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This article discloses a rare and outstanding type of Mn-rich black-blue patina found on mural painting and granite ashlars located in the church of Sta. Marinha, north of Portugal, and conjectures the phenomenon associated to the appearance of such patinas in different surface materials. This Mn-patina reported on mural painting and their origin is probably assigned to manganese leaching from building materials (i.e., granite and phyllites). Stained mural painting and granite examined by XPS and SEM have showed patinas enriched with manganese (IV) oxide, potentially catalysed by a microbiota, like fungi, observed in SEM micrographs. The pigments used to depict mural painting and groundwater were also analysed by micro-Raman and ICP-MS, respectively, indicating that they are unlikely manganese sources. Unstained building materials, such as granite ashlars, historic joints, mortars and phyllite rocks, were also analysed by ICP-MS showing that historic joints and mortars present significant concentrations of manganese, possibly associated to their absorbing feature. The main materials with potential to impart manganese to Mn-rich patinas are granite ashlars and phyllites. The aim of this investigation is to reveal and ascertain the hypothetical sources and the phenomenon responsible for the Mn-rich black-blue patina appearance, both on mural painting and granite ashlars.
Bruno Campos; Alexandra Marco; David M. Freire-Lista; Nuno Durães; Joaquin Silvestre-Albero; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva; Eduarda Vieira; Manuela Pintado; Patrícia R. Moreira. Rare Biogeochemical Phenomenon Associated to Manganese Patinas on Mural Painting and Granite Ashlars. Coatings 2021, 11, 917 .
AMA StyleBruno Campos, Alexandra Marco, David M. Freire-Lista, Nuno Durães, Joaquin Silvestre-Albero, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, Eduarda Vieira, Manuela Pintado, Patrícia R. Moreira. Rare Biogeochemical Phenomenon Associated to Manganese Patinas on Mural Painting and Granite Ashlars. Coatings. 2021; 11 (8):917.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBruno Campos; Alexandra Marco; David M. Freire-Lista; Nuno Durães; Joaquin Silvestre-Albero; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva; Eduarda Vieira; Manuela Pintado; Patrícia R. Moreira. 2021. "Rare Biogeochemical Phenomenon Associated to Manganese Patinas on Mural Painting and Granite Ashlars." Coatings 11, no. 8: 917.
With more than a half-century in operation, the industrial chemical complex of Estarreja (ICCE) in northern Portugal has left serious environmental liabilities in the region. Although protective measures were implemented, soils, surface, and groundwater contamination caused by persistent pollutants are still prevalent. This study presents data from several geophysical and hydrochemical campaigns carried out to monitor groundwater contamination in the Estarreja region over a period of 30 years. Both geophysical and hydrochemical data showed a good agreement and revealed an important anomaly caused by groundwater contamination (high levels of Na, Cl, SO4, and Fe, among others) in 2006–2007, likely caused by the remobilization of waste pollutants (roasted pyrites, soils, and sludge) during their deposition in a sealed landfill (operating between 2003 and 2005). More recently, in 2016, this impact persists, but was more attenuated and showed a general migration pattern from E to SW according to one of the main groundwater flow paths. Groundwater flow in this region has a local radial behaviour. Drainage effluent systems, such as ditches and buried pipes formerly used by ICCE, are also likely to contribute to some contamination “hotspots”. Finally, the results obtained by the combined use of these two approaches allowed for the delineation of the contamination plume for future monitoring.
Tiago Marques; Manuel Matias; Eduardo Silva; Nuno Durães; Carla Patinha. Temporal and Spatial Groundwater Contamination Assessment Using Geophysical and Hydrochemical Methods: The Industrial Chemical Complex of Estarreja (Portugal) Case Study. Applied Sciences 2021, 11, 6732 .
AMA StyleTiago Marques, Manuel Matias, Eduardo Silva, Nuno Durães, Carla Patinha. Temporal and Spatial Groundwater Contamination Assessment Using Geophysical and Hydrochemical Methods: The Industrial Chemical Complex of Estarreja (Portugal) Case Study. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11 (15):6732.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTiago Marques; Manuel Matias; Eduardo Silva; Nuno Durães; Carla Patinha. 2021. "Temporal and Spatial Groundwater Contamination Assessment Using Geophysical and Hydrochemical Methods: The Industrial Chemical Complex of Estarreja (Portugal) Case Study." Applied Sciences 11, no. 15: 6732.
The W-Sn Regoufe mine, closed since the 1970s, was once intensively exploited for tungsten concentrates. Throughout its activity, considerable amounts of arsenopyrite-rich mine wastes were produced and, to this day, are still exposed to weathering conditions. Thus, this work aims at assessing soil contamination, using a combination of chemical, physicochemical and mineralogical analyses and sequential selective chemical extraction of the main potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in topsoils. Results show that Regoufe soils are enriched in most of the PTEs associated with the ore assemblage, but As and Cd contents far outstrip both international and national guidelines. The estimated contamination factor reveals that 67% of soil samples are classified as highly to ultra-highly contaminated. Similar distribution patterns, with the main focus around the unsealed mine adits, are observed when spatially projecting the modified degree of contamination (mC d ) and arsenic contents. Fe-oxyhydroxides and organic matter demonstrate to have a preponderant role in the retention of Cd and As. In fact, despite the high PTE contents in soils, local surface waters are characterised by low metal(loid) contents and nearly neutral pH, with PTE concentrations below national thresholds for irrigation waters.
Nuno Durães; Luís Portela; Sara Sousa; Carla Patinha; Eduardo Silva. Environmental Impact Assessment in the Former Mining Area of Regoufe (Arouca, Portugal): Contributions to Future Remediation Measures. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 1180 .
AMA StyleNuno Durães, Luís Portela, Sara Sousa, Carla Patinha, Eduardo Silva. Environmental Impact Assessment in the Former Mining Area of Regoufe (Arouca, Portugal): Contributions to Future Remediation Measures. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (3):1180.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNuno Durães; Luís Portela; Sara Sousa; Carla Patinha; Eduardo Silva. 2021. "Environmental Impact Assessment in the Former Mining Area of Regoufe (Arouca, Portugal): Contributions to Future Remediation Measures." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 3: 1180.
The biological responses of acidobiontic species to extremely acidic waters, as those related with Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) processes, are relevant not only to understand the toxicological degree of the waters as well as the mechanisms responsible for the survival and adaptation of such organisms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acidic pH and metals in biofilms collected in two sites a lentic permanent acid pond (AP) and a temporary acid stream (AS) affected by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), and taking as control (C), an uncontaminated site with circumneutral pH. The results showed typical conditions of AMD-contaminated waters in sites AS and AP (pH < 3 and high concentrations of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn), which are responsible for a substantial decrease in biomass and biodiversity of biofilms (with a dominance of acidobiontic species, such as Pinnularia aljustrelica and Eunotia exigua, comparing to the control site. Also expressed by low values of photosynthetic pigments and reduced amount of proteins. In addition, such extreme acidic conditions also induced biofilms’ stress, increasing antioxidant [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and biotransformation glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)] enzymes activity and also membrane damage (peroxidized lipids). However, despite the quite similar physico-chemical conditions of both AMD-contaminated sites, differences in the toxicity status between them were indirectly detected through some of the biochemical parameters [GSTs, SOD and CAT], indicating site AS has the most toxic, which fact was attributed to the higher concentrations of Pb2+ in this water. This element is recognized to be highly toxic for biota, and in such acidic conditions remains in solution, easily available to the aquatic organisms. Since pH is similar in the acid sites, the different concentrations of heavy metals in the waters might be responsible for the observed changes in the biological community at these two sites. This fact was translated in a higher capacity of this site's biofilm to cope with the negative effects of the toxicants, evidenced in a higher positive correlation with GSTs, CAT and SOD when compared to biofilms of sites AP and C.
Ana Teresa Luís; Manuela Teixeira; Nuno Durães; Raquel Pinto; Salomé F.P. Almeida; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva; Etelvina Figueira. Extremely acidic environment: Biogeochemical effects on algal biofilms. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2019, 177, 124 -132.
AMA StyleAna Teresa Luís, Manuela Teixeira, Nuno Durães, Raquel Pinto, Salomé F.P. Almeida, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, Etelvina Figueira. Extremely acidic environment: Biogeochemical effects on algal biofilms. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2019; 177 ():124-132.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Teresa Luís; Manuela Teixeira; Nuno Durães; Raquel Pinto; Salomé F.P. Almeida; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva; Etelvina Figueira. 2019. "Extremely acidic environment: Biogeochemical effects on algal biofilms." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 177, no. : 124-132.
Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal) is a part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt and encloses six sulfide mineral masses. This mine is classified of high environmental risk due to the large tailings’ volume and acid mine drainage (AMD)-affected waters generated by sulfides’ oxidation. The use of biological indicators (e.g., diatoms) revealed to be an important tool to address the degree of AMD contamination in waters. Multivariate analysis has been used as a relevant approach for the characterization of AMD processes. Cluster analysis was used to integrate the significant amount and diversity of variables (physicochemical and biological), discriminating the different types of waters, characterized by the high complexity occurring in this region. The distinction of two main marked phenomena was achieved: (1) the circumneutral-Na-Cl water type (sites DA, PF, BX, BF, RO, CB), expressing the geological contributions of the Cenozoic sediments of Sado river basin, with high diatom diversity (predominating brackish diatoms as Entomoneis alata); and (2) the acid–metal-sulfated water type (sites BM, JU, RJ, AA, MR, BE, PC, AF), reflecting both the AMD contamination and the dissolution of minerals (e.g., silicates) from the hosting rocks, potentiated by the extremely low pH. This last group of sites showed lower diatom diversity but with typical diatoms from acid- and metal-contaminated waters (e.g., Pinnularia aljustrelica). In addition to these two water types, this hierarchical classification method also allowed to distinguish individual cases in subclusters, for example, treated dams (DC, DD), with alkaline substances (lime/limestone), that changed the physicochemical dynamics of the contaminated waters.
Ana T. Luís; José António Grande; Nuno Durães; José Miguel Dávila; María Santisteban; Salomé F. P. Almeida; Aguasanta M. Sarmiento; Maria Luisa DE LA Torre; Juan Carlos Fortes; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva. Biogeochemical characterization of surface waters in the Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal). Environmental Geochemistry and Health 2019, 41, 1909 -1921.
AMA StyleAna T. Luís, José António Grande, Nuno Durães, José Miguel Dávila, María Santisteban, Salomé F. P. Almeida, Aguasanta M. Sarmiento, Maria Luisa DE LA Torre, Juan Carlos Fortes, Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva. Biogeochemical characterization of surface waters in the Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal). Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2019; 41 (5):1909-1921.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna T. Luís; José António Grande; Nuno Durães; José Miguel Dávila; María Santisteban; Salomé F. P. Almeida; Aguasanta M. Sarmiento; Maria Luisa DE LA Torre; Juan Carlos Fortes; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva. 2019. "Biogeochemical characterization of surface waters in the Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal)." Environmental Geochemistry and Health 41, no. 5: 1909-1921.
This study presents major and trace element data and 87Sr/86Sr ratios for surface waters from a small watershed draining the Aljustrel sulphide mining area (South Portugal). The watershed is located in a geologically complex area comprising two main compartments: the northern compartment is dominated by Cenozoic formations and does not bear any mining activity, whilst the southern compartment is underlain by rocks from both the Cenozoic sedimentary cover and the mineralized sequences of the Variscan Paleozoic basement of the South Portuguese Zone. Based on the available geochemical and isotopic data, the analysed water samples can be roughly divided into five main groups: (a) group 1 corresponds to AMD-contaminated water drainages from the southern part of the catchment, showing pH < 4.0, high dissolved sulphate and heavy metal/metalloid contents and 87Sr/86Sr ratios ranging from 0.7101 to 0.7126; (b) group 2 is represented by unpolluted stream waters from the northern compartment, having pH > 8, marked depletions in SO4 and heavy metals and displaying Sr isotopic compositions similar to rainwater (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7097–0.7098); (c) group 3 includes mixed-type stream waters with pH and elemental/isotopic signatures intermediate between those of groups 1 and 2; (d) group 4 comprises the samples collected at two lime-treated water dams from the mining area, that are clearly distinguished from the impacted waters of group 1 by their elevated Ca, Mg and Sr concentrations and low 87Sr/86Sr ratios (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7085–0.7091); (e) group 5 includes clean waters from two dams located upstream of the ore processing site, which are dominantly supplied by direct precipitation and surface runoff and have pH > 6, very low SO4 and metal concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr ratios varying between 0.7094 and 0.7108. Variations in the 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Sr concentrations of the analysed waters are attributed to mixing of two main end-members: atmospheric meteoric waters (local rainfall/runoff) with low Sr contents and 87Sr/86Sr ratios ≈ 0.7095 and more radiogenic waters derived from the Aljustrel mining area. The highly radiogenic signatures of the southern tributaries appear to have been controlled by weathering of plagioclase from the acid volcanic rocks of the Paleozoic basement, enhanced by mining activities (pyrite oxidation), although released strontium from gangue carbonates could have locally contributed to the fluctuations of Sr contents and 87Sr/86Sr ratios observed in some of these water samples. By contrast, the low 87Sr/86Sr ratios and relatively high Sr (Cl and Na) concentrations shown by the surface waters draining the northern compartment suggest that these tributaries correspond to meteoric waters that have gained Cl, Na and Sr through wash-out of Cenozoic deposits containing finely disseminated halite layers. Finally, the decrease in the 87Sr/86Sr ratios and elevation of Sr contents observed in the samples from the lime-treated water dams support the involvement of an anthropogenic source of Sr with 87Sr/86Sr ratios lower than that of rainfall.
A.T. Luís; N. Durães; E. Ferreira da Silva; Sara Ribeiro; A.J.F. Silva; C. Patinha; S.F.P. Almeida; M.R. Azevedo. Tracking multiple Sr sources through variations in 87Sr/86Sr ratios of surface waters from the Aljustrel massive sulphide mining area: Geological versus anthropogenic inputs. Applied Geochemistry 2019, 102, 108 -120.
AMA StyleA.T. Luís, N. Durães, E. Ferreira da Silva, Sara Ribeiro, A.J.F. Silva, C. Patinha, S.F.P. Almeida, M.R. Azevedo. Tracking multiple Sr sources through variations in 87Sr/86Sr ratios of surface waters from the Aljustrel massive sulphide mining area: Geological versus anthropogenic inputs. Applied Geochemistry. 2019; 102 ():108-120.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA.T. Luís; N. Durães; E. Ferreira da Silva; Sara Ribeiro; A.J.F. Silva; C. Patinha; S.F.P. Almeida; M.R. Azevedo. 2019. "Tracking multiple Sr sources through variations in 87Sr/86Sr ratios of surface waters from the Aljustrel massive sulphide mining area: Geological versus anthropogenic inputs." Applied Geochemistry 102, no. : 108-120.
This paper is focused on the hydrogeochemical characterization of the Negro River along its course, as well as in the proposal of a functioning model for the contamination processes in order to establish potential cause-effect relationships between water quality, geology (ARD), mining activities (AMD) and the tectonic framework as transmission vector of acidity, metals and sulphates. The scenario shows a heavily-contaminated river compared to the unaffected regional background. By graphical and statistical treatments of physico-chemical data of Negro River and the unaffected values of regional background and other AMD/ARD representative rivers' it is possible to conclude that Antamina Mine, is not the cause of the Negro River contamination, without the need of isotopic tracers, but just through the inexistent concentrations of Cu, Bi and Mo found in the waters. In the proposed contamination model, climatic factors (glacial retreat) activate geological (ARD) processes. The tectonic scenario (faults) intervenes as a transport medium of the contamination flux from the sulphide oxidation surface in upper altitudes until the spring in lower altitudes. At the end, it is concluded that this contamination comes from the recent glacial retreat in areas near the Cordillera Blanca that has left massive amounts of sulphide materials exposed to weathering conditions, oxidized naturally (ARD processes) and finally the contamination of the Negro River through faults. In this case, we would face an ARD process in the strict sense, which is the direct oxidation of sulphides outcropping in the upper part of the mountain with the generation of sulphates, the release of hydrogen ions and the consequent generation of acid and the dissolution of the metals. This ARD process would come from the glacial retreat, which through the faults transport contaminated water until spring.
J.A. Grande; R. Loayza-Muro; F.M. Alonso-Chaves; J.C. Fortes; B. Willems; A.M. Sarmiento; M. Santisteban; J.M. Dávila; M.L. de la Torre; N. Durães; J. Diaz-Curiel; A.T. Luís. The Negro River (Ancash-Peru): A unique case of water pollution, three environmental scenarios and an unresolved issue. Science of The Total Environment 2018, 648, 398 -407.
AMA StyleJ.A. Grande, R. Loayza-Muro, F.M. Alonso-Chaves, J.C. Fortes, B. Willems, A.M. Sarmiento, M. Santisteban, J.M. Dávila, M.L. de la Torre, N. Durães, J. Diaz-Curiel, A.T. Luís. The Negro River (Ancash-Peru): A unique case of water pollution, three environmental scenarios and an unresolved issue. Science of The Total Environment. 2018; 648 ():398-407.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ.A. Grande; R. Loayza-Muro; F.M. Alonso-Chaves; J.C. Fortes; B. Willems; A.M. Sarmiento; M. Santisteban; J.M. Dávila; M.L. de la Torre; N. Durães; J. Diaz-Curiel; A.T. Luís. 2018. "The Negro River (Ancash-Peru): A unique case of water pollution, three environmental scenarios and an unresolved issue." Science of The Total Environment 648, no. : 398-407.
Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal) belongs to the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). It is classified of high environmental risk due to its large tailings and to the Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) affected waters, generated by sulphides’ oxidation. Integrating biological parameters (for the first time) in the input data matrix of the software PreFuRGe, allowed a better discrimination of the diatoms’ responses to the stimuli caused by the hydrochemical changes imposed by the processes affecting water quality. Each hydrochemical scenario, was modeled by imposing maximum and minimum limits for each antecedent, according to the conditions imposed by the consequent, which in this case were the number of diatom species and pH. Thus, PreFuRGe evidenced some qualitative aspects that could not be achieved by classic statistics. pH appeared as the main discriminator of diversity and diatom species composition, nevertheless and due to the complex environment under study other chemical interactions must be considered: (a) AMD waters, with extremely low pH values, but also with extremely high hydrogeochemical complexity, represented by a mixture of metals, do not allow to associate, unequivocally, the reduction in diatom diversity to pH, but also to high metal(loid)s concentrations; (b) in the most alkaline waters, with higher abundance of diatom species, average to high concentrations of Na and Cl (due to Cenozoic sediments) do not seem to affect diatom diversity. This methodology proved to be an efficient tool to establish, for the first time, cause-effect relationships, improving the comprehension between biological (diatoms) and hydrochemical parameters.
A.T. Luís; J.A. Grande; J.M. Davila; J. Aroba; Nuno Durães; S.F.P. Almeida; Maria Luisa DE LA Torre; A.M. Sarmiento; J.C. Fortes; E. Ferreira da Silva; M. Santisteban. Application of fuzzy logic tools for the biogeochemical characterisation of (un)contaminated waters from Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal). Chemosphere 2018, 211, 736 -744.
AMA StyleA.T. Luís, J.A. Grande, J.M. Davila, J. Aroba, Nuno Durães, S.F.P. Almeida, Maria Luisa DE LA Torre, A.M. Sarmiento, J.C. Fortes, E. Ferreira da Silva, M. Santisteban. Application of fuzzy logic tools for the biogeochemical characterisation of (un)contaminated waters from Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal). Chemosphere. 2018; 211 ():736-744.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA.T. Luís; J.A. Grande; J.M. Davila; J. Aroba; Nuno Durães; S.F.P. Almeida; Maria Luisa DE LA Torre; A.M. Sarmiento; J.C. Fortes; E. Ferreira da Silva; M. Santisteban. 2018. "Application of fuzzy logic tools for the biogeochemical characterisation of (un)contaminated waters from Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal)." Chemosphere 211, no. : 736-744.
Carla Patinha; Aurora Armienta; Ariadne Argyraki; Nuno Durães. Inorganic Pollutants in Soils. Soil Pollution 2018, 127 -159.
AMA StyleCarla Patinha, Aurora Armienta, Ariadne Argyraki, Nuno Durães. Inorganic Pollutants in Soils. Soil Pollution. 2018; ():127-159.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Patinha; Aurora Armienta; Ariadne Argyraki; Nuno Durães. 2018. "Inorganic Pollutants in Soils." Soil Pollution , no. : 127-159.
Nuno Durães; Luís A.B. Novo; Carla Candeias; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Distribution, Transport and Fate of Pollutants. Soil Pollution 2018, 29 -57.
AMA StyleNuno Durães, Luís A.B. Novo, Carla Candeias, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Distribution, Transport and Fate of Pollutants. Soil Pollution. 2018; ():29-57.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNuno Durães; Luís A.B. Novo; Carla Candeias; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. 2018. "Distribution, Transport and Fate of Pollutants." Soil Pollution , no. : 29-57.
Carla Patinha; Nuno Durães; Ana Cláudia Dias; Pedro Pato; Rita Fonseca; Ana Janeiro; Fernando Barriga; Amélia Paula Reis; Armando Duarte; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Antonio Jorge Gonçalves de Sousa; Anabela Cachada. Long-term application of the organic and inorganic pesticides in vineyards: Environmental record of past use. Applied Geochemistry 2018, 88, 226 -238.
AMA StyleCarla Patinha, Nuno Durães, Ana Cláudia Dias, Pedro Pato, Rita Fonseca, Ana Janeiro, Fernando Barriga, Amélia Paula Reis, Armando Duarte, Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva, Antonio Jorge Gonçalves de Sousa, Anabela Cachada. Long-term application of the organic and inorganic pesticides in vineyards: Environmental record of past use. Applied Geochemistry. 2018; 88 ():226-238.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Patinha; Nuno Durães; Ana Cláudia Dias; Pedro Pato; Rita Fonseca; Ana Janeiro; Fernando Barriga; Amélia Paula Reis; Armando Duarte; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Antonio Jorge Gonçalves de Sousa; Anabela Cachada. 2018. "Long-term application of the organic and inorganic pesticides in vineyards: Environmental record of past use." Applied Geochemistry 88, no. : 226-238.
Acid mine waters (AMW) collected during high- and low-flow water conditions from the Lousal, Aljustrel, and São Domingos mining areas (Iberian Pyrite Belt) were physicochemically analyzed. Speciation calculation using PHREEQC code confirms the predominance of Men+ and Me–SO4 species in AMW samples. Higher concentration of sulfate species (Me–SO4) than free ion species (Men+, i.e., Al, Fe, and Pb) were found, whereas opposite behavior is verified for Mg, Cu, and Zn. A high mobility of Zn than Cu and Pb was identified. The sulfate species distribution shows that Fe3+–SO42−, SO42−, HSO4−, Al–SO4, MgSO40, and CaSO40 are the dominant species, in agreement with the simple and mixed metal sulfates and oxy-hydroxysulphates precipitated from AMW. The saturation indices (SI) of melanterite and epsomite show a positive correlation with Cu and Zn concentrations in AMW, which are frequently retained in simple metal sulfates. Lead is well correlated with jarosite and alunite (at least in very acid conditions) than with simple metal sulfates. The Pb for K substitution in jarosite occurs as increasing Pb concentration in solution. Lead mobility is also controlled by anglesite precipitation (a fairly insoluble sulfate), where a positive correlation was ascertained when the SI approaches equilibrium. The zeta potential of AMW decreased as pH increased due to colloidal particles aggregation, where water species change from SO42− to OH− species during acid to alkaline conditions, respectively. The AMW samples were supersaturated in schwertmannite and goethite, confirmed by the Men+–SO4, Men+–Fe–O–OH, or Men+–S–O–Fe–O complexes identified by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The ATR-IR spectrum of an AMW sample with pH 3.5 (sample L1) shows well-defined vibration plans attributed to SO4 tetrahedron bonded with Fe-(oxy)hydroxides and the Men+ sorbed by either SO4 or Fe-(oxy)hydroxides. For samples with lower pH values (pH ~ 2.5—samples SD1 and SD4), the vibration plans attributed to Men+ sorption are not evidenced, indicating its release in solution. The sorption of heavy metals on the first precipitated simple metal sulfates was ascertained by scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX), where X-ray maps of Cu and Zn confirm a distribution of both metals in the melanterite structure.
Nuno Durães; Iuliu Bobos-Radu; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Speciation and precipitation of heavy metals in high-metal and high-acid mine waters from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Portugal). Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2016, 24, 4562 -4576.
AMA StyleNuno Durães, Iuliu Bobos-Radu, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Speciation and precipitation of heavy metals in high-metal and high-acid mine waters from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Portugal). Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2016; 24 (5):4562-4576.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNuno Durães; Iuliu Bobos-Radu; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. 2016. "Speciation and precipitation of heavy metals in high-metal and high-acid mine waters from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Portugal)." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 24, no. 5: 4562-4576.
Aljustrel mines were classified as having high environmental hazard due to their large tailings volume and high metal concentrations in waters and sediments. To assess acid mine drainage impacted systems whose environmental conditions change quickly, the use of biological indicators with short generation time such as diatoms is advantageous. This study combined geochemical and diatom data, whose results were highlighted in 3 groups: Group 1, with low pH (1.9-5.1) and high metal/metalloid (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn; 0.65-1032 mg/L) and SO4 (405-39124 mg/L) concentrations. An acidophilic species, Pinnularia aljustrelica, was perfectly adapted to the adverse conditions; in contrast, teratological forms of Eunotia exigua were found, showing that metal toxicity affected this species. The low availability of metals/metalloids in sediments of this group indicates that metals/metalloids of the exchangeable fractions had been solubilized, which in fact enables metal/metalloid diatom uptake and consequently the occurrence of teratologies; Group 2, with sites of near neutral pH (5.0-6.8) and intermediate metal/metalloid (0.002-6 mg/L) and SO4 (302-2179 mg/L) concentrations; this enabled the existence of typical species of uncontaminated streams (Brachysira neglectissima, Achnanthidium minutissimum); Group 3, with samples from unimpacted sites, showing low metal/metalloid (0-0.8 mg/L) and SO4 (10-315 mg/L) concentrations, high pH (7.0-8.4) and Cl contents (10-2119 mg/L) and the presence of brackish to marine species (Entomoneis paludosa). For similar conditions of acidity, differences in diversity, abundance and teratologies of diatoms can be explained by the levels of metals/metalloids.
Ana Teresa Luís; Nuno Durães; Salomé Almeida; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Integrating geochemical (surface waters, stream sediments) and biological (diatoms) approaches to assess AMD environmental impact in a pyritic mining area: Aljustrel (Alentejo, Portugal). Journal of Environmental Sciences 2016, 42, 215 -226.
AMA StyleAna Teresa Luís, Nuno Durães, Salomé Almeida, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Integrating geochemical (surface waters, stream sediments) and biological (diatoms) approaches to assess AMD environmental impact in a pyritic mining area: Aljustrel (Alentejo, Portugal). Journal of Environmental Sciences. 2016; 42 ():215-226.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Teresa Luís; Nuno Durães; Salomé Almeida; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. 2016. "Integrating geochemical (surface waters, stream sediments) and biological (diatoms) approaches to assess AMD environmental impact in a pyritic mining area: Aljustrel (Alentejo, Portugal)." Journal of Environmental Sciences 42, no. : 215-226.
Since the end of the 1990s the Portuguese Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) is a typical European post-mining region with significant problems related to acid mine drainage (AMD), metal dispersion, mine waste management and unsafe mining infra-structures. The Portuguese government is providing particular attention on the sulphide abandoned mines and doing considerable investments on the mining recovery all over the country. The former Caveira mine was closed in the 1980s. It is considered an extremely impacted site due to the dimension of the areas affected by mining activities. Tailings, mine addicts and associated waste rock dumps, resulting from 129 years of pyrite and Cu exploitation, are spread along the Grândola stream. Despite the semi-arid climatic conditions of the area, the tailings are considerably eroded by the surficial waters, particularly during rainfall events. The past mining and smelting activities have resulted in severe contamination of the Grândola stream and its tributary by AMD (pH < 2) as well as degradation of surrounding stream sediments, soils and vegetation. In order to evaluate possible environmental risks, a sediment and surface water survey was carried out downstream the Caveira mine. The acidic effluent and mixed stream water show high Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and SO4 concentrations, with several of these contaminants exceeding local and/or surface water quality standards. The data show a strong seasonal variation of surface water quality with poorer water quality during the dry and rainy seasons caused by evaporation and efflorescent salt dissolution, respectively. The variable flow regime at the local streams causes dilution of AMD rich in trace metals reaching background within 14 km downstream. The potential toxicity of stream metal concentrations was determined using cumulative criterion unit (CCU) scores and the modified AMD index (MAMDI), which highlighted As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn as the major sources of potential chronic stream toxicity, with emphasis on winter season. Although the threshold of the likely harm to aquatic life is exceeded at all sites, the two indexes highlight differences relating to the extension of contamination effects. The Average Index of Toxicity (AIT) showed that sediment contamination is very high even when the distance to mine promoted a decreasing in water metal concentrations, which are being precipitated in the sediments due to pH increase.
E. Ferreira da Silva; Nuno Durães; P. Reis; Carla Patinha; J. Matos; Maria Costa. An integrative assessment of environmental degradation of Caveira abandoned mine area (Southern Portugal). Journal of Geochemical Exploration 2015, 159, 33 -47.
AMA StyleE. Ferreira da Silva, Nuno Durães, P. Reis, Carla Patinha, J. Matos, Maria Costa. An integrative assessment of environmental degradation of Caveira abandoned mine area (Southern Portugal). Journal of Geochemical Exploration. 2015; 159 ():33-47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleE. Ferreira da Silva; Nuno Durães; P. Reis; Carla Patinha; J. Matos; Maria Costa. 2015. "An integrative assessment of environmental degradation of Caveira abandoned mine area (Southern Portugal)." Journal of Geochemical Exploration 159, no. : 33-47.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of the former mining Touiref district (NW Tunisia) on the spatial distribution of metal contamination. In order to characterize the metal content of the tailings and to assess how far the soils from the district could be impacted by metals, a sampling campaign was conducted. According to the spatial distribution concentration maps of potential toxic elements (PTE), the highest concentrations occur near the flotation tailings and in mining facilities and decrease abruptly with distance. These results confirm that wind is the main agent capable of dispersing metals in a W–E direction, with concentrations exceeding the standards of soil quality for Cd, Pb and Zn over several hundred metres away from the source, facilitated by the small-size fraction and low cohesion of tailings particles. Chemical fractionation showed that Pb and Cd were mainly associated with the acid-soluble fraction (carbonates) and Fe-(oxy) hydroxides, while Zn was mainly associated with Fe-(oxy) hydroxides but also with sulphides. Thus, the immobilization of metals in solution may be favoured by the alkaline conditions, promoted by carbonates dissolution. However, being carbonate important-bearing phases of Cd and Pb (but also for Zn), the dissolution facility of these minerals may enhance the release of metals, particularly far away from the mine where the physicochemical conditions can be different. Also, the metal uptake by plants in these alkaline conditions may be favoured, especially if secondary phases with high sorption ability are reduced at this site. A remediation plan to this area is needed, with particularly attention in the confinement of the tailings.
Mohamed Ali Othmani; Fouad Souissi; Nuno Durães; Moussi Abdelkader; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva. Assessment of metal pollution in a former mining area in the NW Tunisia: spatial distribution and fraction of Cd, Pb and Zn in soil. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2015, 187, 1 .
AMA StyleMohamed Ali Othmani, Fouad Souissi, Nuno Durães, Moussi Abdelkader, Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva. Assessment of metal pollution in a former mining area in the NW Tunisia: spatial distribution and fraction of Cd, Pb and Zn in soil. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2015; 187 (8):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMohamed Ali Othmani; Fouad Souissi; Nuno Durães; Moussi Abdelkader; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva. 2015. "Assessment of metal pollution in a former mining area in the NW Tunisia: spatial distribution and fraction of Cd, Pb and Zn in soil." Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 187, no. 8: 1.
Urban dust is a heterogeneous mix, where traffic-related particles can combine with soil mineral compounds, forming a unique and site-specific material. These traffic-related particles are usually enriched in potentially harmful elements, enhancing the health risk for population by inhalation or ingestion. Urban dust samples from Estarreja city and traffic-related particles (brake dust and white traffic paint) were studied to understand the relative contribution of the traffic particles in the geochemical behaviour of urban dust and to evaluate the long-term impacts of the metals on an urban environment, as well as the risk to the populations. It was possible to distinguish two groups of urban dust samples according to Cu behaviour: (1) one group with low amounts of fine particles (<38 µm), low contents of organic material, high percentage of Cu in soluble phases, and low Cu bioaccessible fraction (Bf) values. This group showed similar chemical behaviour with the brake dust samples of low- to mid-range car brands (with more than 10 years old), composed by coarser wear particles; and (2) another group with greater amounts of fine particles (<38 µm), with low percentage of Cu associated with soluble phases, and with greater Cu Bf values. This group behaved similar to those found for brake dust of mid- to high-range car brands (with less than 10 years old). The results obtained showed that there is no direct correlation between the geoavailability of metals estimated by sequential selective chemical extraction (SSCE) and the in vitro oral bioaccessibility (UBM) test. Thus, oral bioaccessibility of urban dust is site specific. Geoavailability was greatly dependent on particle size, where the bioaccessibility tended to increase with a reduction in particle diameter. As anthropogenic particles showed high metal concentration and a smaller size than mineral particles, urban dusts are of major concern to the populations’ health, since fine particles are easily re-suspended, easily ingested, and show high metal bioaccessibility. In addition, Estarreja is a coastal city often influenced by winds, which favours the re-suspension of small-sized contaminated particles. Even if the risk to the population does not represent an acute case, it should not be overlooked, and this study can serve as baseline study for cities under high traffic influence.
C. Patinha; Nuno Durães; Pedro Leao De Sousa; Ana Claudia Dias; Amelia Reis; Y. Noack; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Assessment of the influence of traffic-related particles in urban dust using sequential selective extraction and oral bioaccessibility tests. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 2015, 37, 707 -724.
AMA StyleC. Patinha, Nuno Durães, Pedro Leao De Sousa, Ana Claudia Dias, Amelia Reis, Y. Noack, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. Assessment of the influence of traffic-related particles in urban dust using sequential selective extraction and oral bioaccessibility tests. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2015; 37 (4):707-724.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Patinha; Nuno Durães; Pedro Leao De Sousa; Ana Claudia Dias; Amelia Reis; Y. Noack; Eduardo Ferreira da Silva. 2015. "Assessment of the influence of traffic-related particles in urban dust using sequential selective extraction and oral bioaccessibility tests." Environmental Geochemistry and Health 37, no. 4: 707-724.
William Inskeep; D. Kirk Nordstrom; Dave. W. Mogk; Ann W. Rodman; Bruce. W. Fouke; Nuno Durães; Mario Guzmán. Secondary Minerals Associated with Geothermal Features of Yellowstone National Park. Clays of Yellowstone National Park 2015, 23 -52.
AMA StyleWilliam Inskeep, D. Kirk Nordstrom, Dave. W. Mogk, Ann W. Rodman, Bruce. W. Fouke, Nuno Durães, Mario Guzmán. Secondary Minerals Associated with Geothermal Features of Yellowstone National Park. Clays of Yellowstone National Park. 2015; ():23-52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWilliam Inskeep; D. Kirk Nordstrom; Dave. W. Mogk; Ann W. Rodman; Bruce. W. Fouke; Nuno Durães; Mario Guzmán. 2015. "Secondary Minerals Associated with Geothermal Features of Yellowstone National Park." Clays of Yellowstone National Park , no. : 23-52.
The present and past mining activity left several abandoned tailings and dams in the Panasqueira tin–tungsten mining area. Seasonal water samples and stream sediments were collected during two different periods (rainy and dry seasons) and analyzed for a wide range of major and trace elements, in order to define the present hydrochemical situation. Rain waters interact with the altered sulfides stored in the tailings which generate runoff waters with high metal concentrations. The waste material derived from the exploitation enhanced acidification and metal-releasing processes, due to the increase in the specific surface, which favors the oxidation of sulfide minerals. Acid drainage and high metal(loid)s (Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, As) concentrations in solution were observed in waters leaching the Panasqueira tailing deposits. In dry season, generally the acidic waters, enriched in metals, evaporate progressively depositing sulfate efflorescences characteristic of acidic environments. The elements distribution in precipitated minerals helps in the interpretation of aqueous geochemical data. Aqueous concentrations may be attenuated by goethite, gibbsite, and/or ferrihydrite precipitation in the oxidation zone through adsorption processes. The use of these waters for human consumption and for irrigation represents a threat to humans as they have a potential carcinogenic risk, especially due to the As concentrations. The acid water precipitation is present on the stream sediments, with concentrations exceeding the toxicity limits. Stream sediments are good receptors of metals and metalloids transported by waters. The enrichment factor values, of heavy metal(loid)s from Casinhas stream and Zêzere river sediments, are extremely high in Ag, As, Cd, and Cu revealing enrichments for these potential toxic elements. I geo values shows that samples are strongly to very strongly polluted for Ag, As, Bi, Cd, and Cu. According to the consensus-based SQGs, 80 % of the samples were classified at the level of great concern and adverse biological effects are to be expected frequently in this area.
Carla Candeias; Paula Freire Ávila; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Adelaide Ferreira; Nuno Durães; João Paulo Teixeira. Water–Rock Interaction and Geochemical Processes in Surface Waters Influenced by Tailings Impoundments: Impact and Threats to the Ecosystems and Human Health in Rural Communities (Panasqueira Mine, Central Portugal). Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 2015, 226, 1 .
AMA StyleCarla Candeias, Paula Freire Ávila, Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva, Adelaide Ferreira, Nuno Durães, João Paulo Teixeira. Water–Rock Interaction and Geochemical Processes in Surface Waters Influenced by Tailings Impoundments: Impact and Threats to the Ecosystems and Human Health in Rural Communities (Panasqueira Mine, Central Portugal). Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 2015; 226 (2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Candeias; Paula Freire Ávila; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Adelaide Ferreira; Nuno Durães; João Paulo Teixeira. 2015. "Water–Rock Interaction and Geochemical Processes in Surface Waters Influenced by Tailings Impoundments: Impact and Threats to the Ecosystems and Human Health in Rural Communities (Panasqueira Mine, Central Portugal)." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 226, no. 2: 1.
Paula Alvarenga; Christian P. Andersen; Naser A. Anjum; Ariadne Argyraki; Aurora Armienta; Luke Beesley; Anabela Cachada; Carla Candeias; Geert Cornelis; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Amarilis De Varennes; Maria Díez-Ortiz; Marcelo R. Dos Reis; Armando C. Duarte; Regina M.B.O. Duarte; Nuno Durães; David Fangueiro; Maria N. González-Alcaraz; Petra S. Kidd; Susana Loureiro; James Markwiese; João T.V. Matos; Kassio F. Mendes; Rui G. Morgado; Julia Niemeyer; Luís A.B. Novo; Carla Patinha; Eduarda Pereira; Ruth Pereira; Vicenç Pomar-Portillo; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Sónia M. Rodrigues; Paul F.A.M. Römkens; Nicola Senesi; José Paulo Sousa; Claus Svendsen; Valdemar L. Tornisielo; Paula S. Tourinho; Nico W. Van Den Brink; Cornelis A.M. Van Gestel; Socorro Vázquez-Campos. List of Contributors. Soil Pollution 2015, 1 .
AMA StylePaula Alvarenga, Christian P. Andersen, Naser A. Anjum, Ariadne Argyraki, Aurora Armienta, Luke Beesley, Anabela Cachada, Carla Candeias, Geert Cornelis, Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva, Amarilis De Varennes, Maria Díez-Ortiz, Marcelo R. Dos Reis, Armando C. Duarte, Regina M.B.O. Duarte, Nuno Durães, David Fangueiro, Maria N. González-Alcaraz, Petra S. Kidd, Susana Loureiro, James Markwiese, João T.V. Matos, Kassio F. Mendes, Rui G. Morgado, Julia Niemeyer, Luís A.B. Novo, Carla Patinha, Eduarda Pereira, Ruth Pereira, Vicenç Pomar-Portillo, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Sónia M. Rodrigues, Paul F.A.M. Römkens, Nicola Senesi, José Paulo Sousa, Claus Svendsen, Valdemar L. Tornisielo, Paula S. Tourinho, Nico W. Van Den Brink, Cornelis A.M. Van Gestel, Socorro Vázquez-Campos. List of Contributors. Soil Pollution. 2015; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaula Alvarenga; Christian P. Andersen; Naser A. Anjum; Ariadne Argyraki; Aurora Armienta; Luke Beesley; Anabela Cachada; Carla Candeias; Geert Cornelis; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Amarilis De Varennes; Maria Díez-Ortiz; Marcelo R. Dos Reis; Armando C. Duarte; Regina M.B.O. Duarte; Nuno Durães; David Fangueiro; Maria N. González-Alcaraz; Petra S. Kidd; Susana Loureiro; James Markwiese; João T.V. Matos; Kassio F. Mendes; Rui G. Morgado; Julia Niemeyer; Luís A.B. Novo; Carla Patinha; Eduarda Pereira; Ruth Pereira; Vicenç Pomar-Portillo; Teresa Rocha-Santos; Sónia M. Rodrigues; Paul F.A.M. Römkens; Nicola Senesi; José Paulo Sousa; Claus Svendsen; Valdemar L. Tornisielo; Paula S. Tourinho; Nico W. Van Den Brink; Cornelis A.M. Van Gestel; Socorro Vázquez-Campos. 2015. "List of Contributors." Soil Pollution , no. : 1.
The ability of aquatic (Juncus effusus L., Scirpus holoschoenus L., Thypha latifolia L. and Juncus sp.) and land (Cistus ladanifer L., Erica andevalensis C.-R., Nerium oleander L., Isatis tinctoria L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Cynodon dactylon L. and Hordeum murinum L.) plants from Portugal (Aljustrel, Lousal and São Domingos) and Morocco (Tighza and Zeida) mining areas to uptake, translocate and tolerate heavy metals (Cu, Zn and Pb) was evaluated. The soils (rhizosphere) of the first mining area are characterized by high acidity conditions (pH 2-5), whereas from the second area, by alkaline conditions (pH 7.0-8.5). Physicochemical parameters and mineralogy of the rhizosphere were determined from both areas. Chemical analysis of plants and the rhizosphere was carried out by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. The sequential chemical extraction procedure was applied for rhizosphere samples collected from both mining areas. In the acid conditions, the aquatic plants show a high capacity for Zn bioaccumulation and translocation and less for Pb, reflecting the following metal mobility sequence: Zn > Cu > Pb. Kaolinite detected in the roots by infrared spectroscopy (IR) contributed to metal fixation (i.e. Cu), reducing its translocation to the aerial parts. Lead identified in the roots of land plants (e.g. E. andevalensis) was probably adsorbed by C-H functional groups identified by IR, being easily translocated to the aerial parts. It was found that aquatic plants are more efficient for phytostabilization than bioaccumulation. Lead is more bioavailable in the rhizosphere from Morocco mining areas due to scarcity of minerals with high adsorption ability, being absorbed and translocated by both aquatic and land plants.
Nuno Durães; Iuliu Bobos; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Abdelilah Dekayir; Iuliu Bobos-Radu. Copper, zinc and lead biogeochemistry in aquatic and land plants from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Portugal) and north of Morocco mining areas. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2014, 22, 2087 -2105.
AMA StyleNuno Durães, Iuliu Bobos, Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva, Abdelilah Dekayir, Iuliu Bobos-Radu. Copper, zinc and lead biogeochemistry in aquatic and land plants from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Portugal) and north of Morocco mining areas. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2014; 22 (3):2087-2105.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNuno Durães; Iuliu Bobos; Eduardo Ferreira Da Silva; Abdelilah Dekayir; Iuliu Bobos-Radu. 2014. "Copper, zinc and lead biogeochemistry in aquatic and land plants from the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Portugal) and north of Morocco mining areas." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 22, no. 3: 2087-2105.