معرفی
Fernando Pita is an Integrated Researcher at the Center of Geosciences (CGeo), Department of Earth Sciences (DCT), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra. He holds a PhD in Mineral Processing (2000) and a degree in Mining Engineering (1985), both from the University of Coimbra. His research bridges mineral processing and environmental sustainability, focusing on innovative recycling technologies.
- PhD in Mineral Processing – University of Coimbra, 2000
- Degree in Mining Engineering – University of Coimbra, 1985
His primary research interests lie in mineral processing and plastic recycling, particularly using froth flotation and gravity separation techniques such as jigs and tables. He investigates how variables like surface charge, particle size, and chemical modification affect separation efficiency. His work supports the circular economy by enabling the recycling of mixed plastic waste, which is otherwise non-recyclable due to immiscibility.
Over the past five years, Dr. Pita has published 8 international articles and 4 book chapters on plastic separation. His publications reveal a strong trend toward applying traditional mining methods to modern environmental challenges, with keywords spanning environmental engineering, materials science, and chemical processing. Subfields include polymer recovery, sustainable reagents, e-waste recycling, and process optimization.
His scientific contributions have been recognized through extensive peer review activity—he has reviewed around sixty manuscripts for fifteen international journals. While no formal awards are listed, his influence in the field is evident through his publication record and academic service.
Dr. Pita has supervised five Master’s students in Geological and Mining Engineering and Geosciences at the University of São Paulo. His research is supported by institutional affiliation with CGeo, a leading R&D unit in geosciences. He has not received mention of external grants in the text, but his productivity suggests active project involvement.
He is a key member of the Center of Geosciences (CGeo) at the University of Coimbra, where he conducts experimental and applied research on resource recovery. The team focuses on sustainable solutions for waste valorization, combining analytical platforms with process engineering.
