Volume 113 (2026) Fascículo I
URI permanente para esta coleção:
Navegar
Entradas recentes
- Magnetic characterization of non-geological materials: implications on human healthPublication . Diogo Sá; Cruz, Cláudia; Sant'Ovaia, HelenaABSTRACT: This study investigates the magnetic properties of commonly used non-geological materials and evaluates their potential implications for human health. The analyzed materials include tobacco and its by-products (filters and ashes), industrial paints, hair dyes and developer, garage dust, fuel soot and metal scarps. A multi-analytical approach combining optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and magnetic techniques (magnetic susceptibility, χ, isothermal remanent magnetization, IRM, and thermomagnetic curves, K/T) was applied to identify and characterize iron-bearing phases. Iron oxides were detected in several materials, particularly tobacco, ashes, used filters, fuel soot, garage dust and metal scraps. Tobacco ash and fuel soot samples contained ultrafine iron-rich particles (~2 μm), which are small enough to be inhaled, penetrate pulmonary alveoli, and potentially enter the bloodstream. In contrast, industrial paints and hair dyes displayed predominantly diamagnetic behavior, excluding significant iron oxide presence. The results demonstrate that everyday materials and combustion-derived residues may act as sources of ultrafine ferromagnetic particles with potential health implications. These findings highlight the importance of magnetic characterization as a complementary tool in environmental and biomedical studies aimed at assessing exposure to iron-rich particulate matter.
- Mapping the Pan-African inventory of Critical Raw Material deposits and processing capacitiesPublication . Fortes, Carla; de Oliveira, Daniel Pipa Soares; Guillaneau, Jean-Claude; Marques Prazeres, CátiaABSTRACT: The AfricaMaVal project (2022–2025) supported the European Union’s objective of securing responsible and sustainable access to Extended Critical Raw Materials (ECRM) through strengthened cooperation with African countries. This study presents the development of two harmonised pan-African inventories: an ECRM mineral deposit database and a database of existing ore processing and refining capacities. Using the Minerals4EU data model within an INSPIRE compliant framework, heterogeneous datasets were integrated and validated through commercial and consortium sources. The resulting inventories document more than 20.000 mineral occurrences and 219 processing facilities, classified as plants, smelters, refineries and concentrators. The analysis reveals a strong geographical concentration, with South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo hosting over half of all facilities, and processing activities largely centred on copper and cobalt. These findings highlight regional disparities and priority areas for investment. Overall, the inventories provide a robust knowledge base to support a resilient EU raw materials strategy and guide future EU–Africa partnerships.
- Vida e obra de Jorge Cândido Berkeley Cotter (1845-1919)Publication . Pacheco, Marta; Cachao, MarioRESUMO: Assinalaram-se recentemente os 180 anos do nascimento do geólogo português de ascendência irlandesa, Jorge Cândido Berkeley Cotter (1845-1919), figura que marcou a Geologia de Portugal, nomeadamente através dos seus estudos estratigráficos e paleontológicos, sobretudo no que se refere ao Miocénico português. O presente artigo desvenda um pouco da sua relativamente desconhecida personalidade, desde as suas origens até aos seus múltiplos e versáteis trabalhos que se estendem para além da Geologia, um trabalho que permanece relevante actualmente. Com uma prolífera carreira, Berkeley Cotter dedicou-se à Geologia e à Paleontologia, e até ao ensino e divulgação da língua inglesa, tendo também trabalhado como Secretário de Estado. Foi ainda responsável pela recolha de inúmeros exemplares paleontológicos que integram, entre outros, as coleções do Museu Geológico de Lisboa.