The water of high Andean lakes is strongly affected by anthropic activities. However, due to its complexity this ecosystem is poorly researched. This study analyzes water quality using Sentinel-2 (S2) images in high Andean lakes with apparent different eutrophication states. Spatial and temporal patterns are assessed for biophysical water variables from automatic products as obtained from versions of C2RCC (Case 2 Regional Coast Color) processor (i.e., C2RCC, C2X, and C2X-COMPLEX) to observe water characteristics and eutrophication states in detail. These results were validated using in situ water sampling. C2X-COMPLEX appeared to be an appropriate option to study bodies of water with a complex dynamic of water composition. C2RCC was adequate for lakes with high transparency, typical for lakes of highlands with excellent water quality. The Yambo lake, with chlorophyll-a concentration (CHL) values of 79.6 ± 5 mg/m3, was in the eutrophic to hyper-eutrophic state. The Colta lake, with variable values of CHL, was between the oligotrophic to mesotrophic state, and the Atillo lakes, with values of 0.16 ± 0.1 mg/m3, were oligotrophic and even ultra-oligotrophic, which remained stable in the last few years. Automatic S2 water products give information about water quality, which in turn makes it possible to analyze its causes.
13 February 2025 in Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología - Serie de Conferencias
The Cabuya Negra (Agave americana L.) is widely distributed in South America and is considered a perennial plant due to its adaptability to dry and arid climates. It grows and develops extensively, mainly being used to delineate land boundaries. This study aimed to repurpose this biomass through the production of activated carbon as an adsorbent material for the removal of Diuron from aqueous solutions. The activated carbon was found to contain functional groups such as methyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl, and the presence of phosphorus bonds was also observed, confirming the effectiveness of the chemical activation process using phosphoric acid. EDS analysis revealed that the activated carbon was primarily composed of carbon (85.68%), with a low ash content (11.8%), indicating that a significant portion of the organic material was consumed during the pyrolysis process. Two Diuron solutions (100 mL and 50 mL) were prepared, to which 0.25 g and 0.5 g of activated carbon were added. The adsorbent demonstrated high efficiency in Diuron removal, with the best treatment achieving 63.39% removal using 0.25 g of activated carbon with 100 mL of Diuron solution. These findings demonstrate that the activated carbon obtained is a viable alternative for the removal of this herbicide from aqueous solutions.
1 November 2024 in Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review
Objective: Evaluate the environmental impact of wastewater discharges in the Pachanlica River micro-watershed to propose a comprehensive environmental management plan aimed at improving water quality and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Method: A field study was conducted across 14 sampling points in the Pachanlica River micro-watershed. Analyses included the identification of key points, assessment of physicochemical and microbiological factors, and quantification of total solids and coliforms. Results and Discussion: The study revealed significant contamination from heavy metals, industrial chemicals, and fecal coliforms. Turbidity, nitrite, and phosphate levels were highest near human activity zones. Water pollution negatively impacted biodiversity, water quality, and local agriculture. Proposed strategies include wastewater treatment, public awareness campaigns, and sustainable agricultural practices. Research Implications: Highlighting the critical need for sustainable water management policies, this study offers actionable insights for environmental protection and community health improvement. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel approach to managing wastewater in vulnerable ecosystems, combining scientific analysis with community-driven solutions.
21 June 2021 in Revista Científica y Tecnológica UPSE
The objective of the present research was the production of algal biomass in a batch laboratory-scale photobioreactor. The equipment had a 15 liter capacity, with 6 LED lamps as a light source, with an average intensity of 841.91 lx distributed in 6 acrylic cylinders, with hexagonal geometry, in which it was cultivated for three weeks. The first three cylinders contained strains of Chlorella vulgaris the other three Scenedesmus sp. To control the time of exposure to light, a timer was settled in photoperiods of 12 hours light and 12 hours of darkness, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) was supplied to the culture through an air pump with a flow rate of 0.0378 cm³ of CO2/s, daily pH controls were also carried out, adjusting it to a range between 7.5 and 8.5, as well as the absorbance values, measured at 750 nm, to evaluate the growth of the microalgae. The biomass was sedimented in 20 liter containers, the supernatant was removed, the wet biomass fraction was centrifuged for 6 minutes at 840 rpm, keeping only the pellet. As a result, the samples were lyophilized to conserve the properties of dry biomass: 6.59 g of C. vulgaris and 9.74 g of Scenedesmus sp., The 2 samples were kept refrigerated, concluding that there is a higher production of C. vulgaris compared to Scenedesmus sp.
1 November 2024 in Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review
Objective: Explore the role of neuromarketing in promoting sustainability by analyzing how consumers' emotional responses influence their purchase decisions for sustainable products, with a focus on understanding emotional motivations through theoretical frameworks. Method: Conducted a comprehensive literature review of recent academic studies examining neuromarketing in sustainability contexts, analyzing theoretical frameworks like Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and "Eco Emotion Set" (E2S) concept. Results and Discussion: Analysis revealed that positive emotions (joy, pride, optimism) significantly influence sustainable purchase decisions by connecting personal and environmental values. Identified opportunities include emotionally resonant messaging and personalized communication strategies, while acknowledging cultural variations in consumer behavior. Research Implications: Study highlights crucial ethical considerations in neuromarketing implementation, including risks of emotional manipulation and privacy concerns. Emphasizes need for specific regulations and international standards for transparent, ethical practice. Originality/Value: Provides comprehensive analysis of neuromarketing's role in promoting sustainability through emotional engagement, while addressing ethical implementation challenges and proposing regulatory frameworks for responsible practice.
Currently, alternatives to the use of drugs to counteract hypoglycemia are being sought through the use of natural medicine. In this sense, this article evaluates the hypoglycemic effect of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of jackfruit leaves (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam), based on an analysis in experimental models, Rattus rats. Extracts were prepared with concentrations of 125, 250 and 400 ppm. The hypoglycemic analysis was carried out over 15 days, using 45 male rats divided into 9 groups: target, negative control, and positive control. The 8 groups, except for the target group, were administered a diet rich in starch at a concentration of 2000 ppm (mg/kg) of body weight for 15 days, thus carrying out hyperglycemia. Afterward, glycemia was measured on 15 days, intercalated on the first, seventh and fifteenth day, at 30, 60 and 120 minute intervals. The hypoglycemic effect was evidenced in both extracts at a concentration of 400 ppm. In conclusion, the ability of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Yaka leaves (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) on hypoglycemia was evaluated. Keywords: Yaka leaves; hydroalcoholic extract; aqueous extract; hypoglycemic effect; antioxidant activity.