Estimation of the Current State of Renewable Natural Resources in the "Loma Larga" Mining Concession Area, Azuay, Ecuador

This project focuses on the comprehensive assessment of the ecosystem and the identification of the current status of renewable natural resources (soil and water) within the "Loma Larga" mining concession area in Azuay, Ecuador. This initiative addresses the growing pressure on biodiversity resulting from extractive activities, aiming to ensure the preservation of natural heritage. The methodology combines molecular analysis and environmental monitoring. For the biological component, sampling, extraction, purification, and amplification of ribosomal DNA are performed, followed by sequencing, to evaluate the fungal microbial load. Concurrently, water resource delimitation and the establishment of specific bioindicator presence are conducted. Furthermore, the measurement of Radon-226 (rh226) presence is included as a risk factor or environmental indicator. The ultimate goal is to provide a robust estimation of the health status of these resources, aligning the findings with the guidelines of the National Development Plan.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To estimate the current status of renewable natural resources (soil and water) within the "Loma Larga" mining concession area (Azuay, Ecuador), utilizing fungal microbial load, the presence of bioindicators, and Radon-226 (rh226) concentration as assessment metrics.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Ecology and management of natural resources