Articles de revista
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/13807
2024-03-28T23:56:27ZComputational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study to optimize the auxiliary ventilation system in an underground mine
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/368352
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study to optimize the auxiliary ventilation system in an underground mine
Vives i Costa, Jordi; Bascompta Massanes, Marc; Felipe Blanch, José Juan de; Sanmiquel Pera, Lluís
2022-06-13T10:41:00ZVives i Costa, JordiBascompta Massanes, MarcFelipe Blanch, José Juan deSanmiquel Pera, LluísEnvironmental impact of chicken feathers based polypropylene composites developed for automotive and stationary applications and comparison with glass-fibre analogues
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/367959
Environmental impact of chicken feathers based polypropylene composites developed for automotive and stationary applications and comparison with glass-fibre analogues
Álvarez del Castillo, María Dolores; Garrido Soriano, Núria; Casadesús Fusté, Marta; Macanás de Benito, Jorge; Molins Duran, Gemma; Carrillo Navarrete, Fernando
In last decades, there has been an interest in using biogenic wastes and by-products as fillers or reinforcements to produce polymer composites. Hence, new composites materials based on a blend of biogenic chicken feathers (CFs) and polypropylene (PP) are proposed in this work and compared, from the environmental point of view, with currently used materials as neat PP and PP reinforced with glass-fibres (PP-GF). A Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed in order to compare the environmental impact of these three materials when being used either for automotive or stationary applications. The mechanical properties of each material were taken into account to calculate the equivalent mass of each industrial application and the use phase and end of life (EoL) were included in the LCA study. The results showed that, for automotive applications and for all the materials studied (PP-GF, PP-CFs and PP) the use phase has a great contribution to the environmental impact categories considered, proving that the new developed material based on CFs (PP-CFs) would be appropriate for stationary applications but not for mobile applications as automotive ones. In addition, the EoL scenario considered, i.e. incineration with energy recovery, has proven to provide extra environmental credits
2022-06-02T09:35:33ZÁlvarez del Castillo, María DoloresGarrido Soriano, NúriaCasadesús Fusté, MartaMacanás de Benito, JorgeMolins Duran, GemmaCarrillo Navarrete, FernandoIn last decades, there has been an interest in using biogenic wastes and by-products as fillers or reinforcements to produce polymer composites. Hence, new composites materials based on a blend of biogenic chicken feathers (CFs) and polypropylene (PP) are proposed in this work and compared, from the environmental point of view, with currently used materials as neat PP and PP reinforced with glass-fibres (PP-GF). A Cradle-to-Grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed in order to compare the environmental impact of these three materials when being used either for automotive or stationary applications. The mechanical properties of each material were taken into account to calculate the equivalent mass of each industrial application and the use phase and end of life (EoL) were included in the LCA study. The results showed that, for automotive applications and for all the materials studied (PP-GF, PP-CFs and PP) the use phase has a great contribution to the environmental impact categories considered, proving that the new developed material based on CFs (PP-CFs) would be appropriate for stationary applications but not for mobile applications as automotive ones. In addition, the EoL scenario considered, i.e. incineration with energy recovery, has proven to provide extra environmental creditsBuilding resilient cities: climate change and health interlinkages in the planning of public spaces
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/367405
Building resilient cities: climate change and health interlinkages in the planning of public spaces
Orsetti, Eleonora; Tollin, Nicola; Lehmann, Martin; Agudelo Valderrama, Vanessa; Morató Farreras, Jordi
Greenhouse gases emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels are worsening air quality and affecting the climate system. While climate change impacts on meteorological variables affects air quality by altering the concentration and distribution of pollutants, air pollution significantly influences the climate, leading to negative impacts on human health. Due to the combination of high temperatures, air pollution, and high population density, cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The planning and design of public spaces aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation can result in multiple co-benefits for human health, while reducing social inequalities. To address the major research gaps in the communication between health and planning experts, and the lack of capacity among public sectors and policy makers, it is necessary to promote capacity building and knowledge sharing between the planning and health sectors. The purpose of this article is to develop preliminary recommendations for a process that allows a comprehensive assessment of the interlinkages between climate and health, social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities, and the quality of the urban spaces, to support local governments, policymakers, and education institutions in making informed decisions for public spaces. The methods applied were a literature review and interviews with experts.
2022-05-16T18:32:24ZOrsetti, EleonoraTollin, NicolaLehmann, MartinAgudelo Valderrama, VanessaMorató Farreras, JordiGreenhouse gases emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels are worsening air quality and affecting the climate system. While climate change impacts on meteorological variables affects air quality by altering the concentration and distribution of pollutants, air pollution significantly influences the climate, leading to negative impacts on human health. Due to the combination of high temperatures, air pollution, and high population density, cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The planning and design of public spaces aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation can result in multiple co-benefits for human health, while reducing social inequalities. To address the major research gaps in the communication between health and planning experts, and the lack of capacity among public sectors and policy makers, it is necessary to promote capacity building and knowledge sharing between the planning and health sectors. The purpose of this article is to develop preliminary recommendations for a process that allows a comprehensive assessment of the interlinkages between climate and health, social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities, and the quality of the urban spaces, to support local governments, policymakers, and education institutions in making informed decisions for public spaces. The methods applied were a literature review and interviews with experts.Experimental assessment of an analytical model of the convective heat transfer coefficient in a mine gallery
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/366298
Experimental assessment of an analytical model of the convective heat transfer coefficient in a mine gallery
Felipe Blanch, José Juan de; Vives i Costa, Jordi; Niubó Eslava, Maria; Sanmiquel Pera, Lluís
This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42461-022-00593-1
2022-04-25T10:39:34ZFelipe Blanch, José Juan deVives i Costa, JordiNiubó Eslava, MariaSanmiquel Pera, LluísUso da água nas terras secas da Iberoamérica: indicadores de eficiência hidro-ambiental e sócio-econômica
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/363202
Uso da água nas terras secas da Iberoamérica: indicadores de eficiência hidro-ambiental e sócio-econômica
Pires Carneiro, Álex; Pereira da Silva, Helena; Abraham de Vàzquez, Elena María; Morató Farreras, Jordi; Subirana, Anna; Tomasoni, Marco Antonio
Las tierras secas comprenden una superficie sustancial de Iberoamérica (25% de América Latina y el Caribe, o más de la mitad del estado español). En este contexto, Brasil posee una porción significativa de los recursos hídricos superficiales y subterráneos. Sin embargo, en su territorio se encuentran áreas semi-áridas, con extrema escasez hídrica, que comprenden 1300 municipios (cerca del 25% del total de municipios del país), distribuidos en 9 estados, en los que viven más de 22,5 millones de habitantes. Estos se encuentran afectados directa o indirectamente por una situación de severa escasez de recursos hídricos agravada por cambios climáticos, consecuencia del calentamiento global. Resulta importante conocer el acervo de tecnologías tradicionales y no tradicionales para captar, almacenar, y utilizar el agua, adaptadas a las diferentes situaciones socio-económicas e hidro-ambientales, así como indicadores del uso eficiente del agua, validados y homologados como herramienta estratégica de gestión en políticas y programas de seguridad hídrica. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo conocer el estado de nuestro conocimiento sobre dichos indicadores y discutir el caso del semi-árido brasileño en el contexto de las tierras secas de Iberoamérica, y del Plan Nacional de Recursos Hídricos del Estado de Bahía.
2022-03-01T11:02:12ZPires Carneiro, ÁlexPereira da Silva, HelenaAbraham de Vàzquez, Elena MaríaMorató Farreras, JordiSubirana, AnnaTomasoni, Marco AntonioLas tierras secas comprenden una superficie sustancial de Iberoamérica (25% de América Latina y el Caribe, o más de la mitad del estado español). En este contexto, Brasil posee una porción significativa de los recursos hídricos superficiales y subterráneos. Sin embargo, en su territorio se encuentran áreas semi-áridas, con extrema escasez hídrica, que comprenden 1300 municipios (cerca del 25% del total de municipios del país), distribuidos en 9 estados, en los que viven más de 22,5 millones de habitantes. Estos se encuentran afectados directa o indirectamente por una situación de severa escasez de recursos hídricos agravada por cambios climáticos, consecuencia del calentamiento global. Resulta importante conocer el acervo de tecnologías tradicionales y no tradicionales para captar, almacenar, y utilizar el agua, adaptadas a las diferentes situaciones socio-económicas e hidro-ambientales, así como indicadores del uso eficiente del agua, validados y homologados como herramienta estratégica de gestión en políticas y programas de seguridad hídrica. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo conocer el estado de nuestro conocimiento sobre dichos indicadores y discutir el caso del semi-árido brasileño en el contexto de las tierras secas de Iberoamérica, y del Plan Nacional de Recursos Hídricos del Estado de Bahía.Biofunctionalization of cork with moringa oleifera seeds and use of pma staining and qpcr to detect viability of escherichia coli
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/359099
Biofunctionalization of cork with moringa oleifera seeds and use of pma staining and qpcr to detect viability of escherichia coli
Infante, Nury; Rodríguez, Refugio; Bartolo, Yaneth; Sánchez Martinez, Olga; Sanz Sáez, Isabel; Bermeo, Lizeth; Morató Farreras, Jordi
Cork matrices biofunctionalized with Moringa oleifera seed extracts (MoSe) have potential for use as a biofilter with antibacterial properties to reduce waterborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cork biofunctionalized with active antimicrobial compounds of MoSe (f-cork) on the inhibition of Escherichia coli (InhEc). The LacZ gene from a strain of E. coli was used as the target sequence using viability quantification Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and differentiation of viable and dead bacteria through selective cell viability PMA staining. To perform this, a 27-4 fractional factorial design and a biofiltration system were used to evaluate the effect of the active protein in MoSe immobilized in granulated cork on InhEc. We found that the potential for antimicrobial activity increased with f-cork for an effective maximal bacterial reduction (99.99%; p < 0.05). The effect of f-cork functionalized with MoSe on E. coli viability was of 0.024% and 0.005% for the cells exposed to PMA, respectively, being the relevant conditions in treatment 2: (0 L/min) without aeration, (5%) MoSe and (5 mm) cork particle. In conclusion, the f-cork functionalized with MoSe presented biosorbent and antibacterial properties that effectively reduced the E. coli growth.
2021-12-23T09:09:03ZInfante, NuryRodríguez, RefugioBartolo, YanethSánchez Martinez, OlgaSanz Sáez, IsabelBermeo, LizethMorató Farreras, JordiCork matrices biofunctionalized with Moringa oleifera seed extracts (MoSe) have potential for use as a biofilter with antibacterial properties to reduce waterborne pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cork biofunctionalized with active antimicrobial compounds of MoSe (f-cork) on the inhibition of Escherichia coli (InhEc). The LacZ gene from a strain of E. coli was used as the target sequence using viability quantification Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and differentiation of viable and dead bacteria through selective cell viability PMA staining. To perform this, a 27-4 fractional factorial design and a biofiltration system were used to evaluate the effect of the active protein in MoSe immobilized in granulated cork on InhEc. We found that the potential for antimicrobial activity increased with f-cork for an effective maximal bacterial reduction (99.99%; p < 0.05). The effect of f-cork functionalized with MoSe on E. coli viability was of 0.024% and 0.005% for the cells exposed to PMA, respectively, being the relevant conditions in treatment 2: (0 L/min) without aeration, (5%) MoSe and (5 mm) cork particle. In conclusion, the f-cork functionalized with MoSe presented biosorbent and antibacterial properties that effectively reduced the E. coli growth.Effect of intermittent induced aeration on nitrogen removal and denitrifying-bacterial community structure in Cork and gravel vertical flow pilot-scale treatment wetlands
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/356023
Effect of intermittent induced aeration on nitrogen removal and denitrifying-bacterial community structure in Cork and gravel vertical flow pilot-scale treatment wetlands
Aguilar Pérez, Lorena; Gallegos Dávalos, Ángel; Pérez, Leonardo Martín; Arias, Carlos A.; Rubio, Raquel; Haulani, Leila; García Raurich, Josep; Pallarés, Marc; de Pablo, Joan; Morató Farreras, Jordi
In this work, we have evaluated the impact of aeration in total nitrogen (TN), ammonia (NH4-N) and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) removal in four pilot-scale vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) using cork by-product or gravel as the filter material and planted with Phragmites australis. Both aerated and non-aerated systems achieved high COD and BOD5 elimination rates (= 90%) at the end of the 5-month. However, the aerated systems presented maximal BOD5 removal from the third month of operation onwards since air supply favoured the oxidative bioprocesses occurring within the wetlands. Cork and gravel aerated VFCW also proved to be more efficient (p < 0.05) in NO3-N removal than the non-aerated systems and this upgraded performance was correlated with a significant higher relative abundance of the nirS gene. The aerated systems also showed a slightly improved in NH4-N removal. Noticeably, cork VFCW showed higher TN removal mean values (~35%) than gravel wetlands (27-28%) regardless aeration. Moreover, cork VFCW showed higher relative abundance of the nosZ gene. Our results demonstrated a better nitrogen elimination for the aerated cork pilot-scale VFCW, and this behaviour was correlated with a higher abundance of both nirS and nosZ, two of the key functional genes involved in nitrogen metabolism.
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis Group in Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A on 2021, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/10934529.2021.1967652.
2021-11-10T16:50:34ZAguilar Pérez, LorenaGallegos Dávalos, ÁngelPérez, Leonardo MartínArias, Carlos A.Rubio, RaquelHaulani, LeilaGarcía Raurich, JosepPallarés, Marcde Pablo, JoanMorató Farreras, JordiIn this work, we have evaluated the impact of aeration in total nitrogen (TN), ammonia (NH4-N) and nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) removal in four pilot-scale vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCW) using cork by-product or gravel as the filter material and planted with Phragmites australis. Both aerated and non-aerated systems achieved high COD and BOD5 elimination rates (= 90%) at the end of the 5-month. However, the aerated systems presented maximal BOD5 removal from the third month of operation onwards since air supply favoured the oxidative bioprocesses occurring within the wetlands. Cork and gravel aerated VFCW also proved to be more efficient (p < 0.05) in NO3-N removal than the non-aerated systems and this upgraded performance was correlated with a significant higher relative abundance of the nirS gene. The aerated systems also showed a slightly improved in NH4-N removal. Noticeably, cork VFCW showed higher TN removal mean values (~35%) than gravel wetlands (27-28%) regardless aeration. Moreover, cork VFCW showed higher relative abundance of the nosZ gene. Our results demonstrated a better nitrogen elimination for the aerated cork pilot-scale VFCW, and this behaviour was correlated with a higher abundance of both nirS and nosZ, two of the key functional genes involved in nitrogen metabolism.Identification of a set of variables for the classification of páramo soils using a nonparametric model, remote sensing, and organic carbon
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/355895
Identification of a set of variables for the classification of páramo soils using a nonparametric model, remote sensing, and organic carbon
Pazmiño Flores, Yadira Carmen; Felipe Blanch, José Juan de; Vallbé Mumbrú, Marc; Cargua, Franklin; Quevedo Junyent, Luisa Jesús
Páramo ecosystems harbor important biodiversity and provide essential environmental services such as water regulation and carbon sequestration. Unfortunately, the scarcity of information on their land uses makes it difficult to generate sustainable strategies for their conservation. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology to easily monitor and document the conservation status, degradation rates, and land use changes in the páramo. We analyzed the performance of two nonparametric models (the CART decision tree, CDT, and multivariate adaptive regression curves, MARS) in the páramos of the Chambo sub-basin (Ecuador). We used three types of attributes: digital elevation model (DEM), land use cover (Sentinel 2), and organic carbon content (Global Soil Organic Carbon Map data, GSOC) and a categorical variable, land use. We obtained a set of selected variables which perform well with both models, and which let us monitor the land uses of the páramos. Comparing our results with the last report of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment (2012), we found that 9% of the páramo has been lost in the last 8 years.
2021-11-09T17:09:06ZPazmiño Flores, Yadira CarmenFelipe Blanch, José Juan deVallbé Mumbrú, MarcCargua, FranklinQuevedo Junyent, Luisa JesúsPáramo ecosystems harbor important biodiversity and provide essential environmental services such as water regulation and carbon sequestration. Unfortunately, the scarcity of information on their land uses makes it difficult to generate sustainable strategies for their conservation. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology to easily monitor and document the conservation status, degradation rates, and land use changes in the páramo. We analyzed the performance of two nonparametric models (the CART decision tree, CDT, and multivariate adaptive regression curves, MARS) in the páramos of the Chambo sub-basin (Ecuador). We used three types of attributes: digital elevation model (DEM), land use cover (Sentinel 2), and organic carbon content (Global Soil Organic Carbon Map data, GSOC) and a categorical variable, land use. We obtained a set of selected variables which perform well with both models, and which let us monitor the land uses of the páramos. Comparing our results with the last report of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment (2012), we found that 9% of the páramo has been lost in the last 8 years.Metabolisme urbà de Terrassa: comprensió de la ciutat amb el seu entorn natural
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/343236
Metabolisme urbà de Terrassa: comprensió de la ciutat amb el seu entorn natural
Sánchez Balvás, Lizeth Artemisa; Felipe Blanch, José Juan de; Sureda Carbonell, Bàrbara
El problema que actualment encaren les ciutats és la linealitat del seu metabolisme, per la qual cosa es fa necessari quantificar els fluxos materials que travessen les economies al llarg del temps a fi d’entendre la relació entre la ciutat i el seu entorn natural. En aquest treball s’analitza el metabolisme urbà de Terrassa mitjançant la quantificació del seus fluxos materials, aplicant i adaptant la metodologia de l'Anàlisi de Fluxos Materials (MFA) proposada per l’Eurostat (2001) durant els anys 2005, 2007 i 2008. D’aquesta anàlisi es deriven resultats del balanç de fluxos materials i indicadors mai abans publicats per al municipi de Terrassa. Hom pretén obrir un nou camp d’investigació tant en l’aplicació de la metodologia a escala local com del concepte d’ecologia urbana.
2021-04-07T16:04:03ZSánchez Balvás, Lizeth ArtemisaFelipe Blanch, José Juan deSureda Carbonell, BàrbaraEl problema que actualment encaren les ciutats és la linealitat del seu metabolisme, per la qual cosa es fa necessari quantificar els fluxos materials que travessen les economies al llarg del temps a fi d’entendre la relació entre la ciutat i el seu entorn natural. En aquest treball s’analitza el metabolisme urbà de Terrassa mitjançant la quantificació del seus fluxos materials, aplicant i adaptant la metodologia de l'Anàlisi de Fluxos Materials (MFA) proposada per l’Eurostat (2001) durant els anys 2005, 2007 i 2008. D’aquesta anàlisi es deriven resultats del balanç de fluxos materials i indicadors mai abans publicats per al municipi de Terrassa. Hom pretén obrir un nou camp d’investigació tant en l’aplicació de la metodologia a escala local com del concepte d’ecologia urbana.Nature’s contribution to people as a framework for examining socioecological systems: The case of pastoral systems
http://hdl.handle.net/2117/341793
Nature’s contribution to people as a framework for examining socioecological systems: The case of pastoral systems
Dean, Graeme; Rivera Ferre, Marta Guadalupe; Rosas Casals, Martí; López Gelats, Feliu
The Nature’s Contribution to People (NCP) framework builds on the Ecosystem Services (ES) concept and aims to incorporate social sciences more inclusively into economic and ecological aspects of ES. Given the emphasis of NCP around social issues, it is our hypothesis that NCP framework is well positioned to analyse complex socio-ecological systems (SES) where human-nature interactions are heavily linked, such as pastoral systems. In this article, a qualitative comparative analysis was conducted to explore trends throughout the literature on pastoral systems and the viability of the NCP framework to analyse pastoral systems as a SES with strong human-nature interactions. We found that the NCP framework allows for an intuitive translation from ES. Our results show that the NCP Habitat creation and maintenance, Food and feed, and Supporting identities are the most connected to pastoral systems in the scientific literature. Given the emphasis of the NCP framework on non-material aspects of human-nature systems and the ease with which it can be applied to the literature, we suggest that the NCP framework can be complementary to the ES framework to allow for a more complete analysis of SES with strong human-nature connections.
2021-03-16T13:28:16ZDean, GraemeRivera Ferre, Marta GuadalupeRosas Casals, MartíLópez Gelats, FeliuThe Nature’s Contribution to People (NCP) framework builds on the Ecosystem Services (ES) concept and aims to incorporate social sciences more inclusively into economic and ecological aspects of ES. Given the emphasis of NCP around social issues, it is our hypothesis that NCP framework is well positioned to analyse complex socio-ecological systems (SES) where human-nature interactions are heavily linked, such as pastoral systems. In this article, a qualitative comparative analysis was conducted to explore trends throughout the literature on pastoral systems and the viability of the NCP framework to analyse pastoral systems as a SES with strong human-nature interactions. We found that the NCP framework allows for an intuitive translation from ES. Our results show that the NCP Habitat creation and maintenance, Food and feed, and Supporting identities are the most connected to pastoral systems in the scientific literature. Given the emphasis of the NCP framework on non-material aspects of human-nature systems and the ease with which it can be applied to the literature, we suggest that the NCP framework can be complementary to the ES framework to allow for a more complete analysis of SES with strong human-nature connections.