Laboratory of Ecotoxicology

The Ecotoxicology Laboratory monitors pollution in aquatic ecosystems using bioindicator organisms and biotic indices of environmental quality based on macroinvertebrate diversity and mobile applications. This is complemented by the use of biochemical biomarkers of exposure and the effect of metals and ultraviolet radiation on aquatic organisms. In addition, it assesses the impact of climate change on the quality of watershed headwaters and water and soil remediation systems through artificial wetlands and native plant species. Its objective is to develop high-level research on: - The effects of glacier retreat on the quality and functioning of high Andean aquatic ecosystems. - Vulnerability models of high Andean watersheds to climate change and glacier retreat. - Biological and ICT models for assessing the quality of aquatic ecosystems affected by a variety of pollutants, through a citizen science approach. - Design and implementation of ‘green infrastructure’ for the remediation of water and soil affected by metal contamination.