The Institute of Applied Geology at the University of Castilla-La Mancha took part in the “Ciencia en la Calle” fair, held in Ciudad Real, with outreach activities focusing on geology, the environment and mercury contamination. 

The initiative, organised by the Casa de la Ciencia de Ciudad Real, brought together people of different ages through participatory workshops and scientific demonstrations designed to bring research closer to everyday life and encourage an interest in science from an early age. 

Among the activities organised by the Institute of Applied Geology (IGeA) at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, a demonstration on measuring mercury levels in hair was particularly noteworthy. The activity helped explain concepts such as bioaccumulation and exposure to pollutants in an accessible way, while also encouraging reflection on their potential effects in areas with a significant mining legacy, such as the Almadén Mining District. 

Participation in the fair formed part of the LIFE HERMES project activities. Within the project, IGeA-UCLM contributes to the environmental monitoring of the area surrounding the Cerco de Almadenejos by analysing mercury in biota and assessing its effects on the ecosystem. 

Through initiatives of this kind, LIFE HERMES seeks to bring its objectives and scientific work closer to the public, promoting greater awareness of mercury contamination, its environmental impacts and the importance of safely restoring former mining sites.