Miguel Island Research Articles

Radio astronomy and Space science in Azores: Enhancing the Atlantic VLBI infrastructure cluster

Radio astronomy and Space Infrastructures in the Azores have a great scientific and industrial interest because they benefit from a unique geographical location in the middle of the North Atlantic allowing a vast improvement in the sky coverage. This fact obviously has a very high added value for: i) the establishment of space tracking and communications networks for the emergent global small satellite fleets ii) it is invaluable to connect the radio astronomy infrastructure networks in Africa, Europe and America continents using Very Large Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) techniques, iii) it allows excellent potential for monitoring space debris and Near Earth Objects (NEOs). There is in S. Miguel island a 32-metre SATCOM antenna that could be integrated in advanced VLBI networks and be capable of additional Deep Space Network ground support. This paper explores the space science opportunities offered by the upgrade of the S. Miguel 32-metre SATCOM antenna into a world-class infrastructure for radio astronomy and space exploration: it would enable a Deep Space Network mode and would constitute a key space facility for data production, promoting local digital infrastructure investments and the testing of cutting-edge information technologies. Its Atlantic location also enables improvements in angular resolution, provides many baselines in East–West and North–South directions connecting the emergent VLBI stations in America to Europe and Africa VLBI arrays therefore contributing for greater array imaging capabilities especially for sources or well studied fields close to or below the celestial equator, where ESO facilities, ALMA, SKA and its precursors do or will operate and observe in the coming decades.

Radon (222Rn) occurrence in groundwater bodies on São Miguel Island (Azores archipelago, Portugal)

Radon (222Rn) occurrence in groundwater bodies on São Miguel Island (Azores archipelago, Portugal)

Epithelial morphometric alterations and mucosecretory responses in the nasal cavity of mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions.

Air pollutants (either of natural or anthropogenic origin) represent a considerable environmental risk to human health by affecting the respiratory system and causing respiratory disorders. In this study, we investigate the effects of chronic exposure to hydrothermal emissions on the nasal cavity of mice since it is the first and the most exposed region of the respiratory system. This study, carried in S. Miguel Island, Azores-Portugal, used Mus musculus as a bioindicator species. Mice were captured in an area with non-eruptive active volcanism (Furnas Village) and another area without volcanism (Rabo de Peixe, reference site). The hydrothermal emissions present at Furnas Village are characterized by the continuous release of several gases (CO2, H2S, 222Rn) along with metals (e.g. Hg, Cd, Zn, Al) and particulate matter into the environment. We test the hypothesis whether chronic exposure to this specific type of pollution causes epithelial morphometric, mucosecretory and neuronal alterations on the nasal cavity. Thickness measurements were taken in the squamous, respiratory and olfactory epithelia. The relative density of cell types (basal, support and neurons) was also assessed in the olfactory epithelium and the mucosecretory activity was determined in the lateral nasal glands, Bowman's gland and goblet cells. Mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions presented thinner olfactory epithelia and lesser mucous production, which could result in loss of olfactory capabilities as well as a decrease in the protective function provided by the mucous to the lower respiratory tract. For the first time, it is demonstrated that, in mice, this specific type of non-eruptive active volcanism causes epithelial and mucosecretory alterations, leading to the loss of olfactory capabilities.

Occurrence of Volcanogenic Inorganic Mercury in Wild Mice Spinal Cord: Potential Health Implications

Mercury accumulation has been proposed as a toxic factor that causes neurodegenerative diseases. However, the hazardous health effects of gaseous elemental mercury exposure on the spinal cord in volcanic areas have not been reported previously in the literature. To evaluate the presence of volcanogenic inorganic mercury in the spinal cord, a study was carried out in São Miguel island (Azores, Portugal) by comparing the spinal cord of mice exposed chronically to an active volcanic environment (Furnas village) with individuals not exposed (Rabo de Peixe village), through the autometallographic silver enhancement histochemical method. Moreover, a morphometric and quantification analysis of the axons was carried out. Results exhibited mercury deposits at the lumbar level of the spinal cord in the specimens captured at the site with volcanic activity (Furnas village). A decrease in axon calibre and axonal atrophy was also observed in these specimens. Given that these are relevant hallmarks in the neurodegenerative pathologies, our results highlight the importance of the surveillance of the health of populations chronically exposed to active volcanic environments.

Mapping recreational ecosystem services from stakeholders' perspective in the Azores

Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services (MAES) in Europe’s Outermost Regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) is still underdeveloped compared to the European mainland. Most of those territories are small islands for which Marine and Coastal Ecosystems (MCE) constitute a significant resource and provide important provisioning, regulating and cultural Ecosystem Services (ES). Understanding the cultural dimension of ecosystems and considering the cultural benefits and values associated with them, demands methodological plurality, flexibility and creativity. This study focused on two activities related to recreational ES (recreational fishing and recreational SCUBA diving) that are particularly relevant to São Miguel Island (Archipelago of the Azores, Portugal). Stakeholders were interviewed using SeaSketch, a participatory mapping tool in which they indicated where they conduct recreational fishing and scuba diving, the relative value of those areas, in terms of preference over other areas and their willingness to relinquish them for the purpose of conservation. Responses were aggregated and represented in maps showing key areas for the provision of recreational ES around São Miguel. This approach can be used in the Azorean Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) process and other on-going conservation initiatives, to better understand the trade-offs between relevant socio-economic activities and to support negotiations between the government and groups of stakeholders.

Sustainability status of the grouper fishery in the Azores archipelago: A length-based approach

Small-scale fisheries, demersal, in particular, are a main fishery component in the Azores archipelago, catching a high diversity of species, including “groupers” (Serranidae family) that have high commercial value and demand in the market. Blacktail comber (Serranus atricauda) and Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) dominate grouper landings, but their fishery status in the Azores is generally unknown. This study applied a length-based approach (Length-Structured Growth-Type-Group Model) to assess the status of grouper fisheries in the Azores, using length-composition data from the commercial fishery and covering distinct gear selectivity and spatial (islands) patterns. Blacktail comber is in worse condition than dusky grouper, with spawning potential ratio (SPR) estimates below 30%, which indicates that this species is fished currently at unsustainable levels in the Azores; SPR for dusky grouper, well above 30%, suggests that this species is fished at sustainable levels. Given the low SPR estimates for São Miguel Island, we propose to, urgently, develop, and implement management measures to ensure the recovery and sustainability of blacktail comber. Our findings support the development of management measures that take into account different selectivity by fleet (gear) and the distinct fishing strategies by island (spatial patterns). This study, the first attempt to assess the sustainability status of serranids in the Azores, highlighted limitations of the sampling coverage that deserve urgent fix, as well as other areas where improvements are critical to ensure the sustainability of these resources in the Azores.

Marine algal flora of São Miguel Island, Azores.

BackgroundThe macroalgal flora of the Island of São Miguel (eastern group of the Azores Archipelago) has attracted the interest of many researchers in the past, the first publications going back to the nineteenth century. Initial studies were mainly taxonomic, resulting in the publication of a checklist of the Azorean benthic marine algae. Later, the establishment of the University of the Azores on the Island permitted the logistic conditions to develop both temporal studies and long-term research and this resulted in a significant increase on research directed at the benthic marine algae and littoral communities of the Island and consequent publications.Prior to the present paper, the known macroalgal flora of São Miguel Island comprised around 260 species. Despite this richness, a significant amount of the research was never made public, notably Masters and PhD theses encompassing information regarding presence data recorded at littoral and sublittoral levels down to a depth of approximately 40 m around the Island and the many collections made, which resulted in vouchers deposited in the AZB Herbarium Ruy Telles Palhinha and the LSM- Molecular Systematics Laboratory at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of the Azores.The present publication lists the macroalgal taxonomic records, together with information on their ecology and occurrence around São Miguel Island, improving the knowledge of the Azorean macroalgal flora at local and regional scales.New informationA total of 12,781 specimens (including some identified only to genus) belonging to 431 taxa of macroalgae are registered, comprising 284 Rhodophyta, 59 Chlorophyta and 88 Ochrophyta (Phaeophyceae). Of these, 323 were identified to species level (212 Rhodophyta, 48 Chlorophyta and 63 Ochrophyta), of which 61 are new records for the Island (42 Rhodophyta, 9 Chlorophyta and 10 Ochrophyta), one an Azorean endemic (Predaea feldmannii subsp. azorica Gabriel), five are Macaronesian endemisms (the red algae Botryocladia macaronesica Afonso-Carrillo, Sobrino, Tittley & Neto, Laurencia viridis Gil-Rodríguez & Haroun, Millerella tinerfensis (Seoane-Camba) S.M.Boo & J.M.Rico, Phyllophora gelidioides P.Crouan & H.Crouan ex Karsakoff and the green alga Codium elisabethiae O.C.Schmidt), 19 are introduced species (15 Rhodophyta, two Chlorophyta and two Ochrophyta) and 32 are of uncertain status (21 Rhodophyta, five Chlorophyta and six Ochrophyta).

Standardised inventories of spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) on touristic trails of the native forests of the Azores (Portugal).

BackgroundThe sharp increase in tourist visitation of the Azores Archipelago from 2015 onwards raised concerns about the impacts of recreational tourism on native habitats. In response, a project was financed by the Azorean Government to investigate the drivers of biodiversity erosion associated with recreational tourism. Here, we present the data on spider biodiversity found on trails located within the native Azorean forests as they are home to several endemic species of great conservation value. We applied an optimised and standardised sampling protocol (COBRA) in twenty-three plots located in five trails on Terceira and São Miguel Islands and assessed diversity and abundance of spider species at different distances from the trail head and the trail itself.New informationOf the 45 species (12435 specimens) collected, 13 were endemic to the Azores (9690 specimens), 10 native non-endemic (2047 specimens) and 22 introduced (698 specimens). This database will be the baseline of a long-term monitoring project for the assessment of touristic impacts on native forest trails. This methodology can also be used on other habitats and biogeograhical regions.

First occurrence of Cylindrospermopsin in the Azores (Lake São Brás, S. Miguel Island)

Anthropogenic impacts have been reported as one of the main causes of eutrophication in freshwater systems and nutrient availability, mainly from discharges, are key to cyanobacteria development and harmful cyanobacteria blooms (cyanoHABs) upsurge. As these scenarios are common in the Azores, a cyanobacteria monitoring program was implemented in the lakes of the archipelago, which comprises cyanobacteria identification and cyanotoxin (only microcystin) analysis in over 15 lakes. However other cyanotoxins should be searched as is the case of cylindrospermopsin (CYN). This cyanotoxin has been reported more recently in a wider range of countries, because of global warming. Using ESI–LC–MS/MS (electrospray ionization–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry), the presence of CYN was investigated in samples from four eutrophic lakes. Cylindrospermopsin was detected in one sample from Lake Sao Bras, which represents a threat to environmental and public health. This is the first CYN identification in the Azores reinforcing the necessity for lake monitoring. We propose the use of a polyphasic approach to fully understand CYN presence in the Azorean lakes, investigating the producing taxa, the environmental factors that promote cyanobacteria growth, and CYN toxicity effects.

Non-indigenous and Invasive Freshwater Species on the Atlantic Islands of the Azores Archipelago

Freshwater systems on remote oceanic islands are particularly vulnerable to biological invasions. The case of freshwater ecosystems in the Azores Archipelago is especially relevant considering the islands’ youth and remoteness, and low natural connectivity. This study presents a review of the introduction and presence of non-indigenous freshwater species in the Azores, retrieved from various historical records, paleoenvironmental reconstructions, published records, and field data from two decades of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) monitoring programs. At least 132 non-indigenous freshwater species have successfully established in the Azores, belonging to several taxonomic groups: cyanobacteria (10), synurophytes (1), desmids (1), diatoms (20), plants (41), invertebrates (45), amphibia (2), and fishes (12). Intentional and accidental introductions have been occurring since the establishment of the first human settlers on the archipelago, impacting freshwater ecosystems. The first reported introductions in the Azores were intentional fish stocking in some lakes. Non-deliberate introductions have recently increased through transport-contaminants (51%) associated with the aquarium trade or agricultural products. In the Azores, the highest number of non-indigenous species occur on the largest and most populated island, São Miguel Island (116), followed by Flores (68). Plants constitute the most representative group of introduced species on all islands, but invertebrates, diatoms, and fishes are also well established on most islands. Among invertebrates, non-indigenous arthropods are the most well-established group on all islands except on the smallest Corvo Island. Many non-indigenous species will likely benefit from climate change and magnified by globalization that increases the probability of the movement of tropical and subtropical species to the Azores. Present trends in international trade, importations, and enhanced connectivity of the archipelago by increasing flights and shipping will probably promote the arrival of new species. Augmented connectivity among islands is likely to improve non-indigenous species dispersal within the archipelago as accidental transportation seems to be an essential pathway for non-indigenous freshwater species already present in the Azores.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry (HFSE and REE) of the Present-Day Acid-Sulfate Types Alteration from the Active Hydrothermal System of Furnas Volcano, São Miguel Island, The Azores Archipelago

Acid-sulfate alteration is comprised by clays, sulfate, sinter and native sulphur minerals crystallized as neoformation products from dissolution of primary minerals during water-rock interaction. Smectite, kaolinite, halloysite-7 Å and opal-A occur in assemblages with alunite. Smectite represents a mechanical mixture between two (propylitic and acid-sulfate) alteration types. High amounts of high-field strength elements (HFSE) and rare earth elements (REE) were measured in acid-sulfate rocks. The Nb vs. Ta and Zr vs. Hf show a positive trend and a widely scattered relationships, suggesting a large fractionation during acid-sulfate alteration. Higher ∑REE amounts (up to 934.5 ppm) were found in clay-sulfate assemblages and lower ∑REE amounts in sinter (opal-A ± sulfate, 169.05 ppm) than to fresh rocks (up to 751.2 ppm). The acid-sulfate rocks reveal a distinctive gull-wing chondrite-normalized pattern with a negative Eu anomaly and light- and heavy-REE “wings” similar to the gull-wing pattern of fresh rocks. The Eu/Eu* shows a large fractionation of acid sulfate rocks from 0.16 to 0.78 with respect to fresh trachyte products (0.10 to 0.38). Variation of (La/Sm)N and (La/Yb)N ratio show a large fractionation of light-REE and heavy-REE. The Y vs. Dy and Y vs. Ho show a very good positive correlation coefficient and a large Y fractionation in acid-sulfate rocks with respect to fresh rocks.

Distribution of testate amoebae in bryophyte communities in São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago).

BackgroundTestate amoebae are a polyphyletic group of protists living preferentially in soils, freshwaters and wetlands. These Protozoa have a worldwide distribution, but their presence and diversity in the Azores (a remote oceanic archipelago) is poorly known, with only twelve taxa recorded so far. The published information reflects occasional collections from sporadic field visits from naturalists to São Miguel Island, mainly in the nineteenth century. To overcome this limitation, a standardised survey was carried out on the Island, sampling different types of habitats from several localities to provide the distribution and information on species ecology of testate amoebae.New informationIn this study, 43 species of testate amoebae were recorded (within a total of 499 occurrences), belonging to two orders of Protista (26 Arcellinida and 17 Euglyphida). The most frequently occurring testate amoebae were Euglypha strigosa, Trinema lineare, Euglypha rotunda, Assulina muscorum and Cyclopyxis eurystoma. The most diverse genus was Euglypha (six species). A total of 38 species are new records for the Azores Archipelago. These data help to improve knowledge of the geographical distribution of testate amoebae in the northern hemisphere and their diversity in the Azores Archipelago.

Deficiency of essential elements in volcanic soils: potential harmful health effects on grazing cattle.

Several essential nutrients such as Fe, Co, Cu, I, Se, and Zn are vital to grazing cattle as they play a significant role in intracellular enzyme systems, with antioxidant and repair functions of DNA lesions. Feeds may supply most essential nutrients in adequate amounts. However, essential nutrient deficiencies are common and are mainly related to the geochemical characteristics of the soils, inherited from parent rocks. This study aims to assess the concentrations of the selected essential nutrients in topsoils and pasture grass from São Miguel Island (Azores) and discuss the possible effects of its deficiency in grazing cattle health. Sixty-eight samples of agricultural (pastures) topsoil and thirty samples of pasture grass were collected throughout São Miguel Island in areas with basaltic and trachytic parent rocks. Soil physicochemical properties and geochemical baselines of selected elements were determined on composite samples of soil and pasture grass in each site. Results indicate that the highest concentrations of the selected essential nutrients were observed in areas with basaltic soils, while the lowest values were found in areas with trachytic soils. These differences are considered of geogenic origin since they result from the weathering of volcanic parent rocks with different geochemical compositions. Data indicate a lack of some essential nutrients in topsoils (Co and Se) and/or pasture grass (Co, Cu, Se, and Zn) that can contribute to harmful health effects on grazing cattle. The uneven distribution of essential nutrients in topsoil and pasture grass and their deficiency can lead to several health problems in the cattle since these elements regulate physiological functions in biological systems. The identification of these deficit sites is important as it can help farmers to implement soil and/or animal supplementation programs to diminish possible health problems.

Standardised arthropod (Arthropoda) inventory across natural and anthropogenic impacted habitats in the Azores archipelago.

BackgroundIn this paper, we present an extensive checklist of selected arthropods and their distribution in five Islands of the Azores (Santa Maria. São Miguel, Terceira, Flores and Pico). Habitat surveys included five herbaceous and four arboreal habitat types, scaling up from native to anthropogenic managed habitats. We aimed to contribute to the ongoing effort to document the terrestrial biodiversity of the world, in particular the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, as islands harbour a significant portion of unique terrestrial biodiversity. Selection of Arthropoda groups for the current checklist was based on their known richness and abundance (Arachnida, Collembola, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera), in almost all terrestrial ecosystems, as well as their importance in current Integrated Pest Management and alternative Biocontrol protocols at large (i.e. hymenopteran parasitoids and beneficial Coleoptera). In addition, we include the list of Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Psocoptera and Thysanoptera species. These assembled groups represent part of the monitoring programme EDEN Azores (2008-2014), where all Arthropod fauna, at all strata, within nine representative habitats of the abovementioned five Islands of the Azores was recorded.New informationIn this study, a total of 116,523 specimens, belonging to 483 species and subspecies of selected groups of arthropods, are reported by order, family and, when possible, genus and species. Hymenopteran, mostly parasitoids, accounted for the most represented taxa across all the monitoring and sampling phase of EDEN Azores (193 species and mophospecies), followed by Coleoptera (95 species); Collembola (89 species); and Araneae (72 species).A total of 37 non-native species are reported for the first time in the Azores. Coleoptera: Asaphidion flavipes (Linnaeus, 1761) (Carabidae); Tachyporus dispar (Paykull, 1789) (Staphylinidae). Hemiptera: Acrosternum heegeri Fieber, 1861 (Pentatomidae). Collembola: Entomobrya regularis Stach, 1963 (Entomobryidae); Lepidocyrtus lusitanicus piezoensis (Simón-Benito, 2007) (Entomobryidae); Jordanathrix articulata (Ellis, 1974) (Sminthuridae); Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus (Ryder, 1879) (Katiannidae); Himalanura sp. (Entomobryidae); Protophorura sp. (Onychiuridae). Hymenoptera, parasitoids: Aphidius colemani Viereck, 1912 (Braconidae); Aphidius ervi Haliday, 1834 (Braconidae); Aphidius matricariae Viereck, 1912 (Braconidae); Aphidius rhopalosiphi Stefani-Perez, 1902 (Braconidae); Aphidius rosae (Haliday, 1834) (Braconidae); Aphidius urticae Haliday, 1834 (Braconidae); Centistidea ectoedemiae Rohwer, 1914 (Braconidae); Meteorus unicolor (Wesmael, 1835) (Braconidae); Meteorus collaris (Spin.) Hal. – Ruschka, Fulmek, 1915 (Braconidae); Orthostigma cratospilum (Thomson, 1895) (Braconidae); Orthostigma latriventris Ratzeburg, 1844 (Braconidae); two other species of Orthostigma sp.; Pseudopezomachus bituberculatus (Marshall, 1905) (Braconidae); Tanycarpa punctata (van Achterberg, 1976) (Braconidae); Gonatopus clavipes (Thunberg, 1827) (Dryinidae). New genera not previously recorded for the Azores include: Pycnetron sp. (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae); four species of Aspilota sp. (Braconidae: Alysiinae); four species of Chorebus sp. (Braconidae: Aphidiinae: Alysiinae); Microgaster sp. (Braconidae: Microgastrinae); Homolobus sp. (Braconidae: Homolobinae); Lodbrokia sp. (Braconidae: Alysiinae).These 37 taxa were found in several Islands and five are new species for Flores Island, 10 species are new for Pico Island, 12 species are new for Terceira Island, 19 species are new for S. Miguel Island and five species are new for S. Maria Island.Additional species records for the Islands included: Flores (5 Collembola, 9 Araneae; 2 Hemiptera; 8 Coleoptera, 8 Hymenoptera), Pico (4 Collembola; 7 Araneae; 4 Hemiptera; 11 Coleoptera; 9 Hymenoptera), Terceira (4 Collembola; 1 Araneae; 3 Hymenoptera), S. Miguel (1 Araneae; 2 Coleoptera; 3 Hymenoptera), S. Maria (5 Collembola; 3 Araneae; 2 Hemiptera; 2 Hymenoptera).

Pulmonary oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal volcanic emissions.

Recent studies have shown that exposure to hydrothermal emissions has a negative impact on the respiratory system. Still, volcanogenic air pollution studies are still outnumbered when compared to anthropogenic studies which can result in an unknown risk to the human populations living near volcanically active areas. This study was carried out in São Miguel Island, with noneruptive volcanically active environments, such as the Furnas volcano caldera. Its noneruptive volcanism presents itself as hydrothermal emissions, mainly by the release of nearly 1000 T d-1 of CO2 along with H2S, and the radioactive gas radon; metals [e.g., mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)] and particulate matter are also released in a daily basis. We test the hypothesis whether chronic exposure to hydrothermal emissions causes pulmonary oxidative stress, using Mus musculus as a surrogate species. Mus musculus was live-captured in two villages with hydrothermal emissions and one village without any type of volcanic activity. The level of pulmonary oxidative stress was immunohistochemically assessed by using an OxyIHCTM Oxidative stress detection kit, and the detection of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis in lung tissues. Mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions presented increased levels of oxidative stress and amount of apoptotic cells. We demonstrate, for the first time, the high oxidative stress potential in the lungs of mice chronically exposed to hydrothermal emissions. This study highlights the usefulness of M. musculus as a bioindicator species and enforces the necessity of regularly biomonitor the inhabitants of hydrothermal areas to prevent respiratory pathologies.

Mineralogy and geochemistry (HFSE and REE) of the present-day acid-sulfate types alteration from the active hydrothermal system of Furnas volcano, São Mi-guel Island, The Azores Archipelago

Mineralogy and geochemistry (HFSE and REE) of the present-day acid-sulfate types alteration from the active hydrothermal system of Furnas volcano, São Mi-guel Island, The Azores Archipelago

Mineralogy and geochemistry (HFSE and REE) of the present-day acid-sulfate types alteration from the active hydrothermal system of Furnas volcano, São Miguel Island, The Azores Archipelago

Mineralogy and geochemistry (HFSE and REE) of the present-day acid-sulfate types alteration from the active hydrothermal system of Furnas volcano, São Miguel Island, The Azores Archipelago

Assessing the impact of explosive eruptions of Fogo volcano (São Miguel, Azores) on the tourism economy

Abstract. The Azores are an active volcanic region that offers exceptional conditions for nature-based tourism, one of the main axes of economic growth in the archipelago. A future volcanic eruption may have long-term consequences to this economic sector. Therefore, it is fundamental to assess its vulnerability to volcanic hazards in order to try to mitigate the associated risk. This study proposes a new approach to assessing the economic impact of explosive eruptions on the tourism sector. We considered two eruptive scenarios for Fogo volcano (São Miguel Island), the most probable (Volcanic Explosivity Index, VEI, 4 sub-Plinian eruption) and the worst-case (VEI 5 Plinian eruption), both producing tephra fallout and pyroclastic density currents. The results of numerical simulations were overlaid with tourism-related buildings and infrastructure of Vila Franca do Campo municipality to identify the elements at risk. The loss present value method was used to estimate the benefits generated by the accommodation units over 30 years for different economic scenarios. The assessment of the economic impact using 2018 indicators reveals that in a near-total-destruction scenario, the economic loss is approximately EUR 145 million (considering a 2 % discount rate). This approach can also be applied to other volcanic regions, geologic hazards and economic sectors.

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women on São Miguel Island, Azores. Assessing the Impact of Corrective Measures

Iodine deficiency in pregnant women on São Miguel Island, Azores. Assessing the Impact of Corrective Measures

First report on the prevalence of Klossiella muris in Mus musculus for S. Miguel Island - Azores (Portugal).

Klossiella is a genus of apicomplexan coccidian parasites with a global distribution, whose members typically infect the renal tissue of a wide variety of vertebrate hosts with a high level of host specificity. The presence of this parasite has been previously associated with kidney inflammatory processes. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence of Klossiella muris in the house mouse (Mus musculus) in Portugal (São Miguel Island - Azores). The prevalence of K. muris was determined through histopathological examination of renal tissue collected during necropsy of 130 mice captured between the years of 2011-2019. K. muris was diagnosed in 45.38% (CI95: 40.9-85.4) of the examined mice. Infection with this parasite was associated with mild to severe kidney inflammation, assessed by the presence of inflammatory processes in the renal cortex and medulla. CAPSULE: First record on coccidiosis caused by infection of Klossiella muris in Mus musculus in Portugal.