Rare earth elements, sustainability, and ion-adsorption clay: A bibliometric study on global trends and Brazil's prominence
Rare Earth Elements (REE) are critical minerals for the global energy transition and for fulfilling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 7 (Clean Energy). However, the traditional supply chain, focused on primary deposits, faces significant geopolitical and environmental challenges. In this context, ion-adsorption clay (IAC) deposits have emerged as the main research route for a more sustainable REE production, aligned with the 2030 Agenda.
Reappraisal of the Cretaceous and Paleogene paleogeography of eastern Amazonia based on systematic paleocurrent measurements
Cretaceous and possibly Paleogene strata, originally defined as the Alter do Chão Formation, are extensively exposed in the Amazonas Basin. While theoretical considerations suggest that the eastern Amazon has been draining into the Atlantic since pre-Miocene times, the limited published field data indicate a significant continental-scale reversal of drainage, transitioning from westward flow during the Cretaceous to the current eastward regional flow.
Registros geológicos de impactos meteoríticos no Brasil: evolução e estágio atual
Impactos meteoríticos são um raro tipo de processo geológico que, por suas características extremas de pressão e temperatura, são capazes de promover transformações permanentes em rochas crustais. As marcas resultantes são as estruturas denominadas “crateras de impacto”. Com o passar do tempo as crateras são geralmente modificadas por processos erosivos, tectônicos e sedimentares característicos da dinâmica geológica da Terra, até serem completamente removidas da sua superfície.
Sunken oil mats: A biomarker-based investigation
Sunken oil mats (SOMs) pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, yet their long-term fate and weathering processes remain poorly understood. This study investigates the degradation of biomarkers in a SOM sample collected from the Brazilian coast following the long-lasting 2019 oil spill. The SOM clearly distinguished from spilt oil and were attributed to tanker-washing residues.
Temporal analysis of emissivity variation of mineral substrates impregnated with hydrocarbons: Significance for oil exploration and environmental pollution monitoring
The high risk of environmental contamination posed by the use of petroleum hydrocarbons (HCs) necessitates technologies for detecting leaks. The effectiveness of sensors operating in near infrared (NIR) and short wave (SWIR) have already been demonstrated for this purpose. However, the applicability of thermal data (TIR) remains largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of TIR data for the detection and monitoring of soils contaminated with HCs, by tracking changes in the emissivity of samples in the post-contamination period.
