Abstract :

Over ten years the OHM-E has unravelled negative impacts of the industry on the quality of soils surrounding Estarreja. Yet, it is not all bad news. Previous research (DRuMBEAT) has conceptualized and tested a path for bioremediation of contaminated soils based on exploitation of their indigenous microbiomes coupled with biochar (pyrolysed biomass). Model organic contaminants in Estarreja-surrounding soils were successfully biodegraded by biochar-attached biofilms naturally engineered from contaminated soils, which proved them to be better adapted to inhibitory environments than those retrieved from “clean” sites. Though the hypotheses were successfully demonstrated, the biochar-microbial synergisms in contaminated soils surpassed the initial expectations by significantly boosting the biochemical activity, thus anticipating further benefits in development of a broader quality strategy for Estarreja soils. Additionally, biochar production can be tuned to target local-based feedstocks management, yield optimal porosity and redox chemistry to carry biofilms and immobilise contaminants, and provide further long-lasting fertilisation. While the former research answered to “How does it work?”, MOSAIC project aims at addressing “How feasible/profitable is it?” to consolidate and transfer the following purposes: (i) biochar can be produced from renewable feedstocks existing in Estarreja; (ii) pyrolysis parameters can be tuned to match both immobilisation of soil contaminants and controlled release of valuable plant nutrients; (iii) enhanced activity of the soil microorganisms enriched onto biochar benefits both soil remediation and fertility; and (iv) the microbial-laden biochar can turn into an innovative Estarreja-based fertiliser, providing that its agronomic value and cost-effectiveness are ensured through proper evaluation towards a proof-of-concept development.