Soil properties and environmental risk assessment of soils in the surrounding area of Hulene‑B waste dump, Maputo (Mozambique)

Soils in areas surrounding landflls are constantly being enriched by heavy metals contained in the leachates, which can subsequently migrate to groundwater. The present investigation aims to characterize soil properties of 71 soil samples collected in the surroundings of Hulene-B waste dump and to determine the landfll pollution index (Ip). Soils properties studied were texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, color, and moisture. Results revealed that soils properties in the surroundings of Hulene-B waste dump were signifcantly altered when compared to local background. Ip index classifed these soils with very high pollution, indicating a possible migration of contaminants to subsoil and groundwater, suggesting the need for intervention to mitigate the impact.publishe

Soil risk assessment in the surrounding area of Hulene-B waste dump, Maputo (Mozambique)

Soil contamination in areas close to unplanned dumpsites represents an increasing risk to the ecosystems and human health. This study aimed to evaluate soil quality in the area surrounding the Hulene-B waste dump, Maputo, Mozambique, and to estimate potential ecological and human health risks. A total of 71 surface soil samples were collected in the surrounding area of the dump, along with 10 samples in areas considered not impacted by the dump. Chemical and mineralogical analyses were performed using XRF and XRD. Quartz was the most abundant mineral phase, followed by feldspars, carbonates, clay minerals, and Fe oxides/hydroxides. Results showed a significant contribution to ecological degradation by PTE enrichment, ranked as Zn >> Cu > Cr > Zr > Pb > Ni > Mn. Carcinogenic risk for both children and adults was significant due to Pb soil content. Soil sample concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Zr, posing a risk especially in children, suggested the need for continuous monitoring, as well as the definition and implementation of mitigation measures.publishe

Geochemical and mineralogical characterization of Ria de Aveiro (Portugal) saltpan sediments for pelotherapy application

The present study aims to characterize sediments textural, geochemical and mineralogical composition used in a SPA for pelotherapy applications. Six samples were collected in two areas of an open-air saline SPA, a former saltpan in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). Sampling areas are predominantly composed by recent alluvium that had been affected by chemical industrial effluents for over 50 years. Samples < 2000, 63, and 2 µm fractions were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), for identification of mineral phases and chemical composition. SEM analysis was used for individual particles morphological characterization and chemical semi-quantification. Texture, mineral phases and chemical composition showed the influence of SPA pond beneficiation works. The two SPA areas revealed distinct mineral phases, one with higher quartz content, and the other with higher halite content, consistent with their environmental conditions. Illite constituted the most abundant mineral phase of the clay fraction. Preliminary results suggested concentrations of potential toxic elements (e.g., As, Cd) above reference values, representing a risk to the ecosystem and humans.publishe

Characterization of the dynamics of leachate contamination plumes in the surroundings of the Hulene‐B waste dump in Maputo, Mozambique

The contamination of areas around solid urban waste dumps is a global challenge for the maintenance of environmental quality in large urban centres in developing countries. This study applied a geophysical method (electrical resistivity) to identify leachate contamination plumes in the subsoil and groundwater, as well as to describe their temporal dynamics (2020 and 2021) in the surroundings of the Hulene‐B waste dump, Maputo, Mozambique. Eight 400 m electrical resistivity profiles were performed, four profiles in January 2020 and four profiles in May 2021 overlapped, and the data were inverted with RES2D software. The electrical resistivity models predominantly indicate an E‐W movement of large contamination plumes that are successively diluted with saturated media and groundwater, creating zones of less resistive anomalies (< 4.2–< 8.5 Ω∙m) possibly contaminated at the two analysed seasons, between 2020–2021. The thickness of the contamination plumes was higher in summer (2020) for profiles 1 and 2, and we associate it with the production and migration mechanisms of leachate that are intense in the hot and rainy season. Southwest of the dump, profile 4b showed the propagation of anomalous areas on the surface and at depth, which are associated with the production of leachate resulting from the continuous decomposition of waste that is continuously deposited in a new area southwest of the dump, thus generating a slow and continuous migration of leachate at depth, mainly in winter (2021). The spatial distribution of contamination plumes during both seasons was reduced significantly farther away from the waste deposit, revealing the attenuating effect of groundwater and lithological substrate (Profile 3).publishe

Integration of electrical resistivity and modified DRASTIC model to assess groundwater vulnerability in the surrounding area of Hulene-B waste dump, Maputo, Mozambique

In this study, electrical resistivity was applied in six 400 m profiles around the Hulene-B waste dump (Mozambique). Afterwards, an inversion was performed by RES2Dinv. The use of the electrical resistivity method allowed us to characterize in detail some underlying aspects of the DRASTIC index by identifying anomalous zones considered to be permeable and prone to leachate migration. The modified DRASTIC index revealed high values in areas near contaminated surface groundwater and surface layers of the vadose zone, characterized by low resistivities. Areas with lower index results were characterized by high resistivity on surface layers and high depth at which groundwater was detected. The overall modified DRASTIC index result revealed medium vulnerability. However, high vulnerability index values were detected in areas with higher surface elevation, suggesting groundwater contamination by horizontal dilution of leachates from the surrounding area of the Hulene-B waste dump.publishe

Geophagic materials characterization and potential impact on human health: the case study of Maputo City (Mozambique)

This study aims to characterize and estimate risk assessment associated with geophagic materials consumption in Maputo city (Mozambique). Samples were collected in extraction mines, unprepared and prepared ones, and in Maputo markets. Fractions < 2 mm (total consumed material) and <63 µm were analyzed to determine pH, EC, OM, chemical composition (XRF), and mineral phases present (XRD). The results revealed pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, and electrical conductivity ranging from 13 to 47 µS/cm in mine unprepared and prepared samples, while 264–465 µS/cm in sampled sold in markets. Organic matter content was <2.76%, except in one sample (8.14%), suggesting a potential risk of containing bacteria. Textural analysis revealed that sand-size particles were more representative in all samples (57.2–93.02%). Mineralogical phases identified in the consumed sample were ranked quartz (>60%) > Fe oxides/hidroxides > phyllosilicates (micas and kaolinite) > feldspars, suggesting a risk of dental enamel damage and perforation of the sigmoid colon. The chemical concentration of some elements was higher than recommended daily dose, suggesting a potential risk. However, geophagic materials’ chemical composition does not pose a carcinogenic risk.publishe

Geophagy and its potential human health implications: a review of some cases from South Africa

The complex human behaviour of eating earthy materials is known as geophagy. It is of worldwide concern because of its potential health implications associated with the practice. South Africa is one of the developing countries where geophagy is predominant with several motivations attributed to justify the practice. However, the aetiology and possible health risks of geophagy are poorly understood among the geophagic individuals. Some published articles of geophagy focuses on aspects of the source materials (.i.e., physicochemistry, mineralogy and geochemistry characteristics of the ingested earthy material) with reference to possible health impacts, whereas others focused on its prevalence and practices. Inadequate investigations are available for holistic interpretations focusing on the prevalence of geophagic practices, and characterising the source material with the related health risks when consumed. This review aims to fill the knowledge gap by detailing some findings on published works of geophagy and how human health can be affected by such practice conducted in five South African provinces (i.e., Limpopo, Kwazulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng) where it is prevalent. The present review also aims to minimise and promote health educative awareness about geophagy among consumers and general public, as well as the need for more holistic studies of the earthy material ingested (including all aspects of composition, biological, and physico-chemical properties as well as bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the consumed material) and its potential human health risks.publishe

Projeto Fénix : o ano zero, numa escola do distrito de Setúbal

Sendo a escola um direito que a todos assiste, a mesma procura estruturar-se para que todos consigam responder e alcançar os requisitos básicos, proporcionando condições para o prosseguimento do seu percurso escolar e profissional. No entanto, nem todos os alunos conseguem realizar as aprendizagens aos ritmos e nas condições da maioria, sendo por isso fundamental desenvolver projetos e ações no sentido do combate ao insucesso e abandono escolar. O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso num Agrupamento de Escolas do Distrito de Setúbal o qual procurou, através da implementação do Projeto Fénix (PF), desenvolver ações direcionadas à promoção do sucesso escolar. Este começou a ser perspetivado como uma metodologia inovadora de trabalho para promover o êxito de todos os alunos, recuperando e consolidando aprendizagens ao nível das disciplinas sujeitas Prova Final no Ensino Básico: Português e Matemática. O Projeto que motivou este estudo foi aplicado no ano letivo 2014/2015 às turmas do 5º ano de escolaridade da escola, teve os seguintes objetivos: Caracterizar o processo de implementação do Projeto Fénix na escola; Determinar a influência das práticas da gestão de topo e intermédia; Conhecer as práticas de articulação, diferenciação e gestão curricular dos professores envolvidos; Analisar as perceções de alunos e professores sobre a sua implementação e os seus impactos e estudar a evolução dos resultados escolares dos alunos participantes no Projeto. De modo a alcançar esses objetivos, utilizou-se uma metodologia de investigação mista, através da aplicação de inquérito por questionário a todos os alunos e professores envolvidos, e efetuando a análise documental das pautas dos resultados escolares dos alunos e de documentos internos da escola As principais conclusões do estudo apontam no sentido de que este Projeto foi uma mais-valia, principalmente porque fez aumentar a proximidade na relação entre professores e alunos, ao mesmo tempo a liderança e a participação contribuíram para que o Projeto fosse real e adequado. Verificou-se também uma evolução positiva dos resultados académicos dos alunos, ao longo do 1.º ano de implementação do Projeto Fénix na escola.Once the school is a right that assists to us all, the same demandes do be structured so that everyone could answer and achieve the basic requisites, so they can continue their academic and professional course. However, not all students are able to accomplish learning according to the rhythms and in the same conditions as the majority, therefore it is essential to develop projects and actions to combat failure and schoo dropout. The present work presents a case study about a cluster of schools in the district of Setúbal that tried through the implementation of Project Fénix, to develop actions directed to the promotion of academic success. This one began to be seen as an innovative work methodology to promote the success of all students, recovering and consolidating learning at the level of subjects that were evaluated in a final exam in the subjects of Portuguese and Maths. The Project that motivated this study, applied in the academic year of 2014/2015 to all the 5th grade students, had the following objectives: to characterize the process of implementation of project Fénix in the school; to determine the influence on the top and intermediate management practices in the school; to know the articulation, differentiation and curricular management practices the teachers involved in it; to analyze the perceptions of students and teachers implicated in the project on its implementation and its impacts; and to study the evolution of school results of the students involved in the project. In order to achieve these goals, a mixed research method was used, through the application of a questionnaire to all students and teachers involved in the project; and the documentary analyses of internal documents from the school. The main conclusions of the study show that this project was a valuable asset, mainly because it increased the proximity between teachers and students, while at the same time leadership and participation contributed so that the project could be real and appropriated. Positive results were also observed in the students’ academic performance, along the first year of Project Fénix implementation

Efeitos da criatividade e da regulação emocional na redução do preconceito relativamente à comunidade cigana

Dados recentes evidenciam que em Portugal alguns grupos de imigrantes e minorias étnicas como os ciganos continuam a ser alvo de discursos racistas, demonstrando que o preconceito, enquanto atitude negativa face a membros de um determinado grupo social, continua a degradar o estabelecimento de relações intergrupais positivas. Neste sentido, a pesquisa sobre variáveis que contribuem para a redução do preconceito continua a ser um tópico de pesquisa atual, sendo pertinente estudar o papel de algumas variáveis que não têm sido contempladas nos estudos clássicos de redução do preconceito. Utilizando um conjunto de medidas implícitas e explícitas, no presente trabalho apresenta-se um estudo, experimental, conduzido com 134 estudantes universitários, que testa o papel da criatividade na redução de atitudes e emoções negativas relativamente a membros da comunidade cigana. Paralelamente e tendo em conta pesquisas recentes, este estudo visa também testar o papel moderador da regulação emocional (subdividida em reavaliação cognitiva e supressão emocional) na relação supracitada, esperando-se que a criatividade tenha um papel na redução do preconceito sobretudo quando a regulação emocional é elevada. Globalmente, e ao contrário do esperado, não foram encontradas diferenças entre as diferentes condições - criatividade (N=53); sem criatividade (N=51); e grupo controlo (N=30). Numa análise quase-experimental dos dados, verificou-se, no entanto, um efeito parcialmente significativo da reavaliação cognitiva na redução do preconceito. Os resultados serão discutidos à luz da literatura existente.Recent data show that in Portugal some immigrant groups and ethnic minorities, such as the Gipsy’s, are still a target of racist speeches, demonstrating that prejudice, as a negative attitude to members of a particular social group, continues to weaken the development of positive intergroup relationships. In this sense, investigations on variables that may contribute to reduce prejudice remain a topic of current research, the most relevant being the study of variables that have not been covered in classic studies on prejudice reduction. Using a set of implicit and explicit measures, this work presents an experimental study with 134 university students that test the role of creativity in reducing negative attitudes and emotions against members of a Gipsy community. At the same time and taking into account recent research, this study also aims to test the moderating role of emotional regulation (divided between the cognitive reappraisal and the expressive suppression emotion) on the aforesaid relation, hoping that creativity can have a role in reducing prejudice when there is high emotional regulation. Globally and contrary to what was expected, there were no differences found between the three conditions, Creativity (N=53), Without Creativity (N=51) and a Control Group (N=30). However, on a quasi-experimental analysis of the data, what was found was a partially significant effect of the cognitive reappraisal on prejudice reduction. The results will be discussed taking into account the existing literature

Satisfação profissional e carreira: o caso dos assistentes sociais

As profundas alterações na esfera laboral, comportam novos problemas sociais, maiores taxas de desemprego e novas formas de precarização que afetam diretamente os assistentes sociais em Portugal. Esta realidade pode comportar consequências ao nível da satisfação profissional e com a carreira pelo que urge ao Serviço Social repensar estratégias e medidas no campo da gestão de recursos humanos. Assim, este estudo de carácter quantitativo, tem como objetivos observar como os assistentes sociais em Portugal percecionam o vínculo com a carreira, o comprometimento e o bloqueio que sentem em relação a esta, bem como observar o efeito da satisfação profissional e com a carreira no comprometimento e bloqueio da mesma. São ainda objetivos desta investigação, para além da caracterização e evolução da profissão em Portugal, auscultar a perceção dos trabalhadores da área sobre a criação da Ordem Profissional dos assistentes sociais e seu impacto na profissão, assim como percecionar o desejo/vontade de continuar na área profissional de Serviço Social. Através de uma amostra de 454 assistentes sociais, maioritariamente do sexo feminino (96% ), com idades compreendidas entre os 22 e os 66 anos (M = 37.5, DP = 8.80), os resultados demonstram altos níveis de comprometimento com a carreira, nomeadamente nas dimensões identidade e planeamento, demonstrando o apego emocional e a importância da carreira na identidade dos assistentes sociais, tal como, da necessidade da fixação de metas de carreira. Também se observaram níveis elevados na dimensão custos emocionais e níveis moderados de satisfação profissional e com a carreira, o que alerta para a importância da adoção de estratégias que promovam uma maior satisfação e comprometimento e para a adaptação de planos de carreira que valorizem o crescimento e o desenvolvimento dos recursos humanos.The profound changes in the labor sphere, involve new social problems, higher unemployment rates and new forms of precariously affecting social workers in Portugal. This reality can have consequences for professional satisfaction and career, so it is urgent for Social Work to rethink strategies and measures in the field of human resources management. Thus, this quantitative study aims to observe how social assistants in Portugal understand the link with the career, commitment and entrenchment they feel in relation to it, as well as to observe the effect of professional satisfaction and career commitment and career entrenchment. The objectives of this research are also, in addition to the characterization and evolution of the profession in Portugal, to listen to the perception of workers in the area about the creation of the Professional Order of social workers and its impact on the profession, as well as to perceive the desire/willingness to continue in the professional area of Social Work. Through a sample of 454 social workers, mostly female (96%), aged between 22 and 66 years (M = 37.5, SD = 8. 80), the results demonstrate high levels of career commitment, particularly in the identity and planning dimensions, demonstrating the emotional attachment and importance of the career in the social workers ' identity, as well as the need to set career goals. High levels in the emotional costs dimension and moderate levels of professional and career satisfaction were also observed, which alerts to the importance of the adoption of strategies that promote greater satisfaction and commitment, and for the adaptation of career plans that value the growth and development of human resources