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CERIS Researcher Ana Galvão Featured on RTP’s 90 Segundos de Ciência
CERIS researcher Ana Galvão, Assistant Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, was recently featured on the RTP Antena 1 science communication programme 90 Segundos de Ciência, where she presented her research on the use of green walls for the treatment and reuse of domestic wastewater.
The research focuses on adapting modular green wall systems to treat greywater—wastewater generated from showers, washbasins and washing machines—offering an innovative and nature-based solution for urban water reuse. Developed in collaboration with researchers from the construction engineering field, the system distributes greywater at the top of the wall, allowing it to flow vertically through a series of planted modules before being collected at the base as treated water.
Following extensive laboratory testing with different growing media and plant species, the technology is now being evaluated on a larger-scale green wall installed in one of the buildings at Instituto Superior Técnico. This pilot installation allows researchers not only to assess the efficiency of greywater treatment but also to investigate additional environmental benefits, including evapotranspiration, urban cooling and the influence of green walls on the building's thermal performance and energy efficiency.
The results obtained so far demonstrate that the treated water reaches a quality suitable for irrigating urban green spaces and community gardens, highlighting the potential of green walls to contribute simultaneously to sustainable water management, climate adaptation and greener cities.
90 Segundos de Ciência is a science outreach initiative produced by RTP Antena 1 in collaboration with the Master's Programme in Science Communication at NOVA University Lisbon. Through short, accessible episodes, the programme gives researchers from Portuguese institutions the opportunity to present their work directly to the public, helping to bridge the gap between science and society.
CERIS congratulates Professor Ana Galvão on this opportunity to share her research with a wider audience and for promoting innovative solutions that contribute to more sustainable and resilient urban environments.
Listen to the episode (in Portuguese):
