Inventory of Filamentous Fungi Present in the Soil of the Aguarongo Protected Forest; In Vitro Evaluation in the Biotransformation of Heavy Metals

This project focuses on microbiological and biotechnological research within the Aguarongo protected forest in Ecuador, an area of high biodiversity crucial for water supply. Given the lack of studies on the biotechnological utilization of environmental microorganisms in this region, the main goal is to catalog native filamentous fungi. The methodology involves strategically locating sampling points, collecting soil and water samples following standardized protocols (US EPA), and subsequently isolating and taxonomically identifying the fungi using macroscopic, microscopic, and biomolecular analyses, referencing keys like the Dictionary of Fungi. Once isolated, their in vitro biodegradation capacity against heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, Hg) will be evaluated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (Flame, Air-Acetylene). The final outcome will be the establishment of a strain bank of native fungi with potential for environmental bioremediation, providing fundamental knowledge for future biotechnological processes.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To isolate and identify native filamentous fungi from the Aguarongo protected forest and evaluate their in vitro heavy metal biotransformation capacity.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Ecology and management of natural resources