Estudante de Doutorado at UFF, Brazil
Alain Póvoa is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Ocean and Earth Dynamics at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Brazil. His research primarily focuses on marine litter, including microplastics, plastisphere, and benthic organisms attached to debris (rafting). He has contributed to the understanding of solid waste distribution in marine and coastal environments and its ecological impacts. Póvoa is also involved in environmental education and public awareness through initiatives such as the Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia Extension Project and the Instituto Mar Adentro. His work highlights the critical need for sustainable coastal management and the role of education in enhancing environmental perception. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals and is actively engaged in research on coastal resilience and adaptation strategies.
Professional Profile
Education
Alain Póvoa holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Environments from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), completed in 2021. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ocean and Earth Dynamics at the same institution, expected to enhance his expertise in marine science. Póvoa also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), obtained in 2017. His academic journey has focused on marine ecosystems, environmental challenges, and the impact of human activity on coastal environments. Through his education, Póvoa has developed a strong foundation in marine biology, environmental science, and coastal management.
Professional Experience
Póvoa has extensive professional experience in marine research, contributing to several significant projects and publications. He is a key collaborator in the Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia Extension Project at UERJ, which promotes environmental awareness regarding marine litter. He also works with Instituto Mar Adentro, focusing on marine conservation. Póvoa’s research includes the analysis of solid waste and microplastics in Brazilian coastal regions and their ecological implications. Additionally, he is involved in the Liga Acadêmica de Diversidade Animal (LADA – UFF), further contributing to the scientific community. His professional work bridges the gap between academia and real-world environmental challenges, combining research with hands-on conservation efforts.
Research Interest
Alain Póvoa’s research interests primarily focus on marine litter, particularly the impact of solid waste on marine and coastal ecosystems. His work emphasizes the study of benthic organisms that adhere to debris (rafting), microplastics, and the plastisphere. Póvoa is dedicated to understanding the distribution of marine litter in Brazilian coastal areas and its ecological consequences, such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption. Additionally, his research explores environmental education and public perception of litter on sandy beaches, aiming to promote awareness and drive behavioral changes. His interdisciplinary approach combines marine biology, environmental science, and coastal management, contributing to solutions for sustainable environmental practices. Póvoa’s work is vital in addressing pressing issues such as pollution, habitat degradation, and the role of coastal habitats in mitigating climate change.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his academic and research career, Alain Póvoa has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to marine science and environmental research. His dedication to understanding the impact of marine litter and his commitment to promoting environmental sustainability have earned him numerous accolades. As an active collaborator in various research projects, Póvoa has been honored for his scientific output, including publications in high-impact journals. His involvement in initiatives like Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia and Instituto Mar Adentro showcases his passion for both research and outreach, earning recognition in academic and environmental circles. These achievements reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering positive change in coastal conservation efforts. Póvoa’s continuous pursuit of knowledge and solutions to marine pollution positions him as a prominent figure in the field of marine and environmental science.
Publications Top Noted
- Title: Macrofouling on marine litter in a Southwest Atlantic urban tropical bay and surrounds
Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Souza, L.R., Henud, I.R., Amorim, R.M., Soares-Gomes, A.
Year: 2025
Citations: 0
- Title: Coastal resilience and adaptation strategies: Natural habitats for coastal protection and Atlantic forest restoration on the coast of the Rio de Janeiro state
Authors: Henud, I.R., Póvoa, A.A., Gonçalves Tavares, M., Soares-Gomes, A.
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
- Title: Abundance and distribution of solid waste and microplastics in southeastern Brazilian islands: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Imsaurriaga, C.S.A., Póvoa, A.A., Derviche, P., Castro, R.O., de Araújo, F.V.
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
- Title: Marine litter on Atlantic Ocean sandy beaches: Current state of knowledge by scientometric analysis and proposal for discussion of amelioration by coastal management
Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Souza, L.R., Henud, I.R., De-La-Torre, G.E., Soares-Gomes, A.
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
- Title: Marine litter colonization: Methodological challenges and recommendations
Authors: De-la-Torre, G.E., Romero Arribasplata, M.B., Lucas Roman, V.A., Póvoa, A.A., Walker, T.R.
Year: 2023
Citations: 12
- Title: Cigarette butts in two urban areas from Brazil: Links among environmental impacts, demography and market
Authors: Ribeiro, V.V., Lopes, T.C., Amaral dos Santos Pinto, M., Szklo, A.S., Castro, Í.B.
Year: 2022
Citations: 39
- Title: Macroorganisms fouled in marine anthropogenic litter (rafting) around a tropical bay in the Southwest Atlantic
Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Araújo, F.V., Skinner, L.F.
Year: 2022
Citations: 20
- Title: Fouling organisms in marine litter (rafting on abiogenic substrates): A global review of literature
Authors: Póvoa, A.A., Skinner, L.F., de Araújo, F.V.
Year: 2021
Citations: 54
- Title: Marine litter and wood debris as habitat and vector for the range expansion of invasive corals (Tubastraea spp.)
Authors: Mantelatto, M.C., Póvoa, A.A., Skinner, L.F., Araujo, F.V.D., Creed, J.C.
Year: 2020
Citations: 46
