GeoBioTec / NOVA – Expertise [NI-SERV-2020-34]

Studies in geophysics, geochemistry, biology, paleontology, petrology, geomaterials, geotechnics, hydrogeology, structural geology, and remote sensing.

SERVICE/EXPERTISE OVERVIEW

The following services/expertises can be provided:
1º-In the framework of Agroindustry:

• Food quality analysis;
• Photo assimilates quantification in higher plants;
• Kinetics analysis of micro and macronutrients in vegetables;
• Lyophilization of food products;
• Protein and fat analysis of food products;
• Water quality analysis;
• Biofortification of plant-based food raw materials;
• Precision Agriculture Technology applied to farm management.

2º-Within the scope of Georesources, Geotechnics, and Geomaterials:

• Characterisation and evaluation of contaminated sites;
• Chemical analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy;
• Construction of 3D geological models of mineral deposits and reservoirs;
• Durability of natural stone;
• Elaboration of technical specification Reports for environmental studies;
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies;
• Environmental monitoring plans for mining and industrial areas;
• Evaluation of reserves of mineral resources;
• Evaluation of the stability conditions of waste disposal areas;
• Geostatistical analysis and geographic information systems;
• Geotechnical asset management;
• Geotechnical monitoring;
• Geotechnical risk management;
• Identification and characterisation of mineral resources;
• Landslides and stabilisation;
• Macroscopic and microscopic petrographic characterisation of rocks and other stone materials;
• Monitoring and mapping of contaminated industrial areas by remote sensing methods;
• Monitoring of the environmental conditions of waste landfills;
• Numerical modelling of groundwater flow and pollutant transport;
• Ornamental stones and ceramic materials weathering tests with acid solutions (HCl, HNO₃, and H₂SO₄), sodium sulphate, continuous leaching with Soxhlet extractor and salt fog;
• Planning and interpretation of geophysical prospection (refractive seismic and electrical resistivities);
• Quarry and mining projects and environmental and landscape recovery plans/Closure plans;
• Remediation and environmental recovery projects in mining and industrial areas;
• Risk analysis and environmental requalification of contaminated sites in urban and industrial environments;
• Risk assessment of instability of natural and anthropogenic slopes;
• Selection of locations for the installation of industrial infrastructures;
• Surveying and geotechnical characterisation;
• Technological characterisation of ceramic materials.

3º-In the frame of Sedimentary Basins and Palaeontology:

• Drone imaging for Earth Sciences;
• Remote sensing for georesources (water, minerals, and energy);
• LIDAR analysis for Earth Sciences;
• Scientific advisory for museology in Paleontology and natural sciences;
• Tomography digital segmentation;
• 3D surface photogrammetry acquisition;
• Advanced phylogenetic analysis;
• U-Th-Pb geochronology;
• Cathodoluminiscence analysis;
• Cristal growth and deformational processes;
• Tectonic controls for ore deposit genesis.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Availability of excellent laboratory conditions, specialized technicians/teachers/researchers, extensive experience in promoting training courses in the respective areas of competence, international recognition, integration in a Research Centre recognized at national and international levels.

APPLICATIONS

Services/expertises can be used/applied by the agro-food industry, mining resource exploration companies, civil construction, municipalities, oil stratigraphy, paleontological museum applications, and geoheritage.

AVAILABILITY

Available for collaboration projects with industrial partners. Promote to attract external partners.

FURTHER DETAILS

Details about the scientific/technological activities can be found in: https://sites.fct.unl.pt/geobiotec

RESEARCH CENTRE

GeoBioTec – GeoBioSciences, GeoTechnologies and GeoEngineering.