Developing and disseminating new technologies for environmental remediation of emerging contaminants

• Grant number: 22/06219-3
• Support Opportunities: Generation Project Research Grant
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ailton Jose Moreira
• Grantee: Ailton Jose Moreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Araraquara
• Associated researchers: Eduardo Costa de Figueiredo ; Elaine Cristina Paris ; Raquel Fernandes Pupo Nogueira
• Associated scholarship(s): 26/02496-3 - Optimizing water and effluent treatment process variables for the degradation of emerging contaminants by solar photocatalysis, BP.TT; 25/24752-9 - Physical-chemical treatment technologies for domestic effluents: A practical approach for teachers and students in the basic education system, BP.EP; 25/24754-1 - Disseminating the water and wastewater treatment technologies to teachers and students the basic education., BP.EP; + associated scholarships 25/24814-4 - From our homes to our rivers: understanding how pollutants enter environmental ecosystems, BP.EP; 25/22379-9 - Optimizing photocatalytic processes for the degradation of emerging contaminants mediated by solar irradiation, BP.IC; 25/06182-0 - Optimizing water and effluent treatment process variables for the degradation of emerging contaminants by solar photocatalysis, BP.TT; 25/00788-4 - Adsorptive capacity of emerging contaminants from porous carbon and molecularly imprinted polymers., BP.IC; 25/00512-9 - Use of ecological and operational spaces for collective dissemination of environmental education and processes applied to water and effluent treatment, BP.MS; 24/06199-8 - New materials applied to extraction processes and sample preparation for the quali-quantification of emerging contaminants in surface water and effluent samples., BP.TT; 23/18399-9 - New sustainable adsorbents for environmental remediation of emerging contaminants in water and effluents, BP.MS; 23/17483-6 - Obtaining Mo-modified FeWO4 for environmental remediation of emerging contaminants by solar photocatalysis., BP.DR; 23/14265-8 - Developing and disseminating new technologies for environmental remediation of emerging contaminants, BP.IC; 23/07525-3 - Developing and disseminating new technologies for environmental remediation of emerging contaminants, BP.GR - associated scholarships

Abstract

The class of emerging contaminants, which include pharmaceutical residues and pesticides, has been widely studied due to their presence and toxicity in different environmental ecosystems. Due to their proven risks, European countries and the USA have created mechanisms and standards to deal with, monitor, and control their presence in the environment. However, Brazil, which has a "strong" pharmaceutical industry and is one of the largest consumers of agricultural pesticides in the world, has not shown the same concerns regarding this global problem. In this scenario, expanding actions aimed at the development of new technologies for treatment, pollution control and environmental monitoring of these compounds are necessary. Therefore, this project presents a proposal for a public-public partnership for the development of new technologies aimed at the treatment, control, and monitoring of emerging contaminants in a real environment. Inspired by the solar platform in Almeria-ES for the treatment of wastewater, the proposal aims at field experimentation, with the potential construction of an experimental solar mini-platform at the ETE in the municipality of Gavião Peixoto - SP, located in the mesoregion of Araraquara - SP. The experimental stations fed by real effluent and surface water will be used to develop research aimed at the environmental remediation of emerging contaminants. Combined type solar reactors will be installed in the effluent stream previously treated by biological processes, and the efficiency of solar photocatalysis will be investigated using different advanced oxidation (AOP) and adsorption processes. The photocatalyst nanomaterials will be synthesized by the hydrothermal method assisted by microwave (MW), ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis) radiation proposed for the first time by the responsible researcher. The adsorbent materials will be based on high porosity carbon and molecular imprinting polymers (MIP) for application in the removal of emerging pollutants and sample preparation processes. The public-public partnership will be an opportunity to, in loco, promote the dissemination of technical-scientific knowledge on the proposed theme to new researchers, technical professionals, and primary-medium education students. In the real environment of the ETE and an existing Ecological Park in the respective municipality, local and regional public schools at basic, medium, and technical levels, in addition to society in general, will be encouraged to visit the spaces as an activity of extension. (AU)

Scientific publications

(16)

(The scientific publications listed on this page originate from the Web of Science or SciELO databases. Their authors have cited FAPESP grant or fellowship project numbers awarded to Principal Investigators or Fellowship Recipients, whether or not they are among the authors. This information is collected automatically and retrieved directly from those bibliometric databases.)

MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; MARQUES, GLEISON NERES; DE ARAUJO, KELVIN COSTA; DE MORAES, ALEX SILVA; MASCARO, LUCIA HELENA; PEREIRA, ERNESTO CHAVES. Photocatalytic Degradation of Environmental Contaminants: Transformation Products and Effects on Photocatalytic Performance. CATALYSTS, v. 15, n. 7, p. 26-pg., 2025-06-30. (23/07525-3, 13/07296-2, 17/11986-5, 24/07206-8, 21/12394-0, 21/06128-5, 22/06219-3)

FERREIRA, DAVI S.; MARQUES, GLEISON N.; FERREIRA, ADRIANADAS MERCES P.; OLIVEIRA, MARCELO M.; DA ROCHA, CLAUDIA Q.; MOREIRA, AILTON J.; FERNANDES, CARLOS H. M.; LANZA, MARCOS R.; BERNARDI, MARIA INES B.; MASCARO, LUCIA H.; et al. Synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles using Syzygium cumini extract: Photodegradation of norfloxacin and enhanced recyclability. Materials Chemistry and Physics, v. 332, p. 12-pg., 2024-12-20. (18/22210-0, 23/06558-5, 23/07525-3, 19/06650-3, 18/22022-0, 18/09761-8, 21/06128-5, 23/01425-7, 22/12895-1, 22/06219-3, 13/07296-2, 18/22211-7)

RIBEIRO, M. H. DA SILVA; MARQUES, G. N.; MOREIRA, A. J.; OLIVEIRA, M. M.; OLIVEIRA, R. C.; DA SILVA, R. T.; KROHLING, A. C.; MACEDO, W. A. A.; BERNARDI, M. I. B.; MASCARO, L. H.; et al. Green-assisted synthesis of highly defective nanostructured Fe-doped SnO2: Magnetic and photocatalytic properties evaluation. ACTA MATERIALIA, v. 277, p. 15-pg., 2024-07-21. (13/07296-2, 21/06128-5, 22/06219-3, 23/04376-7)

NASCIMENTO, ANDRESSA CRISTINA DE ALMEIDA; MALAFATTI, JOAO OTAVIO DONIZETTE; SIERRA E SILVA, MARIA LUIZA LOPES; MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; THOMAZI, ADRIANA COATRINI; QUARANTA, SIMONE; PARIS, ELAINE CRISTINA. Hydrotalcite Supported on Polycaprolactone:Poly(methyl methacrylate) Fiber Membranes for Chlorogenic Acid Removal. WATER, v. 17, n. 7, p. 20-pg., 2025-03-22. (22/06219-3, 23/03632-0, 23/07525-3, 21/14992-1)

MOREIRA, AILTON J.; DE ARAUJO, KELVIN C.; MARQUES, GLEISON N.; NOBREGA, ERYKA T. D.; SANTOS, HUGO L. S.; MASCARO, LUCIA H.; ONOFRE, YINA J.; GALETI, HELDER V. A.; GOBATO, YARA GALVAO; MASTELARO, VALMOR R.; et al. Anatase-rutile-brookite: Structural and photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ modified with different boron concentrations. Materials Research Bulletin, v. 179, p. 13-pg., 2024-06-26. (22/06219-3, 13/07296-2, 22/05254-0, 19/26860-2, 17/11986-5)

MARQUES, GLEISON N.; MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; NOBREGA, ERYKA THAMYRIS D.; BRAGA, SANDALENE; ARGENTIN, MARCELA N.; CAMARGO, ILANA L. B. DA CUNHA; AZEVEDO, EMILIO; PEREIRA, ERNESTO C.; BERNARDI, MARIA INES B.; MASCARO, LUCIA H.. Selective inhibitory activity of multidrug-resistant bacteria by zinc oxide nanoparticles. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, v. 12, n. 1, p. 13-pg., 2024-01-13. (22/06219-3, 13/07296-2, 21/06128-5, 22/05254-0, 13/07600-3, 22/07984-5)

GEBARA, RENAN CASTELHANO; DE ABREU, CINTHIA BRUNO; ROCHA, GISELI SWERTS; MANSANO, ADRISLAINE DA SILVA; ASSIS, MARCELO; MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; SANTOS, MYKAELLI ANDRADE; PEREIRA, THALLES MARANESI; VIRTUOSO, LUCIANO SINDRA; MELAO, MARIA DA GRACA GAMA; et al. Harmful effects of the semiconductor copper tungstate (CuWO4) on multiple photosynthetic parameters of the green microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY, v. 279, p. 8-pg., 2025-01-15. (14/14139-3, 18/07988-5, 21/13607-7, 21/13583-0, 22/06219-3, 13/07296-2)

BERNARDI, BARBARA; MALAFATTI, JOAO OTAVIO DONIZETTE; MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; NASCIMENTO, ANDRESSA CRISTINA DE ALMEIDA; LIMA, JULIANA BRUZACA; VERMEERSCH, LILIAN APARECIDA FIORINI; PARIS, ELAINE CRISTINA. Antimicrobial membranes based on polycaprolactone:pectin blends reinforced with zeolite faujasite for cloxacillin-controlled release. DISCOVER NANO, v. 20, n. 1, p. 15-pg., 2025-01-14. (19/23412-9, 21/14992-1, 22/06219-3, 23/17483-6, 23/03632-0)

DE ABREU, CINTHIA BRUNO; GEBARA, RENAN CASTELHANO; ROCHA, GISELI SWERTS; MANSANO, ADRISLAINE DA SILVA; ASSIS, MARCELO; PEREIRA, THALLES MARANESI; VIRTUOSO, LUCIANO SINDRA; MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; SANTOS, MYKAELLI ANDRADE; MELAO, MARIA DA GRACA GAMA; et al. The effects of nickel tungstate nanoparticles (NiWO₄ NPs) on freshwater microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata (Chlorophyceae). INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY, v. N/A, p. 13-pg., 2025-01-09. (18/07988-5, 21/13607-7, 21/13583-0, 22/06219-3, 13/07296-2)

DE ARAUJO, KELVIN C.; MOREIRA, AILTON J.; DA SILVA, JEYSE; STACIAKI, FELIPE; OLIVEIRA, REGIANE C.; KORDIAK, WESLEY; BATISTA, JONATA R. D.; TRIVINHO-STRIXINO, FRANCISCO; PEREIRA, ERNESTO. An innovative method for environmental remediation using sparks formed during plasma electrolytic oxidation on aluminum foils. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, v. 526, p. 8-pg., 2025-12-15. (17/11986-5, 21/11630-1, 13/07296-2, 22/06219-3, 24/07206-8, 22/05195-3, 21/12394-0, 19/27029-5)

ERYKA T. D. NOBREGA; KELVIN C. DE ARAÚJO; AILTON J. MOREIRA; REGIANE C. DE OLIVEIRA; GELSON T. S. T. DA SILVA; SIRLON F. BLASKIEVICZ; LEANDRO L. SOARES; SHERLAN G. LEMOS; LUCIA H. MASCARO; ERNESTO C. PEREIRA. Pure and Cobalt-Modified ZnO Nanostructures Prepared by a New Synthesis Route Applied to Environmental Remediation. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society, v. 35, n. 11, 2024-05-10. (22/05254-0, 13/07296-2, 23/11554-9, 21/12394-0, 23/07525-3, 22/06219-3, 19/26860-2, 22/10255-5)

MOREIRA, AILTON. J.; DIAS, JEFERSON A.; ONOFRE, YINA J.; BRAGA, RAISSA G.; COSTA, KELVIN A.; NOGUEIRA, RAQUEL F. P.; GOBATO, YARA GALVAO; ANDRADE, MARCELO. B.; GALETI, HELDER V. A.; PEREIRA, ERNESTO C.. Microwave and UV-Vis assisted photocatalysts preparation for efficient sunlight-driven degradation of wastewater emerging contaminants. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL, v. 522, p. 17-pg., 2025-10-15. (22/06219-3, 17/11986-5, 23/18399-9, 24/07206-8, 13/07296-2)

LIMA, JULIANA B.; MARQUES, GLEISON N.; FERREIRA, DAVI S.; MOREIRA, AILTON. J.; ASSIS, MARCELO; LONGO, ELSON; BERNARDI, MARIA INES B.; RANGEL, JOSE H. G.; AZEVEDO, EMILIO; MASCARO, LUCIA H.; et al. Degradation of emerging contaminants using Co/Nb-modified SnO₂ nanoparticles and produced with babassu mesocarp (Orbgnya Speciosa). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, v. 13, n. 2, p. 14-pg., 2025-03-04. (22/06219-3, 21/06128-5)

BECERRA, LAURA CRISTINA ISABEL FONSECA; MALAFATTI, JOA OTAVIO DONIZETTE; PARIS, ELAINE CRISTINA; JOYA, MIRYAM RINCON; MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; REIS, ROBERTA YONARA NASCIMENTO; LIMA, JULIANA B.; VARGAS, CARLOS ARTURO PARRA; PAEZ, ANGELA MERCEDES RABA. Photocatalytic degradation of fluoxetine mediated by CuO/ CuWO₄ nanostructures. Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers, v. 174, p. 16-pg., 2025-09-01. (21/11326-0, 23/17483-6, 22/06219-3)

ARAUJO, KELVIN C.; NOBREGA, ERYKA T. D.; MOREIRA, AILTON J.; LEMOS, SHERLAN G.; FRAGOSO, WALLACE D.; PEREIRA, ERNESTO C.. Fast and efficient processes for oxidation and monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental matrices. Catalysis Communications, v. 187, p. 8-pg., 2024-04-30. (22/05254-0, 13/07296-2, 22/06219-3)

MORAIS, ELIZANGELA MARIA DE CASTILHO ALVES; MENDES, TASSIA VENGA; ARNONI, ESTELA DOMINGOS; GORUP, LUIZ FERNANDO; ROSA, MARIANA AZEVEDO; MOREIRA, AILTON JOSE; FIGUEIREDO, EDUARDO COSTA. Magnetic particle spray mass spectrometry for the determination of beta-blockers in plasma samples. Microchimica Acta, v. 191, n. 10, p. 15-pg., 2024-10-01. (22/06219-3)