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- Air Quality at Ponta Delgada City (Azores) Is Unaffected so Far by Growing Cruise Ship Transit in Recent YearsPublication . Bernardo, Filipe; Garcia, Patrícia; Rodrigues, ArmindoThe ease of travel allowed by contemporary means of long-range transportation has brought increasingly higher numbers of visitors to remote and relatively undisturbed insular territories. In a framework of environmental conservation of the natural patrimony, sustainably accommodating touristic flooding and the associated polluting footprint poses a demanding challenge. Over the past decade, Ponta Delgada, the largest city of the mid-Atlantic Azores archipelago, has become a hotspot for transatlantic cruise ship (CS) lines in spring and autumn. CSs are substantial contributors to the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), as well as hazardous sulphur (SOx) and nitrogen (NOx) oxides. It is hereby retrospectively investigated whether the background levels of air pollutants were raised following the CS influx at Ponta Delgada, which conventionally displays great air quality. The daily CS traffic at the local harbor was associated with the daily concentrations of air pollutants (SO₂, O₃, NO₂, NOx, PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅), monitored by the local urban background monitoring station (~1.3 km northwards). Exceedances above daily legislated limits from 2013 until 2020 only occurred sporadically for PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, often during episodes of natural dust storms. No major correlation was found between CS parameters with the recorded values of pollutants, although a noticeable signal of NOx increase of southern origin is observed during spring days with CS presence. Daily data suggest CS influx has not strongly influenced background air quality. A near-source, real-time monitoring network should be implemented in the city to provide the necessary spatial and temporal resolution for tracking short-term fluctuations in air pollutants during CS arrivals and departures.
- Elemental profile of native lichens displaying the impact by agricultural and artificial land uses in the Atlantic island of São Miguel (Azores)Publication . Bernardo, Filipe; Rodrigues, Armindo; Branquinho, Cristina; Garcia, PatríciaSmaller oceanic islands, often hosting endangered native habitats, are particularly vulnerable to the impact of human activities. Using lichens as bioindicators, this study aimed to test if agricultural (AGR) and artificial (ART) land uses are noticeably more impacted than forest (FOR) land use on an oceanic island (São Miguel, Azores). Livestock and farming practices in AGR areas involve the intensive application of synthetical agrochemicals as well as organic fertilizers and manure. ART areas accommodate vehicular traffic besides industries dedicated to waste management, energy production or exploration and transformation of raw materials. Naturally occurring Parmotrema lichens were collected in 28 sampling sites distributed between each land use. The concentrations of 58 elements as well as the percentage (%N) and the isotopic composition of nitrogen (δ15N) were determined on lichen samples. An overall pattern of significant elemental enrichment was observed in lichens from AGR and ART sites compared with FOR lichens, including several rare-earth elements. FOR lichens were noticeably cleaner, thus providing background concentrations for the calculation of bioaccumulation ratios. Bioaccumulation levels were generally low to moderate in AGR lichens and moderate to high in ART lichens, including toxic heavy metals. %N was highest in AGR lichens and its isotopic signature was distinguishable from ART lichens by significantly lower δ15N values. This study provides a comprehensive baseline of bioaccumulation data across major land uses for comparison with other insular regions, highlighting the greater vulnerability of island ecosystems to anthropogenic impacts even if by relatively small-scale human activities.
- Concerning Mercury (Hg) Levels in the Hair of Children Inhabiting a Volcanically Active AreaPublication . Fontes, Rute; Coelho, Nádia; Garcia, Patrícia; Bernardo, Filipe; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Caudle, MichaelABSTRACT: Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0 or GEM) is an atmospheric form of mercury (Hg)—a toxic heavy metal—that is naturally released in volcanic environments. Research with wild mice demonstrates that chronic exposure to a hydrothermal volcanic environment leads to the bioaccumulation of Hg in the lungs, but also in both the central (CNS) and peripheric (PNS) nervous systems, with marked indications of neurotoxicity. Studies addressing human exposure to volcanogenic Hg0 are scarce, hence its risks are still unknown. This study aims to evaluate the level of exposure to Hg0 in children living in a volcanically active environment. Methodology and main findings: Two groups of school-aged children (from 6 to 9 years old) were part of this study: one with children inhabiting a hydrothermal area (exposed group) and another with children inhabiting an area without volcanic activity (non-exposed group). Hair samples were collected from each individual for Hg level analysis. It was found that the levels of Hg in the hair of exposed children were 4.2 times higher than in that of non-exposed children (≈1797.84 ± 454.92 ppb vs. 430.69 ± 66.43 ppb, respectively). Conclusion: Given the vast health risks Hg poses, the need to monitor the health of populations inhabiting volcanically active areas is highlighted. Because little is known about the fate, modifications, and effects of Hg0 in the human body, particularly regarding its effects on the nervous system in children, the development of further research within the scope is strongly encouraged.
- Fluoride levels in water sources inside the crater of Furnas volcano: Potential health implications for local communities and touristsPublication . Linhares, Diana; Gaspar, Diogo; Bernardo, Filipe; Beney, Isabelle; Garcia, Patrícia; dos Santos Rodrigues, ArmindoABSTRACT: Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is widely recognized for its dual role in human health. At optimal concentrations, it provides dental benefits; however, excessive fluoride can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis. Volcanic regions are known for their geothermal water sources that contain elevated levels of fluoride, raising concerns about potential health impacts on local populations. This study focuses on the Furnas volcano region at the Island of São Miguel, Azores, where natural springs are promoted for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. However, these springs also raise concerns about health risks due to fluoride exposure, as they are freely consumed by locals and tourists without any formal treatment or monitoring. Eighteen water samples were collected from natural springs in the village of Furnas. In situ measurements were taken forphysicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, and conductivity. Fluoride concentrations were quantified using a potentiometric method with a fluoride ion-selective electrode. To assess risks, we estimated daily fluoride intake (DFI) and calculated the Hazard Quotient (HQ) for both children and adults. The fluoride concentrations in the samples ranged from 0.47 mg/L to 5.48 mg/L, with 72 % exceeding the recommended limit of 1.5 mg/L for drinking water. Significant correlations were found between temperature, conductivity, and fluoride concentration. Hazard Quotient values indicated potential health risks for children consuming untreated spring water. Waters categorized as hypothermal exhibited significantly lower fluoride concentrations compared to mesothermal, thermal, and hyperthermal samples. These findings highlight the impact of volcanic activity on fluoride levels in the natural springs of Furnas, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and public awareness. While these waters are frequently consumed for their perceived health benefits, elevated fluoride levels may pose health risks to residents and tourists, demanding informed decision-making and enhanced water safety measures.
- Volcanic environments and thyroid disruption – A review focused on As, Hg, and CoPublication . Coelho, Nádia; Bernardo, Filipe; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Garcia, Patrícia; Wei, OuyangABSTRACT: The purpose of this review is to explore the link between volcanic environments and thyroid disruption, with focus on the role played by As, Hg, and Co. Volcanoes are the most well-known source of natural pollution, enriching the environment in hazardous elements. It is estimated that about 10 % of world population lives near active volcanoes (Brown et al., 2015). There is evidence supporting a link between living in volcanic environments and thyroid cancer, but it is likely that other types of thyroid disruption are also exacerbated in the populations inhabiting volcanic areas. Arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) are elements with toxic properties that are present in volcanic environments. Cobalt (Co), which is also present in these environments, is part of the essential cobalamin vitamin (B12). However, exposure to non-cobalamin Co can pose health risks. The effects of these three elements on the thyroid are understudied. A review of 125 publications retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases, covering year 1955 to present, was performed. The known molecular mechanisms underlying thyroid disruption by these elements are discussed. It was found that thyroid cancer incidence, but also that of hypothyroidism are heightened in populations living in volcanic environments, particularly in Iceland, Hawaii, and Italy. Knowledge gaps regarding (i) thyroid disruption in areas with non-eruptive active volcanism, (ii) the toxic effects of As, Hg, and Co on the thyroid, and (iii) the incidence of hypothyroidism and other thyroid pathologies in volcanic environments are highlighted. The need to monitor the population of volcanic areas in terms of health is accentuated.
- Histological Evidence of Thyroid Disruption in Wild Mice from Conventional and Organic Farming EnvironmentsPublication . Coelho, Nádia; Carminho, Ricardo; Garcia, Patrícia; Bernardo, Filipe; dos Santos Rodrigues, Armindo; Fortin, ClaudeABSTRACT: The main objective of this work is to assess the potential negative impact of organic farming on the thyroid gland and compare it with the negative impact of conventional farming on this organ. Previous studies have linked exposure to conventional farming with thyroid disruption; relatively less is known about effects of exposure to organic farming on the thyroid. Mus musculus were the bioindicators in this work, captured in a conventional farm (CF), an organic farm (OF), and two reference areas (RF’) without agriculture. Histomorphometric and histomorphological measurements of the thyroid were performed. Hypothyroidism signs were observed in mice exposed to either farming system, being less pronounced in organic farming-exposed mice: epithelium thickness and the epithelial cells’ area and volume were lower than in non-exposed mice [epithelium thickness (µm): 4.16 ± 0.51 (CF); 6.28 ± 0.19 (OF); 7.46 ± 0.25 (RF’)]. Histomorphologic alterations included decreased follicular sphericity, increased epithelium irregularity, increased exfoliation into the colloid, and increased inflammation of thyroid tissue. Results suggest that, while organic farming might be a better alternative to conventional farming, it is not completely free of health hazards. Exposure to an organic farming environment can cause thyroid disruption, although with less pronounced effects than conventional farming. Despite there being risks to be considered, results support the benefit of transitioning from conventional farming systems towards organic farming systems.