Mikolaj Feculak, MSc
2nd Year doctoral student
Discipline: agriculture and horticulture
Universidade de Aveiro, applEE – applied ecology and ecotoxicology laboratory

From October 1st to November 1st, 2023, I undertook an internship at the Universidade de Aveiro in Portugal under the scientific supervision of Professor Susana Loureiro. The main objective of the visit was to investigate the toxicity of transformed nanoparticles (ENPs) that I received while carrying out one of the research tasks planned at IPB.

Fig. 1 Campus if the University of Aveiro

During the stay, I familiarized myself with techniques for culturing aquatic organisms and OECD guidelines for toxicity tests using Daphnia magna. In the conducted tests, I examined the toxicity of chemically and biologically transformed CuO and ZnO nanoparticles, and the obtained results will allow the assessment of the impact of these transformations on the toxicity of nanoparticles for aquatic organisms and determine the risks associated with the release of nanomaterials into the environment.

Fig.2 Materials prepared for the ENPs toxicity test for Daphnia magna

The stay at the Universidade de Aveiro was also an opportunity to establish new connections and exchange experiences. Joining Professor Loureiro’s team allowed me to enrich my knowledge and research experience in the field of ecotoxicology, and the acquired skills will undoubtedly assist me in further scientific work. The collaboration initiated will be continued with the aim of publishing jointly obtained results.

Fig 3 Distinctive coloured boats in Aveiro

Fig. 4 Staircase painted as part of the Erasmus+ project “Do Something Nice”

In addition to the planned tasks, the internship provided an opportunity to explore interesting places in Portugal. I visited the main tourist attractions in Aveiro, explored Porto, and ventured to the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Fig. 5 Panorama of Porto

Fig. 6 Atlantic Ocean

Fig. 7 View of Porto from above the Duero River