Ana Maria da Silva Paulo

Ana Maria da Silva Paulo is a Researcher at the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) within the School of Biotechnology, Catholic University of Portugal. Her work focuses on environmental biotechnology, specifically developing biological solutions for waste and wastewater treatment through aerobic and anaerobic processes.

Her academic qualifications include:

• PhD in Environmental Microbiology from Wageningen University (Netherlands) with co-supervision from University of Valladolid (Spain)
• Master's degree in Environmental Management from University of Minho
• Environmental Engineering degree from University of Aveiro

Dr. Paulo's research centers on wastewater treatment using aerobic granular sludge systems and anaerobic digestion, with emphasis on microbial community dynamics under stress conditions like salinity. Her phytoremediation work investigates sunflower and maize cultivation in metal-contaminated soils for biomass production, while bioaugmentation studies enhance pollutant degradation. She also develops sustainable textile dyes using mycopigments, integrating environmental remediation with circular economy principles.

Analysis of her 2023-2024 publications reveals strong trends toward resource recovery from remediation processes. Key themes include converting phytoremediation biomass into biofuels/biomethane, microbiome adaptation in saline wastewater treatment, and sustainable pigment production for textiles. Her work consistently bridges pollution control with renewable energy generation and material innovation.

No specific scientific awards are documented in available sources. However, she actively manages research funding through major projects including CROSSPATHS (Horizon Europe, 2024-2026) as Project Manager, and previously contributed to AGeNT and MultiBiorefinery projects. Her supervisory activities include mentoring students and serving on examination committees, with six documented supervision engagements.

Based at CBQF, she collaborates within multidisciplinary teams focused on environmental biotechnology. Her work involves national partnerships with University of Minho and international collaborations through European research frameworks, specifically targeting wastewater treatment optimization, soil remediation, and biomass valorization for sustainable resource cycles.