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Criação de material lúdico-pedagógico sobre a importância das abelhas, fundamentado em metodologias de gamificação em Educação Ambiental - Um exemplo de jogo para crianças do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico
O estudo empírico desse trabalho projeto fundamenta-se numa extensa revisão de literatura robusta vincadas em estudos científicos que constam evidências reais dos factos relatados entre os anos 2003 a 2025, em estudos nacionais e internacionais disponíveis em sítios da internet, teses, dissertações, relatório de estágio, revistas científicas, programas escolares e públicos. Toda essa seleção a priori moldou todo o estado da arte para a construção de material lúdico-pedagógico para as crianças do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico, do 4.º Ano de escolaridade, em particular sobre a conservação e preservação das abelhas para o equilíbrio do ecossistema, voltadas para a área curricular do estudo do meio. Para o melhor desempenho do material, é necessário fazer avaliações. Na primeira fase, foi realizado um pré-teste aos alunos do Centro Escolar da Sé, Bragança, que recolheu dados por meio de uma grelha de observação, os dados observados revelaram que a atividade efetuada foi positiva para os 23 alunos. Após testado, o protótipo do jogo, verifica-se material apresenta um grande potencial pedagógico e poderá ser inserido nas propostas pedagógicas aconselhadas pelo Ministério da Educação. Testado o protótipo, e o livro construído em paralelo que dá apoio ao jogo, pretende-se que o material seja entregue a uma editora especializada na construção de jogos didáticos.The emperical study of this project is grounded in extensive and robust literature review, supported by scientific studies that provide real evidence of the facts reported between 2003 and 2025, including national and international research available on websites,theses, dissertations, internship reports, scientific journals, and public and school programmes. This prior selection shaped the entire state of the art the development of playful and pedagogical materials for children in the 1st Cycle of Basic Education, specifically for 4th-grade pupils, focusing on the conservation and preservation of bees and their importance for ecosystem balance within the Enviromental Studies curriculum area. To ensure the material’s effectiveness, evaluations are required. In the firts phase, a pre-test was carried out with revealed that activity had positive results for all 23 pupils. After testing the game prototype, it was confirmed that pedagogical proposals recommended by the Mistry of Education. Onde the prototype was tested and the accompaning book – developed in parallel to support game – was completed, the intention is to submit the material to a publishig specialising in the production of education games
Developing epidemiological preparedness for a plant disease invasion: Modelling citrus huánglóngbìng in the European Union
Societal Impact Statement
Huánglóngbìng (HLB) is a bacterial disease of citrus that has significantly impacted Brazil and the United States, although citrus production in the Mediterranean Basin remains unaffected. By developing a mathematical model of spread in Spain, we tested surveillance and control strategies before any future HLB entry in the EU. We found while some citrus production might be maintained by roguing, this requires extensive surveillance and significant chemical control, perhaps also including testing of psyllids (which spread the pathogen) for bacterial DNA. Our work highlights the key importance of early detection (including asymptomatic infection) and vector control for HLB management.
Summary
• Huánglóngbìng (HLB; citrus greening) is the most damaging disease of citrus worldwide. While citrus production in the United States and Brazil have been affected for decades, HLB has not been reported in the European Union (EU). However, a HLB vector, the African citrus psyllid, is already in Portugal and Spain. In 2023, the major vector, the Asian citrus psyllid, was first reported in Cyprus.
• We develop a landscape-scale, epidemiological model, accounting for heterogeneous citrus cultivation and vector dispersal, as well as climate and disease management.
We use our model to predict HLB dynamics for an epidemic vectored by the African citrus psyllid in high-density citrus areas in Spain, assessing detection and control strategies.
• Without disease management, we predict large areas infected within 10–20 years. Even with significant visual surveillance, any epidemic will be widespread on first detection, making eradication unlikely. Nevertheless, increased inspection and roguing following first detection, particularly if coupled with intensive insecticide use, could sustain some citriculture for a decade or more, albeit with reduced production. However, effective control may require chemical application rates and/or active substances no longer authorised in the EU. Strategies targeting asymptomatic infection will be more successful. Detection of bacteriliferous vectors—sometimes possible long before plants show symptoms—could reduce lags before disease management commences. If detection of HLB-positive vectors were followed by intensive insecticide sprays, this may greatly improve outcomes.
• Our work highlights modelling as a key component of developing epidemiological preparedness for a pathogen invasion that is, at least somewhat, predictable in advance.The work was supported by Pre-HLB (Preventing HLB epidemics for ensuring citrus survival in Europe), grant 817526 from the European Union Horizon 2020 program. Additionally, T.M. acknowledges support from FCT for 2020.07798.BD (doi: 10.54499/2020.07798.BD), and T. M and A.D. jointly acknowledge support from MED for UIDB/05183/2020 (doi: 10.54499/UIDB/05183/2020) and from UIDP/05183/2020 (doi: 10.54499/UIDP/05183/2020) and from CHANGE for LA/P/0121/2020 (doi: 10.54499/LA/P/0121/2020). J.B.-M. and J.A.P. also jointly additionally acknowledge support from FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) for CIMO, UIDB/00690/2020 (doi: 10.54499/UIDB/00690/2020), UIDP/00690/2020 (doi: 10.54499/UIDP/00690/2020) and SusTEC, LA/P/0007/2020 (doi: 10.54499/LA/P/0007/2020)
Genomic Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles in Escherichia coli Linked to Sternal Bursitis in Chickens: A One Health Perspective
Sternal bursitis is an underexplored lesion in poultry, often overlooked in microbiological diagnostics. In this study, we characterized 36 Escherichia coli isolates recovered from sternal bursitis in broiler chickens, combining phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing, PCR-based screening, and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The genetic analysis revealed a diverse population spanning 15 sequence types, including ST155, ST201, and ST58. Resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin was common, and several isolates carried genes encoding beta-lactamases, including blaTEM-1B. Chromosomal mutations associated with quinolone and fosfomycin resistance (e.g., gyrA p.S83L, glpT_E448K) were also identified. WGS revealed a high number of virulence-associated genes per isolate (58-96), notably those linked to adhesion (fim, ecp clusters), secretion systems (T6SS), and iron acquisition (ent, fep, fes), suggesting strong pathogenic potential. Many isolates harbored virulence markers typical of ExPEC/APEC, such as iss, ompT, and traT, even in the absence of multidrug resistance. Our findings suggest that E. coli from sternal bursitis may act as reservoirs of resistance and virulence traits relevant to animal and public health. This highlights the need for including such lesions in genomic surveillance programs and reinforces the importance of integrated One Health approaches.This work was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of projects UI/00772 and LA/P/0059/2020. It also received national financial support through FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC), specifically via CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020) and the SusTEC Associated Laboratory (LA/P/0007/2020). Jessica Ribeiro acknowledges the funding received from FCT through her doctoral fellowship (grant number 2023.00592.BD). The authors also recognize the national support granted by FCT through employment contracts, namely the institutional contract awarded to S. A. Heleno and the individual scientific employment contract of F. S. Reis (reference 2021.03728.CEECIND)
Using Social Networks to Reach Young People and Promote Interest in Writing Scientific Texts
The study explores the potential of social networks to bring young people closer to scientific initiation and the publication of scientific texts. The research highlights young people’s familiarity with the digital world and the relevance of digital inclusion in the teaching and learning process. A junior research journal is presented as a space conducive to the development of young researchers, providing
familiarization with the process of submitting, reviewing, and publishing scientific articles. The prior training of young people through the junior journal is suggested to foster competence in academic writing. Based on research demonstrating the effectiveness of social networks in disseminating scientific production, the study
suggests that these platforms can be effective tools for reaching young people, promoting engagement with science, and stimulating interest in scientific writing and academic subjects. The strategic use of social networks can act to combat disinformation. The results show that the use of social networks is a means of reaching younger audiences, which can also promote increased engagement and stimulate interest in scientific writing and academic subjects.This work has been supported by FCT \u2013 Funda\u00E7\u00E3o para a Ci\u00EAncia e Tecnologia within the Research Center in Basic Education with reference UIDB/05777/2020 (https://doi.org/10.54499/UIDB/05777/2020)
Ateliê de costura e vendas de roupas Africanas AfroArte
O presente projeto analisa a viabilidade económica e financeira do projeto AfroArt, uma iniciativa empreendedora de base cultural dedicada à criação e comercialização de vestuário e acessórios têxteis inspirados na herança estética africana, com enfoque particular na identidade cultural de São Tomé e Príncipe. O projeto enquadra-se no setor das indústrias criativas e tem como missão promover a valorização do património imaterial através da moda, combinando tradição, design contemporâneo e
sustentabilidade social. Para avaliar a exequibilidade do projeto, foi desenvolvido um plano económicofinanceiro com horizonte temporal de seis anos (2026–2031), incluindo projeções de vendas, estrutura de custos, investimento inicial, plano de financiamento e demonstrações financeiras previsionais (balanço, demonstração de resultados e mapa de fluxos de caixa). Adicionalmente, foram aplicados três métodos clássicos de avaliação de investimentos: o Valor Atual Líquido (VAL), a Taxa Interna de Rentabilidade (TIR) e o Período de Recuperação do Investimento (Payback), recorrendo aos fluxos de caixa livres da empresa (FCFF) e aos fluxos para os capitais próprios (FCFE), com e sem consideração de perpetuidade. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a viabilidade financeira do projeto, com um VAL amplamente positivo, TIR significativamente superior ao custo de capital e payback inferior a 1,3 anos. A ausência de endividamento externo, a estrutura de financiamento baseada em capitais próprios e a coerência entre o modelo de negócio e a estrutura de custos reforçam a robustez do projeto. Concluise, assim, que a AfroArt constitui uma proposta economicamente sustentável e com potencial de impacto sociocultural relevante, configurando-se como um exemplo promissor de empreendedorismo criativo ancorado na identidade local.This dissertation assesses the economic and financial viability of the AfroArt project, a cultural entrepreneurship initiative dedicated to the creation and commercialization of clothing and textile accessories inspired by African aesthetic heritage, with a particular focus on the cultural identity of São Tomé and Príncipe. The project is part of the creative industries sector and aims to promote the valorisation of intangible heritage through fashion, combining tradition, contemporary design, and social sustainability. To evaluate the feasibility of the project, an economic and financial plan was developed for a six-year horizon (2026–2031), including sales forecasts, cost structure, initial investment, financing plan, and projected financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement). In addition, three classical investment evaluation methods were applied: Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period, using both Free Cash Flow to the Firm (FCFF) and Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE), with and without perpetuity assumptions. The results demonstrate the
financial viability of the project, with a clearly positive NPV, an IRR well above the cost of capital, and a payback period of less than 1.3 years. The absence of external debt, the equity-based financing structure, and the alignment between the business model and the cost structure reinforce the robustness of the project. It is concluded that AfroArt is an economically sustainable proposal with significant sociocultural impact potential, representing a promising example of creative entrepreneurship rooted in local identity
Medication use during pregnancy: patterns and associated factors
Pregnancy causes physiological changes that can increase vulnerability to illness and alter drug pharmacokinetics, while some medications cross the placenta and affect foetal development, especially during organogenesis. These risks highlight the importance of careful monitoring and support regulatory updates such as the FDA’s 2015 revision of pregnancy risk categories. Objectives: To identify factors associated with medicine use during pregnancy and describe consumption patterns among pregnant women in northeastern Trás-os-Montes, Portugal. Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 205 women from Bragança and Mirandela, all of whom had experienced at least one pregnancy. Data were collected between April and June 2023 using a structured questionnaire adapted from Guerra et al. (2008) [2]. Results: A total of 79.5% reported using medication during pregnancy. The most used substances were folic acid (12.2%), paracetamol (29.3%), and doxylamine-pyridoxine (23.4%). The most frequent groups included dietary supplements, analgesics, and antiemetics. Although supplements are not classified as medicines, their inclusion is justified due to widespread use and relevance during pregnancy. A statistically significant association was found between age and medicine use (p < 0.01). Most women reported having received professional guidance and being aware of the associated risks. Conclusion: Women in northeastern Trás-os-Montes demonstrated awareness of medication risks and used medicines under professional supervision, despite few reporting complications. These results underline the importance of ongoing education and the role of healthcare professionals in ensuring safe medicine use during pregnancy
Determinants of Sustainable Organic Food Consumption in Tunisia
Organic farming plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture by preserving ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring the production of healthier food. As the demand for organic products continues to rise globally, understanding the factors driving organic food consumption becomes essential for fostering sustainable consumer behavior. Tunisia, with its deep-rooted agricultural heritage and growing interest in organic and sustainable living, presents a unique case for examining these dynamics. Given the country's ongoing economic development and urbanization, it is critical to explore the factors shaping consumer choices regarding organic food. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing organic food consumption in Tunisia by assessing consumer attitudes, purchasing habits, and barriers to adoption. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through a structured survey targeting a diverse sample of Tunisians that explored socio-demographic characteristics, economic constraints, motivations, and challenges to organic food consumption, with statistical analysis applied to identify key trends and correlations. Findings reveal that 23% of respondents purchase no organic products, with supermarkets dominating distribution channels and limited availability through direct farmer sales or specialty stores. Consumer knowledge is notably deficient, with over 60% of participants demonstrating limited understanding of organic food. Regression analysis identifies attitudes toward organic food as the strongest predictor of purchase intention, followed by health awareness, while perceived price negatively affects consumption. Interestingly, environmental concerns showed no significant association with purchase intention. These results show the need for strategies that improve attitudes and address price concerns to boost organic food adoption in Tunisia
Assessment of carbon sequestration in forest areas using deep learning
Mestrado de dupla diplomação com o Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais – CEFET-MGGrowing awareness of environmental impacts is making it more important than ever to explore regions with dense vegetation. Remote monitoring is a viable solution for
the surveillance of large areas, such as forests. Based in intelligent systems, this work aims to develop a methodology for assessing carbon sequestration in forest areas. Deep
learning (DL) structures were used to predict the heights and stand densities in tree colonies. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor scans obtained by Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) overflight were processed to extract elevation values and images. Point clouds were processed using QGIS software. The LAStools extension was employed
to manipulate Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and rasters, obtaining relevant information. This data was then used to create a dataset for implementation in Convolutional Neural
Network (CNN) models. Specific biometric relationships were implemented to estimate additional data such as Above Ground Biomass (AGB) and phytovolume. After evaluating
different architectures, the VGG19 CNN model was highlighted as the most promising. An area of 46.6 hectares was covered, with an estimated total value of 4225.81 tons of
carbon. This value provided an accuracy of 91%, based on forest inventories carried out in the same region. The study was conducted in the northern region of mainland Portugal,
encompassing two distinct Pinus pinaster Ait. forests.As preocupações ambientais tornam cada vez mais pertinente a análise de regiões com vegetação densa. A monitorização remota apresenta-se como uma solução viável para
a fiscalização de áreas extensas, como as florestas. Este trabalho visa desenvolver uma metodologia inteligente para análise do sequestro de carbono em áreas florestais. Foram
utilizadas estruturas de Deep Learning (DL) para previsão das alturas e densidade de cobertura em colónias de árvores. Dados do sensor LiDAR, obtidos por sobrevôo de
UAV, foram processados para extração de valores de elevação e imagens. Nuvens de pontos foram processadas no software QGIS que, com o auxílio da extensão LAStools, os
dados relevantes foram obtidos por manipulação de DEMs e rasters. Estes dados foram utilizados para se estabelecer um dataset para implementação em modelos de CNN. As
relações biométricas específicas foram implementadas para se estimar dados adicionais, como a biomassa acima do solo e o fitovolume. Após a análise de diferentes arquiteturas, o modelo de CNN VGG19 obteve melhor performance. Uma área de 46.6 hectares foi analisada, estimando um valor total de 4225.81 toneladas de carbono. Este valor conferiu uma precisão de 91%, baseado em inventários florestais levantados na mesma região. O estudo foi conduzido na região norte de Portugal continental, abrangendo duas diferentes florestas de Pinus pinaster Ait
Perceção do conhecimento e executabilidade das práticas forenses de enfermeiros do serviço de urgência
Os enfermeiros no Serviço de Urgência (SU), com necessidade de
cuidados e intervenções de carácter urgente/emergente à Pessoa em
Situação Crítica (PSC), são confrontados com situações de crime e
violência, que implicam, a solicitação da sua colaboração com as
autoridades, no desenvolvimento do processo de investigação
Ecotoxicological impacts of olive mill wastewaters on freshwater fauna of River Tua (NE Portugal)
Portugal stands out as one of the main olive oil producing countries, with the Trás-os-Montes region being particularly relevant due to its intense olive growing activity. Olive oil extraction generates significant volumes of liquid effluent, known as Olive Oil Mill Wastewater (OMWW). The predominant extraction system is two-phase, considered more environmentally sustainable as it produces smaller volumes of wastewater. According to Portuguese legislation, OMWW can be stored in evaporation ponds. However, although this practice is economically advantageous, it does not ensure effective environmental protection, particularly in aquatic ecosystems due to water contamination. To date, there are few studies evaluating the effects of OMW on macroinvertebrate and fish communities, particularly related to bioindicator changes (e.g. diversity, abundance, biotic indexes), as well as sublethal effects in terms of physiological biomarkers in sensitive native fish species, such as Luciobarbus bocagei. Given the risk of surface runoff or infiltration of these wastewaters into the aquatic environment, either by accidental discharges or by leaching processes, it is imperative to investigate their environmental impacts. In this context, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate the bioecological and toxicological impacts of wastewater from olive oil mills of 2 olive pomace oil extraction companies, located near Mirandela, on the aquatic fauna of the Tua River (Northeast Portugal). For the bioecological evaluation, 8 sampling sites were selected, grouped according to the degree of disturbance: 1) LOW, sites located upstream (T1, T2); 2) HIGH, sites located immediately downstream of the effluent entry point from both settling ponds (T3 and T6); and 3) INTERMEDIATE, sites located further downstream (T4, T5, T7 and T8). The methodologies defined by the Portuguese
Environment Agency (APA), within the scope of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), were used to evaluate biological elements, such as macroinvertebrate and fish communities, as well as physical-chemical elements of the water, considering both the winter and summer sampling periods of 2024, As well as the subacute toxicity assay with Luciobarbus bocagei.
The results of the bioecological assessment showed a significant decrease in water quality (high conductivity, phenols, oxidability and low pH), especially in the sampling sites located under the direct influence of the discharges of both olive pomace oil extractors (i.e., T3 and T6). The impact is also well expressed in several bioindicator metrics (e.g., richness, abundance, diversity, biotic indices IPTIN, F-IBIP) reinforced by statistical analyses confirming the biodiversity loss and substantial changes in the invertebrate and fish communities, particularly in native fish species, such as L. bocagei, suggesting a high sensitivity of this endemic species to water contamination.
The results of the acute toxicity tests with Artemia franciscana revealed high toxicity of OMW, regardless of the season. Subsequently, additional acute toxicity tests were performed with Luciobarbus bocagei, using OMW samples collected in summer and winter. Exploratory tests with summer samples showed that concentrations between 0.5% and 5% induced significant toxic effects in exposed individuals. In a second test of a subacute nature, physiological responses were evaluated by quantifying plasma electrolytes (Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and K⁺) after 24 and 48 hours of exposure. Plasma electrolytes were selected as biomarkers due to their high sensitivity to disturbances in ionic homeostasis, often caused by environmental pollutants. This choice is justified by the central role of the gills in osmoregulation, since they are in direct contact with the aquatic environment and represent one of the first organs to react to chemical stress. Changes in plasma sodium, calcium and potassium concentrations may therefore indicate impairment of essential physiological functions and ion regulation capacity.
The results showed significant changes in potassium (K⁺) levels, while calcium (Ca²⁺) and sodium (Na⁺) levels did not show relevant variations. This lack of response may be due to technical limitations, such as the reduced blood volume available resulting from the small size of the specimens (13–14 cm) and the decline in phenolic compound concentrations observed throughout the test in the test tanks. It is important to emphasize that the absence of variation in some parameters does not imply the absence of stress, since L. bocagei can activate compensatory mechanisms of physiological adaptation to adverse environmental conditions.Portugal destaca-se como um dos principais países produtores de azeite, sendo a região de Trás-os-Montes particularmente relevante devido à sua intensa atividade olivícola. A extração do azeite origina volumes significativos de efluente líquido, designado por Águas Residuais de Lagares de Azeite (ARL). O sistema de extração predominante é bifásico, considerado mais sustentável do ponto de vista ambiental por produzir menores volumes de águas residuais. De acordo com a legislação portuguesa, as ARL podem ser armazenadas em lagoas de evaporação. No entanto, embora esta prática seja economicamente vantajosa, não assegura uma proteção ambiental eficaz, nomeadamente nos ecossistemas aquáticos devido à contaminação da água. Até ao momento, são escassos os estudos que avaliem os efeitos das ARL nas comunidades de macroinvertebrados e peixes, nomeadamente no que se refere a alterações em bioindicadores (e.g., diversidade abundância, índices bióticos) bem como aos efeitos subletais ao nível de biomarcadores fisiológicos em espécies piscícolas nativas sensíveis, como o Luciobarbus bocagei. Dado o risco de escoamento superficial ou infiltração destas águas residuais no meio aquático, seja por descargas acidentais ou por processos de lixiviação, é imperativo investigar os seus impactos ambientais.
Neste enquadramento, o principal objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os impactes bioecológicos e toxicológicos das águas residuais de lagares de azeite provenientes de 2 empresas de extração de óleo de bagaço de azeitona, situadas na proximidade de Mirandela, na fauna aquática do rio Tua (Nordeste de Portugal). Para a avaliação bioecológica foram selecionados 8 locais de amostragem agrupados de acordo com o grau de perturbação: 1) BAIXO, locais situados a montante (T1, T2); 2) ALTO, locais situados imediatamente a jusante do ponto de entrada do efluente proveniente de ambas as lagoas de decantação (T3 e T6); e 3) INTERMÉDIO, locais situados mais a jusante (T4, T5, T7 e T8). Recorreu-se as metodologias definidas pela Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente (APA), no âmbito da Diretiva Quadro da Água (DQA), para avaliação de elementos biológicos, caso das comunidades de macroinvertebrados e de peixes e ainda elementos físico-químicos da água, considerando ambos os períodos de amostragem do inverno e verão de 2024, assim como o ensaio de toxicidade subaguda com Luciobarbus bocagei, Os resultados da avaliação bioecológica mostraram um significativo decréscimo na qualidade da água (valores elevados de condutividade, fenóis, oxidabilidade e decréscimo do pH), em especial nos locais de amostragem situados sob influência direta das descargas de ambas as extratoras de óleo de bagaço de azeitona (i.e., T3 e T6). O impacte está também bem expresso nas diversas métricas bioecológicas calculadas (e.g., riqueza, abundância, diversidade, índices bióticos IPTIN, F-IBIP) e as análises estatísticas
reforçaram a perda de biodiversidade e alterações substanciais nas comunidades de invertebrados e peixes, nomeadamente nas espécies piscícolas nativas, caso de L. bocagei, sugerindo uma elevada sensibilidade desta espécie endémica à contaminação.
Os resultados dos ensaios de toxicidade aguda com Artemia franciscana revelaram elevada toxicidade das ARL, independentemente da estação do ano. Subsequentemente, foram realizados ensaios adicionais de toxicidade aguda com L. bocagei, utilizando amostras de ARL recolhidas no verão e no inverno. Os ensaios exploratórios com amostras estivais mostraram que concentrações entre 0,5% e 5% induziram efeitos tóxicos significativos nos indivíduos expostos. Num segundo ensaio, de natureza subaguda, foram avaliadas as respostas fisiológicas através da quantificação dos electrólitos plasmáticos (Na⁺, Ca²⁺ e K⁺) após 24 e 48 horas de exposição. Os electrólitos plasmáticos foram selecionados como biomarcadores devido à sua elevada sensibilidade a perturbações da homeostase iónica, frequentemente causadas por poluentes ambientais.
Esta escolha justifica-se pelo papel central das brânquias na osmorregulação, uma vez que estão em contacto direto com o meio aquático e representam um dos primeiros órgãos a reagir ao stress químico. Alterações nas concentrações plasmáticas de sódio (Na⁺), cálcio (Ca²⁺) e potássio (K⁺) podem indicar comprometimento das funções fisiológicas essenciais e da capacidade de regulação iónica. Os resultados evidenciaram alterações significativas nos níveis de K⁺, enquanto os níveis de Ca²⁺ e. Na⁺ não apresentaram variações relevantes. Esta ausência de resposta pode dever-se a limitações técnicas, como o reduzido volume sanguíneo disponível resultante do pequeno porte dos espécimes (13–14 cm) e o declínio das concentrações de compostos fenólicos ao longo do ensaio observados nos tanques de ensaios. É crucial salientar que a ausência de variação em alguns parâmetros não implica inexistência de stress, uma vez que L. bocagei pode ativar mecanismos compensatórios de adaptação fisiológica a condições ambientais adversas