Mitigation of anthropocentric impact

Objectives

Human activity generates an impact on the natural environment and Earth’s global system. This impact has triggered several problems, including soil degradation and environmental pollution. To address these challenges we aim to diagnose, treat and prevent the impacts of human activity on the environment and biodiversity which includes land, water, air, noise pollution, wastewater, and agricultural, urban and industrial waste. 

​​​We work to improve current waste and emissions treatment processes and develop new ones to improve their efficiency and reduce their impact.  

We also work on treatments that facilitate the natural degradation of pollutants (nature-based solutions), the development of new practices, the management of processes or the use of materials that mitigate the anthropogenic impact. Our preventative work consists of establishing thresholds for the different types of pollution that affect the planet, as well as improving territorial organization to minimize the impacts and raise awareness to promote social change towards a more sustainable future.  

Areas of expertise

Definition and treatment of chemical, physical and biological contaminants; restoration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; modelling of the dispersion of pollutants; environmental education; management of resources and territory.  

Research Lines

  • Assessment and modelling of the dynamics of inorganic, organic and emerging pollutants in the air, water and terrestrial environments.  

  • Application of advanced isotopic geochemistry techniques to identify the origin of the pollutant source and trace its incursion into the environment.  

  • Application of advanced techniques for wastewater and solid waste treatment (advanced oxidation processes, UV radiation or biochar production).

  • Definition and assessment of all kinds of human activities on biodiversity using different groups of organisms as bioindicators (microbiological, faunal and floristic) and study methods (metabarcoding, physiology and/or behavior).  

  • Study of the impact of environmental and biodiversity degradation on public health and biota due to anthropogenic action (greenhouse gases, pathogens, etc.). 

  • Application of bioengineering techniques for the restoration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (phytoremediation and other nature-based solutions).  

  • Development of legal and socio-ecological frameworks that make usage more compatible with the conservation of the natural environment (organic farming or territorial organization).  

Coordination

 
​​Bernardí Bayarri has always advocated for protecting the environment and dedicated his efforts to leaving things better than he found them. Bayarri’s professional area of expertise focuses on wastewater treatment using advanced oxidation techniques and the use of waste as raw material for the synthesis of new materials. Having a remarkable experience in the industrial sector, Bayarri has significantly contributed to the field of urban water treatment and municipal waste management. In addition, his strong advocacy of networking and environmental education as tools to promote change where his comprehensive vision and commitment to sustainable practices stand out.  
 

Contact bbayarri@ub.edu​​​


Alberto Maceda is an integrative zoologist who studies the impact of human activity on animals by integrating psychology, ecology and veterinary medicine. Maceda’s research has focused on the impacts of wastewater spills and biological invasions with the possibility of applying the diagnostic tools to other types of impacts. His studies are mainly on fish and mosquitos due to their importance in public health and the environment. As a scientist committed to sustainability, he is interested in diagnosing impacts but also finding solutions specially the so-called nature-based solutions (NBS). 

Contact amaceda@ub.edu​​​​​​