- Development of theoretical models of man-induced or man-initiated weathering with special emphasis on the release of potentially hazardous elements due to these processes, verified by laboratory experiments. The project will also contribute to general understanding of the global cycling of elements and various chemical species, especially those suspected of toxic effect on the environment;
- Achievement of detailed understanding of the building stone decay and theoretical modelling of processes running during remediation (together with the verification of the models by laboratory experiments);
- Establishment of unified procedures for stone durability testing schemes and for the evaluation of the status of historical building materials
- Elaboration of schemes, assessing the nature, rate, extent, and impacts of weathering of mine tailings, mineral matter containig industrial wastes and by-products entering the environment. Formulation of predictive models of potentially hazardous elements behaviour and concepts of preventive measures.
Based on these schemes, the most effective ways for reduction of pollution, remediation measures, and appropriate waste management etc. will be chosen.
Coordination of research activities, together with unification of approaches and experimental techniques, and standardisation of analytical procedures and reference materials should in a short time help decrease the ambiguity of results in weathering research.
Expeditive application of the most recent theoretical and experimental achievements in practice will promote formulation of new preventive and remedial techniques, usable in many fields, e.g. building and construction, conservation of lithic monuments, water works, waste management, neutralisation of natural and man-induced pollution of the environment.