Choconta is the municipality in Colombia with the greatest prevalence of potato planting, representing 70.90% of the total territory. However, this crop has been affected by the presence of pests, diseases, and chemical contaminants from pesticides and chemical fertilizers that deteriorate the soil and, therefore, the quality of the final product. Compost (organic waste with specific characteristics and made from waste generated in Choconta) was studied as a sustainable production strategy to increase soil quality and thereby the quality of the local potato crop. For this purpose, a 3 × 2 experiment design was implemented with three treatments (0%, 25%, and 50% compost) and two variables (young potato and mature potato) in duplicate for 4 months. In this experiment, the use of compost led to an improved final product, which went from a floury texture to a dense and creamy texture. The use of compost also reduced the levels of heavy metals, such as lead, with a higher removal in treatment 3 (50% composting). The estimated direct cost of the composting process was USD 280.85, slightly lower than that of the application of fertilizers at USD 294.48. The use of fertilizers has a higher environmental impact due to the use of chemical products that have environmental and health implications. Using compost did not influence tuber harvest time but had a positive impact on tuber texture quality and on soil resources through the reduction in heavy metals, especially lead (16.40–18.03 ppm for treatment 1, 17.96–18.49 ppm for treatment 2, and 15.67–17.88 ppm for treatment 3). Using compost could be environmentally and economically beneficial for local farmers, and it promotes the circular economy and sustainable communities.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a widely used polymer due to its chemical resistance, high flexibility, and mechanical properties. However, its low degradation rate, coupled with its low lifespan and widespread accumulation, poses significant environmental and public health concerns. This study presents a biodegradation model for LDPE using a suspension bioreactor, which could serve as a biological treatment alternative before polymer disposal. In our model, an initial culture of Aspergillus brasiliensis metabolized the carbon within the polymer structure and used it as an energy source, leading to LPDE biodegradation and mineralization. The procedure took place in a laboratory-scale bioreactor prototype under aerobic conditions and submerged liquid fermentation. After one month of culture, a biodegradation percentage of 1:890:56 % was reached. The treated materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We found evidence of biodegradation, colonization of the material, and biofilm formation. This research provides preliminary data on the biodegradation of LDPE under submerged liquid fermentation, marking an initial phase in the development of a prototype for polymer biodegradation.

Illegal mining is a problem that currently affects the vegetation cover of Colombia due to the environmental liabilities and the damage it causes to the environment in the eagerness to obtain gold in an easy way by using mercury. For this reason, this article presents a detailed bibliographical review of the environmental, social and economic problems of artisanal mining in the Santurban Paramo due to the inappropriate use of mercury and its impact on both the environment and the health of the people who perform this activity, describing first of all the importance of the Paramo in relation to the protection of its ecosystem and biodiversity; secondly, mercury as an imminent danger due to its use and the effects of the activity taking into account the policies and regulations carried out for the preservation and reduction of environmental contamination generated by the bad practices of artisanal mining and finally, the environmental and human health impacts due to direct and indirect contact with mercury. As a result of this research, although artisanal mining represents an important role for the survival of the community, it is necessary to implement continuous improvement strategies to reduce the use of mercury due to the problems caused by this dangerous metal both for the environment and the water source fundamental for the life of the Santurban Paramo and for the health of the people, where education and environmental awareness gain more strength for the protection and preservation of this natural reserve in Colombia.

Gold mining in the Santurban Paramo in Colombia contributes to the development and growth of the region by generating employment and income for the inhabitants. However, the benefits of this activity may be offset by the use of mercury in the amalgamation stage of gold production. Mercury is a heavy metal that is highly toxic and harmful to the health of people who are directly or indirectly involved in gold mining and causes damage to the environment, such as deterioration of vegetation cover, harmful effects to flora and fauna in the Paramo, disappearance of endemic species, and reduced quality of natural resources (water, soil, and air). This research seeks to analyze the different environmental impacts and risks of inadequate handling of mercury in gold mining. To do so, the mining activity process and the area of influence were first characterized and evaluated. Next, soil and air mercury concentrations were measured in the mining areas considered under this study. In the municipalities of California and Surata in the Santurban Paramo, values between 160– 226 g/t of mercury were measured in the production plants. Finally, the environmental impacts were evaluated with the help of an environmental risk matrix, obtaining higher risk indexes in natural resource quality and effects on flora and fauna of the Santurban Paramo.