Aproveitamento sustentável dos resíduos da extração de calcário no estado do Ceará: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

Abstract

The extraction of Pedra Cariri in Ceará, although vital for the regional economy, generates an alarming volume of waste, causing serious environmental liabilities and risks to fossil heritage. This study aimed to perform a systematic literature review associated with a bibliometric analysis of the scientific production regarding the utilization of these residues. Using the PRISMA protocol and the VOSviewer tool, 33 studies were analyzed from the Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, up to December 2025. The bibliometric results revealed significant growth in publications starting in 2015, led by institutions from Ceará (UFC, IFCE, UFCA) in interstate collaboration networks. Technically, the review indicated the feasibility of utilizing the waste in three main axes: (i) civil construction, where the fine particle size promotes the filler effect, filling micropores and densifying cementitious matrices and mortars, achieving high mechanical strength; (ii) agriculture, validating its efficacy as an acidity corrective, increasing soil base saturation; and (iii) advanced materials, highlighting the production of artificial stones and biomaterials due to high chemical purity. Thus, the literature analysis evidences that the waste generated in limestone extraction in Ceará transcends the condition of environmental liability, emerging as technically versatile and strategic byproducts for fostering the circular economy in the Araripe region.