Decentralized sanitation in rural areas urgently requires accessible and nature-based solutions to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all). However, monitoring studies of such ecotechnologies in disperse communities remain limited. This study evaluated the performance of an evapotranspiration tank (TEvap), designed with community participation, for the treatment of domestic sewage in a rural Quilombola household in the Brazilian Cerrado. The system (total area of 8.1 m², with about 1.0 m² per inhabitant) was monitored for 218 days, covering the rainy season and the plants’ establishment phase. After 51 days, the TEvap reached operational equilibrium, maintaining a zero-discharge regime, and after 218 days, 92.3% of the total system inlet volumes (i.e., 37.47 in 40.58 m³) were removed through evapotranspiration and uptake by cultivated plants (Musa spp.). Statistical analyses revealed correlations that were moderate to strong, and weak between the blackwater level and relative humidity (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.75), temperature (r = −0.66), and per capita blackwater contribution (r = 0.28), highlighting the influence of climatic conditions on system efficiency. These results confirm the TEvap as a promising, low-maintenance, and climate-resilient technology for decentralized domestic sewage treatment in vulnerable rural communities, with the potential to support sanitation policy goals and promote public health.

The unsuitable performance of or deficit in basic sanitation infrastructure, especially in sparsely populated rural communities, remains critical, particularly in many developing regions, and demands sustainable, cost-effective, and easily operated solutions. Thus, the objective of this Review is to analyze design parameters for evapotranspiration tanks (EvapTs), adopted as nature-based solutions for zero-discharge domestic sewage treatment. The literature search was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, complemented by backward citation tracking. From 4434 records, 29 studies were selected based on specific criteria, such as the availability of design data and their application in urban or rural contexts. The main findings indicated required areas per inhabitant ranging from 0.5 to 7.7 m², primarily influenced by climate conditions and the type of plant used. Statistical analysis showed a negative correlation between the area of the evaporation tanks and the mean annual temperature, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (r of −0.74). For mean annual temperatures between 19 and 27 degrees Celsius, linear regression showed a variation between 4.7 and 0.6 m²/inhabitant with a reduction coefficient of −0.51 per degree Celsius, suggesting that warmer climates require smaller system areas per capita. Most studies were conducted at full scale, with Brazil accounting for the highest number of publications. EvapT is identified as a promising ecological technology that is particularly suitable for rural settings. However, it still requires technical standardization, cost–benefit analysis, and research on social acceptance. The adoption of clear design criteria may enhance system replicability, support public policy development, and contribute to SDG 6—Clean Water and Sanitation for All.

Biochar is known as an excellent soil conditioner and a powerful carbon sequestration tool. However, to expand its use, it is necessary to understand potential adverse effects. To better address this issue, biochar was prepared from sugarcane bagasse. The effect of biochar on the germination of soybean seeds was evaluated, and a greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the response of soybean seedlings to biochar application at different rates (CK, 0% w/w; BC1, 1% w/w; BC3, 3% w/w; and BC5, 5% w/w). Thirty days after sowing, the growth parameters, soil physicochemical attributes, and microbiota were evaluated. The biochar exhibited a low O/C ratio (0.18) and an irregular porous surface, which promoted improvements in the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological attributes. Moreover, no phytotoxic effects were detected in the germination tests for application rates up to 50 t/ha. The results of soybean cultivation revealed that, compared with the CK treatment, the BC3 and BC5 treatments significantly increased the fresh mass of the aerial parts of the plants by 64% and 86%, respectively. These treatments also significantly increased the fresh mass of the root system by 23% and 423%, respectively. These results highlight the potential of biochar in promoting early soybean development.

A escassez hídrica é realidade em diversos cursos d’água que supriam a demanda da produção agrícola no Cerrado. Este estudo caracterizou a morfometria em cinco sub-bacias hidrográficas do rio Grande, localizadas na porção sul da Serrinha, município de Frutal (MG), e avaliou nascentes em cada uma das sub-bacias quanto à disponibilidade hídrica e o uso e cobertura da terra. Os parâmetros morfométricos foram obtidos utilizando as ferramentas do Google Earth. Os percentuais de uso do solo foram analisados em um raio de 2 km ao redor das nascentes, usando dados disponíveis no MapBiomas. Os dados de vazão dos riachos foram medidos no local. Dentre as bacias hidrográficas, uma é de quinta ordem, com maiores dimensões e menor densidade de drenagem, as outras quatro são de quarta ordem. Todas possuem índices de circularidade < 0,51 e baixas relação de relevo, com variação para os demais parâmetros. Foram registradas 702 nascentes, sendo 149 secas ou intermitentes. O uso do solo predominante foi cana-de-açúcar, mosaico de usos e pastagem. A vazão variou em escala 15 vezes maior durante o período chuvoso quando comparada ao período seco, mas não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os períodos ou entre as bacias hidrográficas.

Aim Agricultural and urban expansion activities in the Brazilian Savannah (Cerrado) have caused significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems in the biome. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of agricultural and urban activities on water quality in two streams - São José do Bebedouro and Ribeirão Frutal - located in Frutal - Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods The study was conducted during the rainy and dry seasons, evaluating 3 sampling points in each system. The physical and chemical parameters of the water were evaluated, as well as the amount of total and thermotolerant coliforms. Rapid Assessment Protocol for Habitat Diversity (RAPHD) was also used to identify the environmental impacts and the conservation status of aquatic systems. Results The section of Ribeirão Frutal was impacted (FRU1 = 35; FRU2 = 35; FRU3 = 37 points), with average values of thermotolerant coliforms (307,236 MPN 100 mL-1), electrical conductivity (476.5 µS cm-1), and low values of dissolved oxygen (average of 3.74 mg L-1), indicating strong anthropogenic pressure. On the other hand, the limnological data of São José do Bebedouro stream showed better conditions, with the analyzed parameters falling within Class II of Brazilian regulations (CONAMA Resolution 357/05) and under conditions close to natural ones (BEB1 = 67; BEB2 = 67; BEB3 = 70 points). Conclusions This indicates that the São José do Bebedouro is more conserved than Ribeirão Frutal, which is impacted by point sources of contamination and inadequate occupation of its margins, compromising the integrity of the aquatic community and posing an environmental risk.

Algumas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) estão se tornando referência em práticas ambientalmente sustentáveis, contribuindo assim não só para a formação dos seus acadêmicos do ponto de vista teórico e prático, mas também para o desenvolvimento sustentável, na medida em que têm na sustentabilidade uma diretriz para gerir os campus das Instituições. Este trabalho teve por objetivo investigar a correlação das pesquisas publicadas sobre o tema sustentabilidade ambiental, nos periódicos científicos das IES localizadas no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, no período 2016-2021. A metodologia foi quantitativa e descritiva baseada na técnica da bibliometria e realizada nas plataformas das revistas científicas das IES selecionadas, utilizando as palavras chaves: “Sustentabilidade”; “Gestão Ambiental”; “Sustentabilidade e Educação Superior”. Os resultados mostram a presença de 293 periódicos científicos, dos quais 143 possuem publicações, e 1.065 artigos relacionados à temática da sustentabilidade, em 16 IES com a categoria de Universidade, sendo UFU, UFV, UFMG, PUC Minas, aquelas com maiores publicações. Verificou-se que não existe uma publicação específica para a temática. As pesquisas foram desenvolvidas por 3.039 autores, com pouca presença das pesquisas individuais, e uma média de 3,1 autores por pesquisa. Observou-se que a evolução do aprendizado acadêmico obtido pela experiência dos pesquisadores vem trazendo um amadurecimento nos trabalhos, que já apresentam um histórico de pesquisas, conceitos e resultados que estão sendo agregados ao longo do tempo, construindo-se assim o conhecimento na área.