The Fundão tailings dam marks its 10th year of disaster in 2025, underscoring the need for a critical assessment of the studies related to the impacts on aquatic ecosystems caused by the largest disaster in mining history. In this context, the present study aimed to review articles that, throughout the years, have investigated changes in the Doce River basin, as well as in coastal and marine areas affected by this collapse. We applied a systematic analysis of the published literature, identifying the main results in relation to the methodologies applied. Therefore, the studies were characterized according to their methodological approaches, spatiotemporal efforts, environmental compartments, and topics of study evaluated. In total, 182 articles published between 2016 and July 2025 were considered. Considerable heterogeneity was observed regarding spatial and temporal coverage, ranging from point‐in‐time assessments to large-scale analyses. Most of the reviewed studies revealed both acute and chronic effects on water and sediment quality across all monitored environments, which in turn resulted in significant impacts on biodiversity. Some studies investigated all environments in an integrated manner, which made possible a deeper understanding of the connections between these systems, showing the importance of this type of approach. Together, the studies revealed the challenge of learning from disasters, especially regarding environmental issues. Furthermore, they encouraged a critical perspective for long-term monitoring planning and the next steps needed to address aquatic biota recovery. This synthesis underscores the critical need for long-term, integrated monitoring to effectively guide the recovery of these interconnected ecosystems.
This study presents a theoretical investigation of bidentate chelators for Pb2⁺ removal from aqueous systems using molecular dynamics simulations. Specifically, β-diketone- and dithiooxamide-based ligands, including a nanostructured derivative (LIG2), were evaluated to assess their coordination behavior, stability, and binding affinity toward lead ions. Simulations were conducted for 100 ns to ensure adequate conformational sampling, and key thermodynamic and structural parameters were analyzed, including potential energy, system density, and coordination stability. The results indicate that all ligands exhibit significant interaction with Pb2⁺ ions; however, differences in coordination persistence and structural stability were observed. The dithiooxamide-based systems, particularly the nanostructured ligand, demonstrated enhanced sequestration capacity, attributed to multiple active sites and a favorable coordination geometry. Despite relatively high RMSD values, the complexes remained stable throughout the simulation, with persistent metal–ligand interactions supporting effective chelation. Overall, this work establishes a predictive computational framework for screening chelating agents and highlights dithiooxamide-based ligands as promising candidates for Pb2⁺ removal. These findings provide a rational basis for future experimental validation and the development of efficient materials for wastewater remediation under realistic conditions.
Surface release of radiatively active particles, with high infrared- (IR-)to-visible extinction ratios, has been proposed as a method of warming Mars. However, to warm Mars using aerosols, particles released locally must disperse globally. Here we provide an initial reference study in a plume tracking, dry Martian atmospheric model to address this question. The winds that transport aerosols respond to the aerosol's IR forcing, implying strong radiative-dynamical feedbacks (RDF). We investigate RDF from surface release of two particle compositions: carbon (graphene) and metal (Al). Self-lofting helps particles rise and spread locally and regionally, and the Hadley cell strengthens under warming, aiding latitudinal mixing. Within our model, Mars RDF enable engineered-aerosol warming. Warming is slightly greater for three-dimensional vs. 1D-models and also depends on spectral resolution of radiative transfer. We assess implications for Mars warming. Many open atmospheric science questions remain, including the role of agglomeration, dry-deposition rate uncertainty, and modeling water cycle feedbacks.
Sporothrix brasiliensis biofilms represent a challenge in the treatment of sporotrichosis due to their structural complexity and antifungal resistance. This study evaluated the efficacy of terbinafine (TERB) and itraconazole (ITZ), and their synergism against biofilms of yeast-like forms of S. brasiliensis. Seven clinical strains were analyzed for biofilm formation and structural alterations using spectrophotometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The treatment in early-stage biofilms (3 hours) exhibited greater susceptibility to ITZ, whereas mature biofilms (144 hours) responded better to TERB. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among treatments (p < 0.016) and a dose-dependent effect, although no considerable synergistic interaction was observed between ITZ and TERB. CLSM and SEM analyses revealed reduced biofilm formation and adhesion, biofilm disorganization, and cellular morphological changes following exposure to antifungals, both individually and in combination. TERB was significantly more effective in eradicating mature biofilms than ITZ or the combination (p < 0.001). These findings reinforce the need for early intervention in sporotrichosis treatment and suggest that TERB may be a valuable alternative for biofilm-associated infections.
Many urban parks in large cities are created to promote human recreation and well-being by offering nature-like environments. Over time, urban-tolerant birds establish populations in these spaces. Although strengthening citizens’ connections with urban birds may enhance park-related well-being, it remains a central question whether visit frequency among the general public (i.e., non-birders) increases their perception and interest of local common species. Using an urban park in a large Brazilian city as a case study (Barigui Park, Curitiba), we selected seven very common local species to create a picture-based interview, which we administered to 242 visitors. We asked whether they had seen or heard these species and whether they could correctly name them. Most respondents perceived between two and four species (3.4 ± 1.5 species). Rare visitors (fewer than 12 visits per year, with no regular frequency) perceived significantly fewer species than frequent visitors, however, visiting more than monthly did not result in significant differences. Importantly, visit frequency showed no association with the ability to correctly name species, suggesting that park visitation may not be the only factor to foster interest in local common birds. The lack of consistent perception also suggests a gap in public awareness that may not be overcome by passive exposure alone. Therefore, we advocate that park management should incorporate educational actions—such as providing informational materials about birds and offering periodic birdwatching tours—to prevent citizens’ disconnection from this component of urban biodiversity.
