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We characterized the tailings from the Santa Barbara tailings dam, which is located in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, to: (i) identify its chemical, mineralogical, and metallurgical properties, and (ii) perform an environmental evaluation of the water at the surface of the tailings facility. The potential recovery of elements such as Sb, As, and Au was also considered for potential tailings reuse. The water was alkaline, with maximum pH values of ≈ 10, and contained potentially toxic elements, such as Sb (up to 0.500 mg/L), As (up to 0.080 mg/L), and Cu (up to 20 mg/L). Gold enrichment areas were found in the tailings dam, with concentrations up to 0.5 g/t. Alignment exists among tailings management, demand for critical raw materials, and increased interest in the processing of low-grade ores and mining waste, which is important in the context of the circular economy. They suggest that valorisation of tailings, although challenging, can be achieved by economic recovery of the more valuable metals., This work was funded the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) through projects UIDB/04683/2020, UIDP/04683/2020, Nano-MINENV 029259 (PTDC/CTAAMB/29259/2017), and by AngloGold Ashanti Brazil.

Revised proof, In the recent past, important research has shown how tourmaline can be used as a petrogenetic indicator in pegmatite rocks and related mineralization. A previous study by Ribeiro da Costa and Antunes (2019) demonstrated that tourmaline composition may be a useful guide to ascertain the degree of evolution and oxygen fugacity of host granitic rocks from the Variscan orogen in the Central Iberian Zone (CIZ). Following those promising preliminary conclusions, we have investigated whether these results hold for tourmaline-bearing granitic rocks from other geotectonic contexts, enlarging our scope to include whole-rock stable isotope analyses. The data collected so far has shown that, whereas most tourmaline components and component ratios seem essentially impervious to granitic magma composition and oxygen fugacity, there are a few exceptions, such as the Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratio and Ti contents of tourmaline that show clear variation with the degree of evolution and oxygen fugacity of the host granitic rocks. From both mineralogical and petrological points of view, it seems that these compositional features in tourmaline may be used as indicators of the degree of evolution and of specific characteristics of the granitic magmas that produced them., Trabajos recientes sobre turmalinas en rocas graníticas de la Zona Centro Ibérica (CIZ) del orógeno Varíscico han demostrado que la composición de las turmalinas puede ser una guía útil que ayude a determinar el grado de evolución y la fugacidad de oxígeno de los granitoides en que se encuentran. Esto, unido a otras investigaciones que fundamentan el empleo de las turmalinas como indicador petrogenético en pegmatitas, y en la mineralización a ellas asociada, nos ha animado a investigar si semejantes consideraciones son también aplicables a granitoides con turmalina en otros contextos geotectónicos, complementando los datos químicos con datos de isótopos estables en roca total. Los datos evaluados indican que si bien la mayoría de elementos y relaciones elementales determinadas en las turmalinas parece ser insensibles a la composición del magma, y a su fugacidad de oxígeno, hay algunas excepciones importantes, entre las que destaca la relación Mg/(Mg + Fe) y el contenido en Ti de la turmalina, que se modifican claramente a medida que cambia el grado de evolución y la fugacidad de oxígeno. Desde una perspectiva mineralógica y petrológica, parecería que las características composicionales de la turmalina pueden utilizarse como indicadores del grado de evolución y de otras características específicas del granito en que se encuentran

The safety of a dam is the result of a series of factors, including structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, operational and environmental aspects. In Brazil, Law No. 12.334 of September 2010 establishes the National Dam Safety Policy, which requires safety reports and monitoring inspections for existing dams. The inspection comprises a set of devices installed on the dam, which are used to assess the structural behavior based on performance parameters of the structure, such as displacements, flows, stresses, slopes and others. Dam auscultation procedures, historically, have been performed since the 1950s. Since then, there have been significant advances in instrumentation and dam auscultation methods. This work presents a theoretical approach on technical and scientific aspects of dams in Brazil, based on a state-of-the-art literature review, involving auscultation of dams in the context of design codes, concepts, instrumentation, safety, procedures and monitoring methods., A segurança de uma barragem é resultante de uma série de fatores, dentre os quais podem ser citados aspectos estruturais, geotécnicos, hidráulicos, operacionais e ambientais. No Brasil, a Lei nº 12.334 de setembro de 2010 estabelece a Política Nacional de Segurança de Barragens. A instrumentação compõe um conjunto de dispositivos instalados nas barragens, que são utilizados para avaliar o seu comportamento estrutural a partir de parâmetros de desempenho da estrutura, tais como deslocamentos, vazões, tensões, inclinações e outros. Procedimentos de auscultação de barragens, historicamente, tem sido realizado desde a década de 50, conforme a literatura. Desde então, houve avanços significativos na instrumentação e nos métodos de auscultação de barragens. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma abordagem teórica sobre aspectos técnico-científicos de barragens no Brasil, fundamentada numa revisão de literatura no estado da arte, envolvendo auscultação de barragens no contexto de normas, conceitos, instrumentação, segurança, procedimentos e métodos de monitoramento., Uminho -Universidade do Minho(undefined)

The last five decades were crucial for the development of geoconservation and for the recognition that some geological features are at risk and need to be properly protected and managed. This recognition is happening at two levels. On one hand, the raise of awareness in certain countries of the importance of geoconservation is pushing international organizations to include this topic in their policies and strategies. On the other hand, this change at the international level is contributing to more countries understand that they need to integrate geoconservation policies in their statutory system and to create effective measures to guarantee the conservation of geological heritage. This paper presents an overview of the main international efforts made during the last 50 years that have significantly changed the scenario in what concerns the place of geoconservation inside the global nature conservation agenda., FCT–Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., projects UIDB/04683/2020 and UIDP/04683/2020

Pelotherapy and electrotherapy are therapeutic methodologies with proven success in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) and dermatology fields. The main purpose of these therapeutic modalities is to reduce pain, accelerate wound healing, alleviate muscle spasms, and improve mobility, and muscle tone. Their main challenge is in the passage of some ionic species through the skin barrier. The use of drugs, such as diclofenac, corticosteroids or steroids, has gained widespread efficacy recognition in physical therapy and the therapeutic action of these drugs is widely studied in experimental and clinical trials. Unlike pharmaceutical and cosmetic clays, peloids are not subject to any prior quality control or subject to any specific European regulation. The dermal absorption values are an integral part of the risk assessment process for peloids. This work explores the converging points between these two transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) and the presentation of methodologies to achieve peloid safety compliance, especially concerning the potential and degree of toxicity arising from ion exchange and trace elements. TDDS is applied to the pharmaceuticals industry and drug is the generic term for the active substances released into skin tissues. The transdermal delivery of drugs or clay components with therapeutic properties is limited due to the excellent barrier function of the stratum corneum. The transdermal drug delivery of pelotherapy is enhanced by temperature and electrically by iontophoresis. The low voltage of iontophoresis and sweat phenomena with pore dilation driven by pelotherapy allows the use of the same pathways: hair follicles and sweat pore. The therapeutic integration of iontophoresis and pelotherapy focused on patient benefits and low safety-related risk may contribute to the outstanding physiological performance of pelotherapy, specifically, in the way the essential elements and exchange cations pass through the skin barrier. The validation of an innovative iontophoretic systems applied to pelotherapy can also promote future challenges in the obtaining of the ideal therapeutic control of peloids and the clinical validation of results with physiological efficacy recognition., FEDER — COMPETE

Geoconservation has gained a growing recognition in the last three decades. Significant steps have been given to identify, assess, and protect many geosites worldwide. Several countries have published national geosite inventories but quite often soils are not included in these inventories. Consequently, soils are usually disregarded in geoconservation strategies, in spite of they are geodiversity elements with different types of values that support crucial ecosystem services. Soils have multiple functions and provide valuable data to understand the recent Earth history. This work presents the bases to develop a national soil heritage inventory. This study was applied to Brazil that has a robust taxonomic system and a national soil database, which is a fundamental source of information. The inventory includes 384 pedosites with scientific value, considering the representativeness and rarity criteria. In addition, 220 pedosites were selected considering their importance for the Brazilian history of pedology, together with ex situ occurrences of soil heritage., The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the Institute of Earth Sciences at the Pole of the University of Minho are acknowledged for the support of the postdoctoral grant of the 1st author (Process IBGE no. 0001726.00000411/2019-09). This work is co-funded by Portuguese funds through FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology, project UIDB/04683/2020. We thank Marta Minussi Franco of IBGE for her support in the QGIS processing and Dr. José Francisco Lumbreras of Embrapa Solos, Rio de Janeiro, in the survey of data on RCCs.

Identification and evaluation of geosites are essential to the management and conservation of geological heritage. However, the only systematic geoheritage inventory done so far in a wide area of Brazil is the one in São Paulo State. In order to contribute little by little to a national systematic geoheritage inventory, this paper presents and discusses the method used in the inventory done in Paraná State. As most of the geoheritage inventory and assessment methods were developed in European contexts, it was necessary to include in the method some adjustments related to local particularities aimed at increasing the sensitivity of the method to elements of cultural value related to indigenous people and communities of former black slaves (quilombolas), as well as some ecological aspects. It is expected that the proposed method for the Paraná State can be adopted by other Brazilian states to allow a comparison of the results between the states, which is essential to cover in the future the whole country with a systematic geoheritage inventory., The authors acknowledge the Brazilian Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) for the scholarships granted to the first authors, the Postgraduate Program in Geology at the Federal University of Parana for the financial support with UFPR/PROAP resources for fieldwork and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) for the Research Productivity grant to Luiz Alberto Fernandes, Enrique DiazMartinez for co-supervision during the research and discussions on the manuscript and the reviewers for significant improvements of the first submitted version.

Our indoor microbiome consists of a wide range of microbial taxa. Whilst many of these microbes are benign, some are beneficial, some harmful, yet our knowledge of the spatial heterogeneity of bacterial assemblages in our residential environment remains limited. To investigate the existence of a common core house dust bacterial microbiome we selected household vacuum dusts, collected through a citizen science approach, from homes across two bioclimatic regions (UK, Oceanic/Maritime and Greece, Mediterranean). Following the extraction of DNA from each dust sample, we targeted the bacterial 16S rRNA gene using Illumina NextSeq sequencing. PERMANOVA analysis of the microbial communities at family level grouped samples within their distinct bioclimatic region and SIMPER analysis at genus level identified the statistically significant taxa responsible for driving diversity between these groups. A “common to all” core house dust microbiome consisted of Acinetobacter, Massalia, Rubellimicrobium, Sphingomonas and Staphylococcus; genera typically associated with human occupancy and common environmental sources. Additionally, a “unique location specific” microbiome was identified, reflective of the bioclimatic region. The Greek dusts indicated a lower average diversity than the UK house dusts, with a high abundance of Rhizobiaceae in the Greek samples. Our study highlights citizen science as a powerful approach to access the indoor residential environment, at scale, and establishes the existence of a “core” house dust microbiome independent of bioclimatic region., JE acknowledges funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (Research Grant NE/T004401/1). MB and MC acknowledge research funding from Research England’s Expanding Excellence in England (E3) Fund as part of the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment. KJ acknowledges funding for her PhD research programme from Northumbria University. Open access publication fees were provide by Northumbria University.

The quality of water is crucial for the qualification of river beaches. The Portuguese Environment Agency is the national Institution for a legal recognition of river beaches, and it is mandatory to comply a set of legal requirements. The Cávado River watershed (Northern Portugal) contains five river beaches with a regular and specific mandatory monitorization. The main subject of this research is the evaluation of spatial and temporal water microbiological and physic-chemical parameters to assess about the water quality improvement and consequently watershed management. The results of monitoring surface water, considering microbiological parameters from the five river beaches (2015/19), and physicochemical parameters from three water points along the Cávado River (2018/19) were considered. The river beaches located upstream the town of Braga has an "excellent" and "good" quality, while the river beach located downstream shows a lower water quality. The physicochemical water results indicated that there is a progressive degradation of water quality from upstream to downstream the river, which is associated to the influence of domestic and industrial activities. To improve water quality, it will be necessary a continuous monitoring, with the implementation of adequate awareness-raising programs and a strategic water quality management by the population and local agents., This research was funded by Braga Municipality and FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., grants numbers UIDB/04683/2020, UIDP/04683/2020

Geoconservation and geoethics are two emergent domains in geosciences. During the last decade, both topics have increasingly gained the attention of geoscientists and the society, but the main geoethical dilemmas related to the conservation and management of geoheritage are not clearly identified yet. This work aims at providing an overview on the meaning and scope of geoethics and how it intersects geoheritage and the practice of geoconservation. Some case studies—many of which are under current debate and have a high potential as geoeducational resources—are presented for addressing ethical, social and cultural settings as well as dilemmas affecting geoheritage. We find that there are particular cases (mostly concerning the trade of fossils, and in particular the growing concern about activities that rely on amber from Myanmar) for which a clear dichotomy of views makes them much more problematic and complex. These cases deserve more suitable legal frameworks that help implement more balanced ethical standards and practice guidelines for geoconservation, guarantee human rights and needs in relation to that heritage and contribute to the advancement of geosciences. Particular attention is given to palaeontological heritage, as fossils are among the most threatened elements of the Earth’s diversity and are in need of more effective and statutory protection measures. In the context of geoethics applied to palaeontological heritage, and given the need of a clear understanding of what ethics in palaeontology means, a new concept—palaeontoethics—is proposed and formally defined., This work was supported by the Government of Aragon (Reference Group E33_17R, co-financed with FEDER 2014-2020 `Building Europe from Aragon', and Reference Group E33_20R), and the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and FEDER funds (PGC2018-093890-B-I00 and PID2019-105537RBI00). The study has been performed within the framework of the GOAL (Geoethics Outcomes and Awareness Learning) project (ref. 2017-1-PTO1-KA203-035790).

Os rios são partes integrantes da geodiversidade e têm proximidade especial com a sociedade. O patrimônio fluvial é caracterizado por rios incomuns com aspectos singulares de geodiversidade, valores culturais e históricos e elementos ecológicos e paisagísticos de destacada qualidade cênica. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo visou identificar o conjunto de elementos ou lugares de interesse que poderiam ser utilizados para reconhecer o patrimônio fluvial baseado em valores de geodiversidade ao longo de um trecho de 17 km entre a cabeceira do Rio São Francisco e a Cachoeira da Casca d’Anta no Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra (estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil). Aqui, sete elementos do patrimônio fluvial foram reconhecidos: i) Conjunto paisagístico da Serra da Canastra; ii) nascente histórica do rio São Francisco; iii) Curral de Pedras; iv) Cachoeira da Casca d’Anta; v) área de nidificação do Pato Mergulhão Mergus octosetaceus; vi) extração de diamantes; vii) o Queijo Canastra. Os elementos do patrimônio fluvial identificados ressaltam a importância ecológica, cultural, histórica e turística/econômica do trecho fluvial analisado. Além disso, tais elementos demonstram a necessidade de melhorias nas legislações existentes e instrumentos mais efetivos para a conservação e gestão dos rios e sua conservação., Rivers are key parts of geodiversity and have special proximity with society. Hence, river heritage is characterized by uncommon rivers with singular aspects of geodiversity, historical and cultural values, ecological and landscape elements of high scenic quality. In such context, the present study aimed to identify the set of elements or places of interest which could be used to recognize river heritage based on geodiversity values along a 17 km stretch between São Francisco river headwaters and the Casca d’Anta waterfall within Canastra Range National Park (Minas Gerais State - Brazil). Here, seven elements of river heritage were recognized: i) landscape set of the Canastra Range; ii) São Francisco historic headwater; iii) Curral de Pedras; Casca d’Anta waterfall; v) Nesting area of the Mergus octosetaceus; vi) diamond mining; vii) the Canastra cheese. The identified elements of river heritage highlight the scientific, ecological, cultural, historic and touristic/economic importance of the analyzed. stretch Moreover, such elements illustrate need for improvement of the existing legislations and more effective instruments of river management and river conservation., The authors would like to thank FAPEMIG for the doctoral scholarship granted to Carmélia Oliveira and CNPQ for the Level 2 Research Productivity Grant for Úrsula Ruchkys and Paulo de Tarso Amorim Castro.

The water quality is influenced by different factors, including land use, hydrological conditions, and anthropogenic activities. The identification of the contamination sources in the Vizela river and the potential effects on water quality will promote efficient watershed management. The spatial and temporal variability of surface water was analysed through the physicochemical parameters, including: temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids, electrical conductivity, redox potential, and chloride, fluoride, bromide, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate content. The microbiological parameters Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci were monitored over time. The obtained results show that the water located downstream the Vizela river is the most contaminated, although there has been an improvement in the water quality over time. The microbiological values are higher than the Portuguese parametric values defined for human consumption, and often also for recreational water activities. Continuous spatial and temporal water monitorization including the physicochemical and microbiological parameters is recommended as a preventive and monitoring measure., This research is co-funded by the national Funds provided by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P.), through the project’s refer ence UIDB/04683/2020 and UIDP/04683/2020. The authors are very grateful to the reviewers and Editor for their constructive suggestions to im prove the final version of the manuscript.

The characterisation of geoheritage and the understanding of the physical and socio-cultural features of a territory are essential to achieve the major geoconservation goals: protection and sustainable use of exceptional elements of geodiversity. This research was done in the Sertão Central, an economic vulnerable area in the hinterland of northeast Brazil, remarked by the Caatinga Biome and a rocky, semiarid landscape. The area comprises an assemblage of deformed igneous and meta- morphic rocks, such as gneisses, TTG rocks, schists, and granites. Starting from a regional geoheritage inventory done in 2015, fourteen geosites were selected and assessed, representing a wide regional tectonic evolution from the Precambrian West Gondwanan orogenesis to the Cenozoic development of particular examples of Brazilian granitic inselbergs. In addi- tion to the inventory of geosites, six geodiversity sites were also evaluated, along with five geocultural sites, highlighting the cultural value of geodiversity in the area. Based on the available information, an analysis with the main features and spatial configuration of the geoheritage was developed, allowing to designate the most appropriate use for each geological site. Considering geoconservation as a geoscientific fostering for the sustainable development, our study suggests a set of general guidelines for the management of geoheritage, in order to facilitate the decision-making process by local managers and stakeholders as well as to promote the discussion on geotourism strategies for the region. Organised according to well- defined geoconservation strategies, these guidelines could enhance the sustainable development of vulnerable regions, such as Sertão Central itself., The authors would like to thank an anonymous reviewer for the accurate and valuable comments on the original manuscript. In particular, PM is grateful to the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES/Brazil) for her post doctorate scholarship (306365/2013-01/PNPD)

Dissertação de mestrado em Geociências (área de especialização em Valorização de Recursos Geológicos), No território português há reservas quantificadas de massas minerais com apetência ornamental, que suportam um catálogo de referências (ROP, LNEG), na sua maioria caracterizadas pela uniformidade petrográfica e textural, nos domínios petrogenéticos dos granitos, mármores, calcários e ardósias. Neste estudo, estes designam-se por litótipos clássicos sendo histórica e culturalmente reconhecidos pelo seu padrão textural, em contextos específicos de aplicação arquitetónica, com função estrutural e decorativa. Atualmente assiste-se a uma procura global por litótipos que apresentam padrões cromáticos e texturais que se destacam dos termos clássicos e beneficiam do desenvolvimento tecnológico, que garante a estabilização estrutural e uma maior valorização estética. Estes são aqui classificados como litótipos exóticos, sendo objetivo deste estudo evidenciar as suas características específicas e a sua aptidão ornamental, concretamente pela análise descritiva de litótipos nacionais não incluídos no catálogo de referência. Entre outros, deu-se maior enfoque aos litótipos: migmatito da Pedra da Moura e migmatito Black in the Sky. Como termo de comparação estudaram-se ainda litótipos internacionais com boa aceitação comercial e alto valor unitário (100- 500€/m2), tais como o quartzofilito Fusion Wow e o migmatito Black Cosmic. O critério geológico aplicado na escolha dos litótipos comerciais foi a identificação de características genéticas, texturais e mineralógicas em comum com algum dos litótipos nacionais estudados. Este trabalho beneficiou da colaboração com empresas do sector que proporcionaram amostras de litótopos comerciais e deram suporte industrial a ensaios de transformação como corte, polimento e resinagem. A metodologia analítica utilizada incluiu a preparação de lâminas e superfícies polidas, tanto de amostras de mão recolhidas em afloramento e em frentes de desmonte, como de amostras de chapa já sujeita a tratamento superficial. Pela observação microscópica e análise modal foi possível discriminar padrões minerais e texturais que particularizam as litologias exóticas, recorrendo à sistematização macro e microscópica dos seus atributos, mediante as normas petrográficas aplicáveis. Dos resultados obtidos conclui-se que os litótipos nacionais estudados possuem apetência ornamental equivalente aos litótipos exóticos internacionais, sendo esta conferida pela sua heterogeneidade estrutural e mineralógica. Estes devem ser incluídos no Catálogo Nacional de Rochas Ornamentais, beneficiando de destaque como litótipo exótico. Considerou-se ainda de carácter essencial, as soluções de reforço estrutural apontadas neste estudo, que potenciam o seu desempenho físico e mecânico e minimizam problemas decorrentes da diversidade mineral, sobretudo o alto contraste de dureza., In the Portuguese territory there are quantified reserves of mineral masses with ornamental potential, which support a catalog of references (ROP, LNEG), mostly characterized by petrographic and textural uniformity, in the petrogenetic domains of granites, marbles, limestones and slates. In this study, they are called classic lithotypes, being historically and culturally recognized for their textural pattern, in specific contexts of architectural application, with structural and decorative functions. Currently, there is a global demand for lithotypes that present chromatic and textural patterns that stand out from the classic terms and benefit from technological development, assuring structural stabilization and greater aesthetic enhancement. These are classified, in this dissertation, as exotic lithotypes. The purpose of this study is to highlight their specific characteristics and their ornamental aptitude, specifically by the descriptive analysis of national lithotypes not included in the reference catalog. Among others, a greater focus was given to the lithotypes: migmatite from Pedra da Moura and migmatite Black in the Sky. As a comparison term, international lithotypes with good commercial acceptance and high unit value (100-500 €/m2) were also studied, such as Fusion Wow quartzphyllite and Black Cosmic migmatite. The geological criterion used in the choice of commercial lithotypes was the identification of genetic, textural and mineralogical characteristics they have in common with some of the national lithotypes studied. This work benefited from the collaboration with companies in the sector that provided samples of commercial lithotypes and gave industrial support to transformation tests such as cutting, polishing and resin. The analytical methodology used included the preparation of thin sections and polished surfaces, both from outcrop hand samples and exploitation face, as well as from slab samples with surface treatment. Through microscopic observation and modal analysis, it was possible to discriminate mineral and textural patterns, distinguishing exotic lithologies by the macro and microscopic systematization of their attributes, based in the applicable petrographic standards. The results obtained shows that the studied national lithotypes have an ornamental potential equivalent to international exotic lithotypes, which is conferred by their structural and mineralogical heterogeneity. These must be included in the National Catalog of Ornamental Stones, benefiting from prominence as an exotic lithotype. The structural reinforcement solutions mentioned in this study were also considered essential, which enhance their physical and mechanical performance and minimize problems arising from mineral diversity, especially the high contrast of hardness.

Sewage discharges constitute severe stress in freshwater ecosystems. The Ramalhoso River belongs to the Tagus river watershed and was chosen for a pilot study on the impact of wastewaters discharges in a freshwater ecosystem and its ability for self-depuration. Twelve water samples were collected along the river and were georeferenced. The first point is located upstream of the first discharge point, the second one corresponding to the discharge flow, and all the other samples located downstream of secondary inflows at approximately equal distances. Three sampling campaigns were conducted during the rainy winter (January), the intermediate conditions (March), and the dry season (June). The following chemical parameters were analyzed: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5), Dissolved Oxygen concentration (DO), Ptotal, Ntotal, pH, temperature, total suspended solids (TSS), microbiological parameters (MP), and flow determination. Dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand, for 5 days (BOD5), and the total suspended solids were used as indicators of environmental pollution. A coupled hydrodynamic and water dispersion model simulated different pollution scenarios using the QUAL2kw software to construct a water quality model. The simulation results are consistent with field observations and demonstrate that the model has been correctly calibrated, allowing feasibility studies of different treatment schemes and the development of specific monitoring activities., Águas do Centro Enterprise and by the Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT), under contracts UID/GEO/04683/2013 with FCT (Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)

Uranium and thorium are toxic in different environments. The exploitation of uranium mines and associated mine drainage leaching towards streams, sediments, and soils cause relevant pollution. The U-mine areas present high concentrations of potentially toxic elements with several consequences to ecosystems and human health. Physicochemical and potentially toxic elements of mine dumps, stream sediments, and soils from the Canto Lagar uranium mine area (Central Portugal) were analyzed. Stream sediments, soils, and mine dumps show a large range in the concentration values of Fe, U, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Th, suggesting geological and mine contributions. Most of the selected potential toxic elements from sediments present a low to moderate contamination degree, except for As, W, and U, which vary between high and very high contamination index. The soils must not be used in agricultural or residential activities due to contamination in As and U. This abandoned mine represents an environmental risk due to the spatial mobility and dispersion of potentially toxic elements from the dumps to the sediments and soils, as well as by surface runoff and wind., This research was funded by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., grant number FCT FRH/BPD/64921/2009 and Nano-MINENV PTDC/CTA-AMB/29259/2017.

Trace elements (TE) homeostasis is crucial in normal brain functioning. Although imbalances have the potential to exacerbate events leading neurodegenerative diseases, few studies have directly addressed the eventual relationships between TE levels in the human body and future cognitive status. The present study aimed to assess how different TE body-levels relate to cognitive decline. This exploratory research included a study-group (RES) of 20 elderly individuals living in two Portuguese geographical areas of interest (Estarreja, M&eacute, rtola), as well as a 20 subjects neuropsychological control-group (CTR). Participants were neuropsychologically assessed through the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the RES group was biomonitored for TE through fingernail analysis. After 5 years, the cognitive assessments were repeated. Analyses of the RES neuropsychological data showed an average decrease of 6.5 and 5.27 points in MMSE and MoCA, respectively, but TE contents in fingernails were generally within the referenced values for non-exposed individuals. Higher levels of Nickel and Selenium significantly predicted lesser cognitive decline within 5 years. Such preliminary results evidence an association between higher contents of these TE and higher cognitive scores at follow-up, suggesting their contribution to the maintenance of cognitive abilities. Future expansion of the present study is needed in order to comprehensively assess the potential benefits of these TE.

This work presents a method to identify, to evaluate and to quantify the losses of the offer of ecosystem services provided by geodiversity, using as a case study the Taubaté Basin region, a highly urbanized portion of southeastern São Paulo State, Brazil. Our method considers not only the qualitative analysis of the abiotic as- pects, but also the historical and cultural context, in which the geodiversity elements are crucial for local economy development. The method is based on: i) Qualitative evaluation and definition of six Essential Geodiversity Variables (EGVs), used as the basis for the identification of 53 ecosystem services distributed into four functions: regulating, supporting, provisioning, and cultural; ii) Definition of land use categories based on two land use maps elaborated in order to compare the transformation occurred in the region between 1986 and 2016; iii) Quantification and evaluation of the impacts on the offer of ecosystem services caused by land use transformations occurred in region in a 30–year gap. The results showed that anthropogenic action is the main factor that alter the availability of local services, with emphasis on the supply of water, soils and mineral resources, and its potentially influence on the quality of life of certain species. We reinforce the view that public policies on land management and planning should consider the ecosystem assessment, as it provides evidence to propose actions to mitigate impacts and for environmental compensation, favoring the sustainable use of re- sources by society., The authors would like to thank CAPES for the Academic Mobility Program PDSE Scholarship / Process Nr. 88,881.135227 / 2016–01 and for the PhD research scholarship in Brazil awarded to the first author.

Dissertação de Mestrado em Geociências (Ramo de Dinâmica Externa e Mudanças Globais), No litoral do NW de Portugal, são cada vez mais as preocupações das populações quanto à migração das praias para o interior, à perda de sedimentos e ao recuo das arribas. Estes processos naturais parecem ser parcialmente influenciados pela intervenção humana, sobretudo com implementação de obras de defesa costeira, as quais modificam localmente a dinâmica sedimentar. Neste trabalho, apresentam-se resultados relativos à monitorização dessa evolução no sector Cabedelo- Amorosa, no concelho de Viana do Castelo para um período de cerca de um ano, com recurso a técnicas baseadas na utilização de Veículo Aéreo Não Tripulado (VANT) e em ferramentas informáticas relacionadas com fotogrametria e sistemas de informação geográfica (SIG). Os objetivos do trabalho centram-se nessa monitorização, destacando a importância de uma base de informação precisa de modo a suportar o planeamento e a gestão adequada destas áreas. A obtenção de dados úteis, fiáveis e de grande precisão permite conhecer e prever a evolução costeira, assim como prevenir potenciais consequências de planeamento e gestão deficientes. A fotografia aérea foi obtida através de levantamentos efetuados com VANT e o processamento fotogramétrico foi realizado com o software Agisoft Metashape Pro®, produzindo-se modelos digitais de superfície (MDS) e ortofotomapas. Foram realizadas análises comparativas de volumes sedimentares em diferentes sectores com recurso ao software QGIS® e foram criados perfis topográficos e grelhas para avaliar a tendência evolutiva da morfologia local. Os resultados demonstram uma perda sedimentar generalizada na área de estudo e uma influência das infraestruturas do porto de Viana do Castelo na dinâmica local. Contudo, verifica-se uma intensa dinâmica do sistema praia-duna, com transporte sedimentar predominantemente no sentido NW-SE que conferem poucas perdas sedimentares nas dunas. Os métodos utilizados no trabalho revelaram-se eficientes e fiáveis, tendo sido possível obter informação pormenorizada e a baixo custo. Os resultados obtidos são úteis e valiosos para a gestão dos sectores costeiros, podendo ser aplicados em diferentes âmbitos e suportar futuras abordagens do mesmo tipo na região., On the NW coast of Portugal, population concerns with beaches migration, loss of sediment and retreating cliffs have been increasing in the last decades. These natural processes seem to be partially man-influenced, mainly with the presence of coastal defense structures, which locally modify sedimentary dynamics. Results presented in this work regard the monitoring of the Cabedelo-Amorosa area evolution, in the municipality of Viana do Castelo for a period of about one year. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and photogrammetry and geographic information systems (GIS) procedures were used. The main objectives are focused on this monitoring, highlighting the importance of accurate data to support land use planning and management of coastal areas. Useful, reliable and highly accurate data may help to forecast coastal evolution and prevent potential consequences of poor planning and management. Aerial photography was obtained through surveys carried out with UAVs and photogrammetric processing was carried out with the Agisoft Metashape Pro® software, producing digital elevation models (DEM) and orthophotomaps. Comparative assessments of sedimentary volumes in different areas were performed using QGIS® software and topographic profiles and grids were created to assess evolutionary trends in local landforms. The results demonstrate a general sedimentary loss in the study area and an influence of the Viana do Castelo harbor infrastructures in local dynamics. However, strong dynamics in the beach-dune system was verified, predominantly in the NW-SE direction, which result in few sedimentary losses in the dunes. The methods used are efficient and reliable, resulting in detailed information at low cost. The data produced are useful and valuable for the management of coastal areas, may be used with various purposes areas, and can support future strategies of the same type in the region.

The supply of drinking water is one of the major concerns in semi-arid and arid climates, mainly in developing countries. The present study reviews the situation of the water supply in a West African coast country, the archipelago of Cape Verde, with focus on the most populous island (Santiago), regarding the rate of public coverage and the water quality. As main insights, the research indicates that at Santiago Island only 54% of the population has con- nection to the public network, while 24% uses wells, springs and other potentially non-potable sources. The region of São Domingos is one of the most critical, with only 6.5% of public supply, justifying the assessment of the water quality used by this population. With regard to water quality, the results of this study indicate that natural and anthropic factors are contributing to degradation of the water resources, with salinity, chloride, nitrates, and nitrites as major concerning pollutants. The insufficiency of the public supply in this island could be a reflection of the situation in other arid re- gions of Africa. Though the recent advances it is vital to continue or even increase with the interna- tional cooperation to provide for adequate water supply infrastructures., Nemias Moniz Goncalves avails to acknowledge Gulbenkian Scholarship Service from FCG (CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION), for the granted individual scholarship, under the program of Postgraduate Scholarships for students of PALOP and East Timor - Stimulating research and professional appreciation, process Nº. 139758. The FCG has been an indispensable support in carrying out all academic activities. This work was also supported by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização) - project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690

Quantitative assessment methods are attaining special attention in geodiversity research. Procedures to map geodiversity indices have been proposed by several authors though there is no consensus on how to best apply and replicate them in diverse areas. A contribution to the quantitative mapping of geodiversity using GIS tools of quantification and classification is presented. These procedures were applied in the municipality of Miguel Pereira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A quantification stage is supported by the multiparts technique, in which the geodiversity elements are considered without pondering their repetition, and by the singleparts technique, where the repetitions are counted. Geodiversity is then mapped and classified according to the MOV (maximum obtained value) that considers the highest score obtained by the sum of the geodiversity sub-indices and to the MPV (maximum possible value) defined by the sum of the maximum scores in each of the geodiversity sub-indices. The maps produced according to the singleparts tools reflect a higher difference between the minimum and maximum scores of geodiversity, and using the MPV more areas are classified with low geodiversity. Fieldwork surveys support the idea that combining the multiparts technique for geodiversity quantification with the MOV to its classification is more appropriate to characterize the geodiversity of the area. Nevertheless, using different methodological approaches may generate significantly different results, what must be taken into account when considering geodiversity as a support tool in land management., This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors are grateful to CPRM (Servico Geologico do Brasil) and DRMRJ (Departamento de Recursos Minerais do Estado do Rio de Janeiro) for providing data of the study area and to the Department of Geology of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) for providing financial support for the fieldwork.

Fire scar detection through orbital data can be done using specific techniques, such as the use of spectral indices like the normalized burn ratio (NBR), which are designed to help identify burnt areas as they have typical spectral responses. This paper aims to characterize burn severity and regrowth in areas hit by three fires in the Chapada Diamantina National Park (Bahia, Brazil) and its surrounding area through the differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR) and relative differenced normalized burn ratio (RdNBR) spectral indices. The data acquired were pretreated and prepared adequately to calculate the indices. We conclude that for the study area, considering the limitations of fieldwork, the multitemporal index dNBR and the relative index RdNBR are important tools for classifying burnt areas and can be used to assess the regrowth of vegetation., This research was partially financed by FAPESB (Research Support Foundation of the State of Bahia) by granting a master’s scholarship (Nº BOL0141/2015), partially cofinanced by the Annual Land Cover and Use Mapping Project in Brazil (MapBiomas), and partially cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the COMPETE 2020 Operational Programme Competitiveness and Internationalization (POCI) and national funds by FCT under the POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006891 project (FCT Ref: UID/GEO 04084/2019).

Water resources management has considerable importance, specifically in the context of climate change. This subject has introduced new challenges in semi-arid regions with water quality problems, such as the Iberian Pyrite Belt, which is one of the largest metallogenetic provinces in the world and one of the driest regions in Europe. Positioned in the Mediterranean context, the region has a high density of polymetallic sulphide mines that promote the degradation of water systems. The present study aims to assess the water quality in the Pyrite Belt, considering a total of 34 surface water bodies, including constructed reservoirs, permanent and ephemeral streams, and mining facilities with accumulated water (e.g., pit lakes and mining dams). The water samples were analysed for physico-chemical properties, including field parameters (pH, electrical conductivity), alkalinity/acidity, hardness, anions, and potential toxic elements. The results were used for hydrochemical classifications and the assessment of suitability for public uses. Statistical methods, such as hierarchical cluster analysis and nearest centroid classifier, were used for grouping and evaluating the similarity between water bodies. Two groups were generated from the analysis: i) constructed lakes with alkaline and sodium signatures; and ii) waters suffering from the influence of mining wastes, e.g., showing high acidity, sulphate and metal contents. Therefore, the loss of water quality in the vicinity of mines reflects the impact of acid mine drainage. The methodological approach used may be applied to the integrated management of water resources in regions with mining influences and where it is necessary to combat drought and water scarcity scenarios., Patricia Gomes acknowledge FCT (Science and Technology Foundation, Portugal) by the research fellowship under the POCH (Programa Operacional Capital Humano) supported by the European Social Fund and National Funds of MCTES (Ministerio da Ciencia, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior) with reference SFRH/BD/108887/2015. This work was co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalizacao) - project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and project Nano-MINENV number 029259.

Since the 1990s, the main international organizations dedicated to the conservation of nature and geosciences have included geoconservation among their areas of research. Gradually but increasingly, Chilean institutions linked to geology are working in this line, with the common hypothesis being that the country has a significant geoheritage. However, an exhaustive recollection of the geoconservation initiatives currently being developed in Chile throws that statement into question. The analysis of that background information and its subsequent comparison with works developed by other countries in Latin America and Europe shows the still incipient state of geoconservation in Chile. The inferred causes of this underdevelopment are the lack of public politics on geoconservation, the meager collaboration between the institutions that develop the currently ongoing initiatives, and the limited knowledge from the academic and professional world in Earth sciences related to what and how to conserve.

Promoting geoheritage using the Internet materializes mainly through the use of maps, posters, informational murals, or websites. This information is usually detailed and visually appealing. However, in most cases, there is little interactivity and a limited or complete lack of contextualization within the geographical space. The main objective of this work was to integrate information collected with unmanned aerial vehicles, georeferenced information processed in geographical information systems, photogram- metry techniques, and multimedia technologies to promote a better computer visualization of geoheritage. A working website was built based on panoramic photography, three-dimensional representation of the terrain, and multimedia information, in order to provide a pleasant way of promoting and interacting with field geology by using the Internet. The navigation through the information is based on 360° spherical panoramic images that are fully oriented and georeferenced. Their movement can be perfectly synchronized with the viewing of the landscape by using motion sensors found on portable devices (tablets or smartphones) such as GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, or compasses. These images can include the access to multimedia elements such as websites, videos, images, sounds, interpretation models, text, or interactive 3D terrain models, working as an excellent support base for the provision of an augmented reality experience. If used in the field, this technical implementation can act as an interactive guide for the interpretation of the landscape. This type of content can be accessed online from locations with a network signal or can be obtained in advance for offline use., This work received financial support from Capes - Higher Education Personnel Improvement Coordination for the granted in Brazil between 2013 and 2014 and abroad in 2015. This work was co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização), project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and national funds provided by Foundation of Science and Technology (FCT).

Potential toxic elements (PTE), in stream sediments, were used as contamination indicators for the definition of high-/low-grade spatial clusters in the Monfortinho area (Central Portugal). A set of 271 stream sediment samples was used for spatial modelling and further definition of rings of enrichment-high and low rings. A three-step multivariate statistical and geostatistical approach was used: (1) principal components analysis for PTE's association evaluation and dimensionality reduction; (2) ordinary kriging as an unbiased interpolator for content inference and construction of a continuous representation of the considered attributes, at any arbitrary spatial location; (3) G clustering algorithm for the definition of high and low significance clusters. A moderate contamination in stream sediments is observed for almost all the considered PTE and a very high contamination for Ba, Cr and B. High contamination clusters are observed for Fe, Ni, Ba, Cu, B, Zn, V-northwest and southeast clusters-and for Cr-north and southwest clusters. The contamination degree index varies from moderate to high, which is mainly associated with the old mineralizations. The high computed rings often overlap the areas of abandoned Ba-Zn mineralization, as well as the sedimentary gold concentrations, along the Erges River banks. Tin and Cd spatial distribution may be related to former cassiterite exploitations in the survey area. Chromium is possibly connected with the schists. The definition of clusters with a PTE spatial enrichment will allow for the identification of contamination activities and therefore, the definition of adequate monitoring and mitigation actions., Our thanks are due to Prof. M.R. Machado Leite for the use of data on stream sediments from Instituto Geolo´gico e Mineiro, S. Mamede de Infesta (Portugal). This work is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalizac¸a˜o), project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and national funds provided by Fundac¸a˜o para a Cieˆncia e Tecnologia., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The concept of geodiversity aggregates the abiotic elements of nature and promotes the geoconservation. The main objective of this work is to contribute to the upgrade of the method for the assessment and quantification of geodiversity proposed by Pereira et al. (2013). The method is based on the superposition of a regular grid of 12 × 12 km on different maps (lithology, geomorphology, soil, paleonthology, mineral and geological energy resources) at scales of 1:250,000 to 1:600,000. In addition to other up- grades, the water resources are regarded here as a new com- ponent to consider when quantifying geodiversity. The sum of these maps generated the quantitative Map of Geodiversity Indices and the Map of Geodiversity Assessment, ranging from very low to very high geodiversity. The analysis of the geodiversity map of the State of Ceará (Brazil) shows the applicability and advantage of this method, highlighting two regions with higher levels of geodiversity (Northwest and South) and another region with the lowest levels (Sertões Cearenses). The results also allowed the characterization of the State of Ceará concerning the individual components of the geodiversity, especially the water resources. Geodiversity indices and maps are comprehensive and user-friendly data in the territorial planning, considering the geodiversity either as a whole, or each of its components, especially the more sensi- tive such as fossil conservation, and water, mineral, and non- renewable energy resources management., The authors express their gratitude to the Brazilian research fostering institution "Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior" (CAPES) for awarding the Ciência Sem Fronteiras (CsF) PhD scholarship that enabled this work. This work was partially co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização), project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/ 2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and national funds provided by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.

The Alto da Várzea radium mine (AV) exploited ore and U-bearing minerals, such as autunite and torbernite. The mine was exploited underground from 1911 to 1922, closed in 1946 without restoration, and actually a commercial area is deployed. Stream sediments, soils and water samples were collected between 2008 and 2009. Stream sediments are mainly contaminated in As, Th, U and W, which is related to the AV radium mine. The PTEs, As, Co, Cr, Sr, Th, U, W, Zn, and electrical conductivity reached the highest values in soils collected inside the mine influence. Soils are contaminated with As and U and must not be used for any purpose. Most waters have pH values ranging from 4.3 to 6.8 and are poorly mineralized (EC = 41-186 µS/cm; TDS = 33-172 mg/L). Groundwater contains the highest Cu, Cr and Pb contents. Arsenic occurs predominantly as H2(AsO4)- and H(AsO4)2-. Waters are saturated in goethite, haematite and some of them also in lepidocrocite and ferrihydrite, which adsorbs As (V). Lead is divalent in waters collected during the warm season, being mobile in these waters. Thorium occurs mainly as Th(OH)3(CO3)-, Th(OH)2(CO3) and Th(OH)2(CO3) 22- , which increase water Th contents. Uranium occurs predominantly as UO2CO3, but CaUO2(CO3) 32- and CaUO2(CO3)3 also occur, decreasing its mobility in water. The waters are contaminated in NO2-, Mn, Cu, As, Pb and U and must not be used for human consumption and in agricultural activities. The water contamination is mainly associated with the old radium mine and human activities. A restoration of the mining area with PTE monitoring is necessary to avoid a public hazard., Thanks are due to Prof. Joao Coutinho for the determination of organic matter and cation exchange capacity in samples of stream sediments and soils and A. Rodrigues for the water analyses, EDM for some information on the Alto da Varzea mine area. This study had the support of Portuguese Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT), through the strategic projects UID/GEO/04035/2013 and UID/MAR/04292/2013 (MARE)., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Forests in Mediterranean Europe including Portugal are highly susceptible to wildfires. Freshwaters are often exposed to post-wildfire contamination that contains several toxic substances, which may impose risk to freshwater organisms and ecosystem functions. However, knowledge on the impacts of post-wildfire runoffs from different origins on freshwater biota is scarce. In forest streams, invertebrate shredders have a major contribution to aquatic detrital-based food webs, by translocating energy and nutrients from plant-litter to higher trophic levels. We investigated the leaf consumption behaviour and the responses of oxidative and neuronal stress enzymatic biomarkers in the freshwater invertebrate shredder Allogamus ligonifer after short-term exposure (96 h) to post-wildfire runoff samples from Pinus and Eucalyptus plantation forests and stream water from a burnt catchment in Portugal. Chemical analyses indicated the presence of various metals and PAHs at considerable concentrations in all samples, although the levels were higher in the runoff samples from forests than in the stream water. The shredding activity was severely inhibited by exposure to increased concentrations of post-wildfire runoff samples from both forests. The dose-response patterns of enzymatic biomarkers suggest oxidative and neuronal stress in the shredders upon exposure to increasing concentrations of post-wildfire runoffs. The impacts were more pronounced for the runoffs from the burnt forests. Moreover, the response patterns suggest that the energy from the feeding activity of shredders might have contributed to alleviate the stress in A. ligonifer. Overall, the outcomes suggest that the post-wildfire contamination can induce sublethal effects on invertebrate shredders with impacts on key ecological processes in streams., The present study was supported by strategic programmes UID/BIA/04050/2019 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007569) and UID/AMB/50017/2019 (POCI-01–0145-FEDER-007638), funded by the Portuguese Foundation For Science and Technology (FCT) I.P. and ERDF via COMPETE2020 - POCI. FEDER-POFC-POCI-COMPETE and FCT also supported the study (PTDC/AAG-GLO/4176/2012, PTDC/CTA-AMB/28936/2017), and F. Carvalho (SFRH/BD/119957/2016).

This work presents a review of recent publications, with publication date between 2017 and 2019, with information on the relation between rock characteristics and the effects of diverse agents associated with alteration of stone materials in the built environment. It considers information obtained from ageing tests performed under laboratory conditions and by exposure to outdoor agents. Several lithological groups were considered, with sedimentary carbonate rocks being the most frequently studied lithotypes and silicate metamorphic rocks being the group with scarcer information. In terms of ageing tests, salt weathering was the most frequent one while there was a noticeable lesser amount of information from tests with biological colonization. The collected data showed the influence of diverse features, from specific minerals to whole-rock properties and the presence of heterogeneities. These information are discussed in the context of formulating a general framework for stone decay., The Lab2PT-Landscapes, Heritage and Territory laboratory-AUR/04509 is supported by the Portuguese FCT-“Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia” (Portuguese funds and where applicable the FEDER co-financing, in the aim of the new partnership agreement PT2020 and COMPETE2020-POCI 010145 FEDER 007528). The authors also gratefully acknowledge the support of the CERENA (funded by a strategic project of the FCT-UID/ECI/04028/2019) and the LAMPIST of the Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. The University Institute of Geology of the University of A Coruña (Spain) receives support from the Xunta de Galicia from the programme “Consolidación y estructuración de unidades de investigación competitivas: Grupos de potencial de crecimiento” (ED431B 2018/47) and Redes de investigación (R2017/008).

To explore the relationship between geodiversity and borders of natural protected areas, we studied the northern part of Jaén Province (southern Spain), where the southern sector of the Central Iberian Massif, the Betic Cordillera and the Guadalquivir foreland basin come together. Moreover, several natural protected areas (NPAs) are located here. To approach the topic, we defined the geodiversity index as the sum of partial indices: lithological, geomorphological, palaeontological, pedological, minerals, hydrology and geosites. This made it possible to derive a map of the geodiversity index and a map of geodiversity gradient. Analysis of their distribution shows that almost 80% of the territory has values of medium, high and very high geodiversity, but these zones are situated outside the borders of the NPAs. A similar study considering two biological indices (endangered species and biodiversity) shows a good correlation between the limits of NPAs and the higher values of these indices. Thus, an absence of correlation between the geodiversity index and biological indices is clearly detected. These results are not in agreement with the definition of NPAs in the current Spanish laws of nature conservation., This research was funded by the Project Evaluación de la geodiversidad y del patrimonio geológico. Utilidad para la delimitación y gestión de espacios naturales protegidos. Aplicación en parques y monumentos naturales del norte de la Provincia de Jaén (Centre for Advanced Studies in Earth Sciences, University of Jaén, Spain) and by the Research Group RNM-200 (Junta de Andalucía).

Tese de Doutoramento em Ciências (Especialidade Geologia), A mineração sempre esteve presente no Brasil, desde os pequenos jazimentos costeiros às minas no interior do país, passando pela crescente indústria mineira a partir de meados do século XX. Das primeiras descobertas de ouro na bacia do rio das Velhas, surgem as lavras históricas próximas a Ouro Preto, Mariana e Sábara, numa rápida expansão para a região norte do estado de Minas Gerais. Foi esta a região onde foram descobertos os primeiros diamantes na região central, na segunda década do século XVIII, com destaque particular para as cidades de Diamantina e Serro. As trilhas e rotas estabelecidas entre as cidades portuárias de Paraty e Rio de Janeiro, rumo às riquezas das regiões mineiras, delinearam o traçado da Estrada Real (ER), um percurso que representa três séculos de história mineira. A partir das antigas lavras de ouro e diamantes dos séculos XVIII e XIX, se ergueram a quase totalidade das cidades e vilas históricas da ER com patrimônio cultural relevante. Do percurso total da ER com mais de 1600 km, esta tese incidiu sobre os últimos 400 km em direção ao interior do Estado, entre as cidades históricas de Ouro Preto e Diamantina, trecho conhecido como Caminho dos Diamantes. A escassa valorização do patrimônio geomineiro da ER motivou este estudo que visou resgatar valores remanescentes da atividade mineira e também alguma da informação existente no acervo documental ainda que está disperso por órgãos públicos, empresas e particulares. Foram inventariados locais de antigas lavras (garimpos e minas abandonadas), paisagens antropizadas, dentre outros locais promocionais do Instituto Estrada Real, como rotas, monumentos, museus, casarios históricos do barroco mineiro e patrimônio imaterial. São apresentados dois estudos de caso onde se apresentam propostas de valorização turística do patrimônio geomineiro, que se constituem como possíveis âncoras de desenvolvimento local., Mining has always been an important activity in Brazil. Mining started in small coastal deposits, later expanded to mines in central regions of the country and has enlarged in mid-twentieth century. The first gold findings in Rio das Velhas basin originated historical mines near Ouro Preto, Mariana and Sábara and a rapid expansion to northern areas of Minas Gerais where the first diamonds were discovered in the second decade of the 18th century, particularly near the cities of Diamantina and Serro. Estrada Real (ER) was setup upon the trails and routes established between the coastal cities of Paraty and Rio de Janeiro towards the mining regions. Estrada Real is a route that represents three centuries of mining history that has started with the gold and diamond mining in the 18th and 19th centuries. There are several cities and towns along ER with rich cultural heritage that have been developed as a result of this long mining tradition. Estrada Real extends for more than 1600 km but this thesis was developed in the last 400 km, between the historical cities of Ouro Preto and Diamantina, a section known as Caminho dos Diamantes. The lack of knowledge and promotion of the mining heritage in ER has motivated this study that aims to rescue the remaining values of the mining activity and part of the information dispersed in public agencies, companies and individuals. This thesis made the inventory of sites related with active and abandoned mines, anthropized landscapes, among other sites that were previously identified by Estrada Real Institute, such as routes, monuments, museums, historical houses of mining baroque, and intangible heritage. Two case studies are presented with clear proposals to foster the touristic promotion of mining heritage in Caminho dos Diamantes, which can be seen as anchors for local development.

This paper summarizes international state-of-the-art applications and opportunities for employing and deploying hydrological, geochemical, and isotopic tools in an integrated manner for investigations of mining operations. It is intended to aid formulation of more integrated approaches for evaluating the overall sustainability of mining projects. The focus is particularly on mine waters, including: environmental water sources, mine water dynamics, and as a source and vector for pollution in the wider environment. The guidance is generic to mining projects and not just reflective of a particular extraction (e.g. coal, metalliferous, uranium) industry. A mine life cycle perspective has been adopted to highlight the potential for more integrated investigations at each stage of a mining operation. Three types of mines have been considered: new (i.e. those in the planning stage), active (i.e. working mines), and historical mines (i.e. inactive and abandoned mines). The practical usage of geochemical analyses and isotopic studies described here emphasise characterisation, dynamics, and process understanding for water quality considerations in tandem with water resource and environmental impact implications. Both environmental (i.e. ambient) and applied (i.e. injected) tracers are considered. This guide is written for scientists (including isotope specialists) who have limited or no mine water experience, environmental managers, planners, consultants, and regulators with key interests in planned, active, and legacy mining projects., The authors thank the IAEA for inviting us to collate an initial report on guidelines from 2018-06-25–28 in Vienna. We thank Chris Gammons for allowing us to use one of his fgures. We especially thank Umaya Doss Saravana Kumar, Lucia Ortega, and Araguás-Araguás from IAEA for assistance, and Andrea Nick for input during the meeting. Special thanks to our reviewers who substantially helped improve the structure and content of this guidance document.

For more than 30 years, sulfide gold ores were treated in metallurgic plants located in Nova Lima, Minas Gerais, Brazil, and accumulated in the Cocoruto tailings dam. Both flotation and leaching tailings from a deactivated circuit, as well as roasted and leaching tailings from an ongoing plant, were studied for their acid mine drainage potential and elements&rsquo, mobility. Detailed characterization of both tailings types indicates the presence of fine-grain size material hosting substantial amounts of sulfides that exhibit distinct geochemical and mineralogical characteristics. The samples from the ongoing plant show high grades of Fe in the form of oxides, cyanide, and sulfates. Differently, samples from the old circuit shave higher average concentrations of Al (0.88%), Ca (2.4%), Mg (0.96%), and Mn (0.17%), present as silicates and carbonates. These samples also show relics of preserved sulfides, such as pyrite and pyrrhotite. Concentrations of Zn, Cu, Au, and As are higher in the tailings of the ongoing circuit, while Cr and Hg stand out in the tailings of the deactivated circuit. Although the obtained results show that the sulfide wastes do not tend to generate acid mine drainage, leaching tests indicate the possibility of mobilization of toxic elements, namely As and Mn in the old circuit, and Sb, As, Fe, Ni, and Se in the tailings of the plant that still works. This work highlights the need for proper management and control of tailing dams even in alkaline drainage environments such as the one of the Cocoruto dam. Furthermore, strong knowledge of the tailings&rsquo, dynamics in terms of geochemistry and mineralogy would be pivotal to support long-term decisions on wastes management and disposal.

Forest and natural landscapes are usually considered to provide increased hydrological services over agriculture due to increased vegetation cover. Natural vegetation is expected to protect soils against erosion, regulate floods by increasing litter and soil water retention and decreased sediment yield. Afforestation is therefore used to control floods and prevent soil degradation, and water supplies are usually taken from forested watersheds. In the second half of the XXth century, agricultural abandonment in the northern rim of the Mediterranean led to extensive afforestation and renaturalization, and Mediterranean landscapes are now assumed to provide more hydrological services than before. However, Mediterranean forests are also prone to wildfires, which destroy the vegetation cover, changes soil properties with decreased soil water retention and create a highly mobile ash layer which can contaminate streams. These impacts temporarily negate the hydrological ecosystem services forests normally provided; and in regions subjected to frequent and recurring fires, it is possible that the long-term service provisioning is severely impacted. Nevertheless, forest management strategies ranging from emergency post-fire stabilization measures to structural landscape management can help mitigate these issues and prevent ecosystem service disruptions in fire-prone forests. This presentation will address this issue from a Mediterranean perspective, starting with an overview of post-fire impacts and consequences, and presenting results for a humid Mediterranean fire-prone area.

Skarn type deposits are important potential resources for Cu, Au, and Ag as well as other strategic metals, which require accurate characterization of the mineralogy, texture and grade for successful processing and environmental management. The mineralogy of these deposits and of the resulting tailings has traditionally been examined using transmitted light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. In the present study, the Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy (QEMSCAN®) technology was applied to rapidly acquire spatially resolved mineralogical data from tailings associated with a Cu(Au,Ag) skarn type deposit. The resulting modal and textural data provided relevant additional information on the distribution of the ore minerals, including detail on the trace minerals, grain size distributions, and mineral associations. The following benefits of detailed mineralogical knowledge from this study can be pointed out: it improves the lithotyping of these complex deposit types and will benefit their ore processing strategies; it allows inferences to be made about the environmental behavior of the tailings, namely the acid mine drainage potential; it provides data about deportment of penalty and toxic elements, which are specifically As, Te, and Sb. Thus, particular applications of QEMSCAN include assessments of the acid consumption of the mineral assemblages (mainly assured due to calcite and dolomite) and of the abundance, distribution and mobility of potentially toxic elements, such as As.

Objetivo: A presente investigação visa avaliar a eficácia do Programa Domicílios sem Fumo. Método: O estudo foi realizado em 135 escolas do 1º ciclo de todas as ilhas dos Açores, no ano letivo 2017/2018.Trata-se de um estudo pré-experimental, aplicando-se um pré-teste, seguido do programa e um pós-teste, a uma amostra constituída por 1178 alunos a frequentar o 4º ano de escolaridade. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram uma ligeira redução da prevalência de consumo de tabaco dos pais/mães das crianças açorianas. Constatou-se ainda a diminuição da exposição das crianças ao FAT no domicílio pelo facto de ter decrescido a percentagem de pais que fumam dentro de casa. A exposição ao FAT no carro registou um decréscimo após a implementação do programa, sendo esse estatisticamente significativo.No entanto, existe ainda uma prevalência de 41.6% de crianças expostas ao FAT em casa ou no carro. Conclusões: O Programa Domicílios sem Fumo revelou-se eficaz na alteração dos hábitos tabágicos dos pais/mães, reduzindo ligeiramente a prevalência de crianças expostas ao FAT em casa e no carro. Por isso, recomenda-se a aplicação deste programa nos diferentes anos de escolaridade, noutras escolas e contextos socioeducativos., Objective: This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of “Smoke-free Homes” programme. Methods: The study was carried out in 135 primary schools in all Azores islands, in 2017/2018. This is a pre-experimental study, applying a pre-test, followed by the program and a post-test, to a sample of 1178 students attending the 4th grade. Results: The results showed a slight reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use by parents of Azorean children. There was also a decrease in the exposure of children to FAT at home because the percentage of fathers who smoke indoors decreased. Exposure to SHS in the car decreased after program implementation, which was statistically significant. However, there is still a prevalence of 41.6% of children exposed to FAT at home or in the car. Conclusions: “Smoke-free Homes” programme was effective in preventing smoking habits of parents, reducing the rate of children exposed to SHS at home and in the car. Therefore, it is recommended to apply this program in different years of schooling, in other schools and socioeducational contexts, Fundos nacionais através da FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia) no âmbito do projeto do CIEC (Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Criança) da Universidade do Minho, com a referência UIDB/00317/2020

A motivação do presente estudo é o emprego da geoconservação no manejo de atrativos turísticos em unidades de conservação de proteção integral, com vistas ao geoturismo, tendo como área de estudo a região norte da Ilha de São Sebastião, no município de Ilhabela, SP. Foram inventariados 14 sítios de geodiversidade, e avaliados quantitativamente quanto aos potenciais usos turísticos convencional e de aventura, e valor científico. Para seleção dos sítios mais aptos ao geoturismo foram considerados aqueles que apresentaram simultaneamente alto potencial turístico, cuja relevância é condicionada por aspectos como logística, acessibilidade, apelo cênico e unicidade, e alto valor científico, cujas informa- ções constituem a matéria-prima das atividades interpretativas, adaptadas a uma linguagem acessível ao público leigo. Dentre os resultados obtidos, destacam-se os seguintes sítios de geodiversidade prioritários ao geoturismo: Sienitos da Praia da Garapocaia (SG9), Geodiversidade no Pico do Baepi (SG 6) e Caminhos geológicos das costas norte (SG11) e leste (SG 12)., The present study aims to apply the geoconservation to tourist management in full-protection conservation units, focusing on geotourism. For this purposes, the study area is the northern region of São Sebastião Island, on the north coast of State of São Paulo, Brazil. Fourteen geodiversity sites were inventoried, which were quantitatively evaluated for the potential of conventional and adventure tourism and scientific value. The sites classified as most suitable for geotour ism projects are those that simultaneously presented high tourist potential, whose relevance is conditioned by aspects such as logistics, accessibility, scenic appeal and uniqueness, and scientific value, whose information constitutes the raw material of the interpretive activities, adapted to a language accessible to the lay public. Among the results obtained, the following geodiversity sites are highlighted as priority to geotourism: Syenites from Garapocaia Beach (SG9), Geodiversity in Baepi Peak (SG6) and North and East Coast Geological Paths (SG11 and SG12)., CAPES -Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior(undefined)

O presente estudo pretendeu (i) identificar padrões geoquímicos espaciais e temporais na deposição atmosférica, e (ii) avaliar potenciais contribuições de fontes locais e alóctones para a composição química das poeiras atmosféricas no concelho de Estarreja. Dois coletores foram colocados em áreas exteriores de duas escolas localizadas poucos quilómetros a sul da zona industrial. A recolha das amostras foi realizada mensalmente, de maio a agosto de 2018. As frações solúvel e insolúvel da deposição atmosférica foram analisadas por ICP-MS para determinar as concentrações quase-totais dos elementos químicos. Os resultados mostram a ocorrência de dois eventos distintos de maior fluxo de deposição atmosférica: (i) um em maio, caracterizado pela deposição de elementos traço em formas solúveis, detetado em ambas as escolas e (ii) um segundo em agosto, caracterizado pela deposição de elementos maiores em formas insolúveis, detetado apenas na escola mais distante do complexo industrial. No geral, os resultados indicam uma deposição antrópica de aerossóis em maio e uma deposição de partículas litogénicas em agosto., Due to their high toxicity and reactivity in atmospheric particles, metl(loid)s are a category of pollutants of great concern in air pollution. The present study aimed (i) to identify spatial and temporal geochemical patterns in atmospheric deposition, and (ii) to evaluate potential contributions from local and regional sources to the chemical composition of atmospheric dust, in the industrial city of Estarreja. Two collectors were placed in exterior areas of two schools located few kilometres south from the industrial zone, one within an urban setting and another in a rural environment. Samples were collected monthly from May and August 2018. The soluble and insoluble fractions of atmospheric were analysed by ICP-MS to determine near-total concentrations of the chemical elements. The results indicate two distinct events of higher atmospheric deposition flux. The first event, detected in both schools, occurred in May and is characterized by the deposition of trace elements in soluble forms. The second occurred in August and is characterized by the deposition of major elements in insoluble forms. This later episode was detected only at the school furthest from the industrial complex. Overall, the results indicate an anthropogenic aerosol deposition in May and a lithogenic particle deposition in August., Este trabalho é cofinanciado pela União Europeia através do Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional, baseado no COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional de Competitividade e Internacionalização), no projeto ICT (UIDB/04683/2020), no projeto GeoBioTec (UIDB/04035/2020) e nos fundos nacionais fornecidos pela Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia. Os autores agradecem à Direção, aos docentes e aos funcionários do Agrupamento de Escolas de Estarreja a preciosa colaboração durante o período de recolha das amostras

Spain is an international reference for geoparks and geoconservation polices, and it is the second country in the world with the highest number of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps), after China. Additionally, Spain was one of the four countries involved in the establishment of the European Geoparks Network (EGN) in 2000, the first geoparks network. Based on this prominent role of Spain, the present research had the aim to analyse and characterize the process of establishment, development, and manage- ment of two Spanish UGGps. This study also intended to identify important aspects of the operation and management that can be a reference to other geoparks. As geological heritage is one of the essential requirements of any geopark, geoconservation has particular importance in the geopark management, requiring experts in the geopark staff. Equally important is that the manage- ment structure can effectively ensure an integrated development of the territory, connecting the geopark staff, the whole com- munity, and the stakeholders. A good cooperation of the management team with the administration of protected areas that might exist within a geopark is also noteworthy, because park managers have extensive experience in the implementation of nature conservation and environmental education actions, activities that can certainly benefit any geopark., Part of this research was funded by the Erasmus Plus Programme and by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020, project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2019) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and national funds provided by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.

Acid mine drainage represents an extreme type of water pollution. The environments develop especial hydrochemical and ecological characteristics, such as high concentrations of acidity and low biodiversity, with dominance of acidophilic organisms. Ecological criteria are assuming increasing relevance for assessing water quality, including in acid mine drainage-affected systems. Photosynthetic pigments, like chlorophyll, could be considered in this context as they are generally used to estimate phytoplankton biomass. The present work was focused on acid mine drainage and their relationships with chlorophyll a. It was developed in the historic mine of São Domingos (Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Europe). The methodological approach comprised two sampling campaigns (October and February) to represent seasonal behaviour. The diversity of hydrological conditions was also considered through sampling sites established in the pit lake, acidic lagoons and affected stream. Hydrochemistry and chlorophyll a were analysed. The obtained results revealed very low pH values, with a minimum of 2.1. In general, hydrochemistry indicates higher concentrations of pollutants in summer. One of the sampling point, located in an acidic lagoon, stood out by highest concentrations, presenting maximum of sulfate (6564 mg/L), As (6.26 mg/L), and metals like Al (675 mg/L), Cd (1,30 mg/L), Zn (199 mg/L). These highest concentrations coincided with the maximum concentration of chlorophyll a (113 μg/L). The results suggested that the more contaminated the environment, more chlorophyll a was produced. Factor analyses emphasised the relationships between acid drainage properties and the photosynthetic activity, indicating a strong pH dependency of chlorophyll a production., Patricia Gomes acknowledges FCT (Science and Technology Foundation, Portugal) by the research fellowship under the POCH (Programa Operacional Capital Humano) supported by the European Social Fund and National Funds of MCTES with reference SFRH/BD/108887/2015. This work was co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 - project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690 and by project Nano-MINENV number 029259. The authors are also deeply grateful to the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions.

The distribution patterns of trace elements are a very useful tool for the prediction of mineral deposits occurrence and possible future exploitation. Machine learning techniques were used for the computation of adequate models in trace elements’ prediction. The main subject of this research is to define an adequate model to predict the amounts of Sn and W in the abandoned mine area of Lardosa (Central Portugal). The geochemical composition of 333 stream sediment samples collected in the study area was used. Total concentrations of As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, P, Sn, U, V, W, Y, and Zn were used to define the best prediction model. Different machine learning techniques were tested: decision trees (CART), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and support vector machines (SVM) For regression and clustering, CART, MLP and SVM for the classification problem. These algorithms were used with six different inputs – N1 to N6 - to pick out the best-performing model. The results indicate that CART achieves the best predictions for Sn and W. In the regression process, correlation coefficients of 0.67 for Sn (with Input N1) and 0.70 28 for W (with Input N3) were obtained. Regarding the classification problem, an error rate of 0.10 for both Sn (Input N1) and W (Input N2) was reached. The classification process is the best methodology to use in the prediction of Sn and W using the trace element concentration of stream sediments from Lardosa area., Thanks are due to Prof. M.R. Machado Leite for the use of data on stream sediments from Instituto Geológico e Mineiro, S. Mamede de Infesta (Portugal). C. Iglesias acknowledges the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports for FPU 12/02283 grant. This research was carried out under the CERENA/FEUP (Natural resources and Environment Center), Portugal. The author acknowledges the funding provided by the Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT), under contracts UID/ GEO/04683/2013 with FCT (the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation) and COMPETE POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690.

Following the establishment in 2000 of the first geoparks, the role of UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGps) in geoscience education for sustainability needs to be characterized and understood. This is particularly relevant because education is one of the three main pillars of UGGps. In fact, UNESCO Global Geoparks are excellent opportunities to assist schools as outdoor classrooms and to be incubators of sustainable development, sustainable lifestyles, the appreciation of natural and cultural diversity, and the promotion of peace. For these reasons, UGGps are also effective strategies for the promotion of the seventeen United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030). The analysis of the data obtained with an online questionnaire answered by seventy-three UGGps from thirty-five countries around the world allowed the characterization of the role played by geoparks in the promotion of geosciences education for sustainability through educational programs specifically addressed to the school community. This characterization will support the establishment of proposals of new methods, strategies, and resources to encourage the development of new educational programs in UGGps., European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização), project ICT (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690, and national funds provided by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.

In western Iberia, mechanisms that can explain the transition from endorheic to exorheic continental-scale drainage reorganization are foreland basin overspill, headwards erosion and capture by an Atlantic river, or a combination of both. To explore these, we have investigated the Portuguese sector of the Douro River, the locus of drainage reorganization. The Douro River is routed downstream through the weak sedimentary infill of the Douro Cenozoic Basin, after which the river cuts down through harder granitic and metamorphic rocks crossed by active fault zones, before reaching the Atlantic coast. We investigated the drainage reorganization using an integrated approach that combined remote sensing, field survey and geochronology, applied to Pliocene–Quaternary fluvial sediments and landforms. The older drainage record is documented by a series of high and intermediate landform levels comprising: (1) a high level (1000–500 m a.s.l.) faulted regional fluvial erosion surface, the North Iberian Meseta planation surface and the Mountains and Plateaus of Northern Portugal, recording the endorheic drainage of the Douro Cenozoic Basin; (2) a first inset level at 650–600 m a.s.l., comprising a broad fluvial surface developed onto a large ENE–WSW depression, interpreted as recording the initiation of the continental scale reorganization; and (3) an inset fluvial surface at 550–400 m a.s.l., corre- sponding to the establishment of the exorheic ancestral Douro valley. The younger drainage record comprises an entrenched fluvial strath terrace sequence of up to 9 levels (T9 = oldest), positioned at 246–242 m above the modern river base; T1 = youngest, positioned at +17–13 m. Levels T1 and T3 display localized fault offsets. The three lowest terrace levels (T3–T1) were dated using optically stimulated luminescence techniques with results ranging from > 230–360 ka (T3), through 57 ka (T2) to 39–12 ka (T1). Fluvial incision rates of the younger terraces were quantified and temporally extrapolated to model the ages of the intermediate to high elevation levels of the early drainage record. Integration of incision data informs on the probable timing of the drainage reorganization and the initial adjustment, ~3.7–1.8 Ma. This was followed by acceleration of incision, producing the entrenched river terrace sequence developed via spatial and temporal variations in rock strength, uplift and cyclic cool-climate variability as the river adjusted to the Atlantic base level., This research was supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, through project PTDC/CTE-GIN/66283/2006 (Paleoseismological study of active faults in mainland Portugal), and partially co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020 (Programa Operacional da Competitividade e Internacionalização), through projects UID/MAR/04292/2019 – MARE (PPC), UID/GEO/04683/2019 – ICT (AAM and DP), UID/GEO/04084/2019 (AG), UID/GEO/50019/ 2019 – IDL (JC) and UID/Multi/00611/2019 (FCL).

A avaliação quantitativa de valoração do patrimônio geológico tem se demonstrado uma relevante ferramenta para delinear estratégias de geoconservação, sobretudo em áreas extensas e com escassez de recursos. A área selecionada para este estudo corresponde a uma região socioeconomicamente vulnerável no semiárido do estado do Ceará, nordeste do Brasil, e contempla um conjunto de 52 sítios geológicos representativos da evolução geodinâmica do Domínio Ceará Central. Com o intuito de delinear estratégias de geoconservação pertinentes a realidade local, este trabalho teve por objetivo identi car quais os geossítios prioritários no plano de gestão. Para tanto, foi utilizado o método de avaliação quantitativa integrado na plataforma GEOSSIT do Serviço Geológico do Brasil, tendo sido avaliado o valor científico, o risco de degradação, o potencial uso educativo e turístico e as prioridades de proteção. Os resultados indicaram que os geossítios inventariados possuem alto valor científico, que existe predominância de geossítios com risco moderado de degradação e predomínio de valores medianos para o potencial uso educativo e turístico. Três listas de sítios prioritários foram de nidas, considerando apenas os locais com alto valor cientí co e potencial uso relevante. No final, foi possível identificar e justificar quatro territórios estratégicos para a geoconservação na porção centro-norte do Domínio Ceará Central., Quantitative assessment of geological sites has been demonstrated as a consistent tool in order to delineate geoconservation strategies, especially for large areas with scarce resources. The working area is located in a vulnerable region in north-eastern Brazil characterised by low socioeconomic conditions. This area comprises an assemblage of 52 geological sites (geosites and geodiversity sites) representing the geodynamic evolution of the Ceará Central Domain, one of the oldest tectonic terranes in Brazil. In this perspective, this work aimed to identify priority sites for geoconservation actions. All geological sites were evaluated by a quantitative assessment concerning the scientific value, the degradation risk, the educational and touristic potential uses and the protection priorities. The assessments were performed by the method available on the GEOSSIT platform developed by Brazilian Geological Survey. Results indicate geological sites with high scientific value, predominance of geosites with moderate degradation risk and medium values for educational and touristic potential uses. Three sorted lists were defined considering only geological sites with high scientific value (geosites) and relevant potential uses. At the end, four priority areas were delineated for a detailed geoconservation plan in the centre-north portion of Ceará Central Domain., Bolsa de mobilidade acadêmica CAPES Programa PDSE/Processo n° 88881.132168/2016-01, info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The quality of water, under the influence of the wastewater treatment plant's discharges, makes the simulation of the water parameters a key issue, broadly when considering intermittent rivers. In the case of study, the Pracana reservoir works as an example of the characterization, monitoring, and control of the impact of several, wastewater treatment plant's discharges, directly contributing to water quality. Proença-a-Nova's wastewater treatment plant contributes directly to the Pracana reservoir (Central Portugal), which is a protected field. Twelve georeferenced water samples were gathered, between the sewage discharge and downstream to the Pracana reservoir, at almost equal distances. Sampling campaigns were taken during three different periods: rainy winter (January), intermediate conditions (March) and dry season (June). The following chemical parameters were analyzed: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Dry Residue, Ptotal, Ntotal, pH, Temperature, and Microbiological Parameters. DO, BOD5 and Microbiological Parameters served as indicators, for environmental pollution evaluation. A coupled hydrodynamic and water dispersion model, QUAL2kw, was used for water's quality simulation. The results lead to conclude that the water quality is acceptable for multiple purposes, except for human consumption, mainly due to moderate to high values of BOD5., Águas do Centro Enterprise and by the Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT), under contracts UID/GEO/04683/2013 with FCT (the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation)

Dissertação de mestrado em Gestão de Recursos Humanos, As organizações estão cada vez mais diversas, encontrando-se mais tipos de diversidade (por exemplo, cultural, de género, de idade, de orientação sexual) no seu interior. Contudo, o conceito de diversidade é complexo, existindo diferentes perspetivas na sua definição. Também a Gestão de Recursos Humanos assume uma importância crescente nas organizações. Os colaboradores deixaram de ser vistos como meros recursos, para se tornarem fonte de vantagem competitiva. Para além das leis da igualdade, a gestão da diversidade tornou-se, progressivamente, uma questão importante no mundo corporativo. O comprometimento dos gestores com a valorização da diversidade e o papel dos responsáveis pelo departamento de recursos humanos no desenvolvimento de uma cultura organizacional que apoia e alimenta a diversidade são os principais impulsionadores de uma eficaz gestão da diversidade. Com o presente trabalho pretende-se averiguar de que maneira a diversidade e a igualdade de oportunidades se manifestam nas práticas de gestão de recursos humanos – recrutamento e seleção, acolhimento e integração, avaliação de desempenho, formação e desenvolvimento de competências, sistema de compensação e recompensas, e gestão de carreiras – de duas organizações do setor têxtil. A investigação adota a forma de estudo de caso, tendo por base uma metodologia qualitativa, através da qual se pretendeu estudar determinada realidade recorrendo a entrevistas a colaboradores com e sem responsabilidade de gestão pertencentes às organizações em causa. As conclusões reveladas pelo estudo indicam que as políticas de gestão de recursos humanos, para além de serem pouco formalizadas, incluem ainda poucas iniciativas de gestão da diversidade. Assim, apesar do crescente discurso relativo à aposta na diversidade da sua força de trabalho, as organizações estudadas revelam uma posição embrionária nesta matéria, estando bastante limitadas à perspetiva da igualdade de oportunidades, isto é, restringindo-se ao cumprimento da legislação nacional., Organizations are increasingly diverse, showing new types of diversity in their workforce (e.g. in terms of gender, age, and sexual orientation). However, the concept of diversity is intricate, encompassing different perspectives. Human Resource Management is also becoming progressively important in organizations. Employees are no longer seen as mere resources but a source of competitive advantage. Beyond of the equality law, diversity management has gradually become a major subject in the corporate world. Managers’ commitment to enhancing diversity and the role of the human resource manager in developing an organizational culture that supports and promotes diversity is seen as fundamental for effective diversity management. This paper aims to investigate how diversity and equal opportunities are manifested in the human resources management practices – recruitment and selection; onboarding and orientation; performance evaluation; compensation and rewards system; and career management - of two corporations from the textile sector in Portugal. The present study adopts a qualitative methodology to study the case of two organizations, through the conduction of interviews with managers as well as with employees with no management responsibility. The findings reveal that human resource policies and practices of both organizations are slightly formalized, with very few focusing on diversity management. Thus, despite the growing discourse on the value of a diverse workforce, these organizations initiatives reveal limited to the legalistic perspective of equal opportunities.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment has become a useful tool for groundwater pollution pre-vention. Groundwater vulnerability maps provide useful data for protecting groundwater re-sources. Identification of agricultural patterns is an important issue for optimized land man-agement. The watershed of the Tagus River is the backbone of this study. Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark, in the central interior of Portugal, corresponds to a rural area. Intensive agri-cultural practices showed an increasing trend in the last decades. The most used method inter-nationally to assess vulnerability is the DRASTIC index. In this study, the DRASTICAI index is introduced. A new attribute - Anthropogenic Influence - is added here. Five levels of increasing vulnerability, from low to high, can be recognized here. The municipality of Idanha-a-Nova is most affected by intensive agricultural activities. A robust assessment of groundwater quality has a key role. Climate change scenarios and water scarcity are important issues in the coming years and particularly in the studied area. Therefore, optimized groundwater management is essential to consider in policy making strategies., FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P., Portugal, grants numbers UIDB/04683/2020, UIDP/04683/2020 (ICT) and UIDB/00681/2020 (CERNAS-IPCB) and the QRural-Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco research center

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the major groups of contaminants of emerging concern for aquatic ecosystems. The massive application of AgNPs relies on the antimicrobial properties of Ag, raising concerns about their potential risk to ecologically important freshwater microbes and the processes they drive. Moreover, it is still uncertain whether the effects of AgNPs are driven by the same mechanisms underlying those of Ag ions (Ag+). We employed transcriptomics to better understand AgNP toxicity and disentangle the role of Ag+ in the overall toxicity towards aquatic fungi. To that end, the worldwide-distributed aquatic fungus Articulospora tetracladia, that plays a central role in organic matter turnover in freshwaters, was selected and exposed for 3 days to citrate-coated AgNPs (∼20 nm) and Ag+ at concentrations inhibiting 20% of growth (EC20). Responses revealed 258 up- and 162 down-regulated genes upon exposure to AgNPs and 448 up- and 84 down-regulated genes under exposure to Ag+. Different gene expression patterns were found after exposure to each silver form, suggesting distinct mechanisms of action. Gene ontology (GO) analyses showed that the major cellular targets likely affected by both silver forms were the biological membranes. GO-based biological processes indicated that AgNPs up-regulated the genes involved in transport, nucleobase metabolism and energy production, but down-regulated those associated with redox and carbohydrate metabolism. Ag+ up-regulated the genes involved in carbohydrate and steroid metabolism, whereas genes involved in localization and transport were down-regulated. Our results showed, for the first time, distinct profiles of gene expression in aquatic fungi exposed to AgNPs and Ag+, supporting different modes of toxicity of each silver form. Also, our results suggest that Ag+ had a negligible role in the toxicity induced by AgNPs. Finally, our study highlights the power of transcriptomics in portraying the stress induced by different silver forms in organisms., Emergemix project (PTDC/BIABMA/30922/2017). D. Barros (SFRH/BD/80407/2011)