Radionuclides in Marine & Aquatic Ecosystems
My research in aquatic systems focuses on the behavior of natural radionuclides at the interface of industrial activities and biological communities. I investigate how elements such as Uranium and Thorium accumulate in biota and how coastal materials can be used to understand environmental radiological signatures.
Figure 1. Electron microscopy of Kappaphycus soluble fractions. These structures act as the biosorbents for heavy metals and radionuclides.
Image courtesy of Ana Lucia Vendranini.
Key Findings in aquatic radioecology
Radiological impact on aquatic biota: It was conducted an extensive assessment of internal dose rates in multiple fish species inhabiting a reservoir associated with a decommissioning uranium mine. This study applied the concept of Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs) to ensure that industrial legacies do not compromise aquatic biodiversity (10.1007/s00411-023-01051-2).
Coastal radioecology & sands: Investigation of natural radioactivity in beach sands, analyzing the radiological impact of coastal deposits on external exposure doses. This work provides baseline data for the management of mineral resources in coastal regions (10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.111157).
Biosorption of radionuclides and heavy metals: The project aims to evaluate the efficiency of marine algae and microalgae in the biosorption and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (such as Pb, Cd, Hg) and radionuclides (Ra, U, Th). I intend to investigate how these microorganisms can be used in bioremediation strategies for decontaminating marine environments affected by industrial effluents.
Figure 2. Algea (Kappaphycus) farm in the Angra dos Reis basin. This local infrastructure can supplies the algal biomass used for the marine bioremediation experiments.
Image courtesy of Ana Lucia Vendranini/Agicultura Project.
