse of effluent in agriculture, this study evaluated the efficiency of a decentralized solar disinfection (SODIS) system regarding the reduction of ecotoxicity, phytotoxicity, and pathogens in domestic wastewater after adding diclofenac potassium. For this purpose, the bioindicators Artemia sp., Allium cepa L. and Lactuca sativa were used, after 1, 2, and 3 h of exposure to solar radiation. After 3 h of exposure to solar radiation, toxicity was reduced and root growth inhibition was noted, which indicates low effluent toxicity after treatment by the SODIS system. It was achieved a reduction of 3 and 2 log units in the concentration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli, respectively.
Nathália dos Santos; Laura Marquiza; Cristina Calheiros; Priscila Cavalheri; Beatriz Machado; Guilherme Cavazzana; Fernando Filho. Diclofenac Toxicity Abatement in Wastewater with Solar Disinfection: A Study in the Rural Area of Brazil’s Central−West Region. Water 2021, 13, 1043 .
AMA StyleNathália dos Santos, Laura Marquiza, Cristina Calheiros, Priscila Cavalheri, Beatriz Machado, Guilherme Cavazzana, Fernando Filho. Diclofenac Toxicity Abatement in Wastewater with Solar Disinfection: A Study in the Rural Area of Brazil’s Central−West Region. Water. 2021; 13 (8):1043.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNathália dos Santos; Laura Marquiza; Cristina Calheiros; Priscila Cavalheri; Beatriz Machado; Guilherme Cavazzana; Fernando Filho. 2021. "Diclofenac Toxicity Abatement in Wastewater with Solar Disinfection: A Study in the Rural Area of Brazil’s Central−West Region." Water 13, no. 8: 1043.
Green roofs are gaining interest as nature-based solutions (NBS) to counteract with several environmental and socio-economic problems associated to urban sprawl and climate change. The challenge is to transform the built environment through the inclusion of NBS. Taking advantage of the existing space in the top of the buildings, the integration of green roofs will support the cities’ transition towards circularity and resilience. They provide several ecosystem services and can act as multifunctional and decentralized units. In order to boost these services, green roofs need to be effectively incorporated and replicated in the urban landscape. Different configuration of systems may be considered depending on the challenges that the city foresees. To fully implement green roofs, it is important that (i) barriers are identified and overcome, (ii) standardization is set to grant liability, (iii) policies, incentives, and strategies are properly established, (iv) organizations delivering NBS services are leveraged, and (v) awareness and dissemination promotion, as investment in education, are considered. This paper intends to give an overview of the importance of green roof integration in the urban environment considering the dimensions of the building and the city, having underlined their contribution to circularity and cities’ resilience.
Cristina S. C. Calheiros; Alexandros I. Stefanakis. Green Roofs Towards Circular and Resilient Cities. Circular Economy and Sustainability 2021, 1 -17.
AMA StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros, Alexandros I. Stefanakis. Green Roofs Towards Circular and Resilient Cities. Circular Economy and Sustainability. 2021; ():1-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros; Alexandros I. Stefanakis. 2021. "Green Roofs Towards Circular and Resilient Cities." Circular Economy and Sustainability , no. : 1-17.
Floating wetland islands (FWI) are considered nature-based solutions with great potential to promote several ecosystem services, such as biodiversity and water quality enhancement through phytoremediation processes. To our knowledge, the present work is the first to scientifically document the in-situ establishment of an FWI in a seawater port marina. The establishment and performance of a cork floating platform with a polyculture (Sarcocornia perennis, Juncus maritimus, Phragmites australis, Halimione portulacoides, Spartina maritima, Limonium vulgare) was evaluated. The diversity of organisms present in the FWI was undertaken based on the macrofauna assessment, taking into consideration marine water characterization, with a focus on hydrocarbons. Microbial communities were assessed based on metabarcoding approach to study 16S rRNA gene from environmental DNA retrieved from biofilm (from the planting media), marine biofouling (from the submerged platform) and surface marina water. S. perennis was the species with the highest survival rate and growth. The structure of the microbial community showed clear differences between those established in the FWI and those in the surrounding water, showing the presence of some bacterial groups that can be relevant for bioremediation processes (e.g., Saprospiraceae family). Concerning the macrofauna analysis, Mytilus sp. was the predominant taxa. To be of relevance, total petroleum hydrocarbons were detected at the marina up to ca. 6 mg/L. This study gives new insights into broadening FWI application to the saline environments of port marinas and to supporting a management strategy to promote several ecosystem services such biodiversity, species habitat, water quality enhancement and added aesthetic value to the marina landscape.
Cristina S. C. Calheiros; João Carecho; Maria P. Tomasino; C. Marisa R. Almeida; Ana P. Mucha. Floating Wetland Islands Implementation and Biodiversity Assessment in a Port Marina. Water 2020, 12, 3273 .
AMA StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros, João Carecho, Maria P. Tomasino, C. Marisa R. Almeida, Ana P. Mucha. Floating Wetland Islands Implementation and Biodiversity Assessment in a Port Marina. Water. 2020; 12 (11):3273.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros; João Carecho; Maria P. Tomasino; C. Marisa R. Almeida; Ana P. Mucha. 2020. "Floating Wetland Islands Implementation and Biodiversity Assessment in a Port Marina." Water 12, no. 11: 3273.
Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum biocide and the active ingredient in the most widely used herbicides worldwide. Since 2015, when the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified it as a Class 2A carcinogen, global interest in this chemical spiked particularly as regards exposure of the general population. An exploratory glyphosate exposure assessment was conducted among Portuguese adults. Self-selected participants provided first morning urine which was tested for glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) at two distinct periods of time, by two different laboratories using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography linked to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), respectively. In the first round of testing 28% and 50% presented detectable levels of glyphosate and AMPA respectively, with median values of 0.25 and 0.16 μg/L. Systematically available internal dose values were 8.20E-06 mg/Kg (glyphosate) and 5.04-05 mg/Kg (AMPA). In the second round 73% and 97% presented detectable levels of glyphosate and AMPA respectively with median values of 0.13 and 0.10 μg/L. Systematically available internal dose values were 4.00E-06 mg/Kg (glyphosate) and 3.00E-06 mg/Kg (AMPA). Glyphosate exposure was detected among Portuguese adults, with percentages of glyphosate and AMPA contaminated urine in both rounds of testing and above values from previous studies in other European countries. Systematically available internal doses values were below EFSA’s risk assessment values (ADI or AOEL), and as such, the concentration values measured in this study are not per se a human health problem. Even though there were study limitations, it is the first assessment in Portugal and contributes to the overall knowledge map of glyphosate exposure in Europe.
Paulo Nova; Cristina S.C. Calheiros; Margarida Silva. Glyphosate in Portuguese Adults – A Pilot Study. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 2020, 80, 103462 .
AMA StylePaulo Nova, Cristina S.C. Calheiros, Margarida Silva. Glyphosate in Portuguese Adults – A Pilot Study. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology. 2020; 80 ():103462.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaulo Nova; Cristina S.C. Calheiros; Margarida Silva. 2020. "Glyphosate in Portuguese Adults – A Pilot Study." Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology 80, no. : 103462.
The present research intended to investigate the toxicity abatement of domestic wastewater after passing a biosystem composed of a constructed wetland (CW) followed by a pond. The wastewater was generated in a tourism house in a rural and mountainous context and passed through a septic tank before being diverted to a CW followed by a pond. A battery of ecotoxicological tests, comprising microalgae (Raphidocelis subcapitata), macrophytes (Lemna minor), cladocerans (Daphnia magna), and bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri), was used to assess the toxicity of the wastewater collected before and after the CW and the water of the pond. Physicochemical parameters (pH, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, phosphates, ammonium, and nitrate) were also determined. The CW was able to remove carbon and nutrients from the water with a concomitant reduction of its toxicity. This study, reinforced the added value of using toxicity tests as a complement to CW operational monitoring to validate the solution and to analyze possible readjustments that may be required to improve efficiency. This study lends further support to the claim that CWs can be a sustainable solution for treating small volumes of domestic wastewater in a rural context.
Cristina S. C. Calheiros; Paula M. L. Castro; Ana Gavina; Ruth Pereira. Toxicity Abatement of Wastewaters from Tourism Units by Constructed Wetlands. Water 2019, 11, 2623 .
AMA StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros, Paula M. L. Castro, Ana Gavina, Ruth Pereira. Toxicity Abatement of Wastewaters from Tourism Units by Constructed Wetlands. Water. 2019; 11 (12):2623.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros; Paula M. L. Castro; Ana Gavina; Ruth Pereira. 2019. "Toxicity Abatement of Wastewaters from Tourism Units by Constructed Wetlands." Water 11, no. 12: 2623.
The objective of this review paper is to survey the state of the art on nature-based solutions (NBS) in the built environment, which can contribute to a circular economy (CE) and counter the negative impacts of urbanization through the provision of ecosystem services. NBS are discussed here at three different levels: (i) green building materials, including biocomposites with plant-based aggregates; (ii) green building systems, employed for the greening of buildings by incorporating vegetation in their envelope; and (iii) green building sites, emphasizing the value of vegetated open spaces and water-sensitive urban design. After introducing the central concepts of NBS and CE as they are manifested in the built environment, we examine the impacts of urban development and the historical use of materials, systems and sites which can offer solutions to these problems. In the central section of the paper we present a series of case studies illustrating the development and implementation of such solutions in recent years. Finally, in a brief critical analysis we look at the ecosystem services and disservices provided by NBS in the built environment, and examine the policy instruments which can be leveraged to promote them in the most effective manner – facilitating the future transition to fully circular cities.
David Pearlmutter; Dimitra Theochari; Thomas Nehls; Pedro Pinho; Patrizia Piro; Alisa Korolova; Spiros Papaefthimiou; Mari Carmen Garcia Mateo; Cristina Calheiros; Irene Zluwa; Ulrike Pitha; Paul Schosseler; Yaakov Florentin; Shahar Ouannou; Erez Gal; Andreas Aicher; Killian Arnold; Erika Igondová; Bernhard Pucher. Enhancing the circular economy with nature-based solutions in the built urban environment: green building materials, systems and sites. Blue-Green Systems 2019, 2, 46 -72.
AMA StyleDavid Pearlmutter, Dimitra Theochari, Thomas Nehls, Pedro Pinho, Patrizia Piro, Alisa Korolova, Spiros Papaefthimiou, Mari Carmen Garcia Mateo, Cristina Calheiros, Irene Zluwa, Ulrike Pitha, Paul Schosseler, Yaakov Florentin, Shahar Ouannou, Erez Gal, Andreas Aicher, Killian Arnold, Erika Igondová, Bernhard Pucher. Enhancing the circular economy with nature-based solutions in the built urban environment: green building materials, systems and sites. Blue-Green Systems. 2019; 2 (1):46-72.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Pearlmutter; Dimitra Theochari; Thomas Nehls; Pedro Pinho; Patrizia Piro; Alisa Korolova; Spiros Papaefthimiou; Mari Carmen Garcia Mateo; Cristina Calheiros; Irene Zluwa; Ulrike Pitha; Paul Schosseler; Yaakov Florentin; Shahar Ouannou; Erez Gal; Andreas Aicher; Killian Arnold; Erika Igondová; Bernhard Pucher. 2019. "Enhancing the circular economy with nature-based solutions in the built urban environment: green building materials, systems and sites." Blue-Green Systems 2, no. 1: 46-72.
One of the main challenges in sustainability discourse is its multifaceted nature often requiring that many different disciplines must cooperate in order to achieve progress. This issue also concerns sustainability education. In the article, we highlighted the experiences from the international cooperation of university teachers and researchers with highly diverse professional backgrounds who worked together on developing educational materials for university students in sustainability-oriented courses. The study is based on qualitative, participatory evaluation research, applying two rounds of open-ended questionnaires distributed to the same respondents (n = 18). For the analysis, we used the open-coding procedure for identifying the main categories. The results show some of the opportunities and barriers that emerged in the process of this cooperation. In particular, we discuss the issues related to the high heterogeneity of the group, such as the clashes of the different perspectives on the topics covered, group dynamics issues, trust, facilitation challenges, and also opportunities that such heterogeneity offers. We highlight the importance of open reflectivity in sustainability-oriented educational projects as the key to their successful implementation. Finally, we believe that results of this participatory study are useful in designing new projects aiming at further improvement of academic education in sustainability and sustainable development.
Jan Činčera; Grzegorz Mikusiński; Bohuslav Binka; Luis Calafate; Cristina Calheiros; Alexandra Cardoso; Marcus Hedblom; Mike Jones; Alex Koutsouris; Clara Vasconcelos; Katarzyna Iwińska. Managing Diversity: The Challenges of Inter-University Cooperation in Sustainability Education. Sustainability 2019, 11, 5610 .
AMA StyleJan Činčera, Grzegorz Mikusiński, Bohuslav Binka, Luis Calafate, Cristina Calheiros, Alexandra Cardoso, Marcus Hedblom, Mike Jones, Alex Koutsouris, Clara Vasconcelos, Katarzyna Iwińska. Managing Diversity: The Challenges of Inter-University Cooperation in Sustainability Education. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (20):5610.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJan Činčera; Grzegorz Mikusiński; Bohuslav Binka; Luis Calafate; Cristina Calheiros; Alexandra Cardoso; Marcus Hedblom; Mike Jones; Alex Koutsouris; Clara Vasconcelos; Katarzyna Iwińska. 2019. "Managing Diversity: The Challenges of Inter-University Cooperation in Sustainability Education." Sustainability 11, no. 20: 5610.
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are biological wastewater treatment systems that comprise several components where plants and associated organisms play an important role in water depuration. Microbial studies emphasize bacterial dynamics, whereas studies of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are scarce and the functional role of AMF in aquatic and wetland plants is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the AMF communities colonizing the roots of Canna indica, Canna flaccida, and Watsonia borbonica inhabiting a CW treating wastewater of a tourism unit. The dynamics of the AMF communities were evaluated by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) of 18S rRNA gene amplification products along cold (C) and hot (H) seasons for three consecutive years. DGGE profiles allowed the estimation of AMF species richness (S), and Shannon-Wienner (H) and Pielou (J) indexes, for the different plant species, showing differences between species and along the years. Excised bands from DGGE were analyzed and identified through sequencing for arbuscular mycorrhiza, revealing the presence of AMF strains closely related to Glomus sp., Rhizophagus sp. and Acaulospora sp. genera. Concomitant water quality analyses showed that the system was effective in organic and nutrient removal during the sampling period. Findings from this study suggest that AMF diversity found in the CW is influenced by the water constituents, season, and plant species.
Cristina S. C. Calheiros; Sofia I. A. Pereira; Albina R. Franco; Paula M. L. Castro. Diverse Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Communities Colonize Plants Inhabiting a Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment. Water 2019, 11, 1535 .
AMA StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros, Sofia I. A. Pereira, Albina R. Franco, Paula M. L. Castro. Diverse Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Communities Colonize Plants Inhabiting a Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment. Water. 2019; 11 (8):1535.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros; Sofia I. A. Pereira; Albina R. Franco; Paula M. L. Castro. 2019. "Diverse Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Communities Colonize Plants Inhabiting a Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment." Water 11, no. 8: 1535.
Cristina Calheiros; Sofia Pereira; Paula Castro. Culturable bacteria associated to the rhizosphere and tissues of Iris pseudacorus plants growing in a treatment wetland for winery wastewater discharge. Ecological Engineering 2018, 115, 67 -74.
AMA StyleCristina Calheiros, Sofia Pereira, Paula Castro. Culturable bacteria associated to the rhizosphere and tissues of Iris pseudacorus plants growing in a treatment wetland for winery wastewater discharge. Ecological Engineering. 2018; 115 ():67-74.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Calheiros; Sofia Pereira; Paula Castro. 2018. "Culturable bacteria associated to the rhizosphere and tissues of Iris pseudacorus plants growing in a treatment wetland for winery wastewater discharge." Ecological Engineering 115, no. : 67-74.
Green roofs have been described as technical solutions to overcome urban environmental problems, such as decrease of vegetation and stormwater management. In the present study, two pilot 20 m2 extensive green roofs were implemented in an urban Mediterranean region, at a 1st storey on a warehouse building structure, in order to test the adequacy of different substrates for supporting aromatic plants (Lavandula dentata, Helichrysum italicum, Satureja montana, Thymus caespititius and Thymus pseudolanuginosus). Experimental substrates included expanded clay and granulated cork as main components, supplemented with organic matter and crushed egg shell. A commercial substrate that obeys to FLL guidelines was also tested. Plant growth was assessed and compared within each platform. All experimental substrates proved to be adequate for vegetation growth, with the combination of 70% expanded clay, 15% organic matter and 15% crushed egg shell showing the best results regarding plant establishment and growth over time. Water runoff quality parameters - turbidity, pH, conductivity, NH4+, NO3−, PO43− - met standard values required for water reuse for non-potable purposes, such as toilet flushing or irrigation. Preliminary qualitative thermographic measurements comparing surface temperature of different plant species and the substrate showed that temperature of vegetation surface was lower than substrate, reinforcing green roofs benefits of lowering air temperature in their surroundings. The present research shows that aromatic vegetation combined with clay substrates are suitable for green roofs located in countries of the Mediterranean region.
Cristina Monteiro; Cristina Calheiros; João P. Martins; Francisco Machado e Costa; Paulo Palha; Sara S. de Freitas; Nuno M. M. Ramos; Paula Castro. Substrate influence on aromatic plant growth in extensive green roofs in a Mediterranean climate. Urban Ecosystems 2017, 20, 1347 -1357.
AMA StyleCristina Monteiro, Cristina Calheiros, João P. Martins, Francisco Machado e Costa, Paulo Palha, Sara S. de Freitas, Nuno M. M. Ramos, Paula Castro. Substrate influence on aromatic plant growth in extensive green roofs in a Mediterranean climate. Urban Ecosystems. 2017; 20 (6):1347-1357.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Monteiro; Cristina Calheiros; João P. Martins; Francisco Machado e Costa; Paulo Palha; Sara S. de Freitas; Nuno M. M. Ramos; Paula Castro. 2017. "Substrate influence on aromatic plant growth in extensive green roofs in a Mediterranean climate." Urban Ecosystems 20, no. 6: 1347-1357.
Green roof technology has evolved in recent years as a potential solution to promote vegetation in urban areas. Green roof studies for Mediterranean climates, where extended drought periods in summer contrast with cold and rainy periods in winter, are still scarce. The present research study assesses the use of substrates with different compositions for the growth of six aromatic plant species – Lavandula dentata, Pelargonium odoratissimum, Helichrysum italicum, Satureja montana, Thymus caespititius and T. pseudolanuginosus, during a 2-year period, and the monitoring of water runoff quality. Growing substrates encompassed expanded clay and granulated cork, in combination with organic matter and crushed eggshell. These combinations were adequate for the establishment of all aromatic plants, allowing their propagation in the extensive system located on the 5th storey. The substrate composed of 70% expanded clay and 30% organic matter was the most suitable, and crushed eggshell incorporation improved the initial plant establishment. Water runoff quality parameters – turbidity, pH, conductivity, NH4+, NO3−, PO43- and chemical oxygen demand – showed that it could be reused for non-potable uses in buildings. The present study shows that selected aromatic plant species could be successfully used in green roofs in a Mediterranean climate.
Cristina Monteiro; Cristina Calheiros; Paulo Palha; Paula M. L. Castro. Growing substrates for aromatic plant species in green roofs and water runoff quality: pilot experiments in a Mediterranean climate. Water Science and Technology 2017, 76, 1081 -1089.
AMA StyleCristina Monteiro, Cristina Calheiros, Paulo Palha, Paula M. L. Castro. Growing substrates for aromatic plant species in green roofs and water runoff quality: pilot experiments in a Mediterranean climate. Water Science and Technology. 2017; 76 (5):1081-1089.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Monteiro; Cristina Calheiros; Paulo Palha; Paula M. L. Castro. 2017. "Growing substrates for aromatic plant species in green roofs and water runoff quality: pilot experiments in a Mediterranean climate." Water Science and Technology 76, no. 5: 1081-1089.
Cristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros; Vânia Borges Ferreira; Rui Magalhães; Paula Teixeira; Paula Maria Lima Castro. Presence of microbial pathogens and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in a constructed wetland system. Ecological Engineering 2017, 102, 344 -351.
AMA StyleCristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros, Vânia Borges Ferreira, Rui Magalhães, Paula Teixeira, Paula Maria Lima Castro. Presence of microbial pathogens and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in a constructed wetland system. Ecological Engineering. 2017; 102 ():344-351.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros; Vânia Borges Ferreira; Rui Magalhães; Paula Teixeira; Paula Maria Lima Castro. 2017. "Presence of microbial pathogens and genetic diversity of Listeria monocytogenes in a constructed wetland system." Ecological Engineering 102, no. : 344-351.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of water masses on the surface temperature with direct impact on the surrounding area. Three systems were used for the study: a fully vegetated system (subsurface flow constructed wetland (CW)), a lake with no vegetation and a lake partially vegetated with Lemna minor. Infrared thermography was applied for the different systems analysis, allowing the determination of the surface temperature spatial distribution. In general, the presence of plants and water in the analyzed systems contributed to lowering the surface temperatures when comparing to its surroundings. Differences up to about 22 °C were observed in the temperature between the CW canopy and the surrounding soil, and up to about 19 °C between the lake and the surrounding border. Different plant species (Canna flaccida, Canna indica and Zantedeschia aethiopica) inhabiting the CW were also compared and slightly higher average surface temperatures were observed for C. indica. The above mentioned results are relevant in terms of supporting a strategy for water systems inclusion, for example a lake or a CW, in a site as means of having influence in the surface temperature and to some extent in the heat island effect supporting a sustainable environmental management.
Cristina S. C. Calheiros; Eva Barreira; Nuno M. M. Ramos; Paula Castro. Water masses surface temperatures assessment and their effect on surrounding environment. Water Science and Technology 2017, 75, 2916 -2925.
AMA StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros, Eva Barreira, Nuno M. M. Ramos, Paula Castro. Water masses surface temperatures assessment and their effect on surrounding environment. Water Science and Technology. 2017; 75 (12):2916-2925.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina S. C. Calheiros; Eva Barreira; Nuno M. M. Ramos; Paula Castro. 2017. "Water masses surface temperatures assessment and their effect on surrounding environment." Water Science and Technology 75, no. 12: 2916-2925.
Cristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros; Sofia Pereira; Hans Brix; António Rangel; Paula Castro. Assessment of culturable bacterial endophytic communities colonizing Canna flaccida inhabiting a wastewater treatment constructed wetland. Ecological Engineering 2017, 98, 418 -426.
AMA StyleCristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros, Sofia Pereira, Hans Brix, António Rangel, Paula Castro. Assessment of culturable bacterial endophytic communities colonizing Canna flaccida inhabiting a wastewater treatment constructed wetland. Ecological Engineering. 2017; 98 ():418-426.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Sousa Coutinho Calheiros; Sofia Pereira; Hans Brix; António Rangel; Paula Castro. 2017. "Assessment of culturable bacterial endophytic communities colonizing Canna flaccida inhabiting a wastewater treatment constructed wetland." Ecological Engineering 98, no. : 418-426.
Green roofs (GRs) are becoming a trend in urban areas, favouring thermal performance of buildings, promoting removal of atmospheric pollutants, and acting as possible water collection spots. Rainwater harvesting systems in buildings can also contribute to the management of stormwater runoff reducing flood peaks. These technologies should be enhanced in Mediterranean countries where water scarcity is increasing and the occurrence of extreme events is becoming very significant, as a result of climate change. An extensive pilot GR with three aromatic plant species, Satureja montana, Thymus caespititius and Thymus pseudolanuginosus, designed to study several parameters affecting rainwater runoff, has been in operation for 12 months. Physico-chemical analyses of roof water runoff (turbidity, pH, conductivity, NH4+, NO3−, PO43−, chemical oxygen demand) have shown that water was of sufficient quality for non-potable uses in buildings, such as toilet flushing. An innovative approach allowed for the development of an expression to predict a ‘monthly runoff coefficient’ of the GR system. This parameter is essential when planning and designing GRs combined with rainwater harvesting systems in a Mediterranean climate. This study is a contribution to improving the basis for the design of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with extensive GRs under a Mediterranean climate.
Cristina Monteiro; Cristina Calheiros; Carla Pimentel-Rodrigues; Armando Silva Afonso; Paula M. L. Castro. Contributions to the design of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with green roofs in a Mediterranean climate. Water Science and Technology 2016, 73, 1842 -1847.
AMA StyleCristina Monteiro, Cristina Calheiros, Carla Pimentel-Rodrigues, Armando Silva Afonso, Paula M. L. Castro. Contributions to the design of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with green roofs in a Mediterranean climate. Water Science and Technology. 2016; 73 (8):1842-1847.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Monteiro; Cristina Calheiros; Carla Pimentel-Rodrigues; Armando Silva Afonso; Paula M. L. Castro. 2016. "Contributions to the design of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with green roofs in a Mediterranean climate." Water Science and Technology 73, no. 8: 1842-1847.
Sewage management in remote rural and mountain areas constitutes a challenge because of the lack of adequate infrastructure and economic capability. Tourism facilities, in particular, possess a special challenge because of huge variability in sewage production and composition as a consequence of variations in number of guests and their activities. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are recognized as a robust and economical ecotechnology capable of meeting these challenges. A horizontal subsurface flow CW system was established at a guest house located in a rural and mountain area of Portugal. The substrate of the bed was an expanded clay substrate, and the system was planted with a polyculture of ornamental flowering plants (Canna flaccida,Zantedeschia aethiopica, Canna indica, Agapanthus africanus and Watsonia borbonica). The load and composition of sewage varied significantly seasonally (17–579 kg COD ha 1 d 1), but removal efficiencies of BOD and COD were generally high (>90%) and independent of the loading conditions. The system also reduced PO4 3 (up to 92%), NH4 + (up to 84%) and total coliform bacteria (up to 99%). The ornamental polyculture provided an aesthetic pleasing system with different appearance during the seasons. Of the five species tested, four grew well (C. flaccida, C. indica, Z. aethiopica and W. borbonica), whereas A. africanus was outcompeted. The system owner cut flowers from the CW system and used them for decorations at the guest house. It was demonstrated that CW systems planted with a polyculture of ornamental plant species, besides the water treatment function, possess several additional benefits including aesthetics and biodiversity enhancement
Cristina Calheiros; Vânia Bessa; Raquel Mesquita; Hans Brix; António Rangel; Paula Castro. Constructed wetland with a polyculture of ornamental plants for wastewater treatment at a rural tourism facility. Ecological Engineering 2015, 79, 1 -7.
AMA StyleCristina Calheiros, Vânia Bessa, Raquel Mesquita, Hans Brix, António Rangel, Paula Castro. Constructed wetland with a polyculture of ornamental plants for wastewater treatment at a rural tourism facility. Ecological Engineering. 2015; 79 ():1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Calheiros; Vânia Bessa; Raquel Mesquita; Hans Brix; António Rangel; Paula Castro. 2015. "Constructed wetland with a polyculture of ornamental plants for wastewater treatment at a rural tourism facility." Ecological Engineering 79, no. : 1-7.
Wastewaters from tannery industry are complex in composition and providing adequate treatment can be difficult. Constructed wetlands (CW) are regarded as an alternative treatment to the conventional biological systems, as a developing cost-effective and environmentally friendly phytoremediation technology. The present review compiles and integrates information on CWs technology for the needs of the tannery sector. The following issues arise as crucial for the implementation of such systems, namely i) an accurate wastewater characterization and an effective pretreatment before reaching the CW, ii) choosing the plants species better adapted to the imposed conditions, iii) substrate selection and iv) range of organic loadings applied. The examples practiced in Portugal give indication that horizontal subsurface flow systems, with expanded clay media, are a suitable option to be considered when dealing with high organic loading tannery wastewater (up to c.a. 3800 kgCODha−1d−1), being resilient to a wide range of hydraulic variations. Plants such as Phragmites and Typha have shown to be adequate for tannery wastewater depuration, with Arundo donax proving resilient to high salinity wastewaters. The flexibility of implementation allows the CW to be adapted to different sites with different configurations, being suitable as main secondary or tertiary treatment stage.
Cristina Calheiros; António Rangel; Paula Castro. Constructed Wetlands for Tannery Wastewater Treatment in Portugal: Ten Years of Experience. International Journal of Phytoremediation 2014, 16, 859 -870.
AMA StyleCristina Calheiros, António Rangel, Paula Castro. Constructed Wetlands for Tannery Wastewater Treatment in Portugal: Ten Years of Experience. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 2014; 16 (9):859-870.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Calheiros; António Rangel; Paula Castro. 2014. "Constructed Wetlands for Tannery Wastewater Treatment in Portugal: Ten Years of Experience." International Journal of Phytoremediation 16, no. 9: 859-870.