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- Valorization of solid waste in subsurface flow constructed wetlands based on renewable modular structures: A contribution to a circular economyPublication . Pinho, Henrique J. O.; Mateus, D.M.R.In this chapter, a case study is used as a basis for discussion of the contribution of constructed wetlands (CWs) to circular economy and to sustainable development. Although CWs already represent a sustainable and green technology for wastewater treatment, this study aimed to enhance CW potential to fit the circular economy paradigm. The main purpose of the study was the use of renewable materials and solid waste in the design of modular CWs. A modular pilot-scale CW was built in a wood-based structure with a filling media consisting of a mixture of three solid waste materials. This approach represents an example of the potential contribution of CWs to a circular economy through a shorter circuit for water reuse and their integration into longer economic circuits, which can be closed by symbiosis with other processes and industrial activities such as the valorization of solid waste and wood for CW assembly.
- Contribution of Constructed Wetlands for Reclaimed Water Production: A ReviewPublication . Pinho, Henrique J. O.; Mateus, D. M. R.Freshwater scarcity is a growing threat to sustainable development, which can be mitigated by adequate management of water resources. Agriculture and related activities consist in the main use of freshwater, but several other human activities present relevant contributions. Because most of the water uses imply the generation of resultant wastewater, the production and use of reclaimed water by appropriate technologies can be part of the solution to that issue. Considering that the use of constructed wetlands (CWs) can be a relevant contribution to the production of reclaimed water, as an eco-friendly alternative to costly advanced water treatment technologies, this work is a review of the last decade of literature on the use of CWs to produce reclaimed water. The results point to a usual focus on the production of reclaimed water for agriculture or urban spaces irrigation. In order to potentiate a broader application of CWs, some directions of future research and use of this green technology are proposed.
- Promoting Education for Sustainable Development: A Collaborative Project Between a Higher Education Institution and the Surrounding School CommunityPublication . Mateus, D. M. R.; Costa, Maria Cristina; Gomes, Marcela M. M. S.; Pinho, Henrique J. O.This chapter describes good practices developed by a higher education institution from Portugal in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). In addition to discussing the role of higher education in society, it also focuses on an intervention project on the local school community aimed at raising awareness and disseminating good attitudes related to Sustainable Development (SD). The intervention project results from a partnership between a higher education institution, a teachers training centre and schools. In this context, several hands-on experiments were developed by higher education teachers, researchers and students, and implemented in a teachers’ professional development programme. Based on questionnaires (N = 63) and participant observation, an empirical study was conducted. Besides increasing their knowledge about SDG, teachers recognized the role of schools in raising awareness to promote SD practices, and valued the role of higher education in supporting them in these initiatives. It is concluded on the importance of developing collaborative partnerships with schools and other stakeholders to raise awareness, disseminate and increase SD practices in the community. The experience developed in the field may interest researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in promoting Sustainable Development initiatives.
- Raising Awareness for Sustainable Development Goals Through Hands-On ExperimentsPublication . Costa, Maria Cristina; Mateus, D. M. R.; Pinho, Henrique J. O.With the aim of protecting our planet, the United Nations defined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), which requires the involvement of all countries to make an endeavour to achieve better living conditions. In this regard, stakeholders such as governments, regional and international organizations, and civil society need to work together to make efforts to meet these objectives. In addition, Higher Education Institutions have a crucial role, not only in developing research and disseminating SDG practices but also in intervening in society. This paper presents a collaborative project led by a Higher Education Institute and targeted to the school community. With the objective of strengthening consciousness for the development of good practices related to SDG, a workshop was prepared and implemented with primary school teachers. Besides providing knowledge about SDG, several hands-on experiments were presented to teachers to be reproduced with their students. Based on participant observation and enquiry forms applied to teachers and students, it was verified that the project was effective in enhancing recognition of teachers and students about the importance of providing good practices related to SDG. It is concluded that collaboration between higher education institutions and schools can trigger the implementation of sustainable development practices in the community.