진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Name of the project: Hybrid nature-based solutions as biodiversity promoters and their implications for emerging contaminants mitigation

Term: 36 months 

Project description:

Considering that conventional wastewater treatment plants are not efficient in the removal of emerging contaminants (e.g., pharmaceuticals, PFAS, pesticides), it becomes urgent to study and implement new, effective, economically viable, and environmentally friendly solutions. So, NATUREBIOPROMO's great novelty is 1) the integration and implementation of hybrid Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) (e.g., CWs, artificial floating islands (AFIs), microalgae ponds) in practical environmental conditions, at an intercontinental scale (Brazil, South Africa and Europe), to promote a higher efficiency in the removal of pollutants and nutrients. 2) the interaction between the NBS's primary function of sewage treatment and the biodiversity they can support. This will contribute to biodiversity enrichment and conservation by promoting biodiversity-orientated management of specific NBS in line with the EU´s Green Deal and the commitment to the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, as well as the objectives of SDG 15. 3) highlight the ecological and economic importance of valorization of wetland biomass as a source of bio-energy (biogas) and 4) reutilization of biomass (biochar or hydrochar production) in the enrichment and functionality of the own NBS, promoting the circular economy. 

Thus, NATUREBIOPROMO will have a high impact on 1) biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services promotion; 2) wastewater management and significant reduction of pollutant loads into the aquatic systems; 3) implementation of low-cost solutions; 4) production of clean energy - a climate and economic asset; and 5) promotion of environmental sustainability and human well-being, through climate mitigation, better water quality of aquatic systems, direct economic benefits in many sectors, such as landscape integration, recreational areas, and resources recovery. The partnership between European (PT, FR, CZ, IT) and non-European partners (RSA & BR), translated in complementary expertise (i.e. analytical, technological, ecological, genetics), associated with a collaborative approach between all the stakeholders, will allow the success of NATUREBIOPROMO and the production of high-quality outcomes.

Main mission: The researcher’s role will be to investigate the fate (including the degradation mechanisms) of selected emerging contaminants in investigated NBS by using target and non-target LC-HRMS. The candidate will also focus on the characterization of novel adsorbents such as biochar and hydrochar produced from NBS biomass residues for the removal of targeted emerging contaminants and their application in NBS. Experiments will be designed firstly using novel absorbents in batch mode, and afterwards using planted glass columns at laboratory scale. The efficiency of the treatment will be evaluated using indicator emerging contaminants and spiked semi-synthetic wastewater effluents. The complete characterization of absorbents will be done thanks to the collaboration with a partner from CNRS. Microbial communities characterization supported by adsorbents will be achieved through DNA extraction, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The researcher will have access to outstanding scientific equipment and will have the possibility to carry on her/his research training in a good quality environment. 

Task to be accomplished: 

• Design and achievement of experiments at laboratory scale 
• Interpretation of the experimental results
• Writing articles
• Contribution to research management in the host labs