The study of biotic and abiotic factors and their interrelationships is essential in the preservation of sustainable marine ecosystems and for understanding the impact that climate change can have on different species. For instance, phytoplankton are extremely vulnerable to environmental changes and thus studying the factors involved is important for the species’ conservation. This work examines the relationship between phytoplankton and environmental parameters of the eastern equatorial Pacific, known as one of the most biologically rich regions in the world. For this purpose, a new multivariate method called MixSTATICO has been developed, allowing mixed-type data structured in two different groups (environment and species) to be related and measured on a space–time scale. The results obtained show how seasons have an impact on species–environment relations, with the most significant association occurring in November and the weakest during the month of May (change of season). The species Lauderia borealis, Chaetoceros didymus and Gyrodinium sp. were not observed in the coastal profiles during the dry season at most stations, while during the rainy season, the species Dactyliosolen antarcticus, Proboscia alata and Skeletonema costatum were not detected. Using MixSTATICO, species vulnerable to specific geographical locations and environmental variations were identified, making it possible to establish biological indicators for this region.

(1) Background: Juglans neotropica Diels, native to the Andes, is highly valued for its quality wood, medicinal uses, edible fruits, and natural dyes. However, its population has been greatly reduced due to overexploitation, becoming threatened and resulting in genetic stochasticity. Therefore, a prompt ex situ and in situ conservation effort is needed for its conservation and restoration. (2) Methods: A total of 439 trees of J. neotropica Diels were sampled from selected individuals across the northern and central regions of Ecuador. These trees were planted in a randomized complete block design to assess their growth and genetic variability. (3) Results: Annual average tree growth varied significantly among progenies. Based on their dasometric traits, two distinct groups were identified as superior and surveillance. Five trees demonstrated promising traits (TJ182, ChL2314, ChL142, TJ1310, and BSM14), suggesting potential for inclusion in forest genetic improvement programs. (4) Conclusions: Fifteen percent of individuals from the five studied provenances exhibited desirable dasometric characteristics and high-quality wood. In addition, several individuals within the progenies exhibit resistance to biotic agents, indicating a genetic potential for disease.

Hydrogeochemical and microbiological parameters of groundwater samples in the Paipayales agricultural community in western Ecuador were studied to evaluate groundwater origin, contamination, and suitability for domestic use and irrigation. The water wells studied are typically shared by multiple families which account for 37% of the total community population. A total of 31 parameters of water samples from the wells used by the community were analysed by four laboratories at the ESPOL University. The parameters analysed included microbiological and chemical compounds, along with physical characteristics typically influencing water quality. As regards the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Ecuadorian standards, all samples failed to meet the required concentrations for at least one compound. The chemical analysis showed eight elements (cadmium, aluminium, ammonia, iron, manganese, chloride, and bromide) exceeded the maximum limits for drinking water in at least one well. Seventy percent of sampled wells failed to meet the maximum permissible limits for at least one chemical parameter. Water in all wells showed the presence of microbiological contaminants. The high natural groundwater salinity limits the ability to use this groundwater for irrigation purposes. Water in open and closed wells shows different hydrochemical and microbiological patterns. The presence of domestic animals and the lack of protection for wells may influence the quality of water. It is highly recommended that the authorities increase water supply and storage capacity to improve the availability of drinkable water in rural communities in the area.

Energy consumption is a key driver of economic and social development, particularly in rapidly expanding sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). This study explores the energy demand of Quito’s ICT sector across technical, organizational, economic, social, and environmental dimensions, aiming to inform sustainable urban strategies. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Data was collected via questionnaires from 398 ICT companies and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate techniques, including the Gower similarity coefficient, Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), and biplots. VENSIM simulations were used to model energy consumption dynamics. Results indicate that most ICT firms are micro and small enterprises focused on software development and e-commerce, employing highly skilled personnel. Energy use is concentrated in computing and printing equipment, with limited reliance on climate control systems. While 93% of firms express environmental awareness, fewer than 10% have formal energy efficiency policies. Financial constraints and limited access to efficient equipment are the main barriers to improved energy management. The study concludes that, despite a moderate energy profile, there is an urgent need to strengthen internal energy practices. The findings offer a contextualized framework to guide energy policy and organizational strategies, contributing to more resilient and sustainable urban ICT ecosystems.

The Eastern Equatorial Pacific zone is recognized for its high biological productivity. In particular, the period 2013, 2014 and 2015 was a warm event of great importance in the region. Thus, with this investigation it was intended to study the surface spatio-temporal behavior of phytoplankton abundance, and the variations in environmental parameters in one of the most recent warm events in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific area. Therefore, data from four sampling sites, namely Esmeraldas, Manta, La Libertad and Puerto Bolívar (located on the coastal border of Continental Ecuador contained in the region Niño 1 + 2, which is a sensitive area to receive variations in sea surface temperature), in the period from 2013 to 2015 were analyzed. Thus, a comparison between statistical techniques, namely HJ-Biplot (Galindo, 1986) and Partial Tridiac Analysis (PTA) PTA (Jaffrenou, 1978) were performed in order to analyze the relationship between phytoplankton abundance and environmental parameters. The results from the comparison of the techniques PTA and HJ-Biplot demonstrated the relationship between the sampling sites and the variables (phytoplankton abundance and environmental parameters) in a two-dimensional space. However, it was observed that with the PTA the biological and environmental changes that occurred during 2015 are captured and manifested more clearly, being more evident the changes in the biological pattern. In addition, PTA clearly presented an important differentiation between the abundance of the species in a year of normal conditions such as 2013 and a year of considerable warm conditions as the 2015.

Global warming, produced by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, is causing alterations in the life cycle of flora and fauna species and consequently threatening food security. The objective of this research was to study the relationship between climatic variables and the incidence and presence of Perkinsiella saccharicida populations, a sucking insect considered a pest, that attacks sugarcane crops depending on the climatic season. This study was carried out in sugarcane plantations of Ingenio San Carlos, located in Marcelino Maridueña, Ecuador. We analyzed climatic data and Perkinsiella population records from 2006 to 2023, applying various parametric (KS, ANOVA, Bartlett, Dickey-Fuller) and non-parametric (Spearman, Shapiro, Kruskall-Wallis, Levene) statistical tests, along with CCF and causality analysis. The findings revealed that the current summer averages of atmospheric variables have increased and are now comparable to winter averages from ten years ago. High temperatures and Solar_R values were found to precede Perkinsiella population spikes by 6 months. A causal relationship was established between specific atmospheric variables and Perkinsiella. Initial outbreaks were observed during the summer, with population sizes increasing over time. Currently, there is a tendency for the pest to persist throughout the year (winter-summer), necessitating greater biological and chemical control measures to manage populations.