http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154506 2026-06-28T14:39:38Z 2026-06-28T14:39:38Z Kim, H. Pereira Gómez, María Dolores Histon, K. Kölbl-Ebert, M. http://hdl.handle.net/10366/171867 2026-06-19T00:01:07Z 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]Gender equality is widely recognized as a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development, social well-being, and inclusive growth. Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations, SDG 5 explicitly underscores gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls as essential enabling conditions for achieving the broader 2030 Agenda. Despite this global commitment, gender disparities continue to persist as deep-rooted structural challenges across many scientific disciplines, including geoscience. Geoscience plays a pivotal role in addressing some of the most pressing contemporary challenges, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, sustainable resource management, disaster risk reduction, and environmental protection. However, the historical contributions of women to geoscience, as well as their current and potential future roles, have frequently been undervalued, overlooked, or insufficiently documented. Although recent decades have witnessed a notable increase in the number of women entering geoscience and other STEM fields at both undergraduate and doctoral levels, this growth has not translated proportionally into representation in senior professional positions. Empirical evidence consistently points to a pronounced “leaky pipeline,” in which women remain significantly underrepresented in permanent academic appointments, leadership roles, and decision-making bodies within the geoscience community.

2026-05-01T00:00:00Z Bloise, Andrea Apollaro, C. Croce, A. Parisi, F. Godbert, N. Cagna, L. La Russa, F. Aiello, I. Giorno, E. López, A. Ramil, A. Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/171862 2026-06-19T00:00:35Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]Health risks are often overlooked when the short-term consequences are not immediately apparent. During restoration work, cleaning actions can generate particles that pose health risks to workers through inhalation. This is particularly true in the case of asbestos fibres that might be spread out from the laser cleaning of buildings or heritage artifacts made of stone, such as serpentinite and other ultramafic rocks, that have a high probability of containing asbestos (e.g., chrysotile, tremolite asbestos, actinolite asbestos). To show workers the importance of wearing proper protection to prevent health injuries, several serpentinite samples, ascertained to contain asbestos minerals by specific investigations, have been laser ablated using ad hoc modified equipment in order to collocate a HEPA filter prone to collect all dust emitted during ablation. The powder deposited on the surface of these filters after laser ablation was analyzed, by Powder X -ray Diffraction (PXRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy combined with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (TEM/EDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR). The results confirmed the presence of asbestos fibres during the laser ablation of rocks containing Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), emphasizing the importance of wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during these procedures. Noteworthy, approximately 33 % of the analyzed fibres met the WHO criteria in size for respirable fibres. Furthermore, through our experiments, we also demonstrated that using tools that integrate filters into working tools would definitively further decrease the risk of fibres inhalation to workers.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Pereira Gómez, María Dolores Monterrubio Pérez, Serafín Bloise, Andrea http://hdl.handle.net/10366/171860 2026-06-19T00:00:37Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]This study investigates the transformation of ultramafic rocks into serpentinite, carbonated serpentinite, talcose serpentinite, and pure talcose rocks within Cabo Ortegal ultramafic complex (NW Spain). We aimed to characterize mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic changes driven by fluid-rock interactions and assess environmental implications. An integrated approach including Petrographic Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Thermal Analysis, ICP–MS, and Stable Isotope (δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C, D/H) analyses was applied. Results reveal a stepwise evolution with SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ enrichment, depletion of Fe, Mg, Mn, and volatiles, and notable trace element variations (Sr, Li, Zr, Nb, Th, U). Isotopes indicate alteration mainly by metamorphic fluids, with minimal meteoric or marine influence. Talc formation occurs via low-temperature hydrothermal processes involving SiO₂- and CO₂-rich fluids, mobilizing potentially toxic elements (e.g., Cr, Ni, Co), raising environmental concerns near abandoned quarries. Although serpentinites have industrial potential, their heterogeneity from ongoing transformation complicates their use. Enhancing our understanding of serpentinite alteration is crucial for effective resource management and environmental protection. Although Cabo Ortegal has been extensively studied, the significance of serpentinite transformation remains insufficiently explored. The findings emphasize the need for detailed petrological and geochemical investigations to balance resource utilization with environmental stewardship in ultramafic terrains. This study demonstrates that talcose rocks are unsuitable for pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications but possess artisanal potential, promoting the tourism of a newly recognized UNESCO Global Geopark. Improving the scientific knowledge of the serpentinites and their evolution can help to increase the knowledge on the ultramafic massif but also may help to promote industry in the area as well as to preserve the environment.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Lee, M. Kim, H. Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/171837 2026-06-18T00:00:52Z 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]Gender disparity is a global issue affecting every field around the Globe. The disparity is higher in STEM subjects, including Geosciences. South Korean government has implemented many measures to reduce disparity in STEM subjects, and gender equality at the youth level improved significantly. Yet the numbers are still low in age 40 and diminish at higher ranks: women in age 30-40 are pressurized by sociocultural imbalance issues (childcare), and by organizational restrictions (glass ceiling) after 40. Thus, it is critical to connect sociocultural measures on gender disparity in households and organization reform to achieve overall gender equality at all levels. Previous studies show that promoting women’s leadership in STEM (including Geosciences) can help in closing the gender gap by increasing role models for female students. We analysed successful good practices, such as collaboration within developing strategies through ERASMUS + projects with western countries and eastern countries. Closing the gender gap in STEM areas should transcend borders, by implementing a multilateral and international focus for building networks that will reduce the gap within academia and research fields, also in higher level roles by supporting women’s careers towards a new, equal paradigm within Geoscience, as part of STEM fields.

2026-03-01T00:00:00Z Bloise, Andrea Fuoco, I. Vespasiano, G. Giorno, E. Pacella, A. Filicetti, S. La Russa, M.F. Pereira Gómez, María Dolores Piersante, C. Apollaro, C. http://hdl.handle.net/10366/171836 2026-06-18T00:00:53Z 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]This paper aims to comprehensively investigate the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in 11 tremolite samples to better understanding of their potential effects on human health. Accurate characterization of trace element concentrations in asbestos mineral fibers is crucial to elucidate their potential synergistic contribution to the mechanisms of asbestos‐induced carcinogenesis and related pathologies, particularly in light of the documented involvement of elements such as Ni and Cr in the etiology of lung cancer. Samples were collected from diverse geological settings: San Severino Lucano and Iacolinei (Basilicata region, South Italy), Val Malenco (Lombardy region, North Italy), Praborna and Verrayes (Aosta Valley, North Italy), Monastero di Lanzo, Bracchiello, Caprie (Piedmont region, North Italy), Reventino (Calabria region, South Italy), Campolungo (Ticino Alps, Swiss), and Fowler (St. Lawrence Co., New York, USA). PTEs concentrations were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The distribution of PTEs among different tremolite types was compared and discussed to provide a comprehensive overview of the data set.Tremolite asbestos samples showed variable concentrations of trace elements, with Mn (691.5 ppm) and Ni (474.2 ppm) being the most abundant. Samples from Monastero di Lanzo exhibited the highest total PTEs content (4,709 ppm). Statistical analysesrevealed a consistent geochemical contrast: asbestos tremolite is systematically enriched in Mn and Ni, leading to higher overall PTEs levels, while prismatic tremolite is defined by very low Mn–Ni contents. The observed elemental variability reflects distinct geological settings that influence PTEs incorporation and potentially affect toxicity

2026-05-01T00:00:00Z Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/171835 2026-06-18T00:00:48Z 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]The city of Salamanca (Spain) was recognized as UNESCO Word Heritage City in 1988 because of the homogeneous historic architecture of the old downtown area. One objective of this status is to preserve the architectonic heritage. Consistency was achieved by using the locally quarried stones through centuries, mainly the Villamayor sandstone and an opal-cemented conglomerate, misleadingly named Salamanca Sandstone (Arenisca de Salamanca), and local granite. The city of Salamanca was built on top of the conglomerate, a Cretaceous–Tertiary lithic wacke, since the area was inhabited by the pre-Roman Vaccean tribe. After centuries, some of the most important buildings of Salamanca are deteriorating due to the water absorption and the increase of contamination in the city due, as parts were open to the traffic until recently, although at present only delivery vehicles are allowed. Restoration of these buildings should become a priority for the city, because UNESCO requires that the heritage is maintained or improved. Otherwise, the site would be delisted. Restoration may require replacement of the damaged parts and for this reason it is important to have a complete characterization of the stones used in the constructed heritage to determine suitability and the availability of rocks to be used in restoration. If the original stone had non- ideal properties, or it is not now easily available, an alternative appropriate stone should be selected carefully with the aim of maintaining the architectonic heritage. This paper deals mainly with the characterization of durability of the conglomerate as potential stone that can be used in the restoration of damaged buildings to inform the proper use as replacement when needed.

2026-05-01T00:00:00Z Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/161313 2025-07-11T08:49:45Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN] When a historical building, monument, or cultural heritage artifact is affected by a natural or anthropic event, the first reaction is to recover and restore to maintain our heritage for the next generations. If they are made of stone, some are completely destroyed, but it is often still possible to recognize the facts that made them a cultural item. In many cases, the marks of violent actions are visible on the stone, especially if the impacts came from a non-massive destructive weapon, such as rifle bullet marks or cannon marks from centuries ago, with a lower level of destruction than today. These marks are also part of our heritage and, as a reminder of the history of our cities and countries for generations, it is recommended that they be preserved as a testimony to avoid the repetition of unnecessary violence. This is the aim of the stones that tell stories.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Navarro, Rafael Monterrubio Pérez, Serafín Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/155022 2025-04-30T20:39:12Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]For centuries, granite has been one of the most widely used natural stones for building heritage, especially in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. The sanctuary of La Tuiza in Lubian (Zamora, northwest of Spain), built with Calabor granite, dates from the eighteenth century and was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1995. The heritage importance of this site lies in its location, on the Sanabria route (Silver Route) of the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago), attracting visitors from all over the world. This work presents the complete characterisation of the building stone of both the monument and the original quarry and the qualitative description of the main pathologies that have been detected. The capillary water absorption coefficient is twice the value in the sanctuary compared to the quarry; the open porosity, water absorption at atmospheric pressure and sound speed propagation are slightly higher, and the compressive strength value is lower in the stones of the building. These differences reveal the incipient decay processes. In terms of pathologies, biological colonisation is scattered throughout the building, affecting the north face more intensely, and on the exterior, scaling is observed on the west face. Inside the sanctuary, deterioration is related to humidity due to capillary water infiltration, which causes conspicuous stains, efflorescence and biological colonisation in the western sidewalls. The authors recommend that measures be taken to prevent further deterioration and to protect this small site in order to maintain the cultural heritage linked to the local community.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/155020 2024-07-02T08:10:20Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]Any scientific area can benefit from the contributions of a diverse society. Upon reflection, many notable achievements have been made by women to the advancement of science, but they were not highlighted enough. Such was the case of Hedy Lamarr, who co-authored the development of a radio guidance system (the start of the present Wi-Fi) or Rosalind Franklin, who contributed enormously to the discovery of the structure of DNA. But they were shadowed by their male counterparts. The same happens today. The ratio male/female in most important scientific recognitions, like the Nobel prize, is very illustrative. This situation also applies to the inclusion of female researchers in journal editorial boards, where the main process of manuscripts management takes place. Steps have been done to correct the disparity, but actions need to be reviewed. This paper aims to compare the evolution of gender diversity within the editorial boards of six quality scholarly journals dealing with Earth Sciences to see how gender diversity has been considered in the update of board panels along the years. The conclusions are that there is a long way to go to reach gender diversity, but also that the implementation of constructive changes may trigger a definitive alteration in these trends through good practices.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Rivero Crespo, M.A. Pereira Gómez, María Dolores Villa García, V. Gallardo Amores, J.M. Sánchez Escribano, V. http://hdl.handle.net/10366/155006 2025-04-30T20:39:12Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]Serpentinite powdered samples from four different regions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), SBET and porosity measurements, UV-Vis and Infrared Spectroscopy of the skeletal region and surface OH groups. SEM micrographs of the samples showed a prismatic morphology when the lizardite was the predominant phase, while if antigorite phase prevailed, the particles had a globular morphology. The few fibrous-shaped particles, only observed by SEM and weakly detected by XRD on MO-9C and MO13 samples, were characteristic of the chrysotile phase. All diffraction XRD patterns showed characteristic peaks of antigorite and lizardite serpentine phases, with crystallite sizes in the range 310–250 Å and with different degrees and types of carbonation processes, one derived from the transformation of the serpentine, generating dolomite, and another by direct precipitation of calcite. The SBET reached values between 38–24 m2∙g−1 for the samples less crystalline, in agreement with the XRD patterns, while those with a higher degree of crystallinity gave values close to 8–9 m2∙g−1. In the UV region all electronic spectra were dominated by the absorption edge due to O2− → Si4+ charge transfer transition, with Si4+ in tetrahedral coordination, corresponding to a band gap energy of ca 4.7 eV. In the visible region, 800–350 nm, the spectra of all samples, except Donai, presented at least two weak and broad absorptions centred in the range 650–800 and 550–360 nm, associated with the presence of Fe3+ ions from the oxidation of structural Fe2+ ions in the serpentinites ((MgxFe2+1−x)3Si2O5(OH)4). The relative intensity of the IR bands corresponding to the stretching modes of the OH’s groups indicated the prevalence of one of the two phases, antigorite or lizardite, in the serpentinites. We proposed that the different relative intensity of these bands could be considered as diagnostic to differentiate the predominance of these phases in serpentinites.

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z Bloise, Andrea Ricchiuti, Claudia Navarro, Rafael Punturo, Rosalda Lanzafame, Gabriele Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154925 2026-01-19T11:16:06Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]The Nevado-Filábride Complex (NFC) area (southern Spain) is well known for the widespread mining and quarrying activities. Serpentinite and metabasite rock types are extracted, processed and traded as building and ornamental stones. Due to possible presence of Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) minerals in these lithotypes, the aim of the investigation of this paper is to discern about the presence of these fibrous minerals and to characterize them in detail. In order to do this, seven serpentinite rock samples were collected in four quarries located in Sierra Nevada and Sierra de los Filabres (South-eastern Spain) and studied by X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD), Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy-Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM/EDS), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) and by X-ray Synchrotron microtomography (SR-µCT). The investigation of asbestos minerals is very important not only from a scientific point of view, but also from a legislative one, especially for the administrative agencies that have to take decisions with regards to the implementation of health protection to workers (e. g., quarry excavations, road yards, civil constructions, building stones).

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Navarro Domínguez, Rafael Catarino, Lidia Pereira Gómez, María Dolores Campos Gil, Francisco Paulo de Sá http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154913 2026-01-19T11:16:56Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]Colour is an important parameter that must be taken into account if aesthetic homogeneity in both construction and restoration work is to be achieved. In serpentinites, the different degrees of serpentinization or carbonation can influence their final colour. Sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is a common agent that can decay properties such as hue, lightness, and chroma, and can have a very significant effect on the ageing process of dimension stones. Testing the effects of UV radiation is fundamental for predicting how materials may behave upon exposure. In this work, the surface alteration of materials due to UV radiation by means of arc-xenon lamps was carried out to determine the degree of variation in colour parameters in serpentinites used as dimension stones. It was observed that the effect of UV radiation on the materials studied was low, and that the samples tended to darken and become yellow. Gloss was the parameter that varied the most, which decreased in all the cases analysed. Associations were observed between the loss of gloss and a decrease in some parameters such as open porosity, water absorption at atmospheric pressure and water absorption by capillarity (direct), bulk density and uniaxial compression strength (reverse). The mineralogical composition of the stone was the main factor that influenced the loss of gloss. This research highlights the importance of the detailed study of colour variation in dimension stones due to exposure to UV radiation. The incorrect assessment of the damage that could be caused by this agent can lead to severe aesthetic destruction that may result in expensive legal actions.

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z López, A. Pozo Antonio, S Moreno, Alicia Rivas, Teresa Pereira Gómez, María Dolores Ramil, Alberto http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154870 2026-01-19T11:18:15Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]In the field of stone conservation, a very common direct intervention seeks to increase the water repellence of objects. By limiting the interaction between the solid and the water, the possibility of alteration due to the action of the water (liquid or solid) as well as that related to the colonisation of surfaces by organisms is reduced. To decrease wettability, chemicals are often applied to create a surface layer; however, laser texturing, currently used in different industrial and technological fields, could be considered as an alternative procedure, thus eliminating exposure to chemicals with varying degrees of toxicity. In this paper, modification of the wetting properties of stone surfaces upon texturing induced by a femtosecond laser structuring process was investigated. Four ornamental stones with different mineralogic and chemical compositions (slate, quartzite, granite and marble) and other surface characteristics were laser processed by applying different texturing patterns (parallel grooves and matrices of craters) and different irradiation parameters. After texturing, variations on the wettability characteristics of the different rock surfaces were evaluated by means of static contact angle measurements and modifications on the topography were studied via confocal microscopy. Furthermore, potential harmful effects on the ornamental stones were evaluated through colour spectrophotometry, petrographic microscopy and SEM-EDX. The results indicate two different behaviours in the ornamental stones analysed that were statistically confirmed: on the one hand, the group formed by slate, quartzite and granite, in which the laser texturing caused a decrease in the contact angle and, on the other hand, marble in which laser texturing was able to increase the contact angle above 90°, giving the stone surface a hydrophobic character. The topographic analyses together with microscopy observations indicate that the grain size, mineral composition, type of fissures and initial surface quality of the stones were key in the different wetting behaviour of the laser textured stones.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Navarro, Rafael Pereira Gómez, María Dolores Fernández de Arévalo, Elena Sebastián Pardo, Eduardo Rodríguez-Navarro, Carlos http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154701 2026-01-19T11:20:24Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]This paper presents a thorough study of the main features and the decay causes and mechanisms of serpentinites both freshly quarried and after centuries exposure at the main façade of the sixteenth century Royal Chancery (Granada, Spain). In particular, the process of in situ formation of calcium and magnesium sulfates has been studied. Several decay factors are identified, all of them acting synergistically in the deterioration of slabs made of serpentinite. Among them, chemical weathering of sulfides such as pyrite present in the original serpentinite induces the formation of sulfate salts such as gypsum or epsomite, salts which are considered the main cause of decay. In addition, unsuitable restoration treatments involving the use of Portland cement to fill up cracks and surface lacunae, the polluted environment of the surrounding area, and the location of the slabs close to the ground, favoring capillary rise of water, all contributed to their deterioration. This work helps to gain knowledge on the deterioration process of ornaments made of serpentinite, allowing us to propose the most appropriate measures to guarantee their conservation.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Pereira Gómez, María Dolores http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154700 2024-07-02T08:13:13Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]The use of stone to build shelters was an important step in terms of ensuring buildings’ durability and security in pre-historic times. It was also an acknowledgment of power and grandeur when societies demonstrated their respect for their leaders and gods by building stone monuments. For this reason, cathedrals, churches, and other magnificent religious monuments were built around the globe; however, the importance of the stone used in their construction itself is not sufficiently appreciated as the key factor ensuring the endurance of these historic buildings. While Western countries have long used iconic buildings to promote their heritage and advance in other socio-economic aspects, including tourism, other regions are yet to take full advantage of this outlook, even though their monumental structures may be equally impressive. Those important monuments are built of stone, which were referred to as Heritage Stones by some research groups, and their recognition would showcase the cultural and geological diversity of the world. However, there are many stones of heritage importance from geographic areas that are under-represented in the scientific literature and the work of research groups. This paper presents a review of the degree of geographical diversity in the recognition of stones and their heritage value.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Pereira Gómez, María Dolores López, Ana J. Ramil, Alberto Bloise, Andrea http://hdl.handle.net/10366/154698 2026-01-19T11:21:42Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

[EN]Health risks are often overlooked when the consequences are not evident in the short term. In restoration work, some activities can generate particles that may affect the health of workers through inhalation (e.g., cleaning of buildings or heritage artifacts composed of stone). Workers at quarries are also exposed to such materials and, therefore, the results of our work can help to increase the risk perception in workers from the stone sector, but also in construction workers in an environment associated with dust. To demonstrate the importance of protection to prevent health hazards, we laser-ablated some samples of serpentinite that contain serpentine minerals as major phase minerals. The powder obtained in filters coupled to the ablation laser was analysed, using tools such as an optical microscope, X-ray powder diffraction, a transmission electron microscope and thermal analysis. The results were very didactic, and the intention is to use them, by way of graphics and diagrams, to build information security sheets that will alert workers to the need of using masks when working, or to use tools with coupled filters such as the one used for our study. The main goal is to demonstrate that the interdisciplinary combination of scientific approaches can be used for the sake of human health.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z