## 2 Geomembranes and Sustainability  
A geosynthetic can be a geotextile, a geogrid, a geomat, a geocell, a geoblanket, a geosynthetic barrier (synthetic/bituminous geomembranes or clay), or a geostrip, among other things. The different types of geosynthetics serve various functions depending on their application, such as separation, reinforcement, drainage, protection, or a barrier [55]. Consequently, geosynthetics are highly adaptable materials that can play a significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth in the 2030 Agenda. Enhancing the reliability of these materials also bolsters the dependability of the structures in which they are employed. This, in turn, ensures the fulfillment of and contribution to the SDGs while promoting the widespread adoption of these materials. There are many environmental benefits to which geosynthetics can be related. As a complement to this approach, economic benefits can be mentioned. Ref. [15] showed that with the application of geosynthetics, it is possible to reduce the cost of the imported materials and the amount of waste and provide more efficient use of resources compared with traditional engineering solutions. Most of the time, the geosynthetic installation cost is lower than that for natural material alternatives [55]. Excavation, placement, and compaction consume a lot of energy, which would be reduced with the use of geosynthetics [56]. Consequently, this usage can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the International Geosynthetic Society (IGS) has implemented the IGS Sustainability Benefits Calculator on its website. This tool allows users to quantify the sustainability benefits of geosynthetics across various typical applications, such as landfill construction, road foundation and course stabilization, slope retaining walls, paving, canal lining, and drainage. It enables a life cycle assessment, demonstrating the advantages of geosynthetics compared to traditional solutions. However, to ensure that the benefits of using geosynthetics are realized, it is essential to maintain the integrity of the geosynthetic material throughout its service life, as specified in the project. The durability of geosynthetics applied to engineering works has been a prominent topic in geotechnical research since the beginning of the use of these materials [57; 58; 59; 60; 61]. Ref. [62] indicated ways to analyze geomembrane durability through destructive tests on its seams. Ref. [63] presented a durability study of geomembranes, geotextiles, and geocomposites exposed to acid mine drainage in an environment with limited access to oxygen and radiation over a period of 22 months. Understanding the durability of geosynthetics is intrinsic to the design of these materials applied in geotechnical and civil engineering works given the social, economic, and environmental impacts that the failure of the structures in which these materials are used can have. Thus, due to the importance of these structures in which geosynthetics are applied and the functions they perform, with emphasis on the recent history of these materials' application and the expected longevity of these structures, it is essential to understand their durability. Mining often produces a significant amount of tailings, which can contain chemical elements that are difficult to degrade, such as heavy metals [18]. These heavy metals are pollutants and toxic even at low concentrations, posing hazards to the environment and surrounding populations [20]. To prevent contamination and health issues, it is crucial to implement an ideal management plan for mining. This plan should prioritize environmental protection by applying techniques and materials that reduce waste, minimize the extraction of natural resources, decrease carbon emissions in the production and construction chain, and prevent the percolation of potential contaminants into the groundwater, among other measures [21; 64]. One type of material that can aid in environmental protection is geomembranes.