Soil remineralization using rock powders derived from mining and industrial by-products has gained attention as a sustainable strategy to restore degraded soils, improve fertility, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. These materials, rich in nutrients and beneficial minerals, also offer potential for carbon sequestration and contribute to circular economy practices by repurpose byproducts into agricultural inputs. This review aims to critically synthesize the current state of research on rock powder applications in agriculture, with a particular focus on their agronomic potential, environmental implications, and alignment with circular economy principles. A scientific literature review of 142 articles published between 2014 and 2024 was conducted using Scopus-indexed literature. Findings reveal that Brazil, China, and Colombia lead global research efforts, with basalt, phonolite, and other silicate rocks being the most frequently studied materials. Key benefits include increased nutrient availability of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P), improved cation exchange capacity (CEC), and enhanced microbial activity. However, limitations persist, such as slow nutrient release, high energy demands for grinding, logistical constraints, and risks of trace metal accumulation in soils. By integrating both quantitative trends and critical thematic analysis, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with rock powder use. It highlights the need for region-specific strategies, long-term field trials, and regulatory frameworks to support broader adoption. The contribution of this review lies in framing soil remineralization not only as an agronomic practice but as a circular, regenerative approach to sustainable land and resource management.

Colombian port terminals in the Caribbean are being called upon to increase the sustainability of their operations to better fit with the environmental dynamics of their locations. Within this context, the Palermo Sociedad Portuaria (PSP) has taken a proactive stance in identifying the factors contributing to its CO₂ emissions. This study evaluated the CO₂ emissions of the PSP in 2019 and 2020 and, through the implementation of sustainable practices (rock dust spreading, composting and reducing the burning of fossil fuels), examined the mitigation of the port’s carbon footprint (CF) in the year 2022. Based on collaborative management results and efforts, a set of viable mitigation strategies adapted to port operations was formulated. Viability was assessed through monitoring of the practical implementations encompassing initiatives such as fuel reduction, waste composting and the application of rock dust. The introduction of the CARE system in the operational equipment led to a reduction in fuel consumption over five periods—amounting to an overall emission decrease of 1629 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (ton CO₂ eq). Meanwhile, the strategic composting of waste generated by port activities (including organic waste, hand towels, coffee grounds and landscaping waste) resulted in the potential reduction of 2 metric tons of CO₂ annually. The application of rock dust (10 kg m⁻²) in the available green spaces within the operational areas contributed to a decrease of 0.00080543 ton CO₂ eq over 45 days. The implementation of these three key measures over the course of a year has the potential to prevent the release of 37 ton CO₂ eq, signifying a 2% decrease in overall CF when compared to the base year of 2020. This investigation was rooted in the current operational reality of the port terminal and its correlated activities. The strategies deployed underscore the feasibility of low-cost solutions that can be emulated across port terminals in pursuit of the holistic aspirations encapsulated in the concepts of a “green port” and a “smart port”.

This study explored the potential of coral rock, specifically coquina derived from oyster shells, as a bioadsorbent for the removal of dyes from wastewater generated by the textile industry. The investigation included an examination of particle size fractions (300 µm and less than 300 µm) and thermal treatment; the investigation involved drying at 120 °C and calcination at temperatures ranging from 200 °C to 800 °C. The material was subjected to a comprehensive analysis through various characterization techniques. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate the removal capacity and adsorption kinetics of the bioadsorbent utilizing brilliant green dye. The experiments involved varying dye concentrations (25, 50, and 75 mg L⁻¹), pH levels (2 to 12), and different doses of biosorbent material (0.2 to 0.6 g L⁻¹), with constant agitation. Various kinetic models were applied to fit the experimental data, with the pseudo-second-order model demonstrating the best fit. The findings reveal that coquina rock, characterized by a temperature of 120 °C and a particle size of greater than 300 µm, exhibits remarkable effectiveness. It achieved a removal efficiency of 90% within 15 to 20 min at pH 7.8. This study concludes that coquina rock not only stands out as demonstrating remarkable efficacy in dye removal but also underscores a sustainable approach, leveraging readily available and environmentally friendly materials for wastewater treatment.