The use of copper isotopes for understanding metal transfer mechanisms within the continuum mine-river-dam (Huelva Region, Spain).

Mining areas and in particular those containing massive sulfides have left a heavy environmental legacy with soils and hydrographic networks highly contaminated with metals and metalloids as for example in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Huelva, Spain). Here, we present new data on copper (Cu) isotopic composition of waters and solids collected along a continuum Mine (Tharsis)-River (Meca)-Lake (Sancho) in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Our results show that the isotopic signature of pit lakes is spatially variable, but remains stable over the seasons; this signature seems to be controlled by water-rock interaction processes. The data obtained on the Meca River imply a number of attenuation processes such as decrease in the metal concentration by precipitation of secondary minerals. This is accompanied by preferential retention of the heavy isotope (65Cu) with a possibility of living organisms (e.g., algae) participation. The terminal Sancho lake demonstrated constant isotopic signature over the entire depth of the water column despite sizable variations in Cu concentrations, which can be tentatively explained by a superposition of counter-interacting biotic and abiotic processes of Cu fractionation. Overall, the understanding of the isotopic variations along the hydrological continuum is useful for a better understanding of metal element transfer within mining environments and surrounding surface waters.

Fuzzy Logic Tools Application to the Characterization of Stress-Strain Processes in Waste Construction Dam Geopolymers: A New Circular Mining.

The ceramics industry dedicated to the manufacture of building materials is a very significant cause of environmental pollution, and various research projects are being carried out to reduce the associated environmental impact. One of the most important research lines is the generation and development of new materials, from waste, through more sustainable production processes. All of this is framed in circular mining. In this research study, geopolymers were developed with biomass bottom ashes and brick dust in order to replace the traditional ceramics used to construct bricks. For this, different families of test tubes were formed with different percentages of both residues, and their physical and mechanical properties were studied. In this way, the properties of geopolymers could be compared with traditional ceramics. In addition, in order to determine the cause-effect relationships between physical properties and compressive strength, data were processed using fuzzy logic and data mining techniques. The results showed the feasibility of geopolymers generation with biomass bottom ashes and brick dust with acceptable properties to replace conventional ceramics. In addition, the fuzzy logic analysis allowed for establishing clear and objective relationships between the physical properties and the compressive strength of the geopolymers, with the aim of developing the highest quality geopolymer.

Acid Mine Drainage Effects in the Hydrobiology of Freshwater Streams from Three Mining Areas (SW Portugal): A Statistical Approach.

Aljustrel, Lousal and S. Domingos mines are located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), one of the greatest massive sulfide ore deposits worldwide. These mines' surrounding streams are affected by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). The main purpose of this study was to understand AMD influence in the water quality and diatom behavior. Thus, waters and diatoms were sampled in 6 sites from the 3 selected mines on winter and summer of 2016. The highest concentrations were found in acidic sites: A3 (Aljustrel-Al, Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn (and lowest pH)) and L1 (Lousal-As, Mn, Ca, Mg, SO42- and conductivity). The most abundant diatom species was Pinnularia aljustrelica with 100% of dominance in A3 and S1 acidic sites, which puts in evidence this species adaptation to AMD harsh conditions. Multivariate cluster analysis allowed us to reinforce results from previous studies, where spatial differences were more relevant than seasonal ones. In 12 years (2004-2016), and with many transformations undertaken (re-opening and rehabilitation), there is a conservative behavior in the biological species (diatoms) and physicochemical concentrations (metals, pH and sulfates) from these three mining sites. This type of biogeochemical diagnosis is necessary for the sustainable use of these waters and the prevention of the polluting process, aimed to protect the water ecosystem and its biodiversity.

Biogeochemical indicators (waters/diatoms) of acid mine drainage pollution in the Odiel river (Iberian Pyritic Belt, SW Spain).

Odiel river basin is located in the Iberian Pyritic Belt (IPB) and mostly of its tributaries are severely affected by acid mine drainage (AMD). It is originated when pyritic minerals from abandoned mines, especially mineral residues from waste rock dams, get in contact with air and water. Fifteen sampling points were chosen to analyze interactions between diatom communities and water hydrogeochemistry. Considering physicochemical characteristics, sampling points were assigned as highly, moderately, and unpolluted by AMD. No correlation was observed between ecological diversity indexes and physico-chemical parameters. However, a dependency relationship between diatom species distribution and specific pH, conductivity, redox potential, sulfate, and metal concentrations was observed. Cluster analysis based on Pearson correlation and rs values of the non-parametric Spearman correlation allowed to identify Pinnularia acidophila, Pinnularia subcapitata var. elongata, and Eunotia exigua as the main bioindicators of AMD-polluted Odiel streams. Finally, a principal component analysis led to associate the most abundant diatoms species to specific physico-chemical parameters.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity in hydrothermal continental systems.

The term extremophile was suggested more than 30 years ago and represents microorganisms that are capable of developing and living under extreme conditions, these conditions being particularly hostile to other types of microorganisms and to humankind. In terrestrial hydrothermal sites, like hot springs, "mud pools", solfataras, and geysers, the dominant extreme conditions are high temperature, low or high pH, and high levels of salinity. The diversity of microorganisms inhabiting these sites is determined by the conditions of the environment. Organisms belonging to the domains Archaea and Bacteria are more represented than the one belonging to Eukarya. Eukarya members tend to be less present because of their lower tolerance to higher temperatures, however, they perform important ecosystem processes when present. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have morphological and physical adaptations that allow them to colonize extreme environments. Microbial mats are complex associations of microorganisms that help the colonization of more extreme systems. In this review, a characterization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms that populate terrestrial hydrothermal systems are made.

Extremely Acidic Eukaryotic (Micro) Organisms: Life in Acid Mine Drainage Polluted Environments-Mini-Review.

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) results from sulfide oxidation, which incorporates hydrogen ions, sulfate, and metals/metalloids into the aquatic environment, allowing fixation, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollutants in the aquatic food chain. Acidic leachates from waste rock dams from pyritic and (to a lesser extent) coal mining are the main foci of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) production. When AMD is incorporated into rivers, notable changes in water hydro-geochemistry and biota are observed. There is a high interest in the biodiversity of this type of extreme environments for several reasons. Studies indicate that extreme acid environments may reflect early Earth conditions, and are thus, suitable for astrobiological experiments as acidophilic microorganisms survive on the sulfates and iron oxides in AMD-contaminated waters/sediments, an analogous environment to Mars; other reasons are related to the biotechnological potential of extremophiles. In addition, AMD is responsible for decreasing the diversity and abundance of different taxa, as well as for selecting the most well-adapted species to these toxic conditions. Acidophilic and acidotolerant eukaryotic microorganisms are mostly composed by algae (diatoms and unicellular and filamentous algae), protozoa, fungi and fungi-like protists, and unsegmented pseudocoelomata animals such as Rotifera and micro-macroinvertebrates. In this work, a literature review summarizing the most recent studies on eukaryotic organisms and micro-organisms in Acid Mine Drainage-affected environments is elaborated.

Acid Mine Drainage as Energizing Microbial Niches for the Formation of Iron Stromatolites: The Tintillo River in Southwest Spain.

The Iberian Pyrite Belt in southwest Spain hosts some of the largest and diverse extreme acidic environments with textural variation across rapidly changing biogeochemical gradients at multiple scales. After almost three decades of studies, mostly focused on molecular evolution and metagenomics, there is an increasing awareness of the multidisciplinary potential of these types of settings, especially for astrobiology. Since modern automatized exploration on extraterrestrial surfaces is essentially based on the morphological recognition of biosignatures, a macroscopic characterization of such sedimentary extreme environments and how they look is crucial to identify life properties, but it is a perspective that most molecular approaches frequently miss. Although acid mine drainage (AMD) systems are toxic and contaminated, they offer at the same time the bioengineering tools for natural remediation strategies. This work presents a biosedimentological characterization of the clastic iron stromatolites in the Tintillo river. They occur as laminated terraced iron formations that are the most distinctive sedimentary facies at the Tintillo river, which is polluted by AMD. Iron stromatolites originate from fluvial abiotic factors that interact with biological zonation. The authigenic precipitation of schwertmannite and jarosite results from microbial-mineral interactions between mineral and organic matrices. The Tintillo iron stromatolites are composed of bacterial filaments and diatoms as Nitzschia aurariae, Pinnularia aljustrelica, Stauroneis kriegeri, and Fragilaria sp. Furthermore, the active biosorption and bioleaching of sulfur are suggested by the black and white coloration of microbial filaments inside stromatolites. AMD systems are hazardous due to physical, chemical, and biological agents, but they also provide biogeochemical sources with which to infer past geochemical conditions on Earth and inform exploration efforts on extraterrestrial surfaces in the future.

Physico-Chemical Influence of Surface Water Contaminated by Acid Mine Drainage on the Populations of Diatoms in Dams (Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Spain).

Twenty-three water dams located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt were studied during March 2012 (early spring) in order to carry out an environmental assessment based on diatom communities and to define the relationships between these biological communities and the physico-chemical characteristics of the dam surface water. This is the first time that a diatom inventory has been done for dams affected by acid mine drainage (AMD) in the Spanish part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). It was found that the pH was the main factor influencing the behaviour of the diatom communities. Then, using a dbRDA approach it was possible to organize the aggrupation of diatoms into four groups in response to the physico-chemical conditions of the ecosystem, especially pH: (1) Maris, Aac, Gos, Cmora (pH 2-3); (2) Andc, San, And, Dpin (pH 3-4.5); (3) Gran, Pleon, Oliv, Lagu, Chan, SilI, SilII, Joya, Gar, Agrio, Camp, Corum (pH 4.5-6); (4) Herr, Diq I, Diq II (pH 6-7). The obtained results confirmed the response of benthic diatom communities to changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of surface water, and helped to understand the role of diatoms as indicators of the degree of AMD contamination in those 23 dams. Special attention was given to those that have an acidophilic or acid-tolerant profile (pH 2-3 and pH 3-4.5) such as Pinnularia aljustrelica, Pinnularia acidophila, Pinnularia acoricola and Eunotia exigua, which are the two groups found in the most AMD contaminated dams.

Biogeochemical characterization of surface waters in the Aljustrel mining area (South Portugal).

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.

Are Cu isotopes a useful tool to trace metal sources and processes in acid mine drainage (AMD) context?

In the South-West Europe (Iberian Pyrite Belt), acid mine drainage (AMD) processes are especially problematic because they affect the environmental quality of watersheds, restricting the use of surface water. Recent studies have shown that Cu isotopes are fractionated during the oxidative dissolution of primary sulfide minerals and could be used to trace metal cycling. However the chemistry of Cu in such environment is complex because Cu is redistributed within numerous secondary minerals and strongly dependent on the hydroclimatic conditions that control key parameters (pH, redox conditions). Finally, it remains difficult to compare the various field studies and deliver some strong general tendencies because of these changing conditions. For these reasons, concerted studies on Cu isotopes fractionation in waters impacted by AMD may help to reveal the sources and transport pathways of this important pollutant. To address this issue, we used a representative scenario of strong contamination by AMD in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain), the Cobica River. The aim of our study is to measure the Cu isotopes signature in the waters (river, mine lake, water draining waste) of the small Cobica River system (Huelva, Spain), sampled during a short period (8 h) to avoid any change in the hydro-climatic conditions. This provided an instantaneous image of the isotopic Cu signature in a small mining systems and helped us to constrain both the processes affecting Cu isotopes and their use a potential tracer of metals in contaminated environments.

Negative pH values in an open-air radical environment affected by acid mine drainage. Characterization and proposal of a hydrogeochemical model.

This paper presents the finding of a singular environment polluted by acid mine drainage in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. This situation is regulated by particular conditions, thus the analysed values can be considered as extreme, not only because of the high concentrations of toxic elements, but also due to the extreme low pH, reaching an average negative pH of -1.56, never found before in open-air environments contaminated by acid mine drainage. Concentrations up to 59 g/L of Fe, 2.4 g/L of Al, 740 mg/L of As, 4.3 mg/L of Co, 5.3 mg/L of Ge, 4.8 mg/L of Sb, inter alia, can be found dissolved in these polluted waters. The main aims of the present work are the physicochemical characterization and the toxicity assessment of these radical polluted waters. In addition, a hydrogeochemical model of the system will be proposed, which justifies the extreme pH value and the extraordinarily high concentrations of toxic elements, even for acid mine drainage polluted environments. Extreme acidity and metal and sulphate concentrations in the Radical Environment are due to several processes of different nature, mainly driven by the geochemistry of the minerals presents in the endorheic character of the basin. The extremely acidic nature of these waters control the Fe species present in them, being FeHSO4+ the mainly Fe specie representing 94% of total. High toxicity of these waters has been detected due to the absence of any diatoms species.

Blefaritis producida por formaldehido (enfermedad profesional) / Blepharitis caused by formaldehyde (occupational disease)

Trabajador de Anatomía Patológica medico residente de 3º año con cuadro repetitivo de blefaritis la cual puede estar causado por la utilización de formaldehído que puede producir entre otros síntomas irritación ocular esta clasificada en el cuadro de enfermedades profesionales Grupo 1: Enfermedades profesionales causadas por agentes químicos. Entre las medidas preventivas más importantes propuestas: Es la sustitución del formol por otras sustancias con menores efectos secundarios, aumentar la ventilación de puesto de trabajo, medición de los niveles de formaldehido, utilización de EPIS adecuados (AU)

Pathology worker resident physician three years with repetitive blepharitis box which may be caused by the use of formaldehyde can cause eye irritation and other symptoms is classified in the list of occupational diseases Group 1: Occupational diseases caused by chemical agents. Among the most important preventive measures proposed: The replacement of formaldehyde by other substances with fewer side effects, increase workplace ventilation, measuring the levels of formaldehyde, use of appropriate PPE (AU)

Presence of As in the fluvial network due to AMD processes in the Riotinto mining area (SW Spain): a fuzzy logic qualitative model.

The Tinto River crosses the mining area of Riotinto (Iberian Pyrite Belt, SW Spain), where it receives the highest contribution of contaminants (AMD). In this paper we apply a fuzzy computer tool, PreFuRGe, which allows qualitative interpretation of the data recorded in a database relating to the chemistry of water. Specifically, we aim to find information not likely to be detected by means of classical statistical techniques, and which can help in characterizing and interpreting the behavior of arsenic in a complex system. The conclusions present that the factors which most directly control the presence of total dissolved As are closely linked to the climate and are temperature and rainfall, and therefore pH. As (III) is also shown to be related to temperature and pH. In terms of temperature As (V) is found to operate in a way which is the opposite of As (III). In terms of pH the relationship is not as clear as for As (III). As for rain, the highest As (V) values are compatible with minimum or non-existent rainfall, while minimum values correspond to any value for rainfall, including very high.

Procedimiento de información/formación para trabajadores del Complejo Hospitalario Infanta Cristina / Procedure of information/formation for healthcare workers in Infanta Cristina Hospital

El objetivo de este procedimiento es diseñar, planificar y establecer el programa de información preventiva del SES sobre riesgos generales y especifícos de cada puesto de trabajo. De esta manera, la adopción de este plan consigue que la prenvención de riesgos esté integrada en la politica empresarial de todo el SES, reduciendo así al máximo los accidentes de trabajo (AU)

the objective of this procedure is to design, plan and set up a program to inform Public Health Service personnel about general and specific risks in each job. In this way, by applying this plan, means that the prevention of risks is integrated into the Public Health Service, reducing to a minimum the potnetial accidents at work (AU)

Alergia al latex en los trabajadores sanitarios (I). Vigilancia de salud / No disponible

La alergia al látex constituye un importante problema de salud entre los trabajadores sanitarios, tanto por su elevada prevalencia como por la gravedad de las reacciones que puede producir. La detección temprana de los síntomas mediante una vigilancia de la salud específica, y las medidas encaminadas a evitar la sensibilización y a prevenir la aparición de sintomatología y la progresión de la enfermedad en los trabajadores ya sensibilizados, son las mejores estrategias de intervención sobre este problema ocupacional. El artículo, realiza en esta primera parte, una revisión de la epidemiología, clínica y diagnóstico, y propone un protocolo médico específico

Latex allergy constitutes an important problem of health in the healthcare workers, so much for its high prevalence as for the graveness of the reactions that can take place. The early detection of the symptoms by means of specific health surveillance, and the measures guided to avoid the sensitization and to prevent the symptomatology appearance and progression of the illness in the sensitized workers, are the best intervention strategies on this occupational problem. The article carries out in this first part, a revision of the epidemiology, clinic and diagnosis, and it proposes a specific medical protocol

Application of cluster analysis to the geochemistry zonation of the estuary waters in the Tinto and Odiel rivers (Huelva, Spain).

The combination of acid water from mines, industrial effluents and sea water plays a determining role in the evolutionary process of the chemical makeup of the water in the estuary of the Tinto and Odiel rivers. This estuary is in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula and is one of the estuarine systems on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Cádiz. From the statistical treatment of data obtained by analyzing samples of water from this system, which is affected by industrial and mining pollution processes, we can see how the sampling points studied form two large groups depending on whether they receive tidal or fluvial influences. Fluvial input contributes acid water with high concentrations of heavy metal, whereas industrial effluents are responsible for the presence of phosphates, silica and other nutrients. The estuarine system of the Tinto and Odiel Rivers can be divided into three areas--the Tinto estuary, the Odiel estuary and the area of confluence--based on the physical--chemical characteristics of the water.