Artículos (Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola)

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://hdl.handle.net/11441/10829

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Assessing the Impact of Groundwater Extraction and Climate Change on a Protected Playa-Lake System in the Southern Iberian Peninsula: La Ratosa Natural Reserve
(MDPI, 2025-05-08) Rodríguez Rodríguez, Miguel; Halmos, László; Jiménez Bonilla, Alejandro; Díaz Azpiroz, Manuel; Gázquez, Fernando; Delgado Rodríguez, Joaquín María; Yanes, José Luis; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO). España; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; Junta de Andalucía
We modeled the water level variations in a protected playa-lake system (La Ratosa Natural Reserve, S Spain) comprising two adjacent playa-lakes: La Ratosa and Herriza de los Ladrones. For this purpose, daily water balances were applied to reconstruct the water level. Model results were validated using actual water level monitoring over the past 20 years. We surveyed post-Pliocene geological structures in the endorheic watershed to investigate lake nucleation and to improve the hydrogeological model. Additionally, we investigated the groundwater level evolution in nearby aquifers, which have been profusely affected by groundwater exploitation for domestic and agricultural use. Then, the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios were applied to forecast the future of this lake system. We found that the playa-lake hydroperiod will shorten, causing the system to shift from seasonal to ephemeral, which appears to be a general trend in this area. However, the impact on the La Ratosa-Herriza de los Ladrones system would be likely more severe due to local stressors, such as groundwater withdrawal for urban demand and agriculture, driving the system to complete desiccation for extended periods. These results highlight the sensitivity of these protected ecosystems to changes in the watershed’s water balance and underscore the urgent need to preserve watersheds from any form of water use, other than ecological purposes. This approach aims to support informed decision-making to mitigate adverse impacts on these fragile ecosystems, ensuring their ecological integrity in the context of climate change and increasing water demand for various uses.
Polyurethane wastes conversion into a plant biostimulant via ozonolytic attack: An innovative strategy for waste management and sustainable agriculture
(Elsevier, 2025-06-07) Orts Gómez, José María; Orts Gómez, Ángel; Naranjo Fernández, Emilia; Castaño Navarro, Angélica; Tejada Moral, Manuel; Gómez Parrales, Isidoro Ángel; Parrado Rubio, Juan; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
A novel, non-toxic plant biostimulant has been developed through the depolymerization of polyurethane (PU) foams via an aqueous ozonolysis process. This method yields a water-based extract rich in small, soluble molecules, referred to as oxidized liquid extract (OLE), which acts as a growth-promoting substrate for pepper plants (Capsicum annuum). This approach not only enables the conversion of PU waste into plant biomass but also represents an innovative model for circular economy implementation. When applied at low concentrations (diluted 1:5 and 1:10), OLE elicits a hormetic response, enhancing photosynthetic performance, protein content, and photosynthetic pigment levels. Additionally, it stimulates the accumulation of industrially relevant secondary metabolites such as terpenoids and capsaicinoids an effect likely linked to the extract’s high nitrate content. Although short-chain polyols were detected in the fruits of plants treated with the 1:5 dilution, these compounds are biodegradable and widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Moreover, OLE induces favorable shifts in rhizospheric microbial communities, promoting the enrichment of biofertilizing bacterial genera capable of transforming extract derived compounds and enhancing the adsorption of biomolecules secreted by plant roots. This sequential chemical and biological transformation facilitates the complete valorization of a highly recalcitrant polymeric waste, resulting in a bioactive extract that supports plant growth and development. Taken together, this strategy offers a promising and sustainable solution that integrates waste management with agricultural productivity, aligning with the core principles of the circular bioeconomy.
From the jaws of the 'Leviathan': A sperm whale tooth from the Valencina Copper Age Megasite
(Public Library of Science, 2025-05-14) Ramírez-Cruzado Aguilar-Galindo, S.; Luciañez-Triviño, Miriam; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; Cáceres Puro, L. M.; Toscano Grande, Antonio; Díaz-Guardamino, Marta; Rodríguez Vidal, Joaquín; García Sanjuán, Leonardo; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Prehistoria y Arqueología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Junta de Andalucía. Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento; Universidad de Sevilla. HUM694: Atlas. Territorios y Paisajes en la Prehistoria Reciente de Andalucía
During the excavations undertaken in 2018 at the Nueva Biblioteca sector of the Valencina Copper Age mega-site, in south-west Spain, an exceptional sperm-whale tooth was found inside a non-burial pit. This remarkable object is the first of its kind ever found for Late Prehistoric Iberia. Due to its rarity and importance, a multidisciplinary study was carried out, including photogrammetric 3D modelling, as well as taphonomic, paleontological, technological and contextual analysis. This led to a full characterisation of the artefact through the analysis of its bioerosion traces, anthropogenic marks, depositional context and socio-cultural background. The ensuing discussion covers the history and processes the tooth went through from the death of the animal and disposal on the seabed, through the disarticulation of the tooth to its collection in a coastal environment and its subsequent use and deposition in the pit.
Non-Toxic Increases in Nitrogen Availability Can Improve the Ability of the Soil Lichen Cladonia rangiferina to Cope with Environmental Changes
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2022-03-22) Morillas Viñuales, Lourdes; Roales Batanero, Javier; Cruz, Cristina; Munzi, Silvana; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; European Union (UE)
Climate change and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on drylands are greatly threat-ening these especially vulnerable areas. Soil biocrust-forming lichens in drylands can provide early indicators of these disturbances and play a pivotal role, as they contribute to key ecosystem services. In this study, we explored the effects of different long-term water availability regimes simulating climate changes and their interaction with N addition on the physiological response of the soil lichen Cladonia rangiferina. Three sets of this lichen were subjected to control, reduced watering, and reduced watering and N addition (40 kg NH4 NO3 ha−1 year−1) treatments for 16 months. Finally, all samples were subjected to daily hydration cycles with N-enriched water at two levels (40 and 80 kg NH4 NO3 ha−1 year−1) for 23 days. We found that reduced watering significantly decreased the vitality of this lichen, whereas N addition unexpectedly helped lichens subjected to reduced watering to cope with stress produced by high temperatures. We also found that long-term exposure to N addition contributed to the acclimation to higher N availability. Overall, our data suggest that the interactions between reduced watering and increased N supply and temperature have an important potential to reduce the physiological performance of this soil lichen.
Enrichment of peat with a protein hydrolysate-based biostimulant obtained from wine lees: effect on pepper plants
(Taylor & Francis AS, 2025) Tejada Moral, Manuel; López-Rodríguez, Jesús; Gómez Parrales, Isidoro Ángel; Paneque Macías, Patricia Isabel; Navarro Torre, Salvadora; Orts Gómez, José María; Parrado Rubio, Juan; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Agencia Estatal de Investigación. España; European Union (UE)
Currently, the use of biostimulants is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers. In this work, we investigated the use of a biostimulant obtained from winemaking sludge by enzymatic hydrolysis processes in peat enrichment. The aim was to observe how this biostimulant affects the growth and development of green pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Italian) seedlings. The biostimulant was applied in three doses (1, 2, and 3 g/L) for a total of four applications. Seedlings were harvested at a height of 8–16 cm and with 5–7 leaves. Plant height, weight of aboveground and belowground parts, macro- and micronutrient contents, photosynthetic pigments in leaves, and enzymes related to plant stress were determined. The results obtained indicated that plant height, weight of the aboveground and belowground parts, and macro- and micronutrient content in the aboveground and root parts were higher in plants treated with the highest dose of biostimulant. Compared with the control treatment (without amendments), the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total carotenoids increased by 57%, 51.9%, and 53.1%, respectively, in plants treated with the highest dose of biostimulant. These results suggest that peat enrichment with this biostimulant could be useful for improving bell pepper quality
Distribution of Benthic Foraminifera in the Marine Estuary of the Guadalquivir River (SW Spain): A Preliminar
(Juniper Publishers, 2019) González Regalado, María Luz; Carro, Berta; Arroyo, Marta; Ruiz, Francisco; Borrego, José; Abad, Manuel; Izquierdo, Tatiana; Tosquella, Josep; Prudencio, María Isabel; Dias, María Isabel; Monge Gómez, Mª Guadalupe; Carretero León, María Isabel; Mara García, Edith Xío; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Junta de Andalucía
Three zones are differentiated in the marine sector of the Guadalquivir estuary (SW Spain), according to a multidisciplinary analysis (water, sediment, foraminifera). Both salinities and pH increase from the innermost areas (zone 1: Ammonia tepida) to the mouth (zone 3: Ammonia beccarii), with an intermediate zone 2 (Ammonia beccarii-Triloculina trigonula). Both density and diversity are low to very low, except near the transition between zones 2 and 3. Planktonic foraminifera decrease sea Ward from zone 1 to zone 3.
Evaluation of a Manual Olive Fruit Harvester for Small Producers
(Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 2019) Plasquy, Eddy; Sola Guiraldo, Rafael R.; Florido Fernández, María del Carmen; García, José M.; Blanco Roldán, Gregorio; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Harvest facilities limit the possibilities of small producers to produce a high-quality olive fruit. This paper discusses the efficiency of a newly designed manual picking device as a possible solution to these specific challenges as confronted in most regions of the Mediterranean basis. The efficiency and cost of the picking method were compared to traditional olive picking using nets, taking a different number of operators and branch shakers into account.
Interactive Effects of Climate Change and Pathogens on Plant Performance: A Global Meta-Analysis
(Wiley, 2024-09-24) Gallego Tevar, Blanca; Gil Martínez, Marta; Perea, Antonio; Pérez Ramos, Ignacio M.; Gómez Aparicio, Lorena; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Biología Vegetal y Ecología; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Plant health is increasingly threatened by abiotic and biotic stressors linked to anthropogenic global change. These stressors arefrequently studied in isolation. However, they might have non-additive (antagonistic or synergistic) interactive effects that affectplant communities in unexpected ways. We conducted a global meta-analysis to summarize existing evidence on the joint effectsof climate change (drought and warming) and biotic attack (pathogens) on plant performance. We also investigated the effectof drought and warming on pathogen performance, as this information is crucial for a mechanistic interpretation of potentialindirect effects of climate change on plant performance mediated by pathogens. The final databases included 1230 pairwisecases extracted from 117 recently published scientific articles (from 2006) on a global scale. We found that the combined negativeeffects of drought and pathogens on plant growth were lower than expected based on their main effects, supporting the exist-ence of antagonistic interactions. Thus, the larger the magnitude of the drought, the lower the pathogen capacity to limit plantgrowth. On the other hand, the combination of warming and pathogens caused larger plant damage than expected, supportingthe existence of synergistic interactions. Our results on the effects of drought and warming on pathogens revealed a limitation oftheir growth rates and abundance in vitro but an improvement under natural conditions, where multiple factors operate acrossthe microbiome. Further research on the impact of climate change on traits explicitly defining the infective ability of pathogenswould enhance the assessment of its indirect effects on plants. The evaluated plant and pathogen responses were conditionedby the intensity of drought or warming and by moderator categorical variables defining the pathosystems. Overall, our findingsreveal the need to incorporate the joint effect of climatic and biotic components of global change into predictive models of plantperformance to identify non-additive interactions.
Polyurethane Waste Valorization: A Two-Phase Process Using Ozonization and Rhodococcus Pyridinivorans Fermentation for Biofertilizer Production
(Elsevier, 2025) Orts Gómez, José María; Naranjo Fernández, Emilia; Pina, Susana; Orts, Ángel; Muñoz Martí, Marta; Tejada Moral, Manuel; Parrado Rubio, Juan; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España
A circular economy process has been developed to convert polyurethane waste into biofertilizing microorganisms through a sequential chemical/biological process. The chemical phase involves the complete depolymerization of polyurethane using ozone attack, generating an aqueous extract (OLE) composed of small, bioavailable molecules such as polyols, isocyanate derivatives, and carboxylic acids. The biological phase utilizes OLE for the generation of biomass with biofertilizing functional activity through Rhodococcus pyridinivorans fermentation. The metabolic-proteomic expression during the biodegradation of OLE involves the synthesis of numerous enzymes such as cutinases, hydrolases, proteases, esterases and oxidoreductases, which participate in the degradation of chemical compounds like benzene derivatives, phenols, or plastic polymers. OLE has been converted into microorganisms with biofertilizing properties, including nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production and siderophores. This process contributes to sustainability by diverting polyurethane waste from landfills, reducing the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers and promoting a more sustainable agricultural system.
Managing Climate Change Impacts on Crops: The Influence of Soil Tillage on a Triticale Crop under Water Stress Conditions
(Wiley, 2025) Madejón, Paula; Fernández Boy, María Elena; Madejón, Engracia; Morales Salmerón, Laura; Domínguez Núñez, María Teresa; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España
Water limitations for agriculture will likely become crucial in the next decades in some regions such as the Mediterranean basin with the current climate change projections. In this context, recent evidence suggests that the application of conservation agriculture, which reduces the frequency and intensity of soil tillage, could confer a higher stability of agricultural systems against climate variability. However, not many experiments have addressed the interaction between tillage type and the resistance to drought in rainfed crops. In this work, we evaluated the resistance to drought of triticale (Triticale hexaploide L.) crops managed with different tillage systems: traditional tillage (TT), reduced tillage (RT) and no tillage (NT). A rainfall exclusion experiment was carried out in a typical wheat/legume Mediterranean rotation in SW Spain, in a long-term experiment established in 2008 comparing the three tillage systems. Grain yield and different variables related to plant ecophysiology, root development, biomass allocation and colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were evaluated over one crop cycle. Tillage type had a significant influence on soil water storage (SWS), such that soils under NT had, on average, a 16% greater SWS than soils under RT or TT. Grain yield was significantly reduced by rainfall exclusion, in particular in the TT, where drought reduced grain yield by 31%. Gas exchange data also showed that plants in the TT system were more sensitive to drought, such that maximum photosynthesis rates were reduced by 25% because of rainfall exclusion in this tillage system. Drought had a negative impact on root biomass across the three tillage systems, especially in the RT, where a reduction in the root:shoot ratio was observed. The effect of tillage on mycorrhizal colonisation was more evident than the effect of drought; in general, conservation tillage systems (RT and NT) tended to have higher values for all AMF traits compared to the TT. In summary, the NT system tended to exhibit more favourable performance in terms of soil water retention, grain yield stability under drought conditions and mycorrhizal symbiosis, which suggests enhanced resource use efficiency in this system.
A Neanderthal's Specialised Burning Structure Compatible with tar Obtention
(Elsevier, 2024) Ochando, Juan; Jiménez Espejo, Francisco J.; Giles Guzmán, Francisco; Neto de Carvalho, Carlos; Carrión, Jose S.; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; Rubiales, Juan Manuel; Cura, Pedro; Belo, João; Finlayson, Stewart; Finlayson, Clive; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Fundación Séneca. Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología. Murcia; European Union (UE); Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC); Generalitat de Catalunya; Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Portugal
Here we present multiproxy evidence of a new type of Neanderthal hearth discovered in Vanguard Cave (VC) (Gibraltar), which is dated ∼ 65 kyr, and associated with Middle Paleolithic stone artefacts. The hearth structure coincides with predictions from theoretical studies which require the use of heating structures for obtaining birch tar, commonly used in hafting. We propose that the structure was used for heating rockroses (Cistaceae) under anoxic conditions by burning herbs and shrubs, over a guano mixed with sand layer. We tested this hypothesis experimentally with success. The presence of levoglucosan and retene in the structure's matrix points to combustion of higher resinous plant-derived material. Our results advance our understanding of Neanderthal behaviour, as the ability to organize activities related with the use of fire.
From a marsh that was once sea: The geological evolution of Europe's largest biological reserve as told by its benthic foraminifera-a review
(Elsevier, 2025-02) González-Regalado, María Luz; Guerra, Liliana; Ruiz, Francisco; Veiga-Pires, Cristina; Abad, Manuel; Izquierdo, Tatiana; Rodríguez Vidal, Joaquín; Cáceres, Luis Miguel; Muñiz Guinea, Fernando; Carretero León, María Isabel; Tosquella, Josep; Muñoz, Adolfo Francisco; Pozo, Manuel; Muñoz Pichardo, Juan Manuel; Toscano, Antonio; Gómez, Paula; Romero, Verónica; Gómez, Gabriel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Estadística e Investigación Operativa; Junta de Andalucía
This paper presents an updated list of benthic foraminifera found in brackish and marine (paleo-)environments of the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) from the Lower Pliocene to the present-day. This list, based on published records, includes ninety-four species whose autoecology and temporal distribution in surface sections and continuous sediment cores allow us to infer the palaeogeographic evolution of this Biosphere Reserve over the last millions of years. During the Lower Pliocene, this area was occupied by a wide shallow bay with Nonion faba and Ammonia beccarii as the most representative species. During the Upper Pliocene, there was a transition to terrestrial environments, later dominated by fluvial dynamics for much of the Pleistocene and devoid of these aquatic microorganisms. During the Upper Pleistocene and part of the Holocene, the park was flooded during the MIS-1 transgression and a large lagoon was formed and progressively silted up. At this stage, benthic foraminiferal assemblages were dominated by the brackish species Ammonia morphogroup tepida and Haynesina germanica, which were occasionally replaced by marine species (mainly miliolids) during high-energy events. Currently, benthic foraminifera are mainly represented by Ammonia morphogroup tepida in the temporary lagoons and distributary channels, while Ammonia beccarii is dominant in their marginal marine areas. In summary, there is a clear correspondence between the palaeogeographic evolution of the park and its benthic foraminiferal associations, a review of which contributes to increase the knowledge of its remarkable present and past faunal diversity.
Managing climate change impacts on crops: The influence of soil tillage on a triticale crop under water stress conditions
(Wiley, 2024) Madejón, Paula; Fernández-Boy, Elena; Madejón, Engracia; Morales-Salmerón, Laura; Domínguez Núñez, María Teresa; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Domínguez Núñez, María Teresa; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Junta de Andalucía; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Universidad de Sevilla. RNM365: Edafología Ambiental
Water limitations for agriculture will likely become crucial in the next decades in some regions such as the Mediterranean basin with the current climate change projections. In this context, recent evidence suggests that the application of conservation agriculture, which reduces the frequency and intensity of soil tillage, could confer a higher stability of agricultural systems against climate variability. However, not many experiments have addressed the interaction between tillage type and the resistance to drought in rainfed crops. In this work, we evaluated the resistance to drought of triticale (Triticale hexaploide L.) crops managed with different tillage systems: traditional tillage (TT), reduced tillage (RT) and no tillage (NT). A rainfall exclusion experiment was carried out in a typical wheat/legume Mediterranean rotation in SW Spain, in a long-term experiment established in 2008 comparing the three tillage systems. Grain yield and different variables related to plant ecophysiology, root development, biomass allocation and colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were evaluated over one crop cycle. Tillage type had a significant influence on soil water storage (SWS), such that soils under NT had, on average, a 16% greater SWS than soils under RT or TT. Grain yield was significantly reduced by rainfall exclusion, in particular in the TT, where drought reduced grain yield by 31%. Gas exchange data also showed that plants in the TT system were more sensitive to drought, such that maximum photosynthesis rates were reduced by 25% because of rainfall exclusion in this tillage system. Drought had a negative impact on root biomass across the three tillage systems, especially in the RT, where a reduction in the root:shoot ratio was observed. The effect of tillage on mycorrhizal colonisation was more evident than the effect of drought; in general, conservation tillage systems (RT and NT) tended to have higher values for all AMF traits compared to the TT. In summary, the NT system tended to exhibit more favourable performance in terms of soil water retention, grain yield stability under drought conditions and mycorrhizal symbiosis, which suggests enhanced resource use efficiency in this system.
A Methodological Approach for the Evaluation of Soil Pollution by Potentially Toxic Trace Elements
(Elsevier, 2019) Galán Huertos, Emilio; Romero Baena, Antonio; Aparicio Fernández, Patricia; González Díez, María Isabel; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Risk assessment of soils polluted by potentially toxic trace elements generally is a complex procedure that includes many variables and parameters, many of them difficult to assess. The proposed methodological approach is an easier procedure to obtain reasonable security for the potential risk of a soil contaminated by trace elements. This approach can be successfully applied in most of the case studies, avoiding a sometimes flawed risk analysis procedure, which many times leads to an unnecessary declaration of soil pollution, resulting in mandatory and expensive reclamation actions. The protocol supposes that: a)high concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements exceeding generic reference levels are not always a risk to human health, and b)the mobile fractions of potentially toxic trace elements and their bioavailability are the key factors to consider in any sort of risk assessment, when such assessments are needed. The proposal consists of successive steps that ranges from a simple documentation and investigation of available information of the history, present state of the potential polluted site (PPS), mapping and field works to a detailed study that involves determination of local reference values, geoaccumulation factors, soil parameters, mobility, bioavailability, operational speciation, etc. For As, Hg, Cd, and Pb, particular procedures are also proposed. As can be deduced from the proposal, anomalously high concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements in a soil, although they may exceed the generic reference levels, do not always pose a health risk. Thus, risk assessment is only necessary in a very few cases.
Geochemical Anomalies of Critical Elements (Be, Co, Hf, Sb, Sc, Ta, V, W, Y and REE) in Soils of Western Andalusia (Spain)
(Elsevier, 2020) Fernández Caliani, Juan Carlos; Romero Baena, Antonio; González Díez, María Isabel; Galán Huertos, Emilio; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
A collection of 694 soil samples was taken from 367 sites (at a density of 1 site per 120 km2) in the western of Andalusia (SW Spain) to establish regional geochemical background of emerging critical elements on the < 2 mm soil fraction, and provide threshold values for anomaly detection to support mineral exploration in the survey area. The spatial distribution pattern of the soil geochemical anomalies is primarily influenced by the occurrence of magmatic alignments and metallogenic belts in the southern zones of the Iberian Massif. Soils over granitic parent materials are marked by W, Be, Ta and REE anomalies, whereas those derived from mafic igneous rocks contain anomalous concentrations of Sc, Co and V. Most of the threshold exceedances for Hf and Sb appear to be linked to soils on pelitic metasediments. The distribution of Sb and Co outliers is also related to sulfide ore occurrences in the bedrock and could be affected by anthropogenic influences. The Santa Olalla igneous complex, the granodioritic pluton of the Los Pedroches batholith and the magmatic alignment of Villaviciosa de Córdoba-La Coronada may represent exploration opportunities for high-tech elements, mainly for REE, although the identification of promising areas requires further investigation.
Mobility of Potentially Toxic Elements in Family Garden Soils of the Riotinto Mining Area
(Elsevier, 2021) Romero Baena, Antonio; Barba Brioso, Cinta; Ross, Alicia; González Díez, María Isabel; Aparicio Fernández, Patricia; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN). España; Junta de Andalucía
Agricultural soils in mining areas usually accumulate potentially toxic elements (PTEs) that can become a health risk to humans by entering the trophic chain. In this study, five small agricultural plots close to Riotinto mines (SW Spain) were studied, with the aims of comparing the concentration of PTEs with respect to the regional (South Portuguese Zone) baseline and conducting availability studies in order to determine the contamination of soils. Chemical composition, total and clay mineralogy, and edaphic parameters were determined in topsoil and subsoil samples to characterize the soils, and single extractions were conducted to assess the mobility. The mineralogy of the soils was composed of quartz and phyllosilicates, with small amounts of feldspars and occasionally containing hematite and calcite. The texture ranged from sandy to silty loam, the pH was slightly acidic, and high contents of organic matter were found. Total concentrations of trace elements correlated with the texture, the content in iron oxy-hydroxides and the pH. The values of As, Pb, Cu, and Zn exceeded the regional baseline even in sites unaffected by mining. The results suggest that a widespread sampling is necessary to determine the local background. The most water-soluble element was As, due to the competition of organic matter for sorption sites. The content of Cu, Cr and Zn extracted with different methods were higher in sandy soils with low iron oxy-hydroxides content. Monoammonium phosphate and EDTA extractions seemed to remove elements from organic matter and iron oxy-hydroxides. The extracted fractions of As and metals reached up to 10–30 wt%. Despite the high total concentrations of the element in soils, they generally showed low available proportions, especially with water and ammonium acetate extractants. The results suggest that the soils are not necessarily a risk to humans and higher investigation efforts are necessary to assess the availability of PTEs and their transfer to plants.
Mineralogical evolution of ceramic clays during heating. An ex/in situ X-ray diffraction method comparison study
(Elsevier, 2018-04-24) Miras Ruiz, Adolfo; Galán Huertos, Emilio; González Díez, María Isabel; Romero Baena, Antonio; Martín García, Domingo; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
The ceramic properties of clay materials heated at high temperature are largely dependent on the mineral reactions, which usually are followed by XRD analysis on pressed pieces that are heated at different temperatures. Nevertheless, the use of “in-situ” high temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD) to follow the evolution of the crystalline phases under controlled temperature provides more precision. In this paper, the mineralogical changes produced during firing (RT-1000 °C) of two clay materials of very different mineralogical composition, frequently used in the manufacture of bricks in the SE Spain, have been studied by XRD classical procedure and with HTXRD, and the results obtained were compared. Although the phases identified by both X-ray analyses were the same, temperatures for the mineralogical reactions seem to be different, probably due to the experimental conditions. The patterns obtained by ex-situ XRD were at a higher speed than those by in-situ HTXRD, and probably the equilibrium was not achieved for the most reactions. Because of the expansion of the mineral structure parameters occurred during heating the mineral reflections do not match with those found in the database JPCDS, neither the position nor intensities of some stable phases at high temperature. For the optimization of the interpretation of the HTXRD patterns, and to facilitate the kinetics of the new phases, it is necessary to work at a high integration time per step and a slow heating rate. The in-situ HTXRD investigations of ceramic materials can save time respect to the classical XRD study of test-pieces heated at different temperatures, and lead immediate information of the transformation occurring on heating, which can be useful to improve the most suitable firing temperature in the industry.
Accelerated carbonation of ceramic materials. Application to bricks from Andalusian factories (Spain)
(Elsevier, 2018-06-15) Martín García, Domingo; Aparicio Fernández, Patricia; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola; Junta de Andalucía
This research explores the possibility of CO2 sequestration in ceramic building materials, namely, bricks. The bricks used are rich in calcium and magnesium. The reaction with CO2 was carried out in a sealed reactor with a 0.3 L volume in a CO2 atmosphere at a pressure of 10 bars. The solid-water ratio was 4:1, and the reaction time ranged from 24 h to 30 days. The results show that the carbonation was proportional to the reaction time. These results open new future possibilities of using brick waste to capture CO2 at ambient temperatures and low pressures
Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Precipitates from Passive Treatment of Acid Mine Drainage: Implications for Future Management Strategies
(MDPI, 2024-12-26) Delgado Rodríguez, Joaquín María; Lozano, Olivia; Ayala, Diana; Martín García, Domingo; Barba Brioso, Cinta; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Traditional mining activities in Zaruma-Portovelo (SE Ecuador) have led to high concentrations of pollutants in the Puyango River due to acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned waste. Dispersed alkaline substrate (DAS) passive treatment systems have shown efficacy in neutralizing acidity and retaining metals and sulfates in acidic waters, achieving near a 100% retention for Fe, Al, and Cu, over 70% for trace elements, and 25% for SO4 2−. However, significant solid residues are generated, requiring proper geochemical and mineralogical understanding for management. This study investigates the fractionation of elements in AMD precipitates. Results indicate that Fe3+ and Al3+ predominantly precipitate as low-crystallinity oxyhydroxysulfate minerals such as schwertmannite [Fe3+ 16(OHSO4)12–13O16·10–12H2O] and jarosite [KFe3+ 3(SO4)2(OH)6], which retain elements like As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn through adsorption and co-precipitation processes. Sulfate removal occurs via salts like coquimbite [AlFe3(SO4)6(H2O)12·6H2O] and gypsum [CaSO4·2H2O]. Divalent metals are primarily removed through carbonate and bicarbonate phases, with minerals such as azurite [Cu(OH)2·2CuCO3], malachite [Cu2(CO3)(OH)2], rhodochrosite [MnCO3], and calcite [CaCO3]. Despite the effectiveness of DAS, leachates from the precipitates exceed regulatory thresholds for aquatic life protection, classifying them as hazardous and posing environmental risks. However, these residues offer opportunities for the recovery of valuable metals.
Estimation of the cooling rate of six olive cultivars using thermal imaging
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2021-02-17) Plasquy, Eddy; García, José M.; Florido Fernández, María del Carmen; Sola‐Guirado, Rafael R.; Universidad de Sevilla. Departamento de Cristalografía, Mineralogía y Química Agrícola
Bringing the olive harvest period forward leads to storing fruit in field temperatures that risk jeopardizing its quality. Knowledge about the bio‐thermal characteristics of olives is crucial when considering their cooling, although published research on the subject is limited. In this work, the cooling rate of the fruit of six olive cultivars has been empirically determined by measuring the evolution of their low temperature under controlled conditions by thermal imaging. Based on these data, the cooling time needed to cool the fruit to 22 °C was estimated, considering the biometric characteristics of the individual fruit, a field temperature from 26 to 42 °C, and a room cooling temperature from −8 to −20 °C. The results showed differences among the cultivars and the need to further investigate the specific heat requirements for small varieties and the impact of the conduction factor on the heavier ones. The simulation suggests that between 2 min (for the light Arbequina and Koroneiki cultivars) and 5 min (for the heavier Verdial and Gordal cultivars) suffice to cool the fruit to the desired temperature with a room temperature of −16 °C. These results show the feasibil-ity of developing technological solutions for cooling olives before their industrial processing with industrial applications such as cooling tunnels on individual fruit.

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