International Journal of Geoscience, Engineering and Technology

Editorial to the twelfth issue of the International Journal of Geoscience, Engineering and Technology

Antônio Jorge de Lima Gomes — 2025-10-31

Editorial to the twelfth issue of the International Journal of Geoscience, Engineering and Technology.

Editorial Team and Contents Volume 12

Antônio Jorge de Lima Gomes — 2025-10-31

Editorial Team and Contents.

Valuation of Lithium Mining Waste for Water Treatment: An Experimental Study and Broader Implications of Residual Aluminum Silicate (Al2SiO5) as an Artificial Zeolite

Thiago Heron de Queiroz Rodrigues — 2025-10-31

This study explored the potential of residual aluminum silicate (Al2SiO5), a mining byproduct collected from Brazilian Lithium Company (CBL), as a flocculating agent in the treatment of clay particle-laden waters. The experiments evaluated the material's ability to aggregate particles and reduce water turbidity under different conditions, acting as an artificial zeolite. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of residual aluminum silicate in flocculation, outperforming the control treatment. It was observed that the flocculant's performance was influenced by the medium's pH, being more efficient under alkaline conditions. This work suggests that residual aluminum silicate is a promising candidate for water treatment, but highlights the need for further understanding of its action and optimization for large-scale applications.

Comparative Analysis Between the Empirical DNIT Method and the Mechanistic-Empirical MeDiNa in Flexible Pavement Design: A Case Study on BR-135 (Itacarambi–Manga Section)

Cinthia Emanuelle Alves de Souza — 2025-10-31

This study presents a comparative analysis between the empirical DNIT method and the mechanistic-empirical MeDiNa method for flexible pavement design. The research aimed to identify the conceptual and practical differences between the methodologies, highlighting calculation criteria, structural parameters, and long-term performance. Case studies and technical references were used to demonstrate the advantages of MeDiNa, such as greater accuracy in handling traffic, climate, and material variables, as well as the ability to estimate pavement behavior over time. On the other hand, the empirical DNIT method, although well-established, shows limitations under current conditions. The results indicate that MeDiNa represents a significant advancement, allowing for more efficient and durable designs, and is considered a superior alternative for modern pavement design in Brazil.

Zoning of forest fire risk in the city of Teófilo Otoni, Mucuri Valley, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Guilherme Ribeiro Amorim — 2025-10-31

Forest fires, intensified by anthropogenic pressure and climate change, pose a significant threat to ecosystems and socioeconomic activities. This study aimed to perform wildfire risk zoning in Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, in order to identify vulnerable areas and support conservation and sustainable management policies. Maps were developed using QGIS software, considering slope aspect, gradient, distance from urban clusters, proximity to road networks, and land use and land cover, based on data from the Digital Elevation Model (MDE), the Spatial Data Infrastructure of the State Environmental System (IDE-SISEMA) and the MapBiomas Project, Collection 10 (2024). The results showed that 65.60% of the municipal territory presents Moderate to Very High risk, particularly in agricultural areas, north-facing slopes, and regions near highways. The consistency of the zoning was confirmed by the 227 fire hotspots recorded between 2020 and 2025, highlighting its relevance for local environmental planning.

Assessment of the Genotoxic Potential of 17β-estradiol in Different Filters Using the Comet Assay

Alice Camilo Duarte — 2025-10-31

This study assessed the genotoxicity of different filtering materials in remediating the hormone 17β-estradiol (E2), an emerging contaminant with genotoxic potential. The comet assay was performed using Allium cepa root cells to evaluate DNA damage after filtration. Filters containing banana biomass, Pleurotus ostreatus biomass, δ-FeOOH, and a combination of the three were tested. All treatments were efficient in reducing E2-induced DNA damage, with δ-FeOOH showing the highest remediation performance, presenting the lowest DNA Damage Index and Damage Frequency. The ImageJ software was used for the analysis of images obtained by epifluorescence microscopy, being essential for accurate measurement of DNA migration. The findings highlight the potential of natural, low-cost materials in the treatment of estrogen-contaminated effluents, supporting the development of sustainable environmental technologies.

Analysis of Seasonal Variation in the Vegetation Carbon Flux in Quiterianópolis, Ceará, Brazil

Douglas Cavalcante Holanda — 2025-10-31

Vegetation is of significant importance in various ecosystemic, biotic, and abiotic relationships, particularly for its active role in maintaining biogeochemical cycles. A prime example is the carbon cycle, where carbon is removed from the atmosphere and relocated to the biosphere through photosynthesis. Recognizing the importance of vegetation in mitigating the climatic and environmental impacts of carbon, this study aimed to perform a spatial-seasonal analysis of phytomass development, light use efficiency in photosynthesis, and carbon flux for the municipality of Quiterianópolis, Ceará. The analysis was conducted using biophysical indices (NDVI, sPRI, and CO2Flux) derived from Landsat 8 satellite imagery. The findings revealed that climatic seasonality influences the spatial distribution and values of phytomass development, light use efficiency, and carbon assimilation. The variables analyzed during the rainy season were found to be more developed compared to the results from the dry season. This phenomenon is related to the phenological stages of vegetation, which respond to the abiotic stimuli provided by climatic seasonality.

Vagão Sustentável: Extension Practices for the SDGs - Insights from a UFVJM Experience in the Mucuri Valley

Eric Mendes Ramos — 2025-10-31

This paper presents the results carried out at the Mucuri Campus of the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys (UFVJM), in Teófilo Otoni, Minas Gerais, held in reference to World Environment Day. The initiative aimed to raise awareness among the academic and local community regarding responsible consumption, environmental education, and solidarity. The actions included a swap fair, ecological thrift store, donation drive, selective waste collection, and seedling distribution, all conducted in an integrated and coordinated manner. Participants included students, faculty members, administrative staff, representatives from ASCANOVI, the State Institute of Forests (IEF), and elderly residents from the Vila Esperança neighborhood in the city. As outcomes, food and clothing were collected and donated to the “Pão Nosso de Cada Noite” Project, approximately 50 native and fruit tree seedlings were distributed by the IEF, and recyclable waste was properly disposed of, reinforcing the sustainable dimension of the activity. The experience was aligned with five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the UN’s 2030 Agenda: SDG 1 - No Poverty, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 - Climate Action, and SDG 15 - Life on Land, demonstrating the potential of university extension as a tool for socio-environmental transformation and the strengthening of territorial sustainability.

Correlation between Compressive Strength and Cement Content in Soil-Cement Blocks

Demisson Renato Ferreira — 2025-10-31

This study investigates the correlation between the compressive strength of soil-cement blocks and the cement content in their mixture. A systematic literature review was conducted, collecting data from 12 scientific articles, resulting in 87 studies. The selected studies provided important information on the cement content, compressive strength, and casting characteristics of the blocks. The data were organized and statistically analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019. A linear regression model was applied to evaluate the relationship between cement content and compressive strength measured at 28 days of curing. The results indicate a positive correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = 0.589) as described in the literature, suggesting that increasing cement content generally improves compressive strength. However, the results also reveal that other factors, such as soil type, compaction pressure, curing conditions, and moisture content, significantly influence the improvement in block performance. This research contributes to the optimization of soil-cement formulations, promoting more sustainable construction practices, minimizing cement consumption, and ensuring structural integrity. Limitations of the study include the variability in experimental conditions between the reviewed studies and the reliance on secondary data. Future research should incorporate experimental investigations to validate and expand on these results.

National Solid Waste Policy: analysis of final disposal in Teófilo Otoni/MG and the surrounding area

Pedro Henrique Oliveira — 2025-10-31

This article examines the effectiveness of the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), established by Law n°. 12,305/2010, in municipalities with high socioeconomic vulnerability in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais. The focus is on Teófilo Otoni and neighboring areas in the Mucuri Valley. The study uses a literature review and analyzes secondary data from official sources, including the IBGE. The results reveal several problems: the continuous existence of uncontrolled landfills, limited structured public policies, weak implementation of Municipal Integrated Solid Waste Management Plans (PMGIRS), and a lack of effective inter-municipal cooperation. Furthermore, the analysis highlights fragmented governance and inadequate technical and financial support for smaller municipalities. Although the PNRS represents a significant regulatory advancement, its implementation in peripheral regions is limited by structural and operational challenges. The study suggests that strengthening inter-municipal partnerships, promoting inclusive recycling practices, and ensuring sufficient funding mechanisms are vital to improving the policy's effectiveness at the local level.

The first hydrographic and forest survey of the Mucuri Valley in the 19th century

Antonio Jorge de Lima Gomes — 2025-10-31

In 1836, the landlord Antônio da Costa Pinto, taking into account the interests of the Brazilian Empire, ordered the engineer Pierre Victor Renault to make a survey of the forests of Mucuri and the Todos os Santos River in order to choose a place for the construction of a colony and also due to interest in research on the mineral resources in the region. This expedition concluded in 1837 and produced a report that significantly enhanced regional knowledge of the Mucuri Valley. During his journey of clearing certain areas of Minas Gerais, in the region of the present Valley of Mucuri, he discovered a new river that the natives called Mokury, which was later definitively named Rio Mucuri. Found valuable minerals along the route of the Todos os Santos River, chrysolite, seawater, and withdrew from the banks of the small stream called Americanas. Among these, there was a beryl of two and a half pounds, which King John VI presented to the French Emperor Napoleon I, and which is in the Louvre Museum, in the form of a cup. This expedition resulted in a report that contributed to a greater regional knowledge of the Mucuri Valley.

Areas of geohydrological risk in the urban perimeter of the Municipality of Coluna in the State of Minas Gerais

Marcelo Bredoff Azevedo — 2025-10-31

This study presents the initial results of the geohydrological risk survey conducted in the Municipality of Coluna, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In this matter, field surveys were conducted, integrating with historical records of landslides and floods, which enabled the classification of geohydrological risks from R1 to R4, in accordance with the methodology of the Brazilian Ministry of Cities, as well as an understanding of the region's vulnerability. With unplanned urbanization, human interventions, road construction, and building in unsuitable areas, the risk of environmental disasters is increased in the city of Coluna, characterized by soils susceptible to erosion, irregular topography, and steep slopes, increases during the rainy season. The results obtained at the six points studied, called A, B, C, D, E and F, indicate that the lack of adequate drainage, combined with interventions without technical criteria, increases soil instability and population exposure, with Points A, B, E and F being high risk (R3) and Points C and D being medium risk (R2). It is therefore essential to implement prevention and mitigation strategies, such as rigorous urban planning, inspection, containment and drainage works, and environmental education, as fundamental measures to reduce vulnerabilities, protect lives, and promote safer and more sustainable development in the city of Coluna.