ESTGV - DEM - Artigo em revista científica, indexada ao WoS/Scopus
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- Sustainable Heat Production for Fossil Fuel Replacement—Life Cycle Assessment for Plant Biomass Renewable Energy SourcesPublication . Lopes Brás, Isabel Paula; Fabriccino, Massimiliano; Ferreira, José; Ferreira Silva, Maria Elisabete; Mignano, VincenzoThis study aims to assess the environmental impact of using wood-based biomass as a high-efficiency fuel alternative to fossil fuels for heat production. To achieve this, the life cycle of biomass transformation, utilization, and disposal was analyzed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology with SimaPro 9.5.0.2 PhD software. The system boundaries included extraction, processing, transportation, combustion, and waste management, following a cradle-to-gate approach. A comparative analysis was conducted between natural gas, the most widely used conventional heating fuel, and two biomass-based fuels: wood pellets and wood chips. The results indicate that biomass utilization reduces greenhouse gas emissions (−19%) and fossil resource depletion (−16%) while providing environmental benefits across all assessed impact categories analyzed, except for land use (+96%). Biomass is also to be preferred for forest waste management, ease of supply, and energy independence. However, critical life cycle phases, such as raw material processing and transportation, were found to contribute significantly to human health and ecosystem well-being. To mitigate these effects, optimizing combustion efficiency, improving supply chain logistics, and promoting sustainable forestry practices are recommended. These findings highlight the potential of biomass as a viable renewable energy source and provide insights into strategies for minimizing its environmental footprint.
- Competitive Adsorption of Metal Ions by Lignocellulosic Materials: A Review of Applications, Mechanisms and Influencing FactorsPublication . Weber Macena, Morgana; Helena Pereira; Gonçalves Oliveira Valente da Cruz-Lopes, Luísa Paula; Lucas Grosche; Esteves, BrunoThe rapid expansion of industrial and agricultural activities in recent years has significantly contributed to water pollution leading to a decline in water quality and the need for effective treatment and reuse strategies. Metal contamination in water bodies poses severe environmental and health risks, making the development of cost-effective and sustainable remediation methods essential. Among the various treatment approaches, biosorption using biological adsorbents has emerged as a promising alternative due to its low cost and high efficiency. However, while the adsorption mechanisms of single metals are well understood, the competitive interactions between multiple metal ions during the sorption process remain less explored. In this review, we analyze the competitive biosorption of metals in multi-metallic wastewater systems. Key factors influencing metal removal, such as pH, contact time, biosorbent dosage, and initial metal concentration, are discussed, along with the intrinsic properties of biosorbents and metal ions that affect sorption efficiency. Additionally, we highlight recent studies on agroforestry byproducts as effective biosorbents for metal removal, showcasing their potential for sustainable water treatment. Heavy metals pose significant risks even at low concentrations, necessitating robust regulations and advanced treatment technologies; biomass byproducts, as cost-effective biosorbents, can be optimized through pre-treatment, activation, pH and temperature control, and particle size reduction, while effectively manage
- Life Cycle Assessment of Green Space Irrigation Using Treated Wastewater: A Case StudyPublication . Santos, Lenise; Brás, Isabel; Ferreira, Miguel; Domingos, Idalina; Ferreira, JoséWater scarcity is a pressing issue that makes it essential to manage this resource efficiently and sustainably. One solution to combat this issue is the use of treated wastewater (TWW) to irrigate green spaces in cities. However, it is crucial to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with this practice. To this end, life cycle assessment (LCA) is the most advanced tool available. The objective of this study was to assess the environmental implications of usingTWWfor lawn irrigation in the city of Viseu. The ReCiPe 2016 method, supported by SimaPro software, was employed for life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). An attributional approach was used, and the system boundaries were expanded to include the non-discharge of TWW into the receiving environment, the avoided consumption of domestic water, and the avoided consumption of chemical fertilizers. The results revealed that using TWW for lawn irrigation is preferable in terms of human health and ecosystem damage but unfavorable in terms of resource damage. When considering the impact of water consumption on human health and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, it is recommended to use treated wastewater for lawn irrigation.
- Environmental Assessment of Pig Manure Treatment Systems through Life Cycle Assessment: A Mini-ReviewPublication . Ferreira, José; Santos, Lenise; Ferreira, Miguel; Ferreira, António; Domingos, IdalinaThe primary aim of this research was to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts, throughout the life cycle, of the main treatment systems employed by the industry, as well as to identify the processes that contribute most to these environmental impacts. To achieve this, a bibliographical search was conducted using theWeb of Science Core Collection database platform, utilizing the keywords “life cycle assessment”, “pig”, “treatment”, and “manure” or “slurry”. The search was restricted to publications from the last five years (2019–2023), resulting in a total of 66 publications that were then analyzed according to the functional unit (FU) adopted. For the 10 publications whose FUs were expressed in tons or cubic meters of treated manure, a descriptive and quantitative analysis was carried out. It was found that anaerobic digestion has been the most widely used treatment technology for pig manure over the past five years, according to the LCA methodology. These systems, configured as biogas and biofertilizer production facilities, have proven to be environmentally friendly and could play a crucial role in the energy transition and decarbonization of the energy matrix.
- The effects of thermal aging on color and glossiness in UV cured coatings applied to sessile oakPublication . Sahin, Sirri; Ayata, Ümit; Esteves, BrunoColor and glossiness are two important aesthetic properties of wood flooring and wood furniture that significantly affect consumers choice. With time the coating deteriorates altering the surface properties. Understanding these changes is important for furniture industry, impacting design choices, material selection, and long-term maintenance. The effects of thermal aging (30 °C for 30 days, 60 °C for 60 days, and 90 °C for 90 days) on color parameters (C*, L*, b*. a*, ho) and glossiness on both perpendicular (⊥) and parallel (║) directions at 20°, 60°, and 85° angles in UV-cured coatings applied on sessile oak were studied. Results show that statistically significant differences were observed in the glossiness values, as well as in C*, b*, a*, L* and ho. As the temperature and duration of the thermal aging process increased, there was a noticeable increase in the values of color parameters b*, a*, and C*, while the values of ho and L* decreased. The characteristics of the surfaces exposed to thermal aging have undergone a complete transformation.
- Synthesis, characterisation, and thermal degradation kinetics of lignin-based polyurethane wood adhesivesPublication . Hernández-Ramos, Fabio; Esteves, Bruno; Carvalho, Luisa Hora de; Labidi, Jalel; Erdocia, XabierPolyurethane adhesives are widely employed in a range of industrial applications due to their exceptional bonding strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance. These materials play a crucial role in wood bonding technologies, where their versatility and durability make them ideal for creating strong, long-lasting joints. In this work, Four different polyurethane wood adhesives were synthesised using ligno-based bio-polyols obtained through microwave assisted liquefaction reaction of two wood species (hardwood and softwood) using polyethylene glycol and glycerol as solvents. The reaction conditions used for the synthesis of bio-polyols were optimised in a previous work. The synthesis of polyurethanes was carried out by one-shot method using Tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvent and MDI as diisocyanate employing different NCO:OH ratios (2.0:1, 2.5:1, and 3.0:1). The chemical structure of polyurethanes was determined through ATR-FTIR and the shear strength was analysed using Automated Bonding Evaluation System (ABES) employing beech veneer strips. Through ABES it was concluded that an NCO:OH ratio of 2.5:1 was the formulation that showed the best shear strength for a pressing time of 120 s. Employing this ratio and the same synthesis procedure, two new polyurethanes were synthesised with the bio-polyols obtained using crude glycerol instead commercial glycerol. Finally, a study of thermal degradation kinetics employing the Ozawa–Flynn–Wall (OFW) and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) isoconversional methods of the polyurethanes synthesised with an NCO:OH ratio of 2.5:1 was carried out. On the one hand, the Ea of each system were estimated for the different α ratios, obtaining slightly higher values for the adhesives produced using commercial glycerol than crude glycerol. In addition, the pre-exponential factor was determined, enabling an estimation of the lifetime of the polymers. This study highlights demonstrated that crude glycerol could replace commercial glycerol without compromising adhesive properties. The findings revealed that the lignin source significantly influences the adhesive's characteristics and stability, while addressing challenges in achieving industrial viability remains essential for broader application.
- Investigation of Use of Linden (Tilia tomentosa Moench.) Wood with UV System Varnish Application IN INDOOR Parquet FlooringPublication . Ayata, Ümit; Esteves, Bruno; Domingos, Idalina; Ferreira, José; Efe, Fatih Tuncay; Türk, Mutlu; Çakicier, Nevzat; Gürleyen, Levent; Peker, HüseyinLinden wood is used in the making of musical instruments, agricultural hand tools, and in the furniture sector. In this study, the changes in glossiness (parallel (//) and perpendicular (⊥) to the fibers at 20o , 60o , and 85o), the pull-off adhesion test, color parameters (CIEL) and pendulum hardness (König method) of two different UV curable varnishes applied to linden (Tilia tomentosa Moench.) according to industrial application techniques and exposed to artificial weathering were investigated. According to the research results, while L*, ΔH*, and ho decreased with increasing weathering time in both varnish layers, ΔC*, b*, ΔE*, a*, and C* rose. The pendulum hardness grew for Method B but dwindled for Method A. A decrease was found in the adhesion tests for both varnish methods after artificial weathering. The glossiness was generally reduced due to artificial weathering for all the angles and for both directions, with the exception of 85º in Method A. The variance analysis and homogeneity groups showed that the changes in the adhesion, pendulum hardness, L*, a*, ho , C*, perpendicular and parallel to the fibers for 60o and 85o were found to be significantly different with artificial weathering for both methods.
- Enhancing life with celiac disease: unveiling effective tools for assessing health-related quality of lifePublication . Falcomer, Ana Luísa; de Lima, Bernardo Romão; Farage, Priscila; Fabris, Samantha; Ritter, Ruth; Raposo, António; Teixeira-Lemos, Edite; Margarida Correia Balula Chaves, Cláudia; Zandonadi, Renata PuppinAbstract Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune chronic enteropathy provoked by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. Considering it´s only safe treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet, the burden of living with the disease becomes evident, as well as the need to assess CD health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This review aims to identify and analyze the instruments used to evaluate the HRQOL of adults with CD. This integrative review using a systematic approach was designed to achieve high scientific standards. Accordingly, the search strategy was developed and executed as recommended by the guideline of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Detailed individual searches were developed to Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. After careful analysis of the papers, 43 studies were included, in which seven instruments were identified: Celiac Disease Questionnaire (CDQ) (n=21), Celiac Disease Specific Quality of Life Instrument (CD-QOL) (n=17), Celiac Disease Assessment Questionnaire (CDAQ) (n=4), CeliacQ-7 (n=1), CeliacQ-27 (n=1), Black and Orfila´s self-developed instrument (n=1) and the Coeliac Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CDQL) (n=1). The CDQ and CD-QOL were the two most applied instruments. Since the first focuses on the physical and mental symptoms related to the disease and the second focuses on the emotional repercussions of adhering to the GFD treatment for life (dysphoria), the CDQ application is an interesting option for countries that struggle with public policies for CD patients and patients with active CD. The CD-QOL could be used for countries with strict regulations for CD and gluten-free products and populations in remission. When comparing results among different populations, it is preferable to utilize culturally validated instruments, which have been applied across multiple countries, providing greater comparability between study findings.
- Physical and Mechanical Properties of Juvenile Wood of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg. from ThinningPublication . Silva, Emilly Soares Gomes; Gonçalves, Fabricio Gomes; Segundinho, Pedro Gutemberg Alcântara; Filho, Cleyton Machado Prata; Lopez, Yonny Martinez; Chaves, Izabella Luzia Silva; Gustave, Donatian; Fassarella, Michelângelo Vargas; Esteves, BrunoReducing the rotation period through thinning and changing planting spacing can influence the technological properties of wood, with little attention paid to the effects of these variables on the raw material, which limits its processing in the wood sector. This work aimed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of wood from Anadenanthera peregrina juveniles thinned in three planting spacings (3 m × 3 m, 4 m × 4 m, and 5 m × 5 m). The physical properties in the base-top and pith–shell directions and the mechanical properties of the samples were evaluated. The results indicate better technological properties for wood with larger spacings. The physical properties showed decreasing trends in the base-top direction and increasing trends in the pith-bark direction, with a distinct trend in the degree of collapse. The average basic density of the different planting spacings varied between 0.47 g cm−3 and 0.63 g cm−3. The mechanical properties obtained for the 4 m × 4 m spacing were superior to those of the other spacings. Wood from young A. peregrina is an alternative for industrial processing, as wood from higher planting densities is more suitable for purposes that require resistance and rigidity.
- Valorization of Arbutus unedo L. Bark Through Chemical Composition Analysis, Liquefaction, and Bio-Based Foam ProductionPublication . Cruz-Lopes, Luísa; Dulyanska, Yuliya; Lopes, Rogério; Domingos, idalina; Ferreira, José; Esteves, BrunoArbutus unedo (strawberry tree) is a small Mediterranean tree capable of vigorous regrowth after disturbances like fire. Traditionally used for biomass fuel, its bark and branches hold potential for higher-value products through ecovalorization into liquid mixtures that could replace petroleum-based materials. This study aimed to explore the chemical composition of various components of Arbutus unedo and to produce a liquefied material from its internal (IB) and external bark (EB). Chemical compositions of internal and external bark were determined using TAPPI standards including ash, extractive content, lignin, and cellulose. Metal cations were analyzed by ICP. Liquefaction of bark was optimized in a PARR reactor, evaluating factors such as particle size, temperature, and time, and the best polyols were monitored by FTIR-ATR. Polyurethane foams were made with internal and external bark materials liquefied by polymerization with isocyanate, a catalyst, and water as a blowing agent. Results showed that EB has a higher extractive and lignin content, while IB contains more cellulose. Liquefaction yields were higher for IB (74%) than EB (68%), with IB yielding polyols that produced stronger and more resilient foams with higher compressive strength and modulus of elasticity. Mechanical properties of the foams were influenced by the NCO/OH ratio and catalyst levels. Overall, the internal bark demonstrated superior performance for foam production, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-derived materials.