- In-situ biopolymers nanocomposites: high performance packaging materials for a clean environment (BIOPACK)
- A new generation of biofilm supports with controlled carbon release properties
- Biofilm fuel cell optimization to carbon removal from complex wastewater (Bio4Cell)
- Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) assisted by ozone oxidation
- A biofilm based strategy for wastewater treatment plants upgrade for nitrogen removal
- Biorecovery of soils contaminated with heavy metals
- Water quality modelling of Furnas and Sete Cidades lakes – Azores: biofilm and phosphorus dinamics
- Sequencing Batch Biofilm reactors (SBBR) for wastewater treatment
- Anaerobic processes applied for biomass valorization (bio4gas)
- Wastewater for fuel (ww4fuel)
- Water quality characterization in the North coast streams - ecological quality evaluation: modelling and simulation tool
- PhD and MSc Thesis Supervisor

Regina Nogueira holds an Engineering Degree in Biological Engineering (University of Minho, 1992) and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering (University of Minho, 2002). Since 1993, she is a staff member of the Department of Biological Engineering at the University of Minho and member of the national Institute of Engineers (Regina Nogueira@DEB).

She has been teaching undergraduate courses in fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer and bioprocess engineering (Biological Engineering and Biomedical Engineering courses) as well as graduate courses in biological wastewater treatment (Environmental Technology and Environmental Management master courses).

Her research focuses on the removal of organic matter and nutrients in engineered and natural systems. The specific areas of her research interest include the removal of nitrogen compounds in biofilm reactors, the monitoring of microbial population dynamics in biofilms using molecular tools, and the removal of natural organic matter from rivers and lakes through biofilms. The technical applications of these processes range from wastewater treatment to surface water restoration. Regina Nogueira was invited Researcher at the Department of Microbiology and the Institute of Water Quality Control and Waste Management of the Technical University Munich, Germany, during her Ph.D.

Currently she is involved in several research projects in the field of water/wastewater treatment and solid waste management supported by national and EC institutions.

Teresa Tavares is graduated in Chemical Engineering by University of Oporto (1982), spent one and a half year at the Technology Department of the Oporto Aromatic Factory of Petrogal Refinery. In 1983, she has been contracted as research assistant by University of Minho and later as assistant (1986). She got her PhD degree in Technology and Chemical Processes (1991). The research was focused on Heterogeneous Catalysis and most of the lab work was performed at Haldor-Topsøe Research Labs, in Denmark . She became assistant professor in 1991 and associate professor in 1999.

She is responsible for lecturing at Biological Engineering Graduation Course Chemical Reaction Engineering II, Separation Processes and supervision in Strategy of Process Engineering and lectures the following subjects in Post-Graduation Courses: Applied Biocatalysis, Physical-Chemical Processes in Liquid Media, Clean Products and Processes, Biochemical Engineering Elements (Teresa Tavares@DEB).

Her research interests concern applied biosorption to heavy metal recovery from industrial effluents, bioremediation of contaminated soils and development of new catalysts from recycled industrial wastes.

Ana Maria Queiroz is graduated in Chemical Engineering (University of Oporto, 1992). She got her PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Oporto, 2000). The research was focused on the production of silicon by hidrometallurgycal way. She also holds a specialization in Environmental Management (University of Minho, 2007). She is Assistant at Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, since 2002. She has been teaching undergraduated courses in general chemistry, analytical chemistry and separation processes, and laboratory of chemical processes engineering in the Chemical Engineering master.

- Biorecovery of soils contaminated with heavy metals

Teresa Tavares (Supervisor)

Cristina Quintelas is graduated in Biological Engineering by University of Minho (1998), Master in Biotechnology (University of Minho, 2001) and Ph.D student (University of Minho, 2007). Now is a Post-Doc student and her research is about biosorption systems for the removal of solvents from wastewater.

Her research interests are biological removal of chromium from industrial effluents, methodologies for remediation of contaminated soils, biossorbents for industrial applications and integrated method for heavy metal recovery and reuse.

- Catalytic reutilization of biosorbents supported on zeolites
- Biorecovery of soils contaminated with heavy metals
- Post Doc theme: Biosorption systems for the removal of solvents from wastewater

Teresa Tavares (Supervisor)

Alexandrina Rodrigues holds a graduation in Zootechnic Engineering, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 2004. Previously, she was a sales representative in pharmaceutical industry for Ciclum Farma-Unipessoal, Lda., collaborated with Zootechnic Engineers Portuguese Association - North Region in Vila Real and was a technical and sales representative for Ovargado S.A. (animal food company).

In the last period of 2004, and because her high concerns with nature protection and environmental issues, gained trough her graduation, she started her PhD studies in Chemical and Biological Engineering, in the Centre of Biological Engineering - University of Minho. Her research work focuses on the natural organic matter removal by biofilms in natural waters. The main goal is to contribute for surface water protection and the development an in situ biofilm treatment for the removal of humic substances in surface waters.

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)
António Brito (Co-supervisor)

Andréa de Fátima Silva Santos is graduated in Biomedical Science (1998) and has a Masters degree in Biochemistry (2002). Since 2003 is a researcher and doctor student of Biological Science, at the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil. Supported by an Alfa VALNATURA project, now she is developing a project concerned to water treatment at the Centre of Biological Engineering of the University of Minho.

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)

Bruna Silva is graduated in Biological Engineering by University of Minho in 2006 with average mark of 18/20. She got University Prizes due to her marks in 2001/2002, 2002/2003, 2003/2004 and 2004/2005. She worked as undergraduate researcher in the project: “Catalytic Reuse of Biosorbents Supported in Zeolites“ (Ref. POCTI/QUI/44840/2002) since July, 2005 to August, 2006. Since October, 2006 she is a doctoral student with interest in research areas such as: treatment of wastewater polluted with heavy metals, novel catalytic materials and environmental catalytic oxidations.

Teresa Tavares (Supervisor)
Isabel Neves (Co-supervisor)

Bruna Fonseca is graduated in Biological Engineering (2006). Currently, she is a PhD student in the Project “Bioremediation of Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals and Hydrocarbons", since May of 2007. She has been involved in the project since July of 2005. The research focus on the applicability of alternative technologies to recover soils contaminated with heavy metals and hydrocarbons. Special attention is paid to typical soils from the north of the country and cleaner technologies will be considered, mainly bioremediation and biorecovery. A case study will be presented with a real soil and technologies developed by other groups within the team.

During the degree course she was a member of the Direction of the Nucleus of Studies of Biological Engineering and she participated in the organization of the VIII Journey of Biological Engineering. Till now, she participated in several meetings and workshops related to Biotechnology.

- Biorecovery of soils contaminated with heavy metals
- PhD theme: Bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and hydrocarbons

Teresa Tavares (Supervisor)

Daniel Ribeiro is graduated in Biological Engineering by University of Minho (2005). Since October 2005 he is a researcher in the Center of Biological Engineering and his doctoral research is focused on modelling of the physical and biogeochemical process in the sediment-water interface, in lake ecosystems.

Other research interests concern in the control of the aquatic ecosystem pollution, risk assessment of aquifer contamination by wastewater discharge in soil and mathematical modelling.

- In-situ biopolymers nanocomposites: high performance packaging materials for a clean environment (BIOPACK)
- A new generation of biofilm supports with controlled carbon release properties
- Water quality modelling of Furnas and Sete Cidades lakes – Azores: biofilm and phosphorus dinamics
- Water quality characterization in the North coast streams - ecological quality evaluation: modelling and simulation tool
- PhD theme: Modelling the physical and biogeochemical process in the sediment-water interface, in lake ecosystems

António Brito (Supervisor)
Regina Nogueira (Co-supervisor)

Gilberto Martins is graduated in Biological Engineering by University of Minho (2005) and since January 2005 he is a researcher at the Center of Biological Engineering . His doctoral research is focused on the optimization of bioprocesses for the control of eutrophication. The dynamics of biofilms in aquatic ecosystems, namely at sediments-water interface, as well as the mathematical modelling of the involved processes, are the key points of his research.

- In-situ biopolymers nanocomposites: high performance packaging materials for a clean environment (BIOPACK)
- A new generation of biofilm supports with controlled carbon release properties
- Water quality modelling of Furnas and Sete Cidades lakes – Azores: biofilm and phosphorus dinamics
- Water quality characterization in the North coast streams - ecological quality evaluation: modelling and simulation tool
- PhD theme: Bioprocesses optimization for phosphorus control in aquatic ecosystems at risk of eutrophication

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)
António Brito (Co-supervisor)

Hugo Figueiredo graduated in Chemistry - Quality Control by the University of Minho in 2004 and concluded the Master in Biotechnology, lectured by the Departament of Biological Engineering, at the University of Minho, in 2007.

My main research area is the removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater by bacterial biofilms supported on different zeolites, mainly zeolite types Y and X. My other researches are on the field of metal complex encapsulation on wastewater metal–exchanged zeolites and characterization of the laters, in order to conduct future investigation of its viability to perform heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of organic pollutants.

- Catalytic reutilization of biosorbents supported on zeolites
- PhD theme: Preparation of catalysts from biosorbents supported on zeolites

Teresa Tavares (Supervisor)
Isabel Correia Neves (Co-supervisor)

Quality Technician - Quality control of raw material, intermediate product and final product. Conception and Development - Responsible by coated articles development and colour development and production parameters control of the respective articles and Minho University Investigator – Polymer Engineer Department in the biodegradable material area.

- PhD Theme: Study of Biodegradable Polymers Processed by Reactive Extrusion, in the ambit of the project POCI/AMB/61155/2004

Ana Vera Alves Machado – DEP/UM (Supervisor)
Regina Nogueira (Co-supervisor)

Luciana Peixoto is graduated in Biology and Geology (Teacher Training), University of Minho (2005). She has a Pos-Graduation in Geological Heritage and Geoconservation, University of Minho (2006). Since October 2006 she is a researcher at the Center of Biological Engineering . Her research is focused in the network environmental analyses of ecosystem. Currently, she is a PhD student in the Project "Biofilm fuel cell optimization to carbon removal from complex wastewater".

- Water quality modelling of Furnas and Sete Cidades lakes – Azores: biofilm and phosphorus dinamics
- Water quality characterization in the North coast ctreams - ecological quality evaluation: modelling and simulation tool
- Biofilm fuel cell optimization to carbon removal from complex wastewater (Bio4Cell)
PhD theme: Biofilm fuel cell optimization to carbon removal from complex wastewater

António Brito (Supervisor)
Pier Parpot
Pablo Kroff
Regina Nogueira

Rui Gomes is graduated in Environmental Sciences (Modern University of Porto, 2001) and have a Masters degree in Environmental Technology (University of Minho, 2004). He is currently a researcher and PhD student of Chemical and Biological Engineering, in the knowledge area of Environmental Technology in the Centre of Biological Engineering - University of Minho.

Since his graduation he was working in the environmental field in different projects such as waste management, air pollution control, wastewater treatment, noise management, etc. He was a consultant in the field of environmental technologies and environmental management. Now, his PhD research focuses on the biological degradation of persistent pollutants such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and ways to enhance those processes such as combining with ozone oxidation. This knowledge is to be used in the removal of these contaminants from natural systems and in SBR reactors.

As an environmental scientist, Rui Gomes has interests in different areas of environmental science, engineering and management.

- Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) assisted by ozone oxidation
- PhD theme: Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons assisted by ozone oxidation

António Brito (Supervisor)
Regina Nogueira (Co-supervisor)

Catarina Furtado is graduated in Biology and Geology (teaching of) by the University of Azores (2004). After training in ARENA- Regional Agency of Energy and Environment of Azores, for a period of 6 months (01-10-2004 to 31-03-2005), she has served this Agency as a Bilologyst Expert. Included in her roles developed in ARENA, she is co-responsible for the REIA-MAC Project. The Project Reia-mac, developed with the purpose of constituting a net of Education and Environmental Information for the Macaronesia Region, has as a final goal the promotion and development of projects and actions of environmental education, guided for the regional priorities and regional specific thematics. Also under her activities in ARENA, she has been trainer in a course about Urban Solid Waste and the protection of the seaside, an iniciative made through a partnership between ARENA and the Regional Secretary of Environment and Sea.

Successfully completed the OH&S Management Systems Auditor/Lead Auditor Training Course (2005). Recently she has been appointed to be represent the Association “Amigos dos Açores: associação ecológica” in the Commission of Accompaniment of the pedestrian walks of Azores . Currently she is making a theses about Residues of Construction and Demolition in S. Miguel – Açores, in a master degree in Environment, Health and Safety, (2004-2006).

- MSc theme: Management and valorization of construction and demolition waste - S. Miguel

António Brito (Supervisor)

Dora Gonçalo is graduated in Chemical Engineering (University of Coimbra, 1989) and has a Management MBA (Portuguese Catholic University , 2003).

Positions:
•  Actual position: Training and Auditors Director at APCER being responsible for the Process coordination for training and partnerships management and the Auditors Pool management, including integration, qualification, performance evaluation and maintenance and Trainer in the field of Quality and environmental management systems and audits, Management Tools and Management systems certification.
•  From 2004 to 2005 (March): Commercial and Operations Director at APCER.
•  From 2001 to 2004 (April): North Certification Director at APCER.
•  From 2000 to 2001 (April): Customer Manager Coordinator at APCER.
•  From 1996 to 2000 (September): Customer Manager at APCER.
•  From 1993 to 1996 (September): Technical Support to AEP and Project Manager at AEP Consulting.
•  From 1990 to 1992: Process Engineer at NESTE - Sines (currently named REPSOL).
•  From 1989 to 1990: Trainer at several ceramic companies.

Has several public and academic presentations in national events (seminars, conferences) since 1999, in the fields of: quality, environment, food safety, work health and safety, certification, specific activity sectors, quality and environmental audits, organizational performance improvement, integrated management systems, social responsability.

- MSc theme: The adoption of Environmental Management Systems in the portuguese organizations: motivations, advantages and obstacles

António Brito (Supervisor)
Manuel Fonseca Almeida (Advisor)

Graduated in Electronics Engineering by the University of Western Ontário , London , Ontário , Canada (1980), with a Masters in Robotics, in the University of Western Ontário (1982). Since 1982, engineer in the Azores Electricity company EDA S.A. , having filled positions in the Power Station management (1982-1984), Electrical system planning (1984-1985), Dispatch Center management (1985-1987), Commercial department (1987-1989), Information System management (1991-1993), and Investment projects (1993-2005). During 1989-1991, was assessor of the Secretary of Civil Works, Azores Government, for the Information System area. During 1994, took a post graduation in Executive Advanced Management, offered by the Catholic University of Portugal. In the period 1980-2004 attained several training courses, namely “Microprocessor programming” (1980), “Teleaction systems from Landys & Gyr” (1983), “Management Information Systems” (1984), “Siemens Programable PLC´s” (1986), “Relational DBS” (1986), “Engineering and Management” (1987), “Local Area Network Systems” (1988), “UNIX for programmers” (1989), “Novell LAN´s” (1989), “Industrial Maintenance Management” (1991), “Total Quality Management” (1991), “Year 2000 problem” (1998), “Management of document circulation” (2004), “Team conducting and leadership” (2004).

Since 1991 is Invited professor in the Azores University, Math Department, lecturing Information System Analysis. Since 1983 is a consulting engineer on the areas of energy projects for a local private company, and Information System projects, in several Azorean public and private organizations.

He is currently a Master student and his research focus on the environmental impact of personal computers and auxiliary equipment, part of the electrical and electronic waste streamline products. The Life Cycle Analysis will be used and tested to confirm the dangerousness of the materials used on the assembly of the personal computers. The aim of the research is to analyse disposal, reuse or recycling alternatives for the equipment, for the specific case of the Azores islands, considering the best solution for the preservation of the environment, and the fulfilment of the legal requirements in Portugal.

- MSc theme: Environmental impact of personal computers and auxiliary equipment - life cycle analysis

António Brito (Supervisor)
Regina Cunha (Advisor)

Isabel Ferreira

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)

Joana Santos

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)

João Paulo Reçonha is graduated in Biology/Geology (education) by the University of Azores , Ponta Delgada (2001). In 2005, he concluded the curricular studies of the Master in Environment, Health and Security at University of the Azores . He develops his career A. C. Cymbron, S.A., whose main activity is the liquid and gaseous fuel commercialization and distribution in S. Miguel Island (Azores). He is the responsible for Quality and commercial activities and for the on going certification process according to ISO 9001:2000.

- MSc theme: Evaluation of risks in the road transport of hydro-carbons

António Brito (Supervisor)

Graduated from University of Minho in 2003 in Applied Biology. After, for a two years period, I worked in wastewater, waste solids and composting research and I worked in services contribution for the Viana do Castelo community related with composting, forest biomass evaluation and wastewater and air quality. I also gave support to practical classes namely Wastewater Microbiology, Wastewater Treatment Techniques and Water Treatment in Polytechnique Institute of Viana do Castelo. In October 2005, I started a master course in Environmental Technology at Department of Biological Engineering.

- A biofilm based strategy for wastewater treatment plants upgrade for nitrogen removal
- MSc theme: Bio-Indicators as a fundamental tool for wastewater treatment plant monitoring in the water and wastewater utility Águas do Minho e Lima (AdML)

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)
José Carlos Tentúgal Valente (Co-supervisor from AdML)

Matilde Ranito is graduated in Materials Engineering by the University of Minho , Braga (1999). Consulting engineer in a local firm, during three years, developed the quality systems with the ISO Standards. A PhD degree in OHSMS (2002), by ISLA – Gaia, was obtained and since then she´s active in this area as independent consulter. In 2005, she finished the curricular year of the master in Environmental Management in University of Minho . Currently, she´s manager in different areas, but in particularly in Quality, OHS and Environmental Management, using the international standards in several firms (ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:2004, EMAS and OHSAS 18001: 1999). She is also consultant in industrial legal requirements, preparing the industries for legal inspections.

- MSc theme: Ecodesign: a competitiveness value for portuguese industry

António Brito (Supervisor)
Ana Cristina Rodrigues (Co-supervisor)

Paula Cerqueira is graduated in Biological Engineering, Pollution Control at University of Minho , 2002. She is currently working as a technician in the Water Treatment Plant, AGERE - Braga and doing a Masters degree in Environmental Technology (Department of Biological Engineering, University of Minho ). Her final project was developed in the Department of Process Engineering, University College Cork, Ireland, with Glass Transition properties in food processing, with the supervision of Dr. John Fitzpatrick. Since then she has been working in the environmental field in different projects. Along her studies in environmental science, Paula Cerqueira as developed interests in areas such as pollution control, remediation technologies, water treatment processes and water quality control for human consumption.

Currently, she is a master student and her research work focus on the biological sorption of humic substances using biofilms sampled in surface waters versus ozone treatment. The aim is to prevent the formation of trihalomethanes, carcinogenic by-products of the reaction between humic substances present in natural waters and chlorine used for disinfection in the water treatment process.

- Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) assisted by ozone oxidation
- Water quality modelling of Furnas and Sete Cidades lakes – Azores: biofilm and phosphorus dinamics
- MSc theme: Removing natural organic matter in superficial waters: biological processes versus ozone oxidation

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)
António Brito (Co-supervisor)

Pedro Capitão is graduated in Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering by the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro – UTAD, Vila Real (2000), and has worked since that year (2000) at Esposende City Council, were served at Urban Services and Environment Divison. At the year of 2004, obtained the Environmental Technology Specialization Course of University of Minho.

Between 2004 and 2005 was responsible for the Quality and Environmental Audit Service at Esposende City Council, achieving the first quality and environmental integrated management system certification in a City Council in Portugal.

Currently, is the Director of Urban Services and Environmental Department at Esposende Ambiente, EM, a public municipal enterprise, with direct responsibilities in Public Cleaning and Waste Management.

- MSc theme: Sustainability Indicators System as a decision management tool: the case study of VALIMAR

António Brito (Supervisor)
Regina Nogueira (Co-supervisor)

Sandra Raquel Cerqueira

José Maria Oliveira (Supervisor)

1999 – 2003: Bachelor degree in Food Engineering, specialisation; “Technology of sugar, essential oils, perfumery cosmetic and sugar products”, University of Food Engineering– Plovdiv.Bulgaria (Final grade 15,2).
2004 – 2007: Master course in Biotechnology –Bioprocess Engineering University of Minho. With this master research, we pretend to establish the aromatic profile of each one of the seven main white wine varieties recommended in the region of Vinhos Verdes. The knowledge of the aromatic characterisation of Vinhos Verdes, becomes important as it may serve to discriminate these varieties and to better explore their own potential to produce high quality wines.

- MSc theme: Characterisation and differentiation of white grape varieties recommended for the production of Vinhos Verdes

José Maria Oliveira (Supervisor)

Manuel Oliveira is graduated in Applied Chemistry - Plastic Materials, at University of Minho (2006).

- In-situ biopolymers nanocomposites: high performance packaging materials for a clean environment (BIOPACK)
- A new generation of biofilm supports with controlled carbon release properties
- A biofilm based strategy for wastewater treatment plants upgrade for nitrogen removal

António Brito (Supervisor)
Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)

Master Degree in Environmental Technology, University of Minho, 2006
Graduation in Biological Engineering, University of Minho, 2002

Main Areas of Research:
- Biofilms : Kinetics, Mass Transfer Processes and Populations Dynamics
- Biological Treatment of Wastewater

- Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) assisted by ozone oxidation

Regina Nogueira (Supervisor)

Sérgio Bruno de Araújo Gonçalves da Costa

António Brito (Supervisor)

Susana Sá holds a graduation in Environmental Engineering (New University of Lisbon, 2000) and a training course in Integrated Management of Quality, Environment and Work Health and Safety (Portuguese Society of Innovation, 2002). Since 2002, she worked in different projects at University of Minho, or in collaboration with it, namely: Industrial wastewater discharge in hydrological basin of Ave - Characterization of the reference situation and prospective analysis, National Inventory of Water Supply and Wastewater Systems (Inventário Nacional de Sistemas de Abastecimento de Água e de Águas Residuais – INSAAR), DEPURANAT – Sustainable Residual Water Management in Agricultural Space, The Update of the Mid Term Evaluation of Structural Fund Interventions - Operational Programmes of North, Centre, Algarve, Azores and Madeira – conception and methodological development in the component of Environmental Quality, Contributions for a Regional Sustainable Development Plan for Azores and Group on Earth Observations (GEO) - GEO 2006 Work Plan and GEO 2007-2009 Work Plan - former task WA-06-05: In-situ Water Cycle Monitoring and new task WA-08-01: Integration of In-Situ and Satellite Data for Water Cycle Monitoring.

- Group on Earth Observations (GEO) - GEO 2007-2009 Work Plan - WA-08-01: Integration of In-Situ and Satellite Data for Water Cycle Monitoring

António Brito (Supervisor)