Effect of soil heating on the metal sorption capacity of humic substances and changes in water repellency simulating low, medium, and high-intensity fires

This project addresses the impact of forest fires, a growing phenomenon in areas like Quito, on soil quality. Fires cause significant alterations, including physical, chemical, and microbiological changes, such as loss of organic matter, formation of hydrophobic surfaces, and decreased fertility, potentially triggering erosive processes. The methodology involves selecting sampling sites based on fire history, vegetation cover, and ecological sensitivity. Soil samples will undergo fire simulations using established protocols (such as those by Jordán or Cancelo, employing infrared lamps). Key parameters analyzed include texture (Bouyoucus method), pH, electrical conductivity, hydraulic conductivity, organic matter (potassium dichromate oxidation), hydrophobicity (WDPT and MED methods), humic substances (spectrophotometry), and metal sorption capacity. Macronutrients will be determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Finally, the obtained data will be statistically analyzed using ANOVA and least significant difference comparisons to quantify the effects of the fire.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>The main objective of this project is to study the physical and chemical modifications that soils with different histories undergo when subjected to simulated medium and high-intensity fires.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Sustainable water and soil management