Pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa have played a central role in the safety of drinking water, since they spread easily in the water network, constituting a health risk for humans and animals. Currently in water treatments, advanced oxidative processes (AOPs) have been increasing in importance in the microbiological disinfection of water. The present study aimed to inactivate C. albicans, a commensal yeast species in Vertebrates that can cause disease, using AOPs. To achieve this objective, a powerful oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) was combined with UV radiation to promote the inactivation of C. albicans. Initially, the inactivation capacity of the H₂O₂ was assessed and it was verified that the application of 2.5 mM, 5 mM and 10 mM H₂O₂ reached a cell reduction of 3 log after 180, 360 and 300 min, respectively. Subsequently, the combination with UV-A radiation (λ = 365 nm) proved to be even more promising, as the H₂O₂ + UV-A system, using the same H₂O₂ concentrations, reached an inactivation of 3 log after 240, 180 and 60 min, respectively. These results support that UV-A radiation promotes the generation of hydroxyl radicals, which have a comparatively higher oxidation potential (2.8 eV) to the H₂O₂ (1.8 eV), responsible for the inactivation of C. albicans cells. Thus, the UV-A/H₂O₂ process can reduce this microorganism in an aqueous matrix, avoiding potential hazards to human and animal health.

Wind energy stands as one of the most technologically mature renewable sources, playing a pivotal role in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind farms and associated infrastructures increase collision risk for flying organisms. Implementing higher cut-in speeds is a proven mitigation strategy to significantly decrease wildlife mortality rates, particularly for bat species, by preventing turbine operation during low-wind periods of high activity. The suggested, non-standard, increased cut-in speed for wind turbines is generally 5.0 m/s. To test the effectiveness of cut-in speed increase, bat activity was monitored at three wind farms in northern Portugal (Gevancas, Azinheira, and Lagoa de Dom João e Feirão), to characterize spatial and temporal activity patterns and assess the potential associated risk. Ultrasonic acoustic detection was carried out at fixed stations, at heights of 55 m above ground level from March to October. Wind speed data were recorded concurrently using anemometers mounted on meteorological towers. Contradicting recommendations, the results show that significant bat activity might occur at wind speeds above the current curtailment values. Since turbine operation coincides with peak bat activity, it is imperative to implement site-specific mitigation strategies, such as optimized cut-in speeds, to minimize mortality risk.

Wind energy stands as one of the most technologically mature renewable sources, playing a pivotal role in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, wind farms and associated infrastructures increase collision risk for flying organisms. Implementing higher cut-in speeds is a proven mitigation strategy to significantly decrease wildlife mortality rates, particularly for bat species, by preventing turbine operation during low-wind periods of high activity. The suggested, non-standard, increased cut-in speed for wind turbines is generally 5.0 m/s. To test the effectiveness of cut-in speed increase, bat activity was monitored at three wind farms in northern Portugal (Gevancas, Azinheira and Dom João e Feirão), using ultrasonic acoustic detection, to characterize spatial and temporal activity patterns and assess the potential risk associated. Monitoring was carried out at fixed stations, at heights of 55m above ground level during seven consecutive nights per month, from march to October. Wind speed data were recorded concurrently using anemometers mounted on meteorological towers. Contradicting cut-in speed recommendations, the results show that 90% of bat activity occurred at wind speeds above the current mitigation thresholds (5.0 m/s.). Since turbine operation coincides with peak bat activity, it is imperative to implement site-specific mitigation strategies, such as optimized cut-in speeds, to minimize mortality risk.