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- Study of a solar energy drying system—Energy savings and effect in dried food qualityPublication . Pereira, Carlos; Tavares, A.P.; Cardão, P.; Castro, A.; Ferreira Silva, Maria Elisabete; Ferreira, D.W.; Lopes, S.; Brás, I.It is estimated that in Portugal per year, 132 kg/person of food is wasted due to imperfections in weight, shape and due to their perishability, resulting in foods that cannot be marketed. Solar drying can be used to extend food life. However, it usually does not meet the current productivity and quality requirements of the dried product. Solar energy is renewable, very available in Portugal, which can make an important contribution to reducing the specific energy consumption and carbon footprint intensity associated with drying. This work aims to optimize the drying process using a solar dryer with electric support. The conditions of temperature and humidity in the dryer and their influence on the physical and chemical properties of blueberries and raspberries were studied, namely the ash, protein, fat, sugars, total phenolic compounds content and antioxidant capacity. It was concluded that the blueberries and raspberries, after drying underwent slight changes in some chemical parameters, namely the reduction of fats and phenolic compounds. The results of the drying tests showed a strong dependence on atmospheric conditions. Under the most favorable conditions, it was possible to record reductions in electricity consumption of 35%.
- Selective collection of bio-waste in a non-intensive urban region – Producers’ characterizationPublication . Brás, Isabel; Maia, S.; Simões, Luís; Rabaça, Teresa; Ferreira Silva, Maria ElisabeteThe European circular economy targets and waste policies have gradually focused on bio-waste, which is considered one of several key waste streams and is urgently needed to develop strategies for their selective collection. In non-intensive urban regions, a selective collection is a challenge due to the dispersion of bio-waste producers. This work intended to characterize the bio-waste producers, in Planalto Beirão region (Portugal) and define strategies for their management. Planalto Beirão is a non-intensive urban region in the center of Portugal composed of 19 municipalities. The methodology involved collecting data from non-domestic bio-waste producers in Portuguese databases. The data of non-domestic producers were divided into 4 categories: HORECA sector (hotels, restaurants and coffee shops), Food commerce (wholesale and retail sale), Tea houses and Social services (education and activities in social support with and without accommodation). The analyzed data from the 4 categories of non-domestic bio-waste producers indicated that hotels, restaurants and coffee shops represented 46% of producers, followed by Food commerce, Social services and Tea houses with 33%, 17% and 4%, respectively. Viseu was determined as the municipality with the highest potential to implement a successful selective collection of bio-waste. In the Planalto Beirão region, the selective collection from non-domestic bio-waste producers must be done door-to-door, in higher-density areas. In rural areas, valorization should be introduced locally by the producers or the community.