The Forum of European Geological Surveys Geochemistry Task Group 1994-1996 inventory

The Forum of European Geological Surveys (FOREGS) includes representatives from 33 European countries and is responsible for co-ordinating Geological Survey activities in Europe. The FOREGS Geochemistry Task Group was established in 1994 to develop a strategy for the preparation of European geochemical maps following the recommendations of the International Geological Correlation Programme (IGCP) Project 259 ‘International Geochemical Mapping’ (now the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) /International Association of Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry (IAGC) Working Group on Global Geochemical Baselines). The FOREGS geochemistry programme is aimed at preparing a standardised European geochemical baseline to IGCP-259 standards. The principal aims of this dataset will be for environmental purposes, as a baseline for the assessment of the extent and distribution of contaminated land in the context of variations in the natural geochemical background, but it will also have applications in resource assessment and for the development of policy for the sustainable management of metalliferous mineral and other resources. The first phase of the programme was the compilation of an inventory of geochemical data based on the results of a questionnaire completed by Geological Surveys and related organisations throughout the FOREGS community. The results show that the sample types which have been used most extensively are stream sediment (26% coverage), surface water (19% coverage) and soil (11% coverage). Stream sediments have been collected using a narrow range of mesh sizes (< 150–< 200 μm), but soil samples have been collected according to two different conventions: some surveys used a similar mesh size range to that used for stream sediments while others employed the < 1000 or < 2000 μm fractions traditionally used by soil surveys. Sample densities range from 1 sample per 0.5 km2 to 1 per 3500 km2. Various analytical methods have been used, but most of the available data have been calibrated using international reference materials, and data for the most important of the potentially harmful elements (PHEs) are available for most datasets. Systematic radiometric data are available for only a small proportion of Europe, a situation which compares very unfavourably with that in Australia, North America, the former Soviet Union and many developing countries. Recommendations are made for increasing the compatibility of geochemical methods between national geochemical surveys as a basis for the preparation of a series of European geochemical maps. The next stage of the FOREGS Geochemistry Task Group will be the collection of the Global Reference Network of samples against which to standardise national datasets according to the methods recommended in the final report of the IGCP 259 programme

Cartografía geoquímica multielemental en sedimentos de corriente en un contexto de arco isla volcánico. Aplicación al análisis de potencialidad metalogénica en un area de la República Dominicana

Este estudio presenta los principales resultados y conclusiones de la exploración y cartografía geoquímica multielemental llevada a cabo, a partir de muestras de sedimentos de arroyo, en el sector de Bonao-Constanza de la Cordillera Central de la República Dominicana. En el área estudiada, de 3.800 km2, fueron recogidas 684 muestras, con una densidad de muestreo de 1 muestra / 5 km2, en las que se analizaron 48 elementos químicos por técnicas de ICPAES y Activación Neutrónica. Esta zona, situada en el ámbito del arco isla de borde de la placa caribeña, contiene importantes mineralizaciones de carácter epitermal y volcanosedimentario y posee un gran potencial de nuevas mineralizaciones. Dada la complejidad geológica y los fenómenos superimpuestos de alteración hidrotermal, la geoquímica multielemental permite, a través del análisis de las pautas de distribución espacial de los elementos y de las asociaciones geoquímicas, una definición más razonada de áreas anómalas, su valoración, y un conocimiento de su posible significado en relación con el contexto petrogenético, geológico y geoquímico en el que se hallan. La información geoquímica de los materiales superficiales, permite, de acuerdo con las tendencias generales de la cartografía geoquímica, extraer conclusiones que son de aplicación e interés para el conocimiento geológico y ambiental del territorio, además de para la exploración minera.The main results and conclusions of the multielemental geochemical mapping on stream sediments carried out in the Bonao-Constanza area, Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic are presented in this paper. The studied area covers 3800 km2 . The sampling density applied was 1 sample / 5 km2. A total of 684 samples were taken and 48 elements were analysed by Neutron Activation and ICPAES techniques. The area, located in the island arc of the Caribbean plate, contains important epithermal and volcanosedimentary mineralizations and has a huge potential for blind deposits. Due to the complex geology and the superimposed hydrothermal alterations, the multielemental geochemistry allows, through the analysis of patterns of spatial distribution of the elements and their geochemical associations, a better definition of anomalous zones and their assessment and meaning in relationship with their petrogenetic, geological and geochemical context. The geochemical datasets of the superficial materials allow, according with the general trends of the geochemical exploration and mapping, to get applicable and interesting conclusions for the geological, environmental and mineral exploration knowledge

Cartografía geoquímica multielemental en sedimentos de corriente en un contexto de arco isla volcánico. Aplicación al análisis de potencialidad metalogénica en un area de la República Dominicana

The main results and conclusions of the multielemental geochemical mapping on stream sediments carried out in the Bonao-Constanza area, Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic are presented in this paper. The studied area covers 3800 km2 . The sampling density applied was 1 sample / 5 km2. A total of 684 samples were taken and 48 elements were analysed by Neutron Activation and ICPAES techniques. The area, located in the island arc of the Caribbean plate, contains important epithermal and volcanosedimentary mineralizations and has a huge potential for blind deposits. Due to the complex geology and the superimposed hydrothermal alterations, the multielemental geochemistry allows, through the analysis of patterns of spatial distribution of the elements and their geochemical associations, a better definition of anomalous zones and their assessment and meaning in relationship with their petrogenetic, geological and geochemical context. The geochemical datasets of the superficial materials allow, according with the general trends of the geochemical exploration and mapping, to get applicable and interesting conclusions for the geological, environmental and mineral exploration knowledge

Estudio mineralógico cuantitativo en el proceso de concentración de las menas de Sn-Ta de Golpejas (Salamanca)

En el Grupo Minero Golpejas (provincia de Salamanca), se ha realizado un estudio mineralógico cuantitativo por medio del analizador de imagen sobre productos de diferentes etapas del proceso de concentración. La técnica del análisis de imagen empleada en el estudio de esta mena de estaño, niobio, tántalo, ha proporcionado unos resultados de calidad muy superior a la obtenida por métodos tradicionales, resultados que pueden ser utilizados en la mejora de la recuperabilidad de la misma

Distribución del Sn y W en relación con las facies del Batolito de Jálama. Aplicación a la valoración del potencial metalogenético

Este plutón puede incluirse dentro de los granitoides tipo Araya (Corretgé et al. 1985). Se trata de un cuerpo granítico alóctono, de geometría ovoidal y extensión de 220 km2, emplazado en el dominio Epizonal de la Zona Centro Ibérica. Se han diferenciado las siguientes facies (Fig. 1): granitos con sillimanita de grano fino-medio (Gst granito porfídico de dos micas de grano mediogrueso (GP), leucogranito con turmalina (LT) y leucogranitos tardíos (Lt) (Ramirez, 1996). Este plutón presenta mineralizaciones de Sn y intra y extrabatolítica, y raramente de Pb-Zn

Comparison between a tubular frame and a beam frame

Nowadays, at Moto2 Championship there are mainly two kinds of frames talking about profiles (“square” the majority of them like Suter, FTR or Moriwaki and tubular some of theme MZ and Promoharris). At this work is going to be compared which are the mechanical differences between a tubular and square (no tubular) frame about stiffness, torsion and flexional resistance, weight, inertia,... and trying to take some conclusions. This project is composed by two parts: - The first one is a bit of general information talking about the history of motorcycles (particularly frames field), then there is a short introduction about which kind of frames exists, a description on important points that define motorcycle’s geometry and finally, the materials that frames are made of. (Chapters 3 to 5) - Second part, it’s the static and dynamic comparison between two frames. The first frame is made of steel and its tubular profile while the second one is a frame made of aluminium and its square profile. Both are drawn by SolidWorks and then analyzed by ANSYS with their belonging forces. To improve the results there is an optimization part. Some hypotheses are considered to do the analysis a bit less complex. An analysis on mechanical fatigue, modes on vibrations and own frequency are done too. Also there is a section about how frames could be manufactured, their weldings needed and a small study about cost. (Chapters 6 to 13). Finally, there is a short chapter about environment (energy wasted to do the frame (approximated) and to do this master thesis). It is an important thing to be considered for now, next future and future. (Chapter 14)Outgoin

Evaluation of trace elements mobility from soils to sediments between the Iberian pyrite belt and the Atlantic Ocean

An environmental study was conducted in 193 stream sediments and 355 soil samples collected in the lower section of Guadiana River Basin to evaluate the trace elements transfer from one compartment into another. The objective was to evaluate the dispersion of Pb, Cu, Zn and other chemical elements resulting from upstream mines into the lower N-S sector of the Guadiana River Basin to the Atlantic Ocean. The area partly includes the Iberian Pyrite Belt, a known volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) province with important mining activity history. Median concentrations of the elements Cu, Pb, Zn, Al, As, Ba, Br, Ca, Mg, Mn and Na are generally higher in the studied sediments than in soils. Soils are normally acidic and mobility of elements is in these conditions higher. When the relations between upstream soils and downstream sediments were established, median values were higher in the upstream soils only for elements such as Co, Ni, K, Pb, Mn and Ti, probably the less mobile, and the Cu, Zn, Al, As, Ba, Br, Ca, Cr, Fe, Mg and Na have highest concentrations in the downstream sediments. Lead was considered the less mobile element and Zn the highly mobile of the base metals in the mining area of the lower Guadiana River. Dispersion of the metals, considering the studied soil and sediment samples is partially restricted to the mining areas or downstream sediments but close to the mine sources, where ore tailings and acid waters occur. Near the mouth, concentrations of As, Cu, Pb and Zn increase in relation with mining and other pollution sources. Interaction with salt water forces chemical elements precipitation from water and subsequent increase of their concentration in sediments. This may be the reason for the increase of those chemical elements concentrations in the sediment

URBAN GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES IN EUROPE

Urban soil is generally contaminated to a variable degree depending on its proximity to contamination sources. Traffic is one of the main sources of urban contamination; lead (Pb) from the use of leaded petrol, zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) from tyre wear, antimony (Sb) from break pads, and the platinum group Nelements (PGEs) from the wear of catalytic converters, are some typical elements that often reach high concentrations in the urban environment. Lead was also a key ingredient in white paint, and in towns with a high proportion of white wooden houses very high concentrations were found in soil. Crematoria can or have emitted mercury (Hg). Coal and heavy oil fired municipal power and heating stations emit sulphur (S), silver (Ag), vanadium (V), bromine (Br) and barium (Ba). The use of impregnated wood may have resulted in high concentrations of arsenic (As), especially in kindergartens (nursery schools) and playgrounds. Building materials (plaster and paint) may also contain high concentrations of organic contaminants, especially polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which again end up in urban soil. Coal and wood burning, the use of diesel fuel, and the production of coke, all lead to the emission of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). There exist countless other sources of local contamination in towns, and there is thus every reason to be concerned about the quality of the urban environment, and the suitability of soil for sensitive land uses, such as schools, playgrounds, parks and vegetable gardens. Contaminated urban soil may contaminate indoor dust and, therefore, to an increased human exposure to toxic chemicals. Consequently, the distribution of toxic contaminants in urban soil needs to be documented and known by city administration to avoid costly mistakes in land use planning, and further spreading of highly contaminated materials. The EuroGeoSurveys ‘Geochemistry’ Expert Group during the compilation of a proposal to the Directors for a European wide urban geochemistry project, using a harmonised sampling and analytical methodology, it discovered that many urban geochemical studies have been performed in Europe by National Geological Surveys, which are not known to the wider geoscientific community. Since, the results of these studies are directly related to our quality of life, the EuroGeoSurveys ‘Geo-chemistry’ Expert Group decided to publish at least one case study from each country in a book,which will be available in the second half of 2010. A concise description of some of these studies will be given in this paper

Arsenic and chromium topsoil levels and cancer mortality in Spain

Spatio-temporal cancer mortality studies in Spain have revealed patterns for some tumours which display a distribution that is similar across the sexes and persists over time. Such characteristics would be common to tumours that shared risk factors, including the chemical soil composition. The objective of the present study is to assess the association between levels of chromium and arsenic in soil and the cancer mortality. This is an ecological cancer mortality study at municipal level, covering 861,440 cancer deaths in 7917 Spanish mainland towns from 1999 to 2008. Chromium and arsenic topsoil levels (partial extraction) were determined by ICP-MS at 13,317 sampling points. To estimate the effect of these concentrations on mortality, we fitted Besag, York and Mollié models, which included, as explanatory variables, each town’s chromium and arsenic soil levels, estimated by kriging. In addition, we also fitted geostatistical-spatial models including sample locations and town centroids (non-aligned data), using the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) and stochastic partial differential equations (SPDE). All results were adjusted for socio-demographic variables and proximity to industrial emissions. The results showed a statistical association in men and women alike, between arsenic soil levels and mortality due to cancers of the stomach, pancreas, lung and brain and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). Among men, an association was observed with cancers of the prostate, buccal cavity and pharynx, oesophagus, colorectal and kidney. Chromium topsoil levels were associated with mortality among women alone, in cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract, breast and NHL. Our results suggest that chronic exposure arising from low levels of arsenic and chromium in topsoil could be a potential risk factor for developing cancer. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11356-016-6806-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users