DSpace Collection:

Water efficiency perception among higher education students

2025-04-23T18:45:59Z

Title: Water efficiency perception among higher education students Authors: Galvão, Ana; Matos, Cristina; Durão, Anabela; Mourato, Sandra; Mateus, Dina; Araújo, Ivo; Neves, Luís; Barreiros, Ana Abstract: The present study surveyed students from 7 High Education Institutions (HEI) in Portugal aiming at analyzing university students’ perceptions regarding water efficiency. A questionnaire answered by 663 students revealed that they are very aware of the importance of water resources, strongly agreeing that water is essential for the livelihood and health of the environment (73%) and essential for human activities (71%). When asked to rank measure to increase water efficiency, “Reducing leaks and water waste” and “Reduce consumption” were ranked 1st by 39% and 38% of respondents, respectively, while the “Use alternative sources of water” was ranked 4th by 70% of respondents. Students also identified relevant Sustainable Development Goals that are positively affected by adequate water efficiency. The main sources of information identified regarding water efficiency are “Social communication”, “Internet and social media” and “Family background”, revealing the relevance of not only present communication channels but also the importance of intergenerational knowledge passing.

Industrial use of bioenergy and high-value molecules extracted from winemaking by-products. Ecological aspects

2024-11-13T15:17:02Z

Title: Industrial use of bioenergy and high-value molecules extracted from winemaking by-products. Ecological aspects Authors: Klapa, Ourania; Costa, Paulo; Barros, Mário; Alves, Duarte; Pires, Preciosa Abstract: From the concept of circularity, a new industrial revolution is arising where waste as unwanted or unusable material is virtually unknown. In present times, indicators describe the main constraints posed on our world`s future development: population growth, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, energy consumption, overuse of minerals and natural resources, and shortage of water, which leads to a future zero-waste society. In this context, a study was developed to explore the potential applications of winemaking sub-products, known as grape pomace (GP), which have incomplete exploitation and part of which is dumped as biowaste. In European countries, the winemaking industry converts 22 million tonnes annually of grapes into wine, giving rise to 5 million tonnes of GP as a product. The goal of this research was to examine the antioxidant capabilities of GP polyphenols in order to identify useful industrial uses. With a total phenolic content (TPC) of 86 mg GAE/g DM in Loureiro variety seed and only 35.1 mg GAE/g DM in Vinhão variety, with very significant differences (p < 0.01), GP can offer a wide range of products with high-value bioactive molecules. In the skin fraction, the TPC value was higher in Vinhão variety than Loureiro variety (120 and 24 mg GAE/g DM, respectively). The findings of TPC and the antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH activity are correlated, with r = 0.988 for Vinhão and r = 0.975 for Loureiro. From the seeds of the grape types Loureiro and Vinhão, a high-yield edible oil content of 16.5% and 17.7%, respectively, was found. When compared to other biomass heating values, the heating value results of GP samples after the fat and polyphenol extraction, which are between 16.9 and 17.2 MJ/kg, show that GP extracted residue has the potential for energy recovery. This byproduct offers fresh prospects for alternative industrial uses when taking into account the quantities of GP that are produced each year and its chemical characteristics.

The role of microalgae in a sustainable development

2024-11-13T12:09:53Z

Title: The role of microalgae in a sustainable development Authors: Carvalho, Ingride; Fonseca, Guilherme; Costa, Paulo; Borges, Alexandra Abstract: Today, climate change is a reality that can change the balance of ecosystems. When talking about sustainability and innovation, it is important to keep in mind that we must have a different vision and find new solutions. Microalgae are photosynthesizing microscopic organisms that grow rapidly under different environmental conditions due to their simple cellular structure. These organisms are considered fundamental for the maintenance of the life of our planet, since they are responsible for the production of most of the oxygen from the atmosphere, they account for 40% of the total photosynthesis of the planet. These microalgae have a biological, ecological, and economic importance. Biological because, in addition to producing 40% of the planet’s photosynthesis, they sustain life in the seas and oceans. Also, it’s important to refer that their Ecological importance since microalgae are fundamental in maintaining ecosystems. And, finally, the economic significance is seen in its diversity in commercial application. The use of these microorganisms promises to be an excellent solution to combat global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This work presents a development of a project of a Photobioreactor from the first design to its tuning and operation. The main idea of this project is to build a Photobioreactor that will response to the requisites to produce a specific type of microalgae. The main work activity is to find the right technologies for this project, making a perfect integration and control system. This equipment is important and contribute(s) to environmental sustainability and innovation.

The relevance of environmental accounting. An implementation proposal in the automotive sector

2024-11-13T12:02:53Z

Title: The relevance of environmental accounting. An implementation proposal in the automotive sector Authors: Costa, Sara; Guerreiro, Marta; Oliveira, Susana; Borges, Alexandra Abstract: The awareness of society about environmental problems has led companies to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies worldwide. CSR strategies imply the inclusion of the environmental dimension in decision-making processes. Non-financial reporting and environmental accounting are fundamental in providing information on companies’ CSR goals, performance, and strategies. Environmental accounting is a strategic and relevant tool in dealing with environmental issues. In this context, it is important to have comparable information for companies’ stakeholders, public opinion, and society. In this book chapter, we analyse the evolution of environmental accounting over the years and the process of implementation of an environmental accounting system in an automotive company. We also develop a proposal for the implementation of an environmental accounting system with the main procedures to be followed. Our results highlight the need of knowing in detail the specificities of the productive activity of the company, the human resources, and the information system. The incorporation of environmental issues in the companies’ strategy and their reporting through new formats, provides valuable information on companies’ environmental awareness and commitment.