Guicela Margoth Ati-Cutiupala

The Andes serve as natural laboratories where biomes shape faunal communities into mosaics of habitats prone to fragmentation, making protected areas such as the Chimborazo Reserve (RC) critical refuges in the face of climate change. Based on this premise, patterns of biotic specialization and inter-biome faunal connectivity were evaluated through the ordering and co-scaling of family-level taxa in factorial space. A geospatial design was employed, stratifying the area into 400 ha cells, which were distributed across the high-Andean tundra (T), paramo grassland (G), and Andean forest (F) biomes and selected via simple proportional random sampling. A validated database of 2511 occurrences was compiled for the classes reptilia, aves, mammalia, amphibia, and insecta, comprising a total of 48 families, integrating records from global platforms and field surveys. The resulting matrix of 102 sampling cells (across three biomes) with 48 taxonomic families was analyzed using principal component analysis (HJ-biplot), k-means clustering, and bidirectional biclustering. It was found that Cluster 3 reflected a marked ecotone effect and faunal connectivity between F and G, dominated by generalist families with high evolutionary success such as Thraupidae, Tyrannidae, and waterbirds. In contrast, Clusters 1 and 2 revealed structural discontinuities and high biogeographic specialization in response to abiotic stress in the tundra, isolating taxa adapted to extreme conditions (Tropiduridae, Cricetidae, and Thinocoridae). Biclustering confirmed that the heterogeneity of the terrain mitigates climatic severity at the forest edge, acting as a microclimatic refuge for specialized nectar-eaters (Trochilidae) associated with Chuquiraga jussieui. The zoological structure of the RC reflects a distinct and predictable faunal partition that is strongly influenced by the interaction between the altitudinal gradient and microtopography. The coexistence of zones of diffuse transitions that promote biotic connectivity alongside nuclei of maximum specialization and ecological isolation was confirmed, which is essential for planning conservation measures.

Climate change and glacial retreat in the tropical Andes—as evidenced by environmental changes in the Carihuairazo volcano area and human-induced alterations to the páramo—reveal complex environmental dynamics that require an integrated understanding. This study evaluates edaphic variation along a periglacial–agricultural spatial gradient, relating soil properties to sustainable management strategies. Using a methodological approach that includes multi-criteria spatial delineation, altitude-stratified sampling, and multivariate modeling via HJ-Biplot, the physical, chemical, and biological properties were analyzed, with a focus on basal microbial respiration. The data show that periglacial soils exhibit geochemical–mineral control and high basal respiration, potentially influenced by moisture peaks, despite their low organic matter content. In contrast, lowland andisols exhibit biological–structural control conditioned by organic matter accumulation, reflecting distinct conditions associated with agricultural management and land use. It is concluded that understanding these spatial edaphic patterns and their vulnerability to human intervention is essential for designing sustainable management and conservation frameworks that mitigate the impact of climate change on high-mountain ecosystems.

The Ichubamba Yasepan wetlands, in the Andean páramos of Ecuador, suffer heavy metal contamination due to anthropogenic activities and volcanic ash from Sangay, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the bioaccumulation and tolerance of metals in high Andean species through stratified random sampling and linear transects in two altitudinal ranges. Concentrations of Cr, Pb, Hg, As, and Fe in water and the tissues of eight dominant plant species were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, calculating bioaccumulation indices (BAIs) and applying principal component analysis (PCA), clustering, and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Twenty-five species from 14 families were identified, predominantly Poaceae and Cyperaceae, with Calamagrostis intermedia as the most relevant (IVI = 12.74). The water exceeded regulatory limits for As, Cr, Fe, and Pb, indicating severe contamination. Carex bonplandii showed a high BAI for Cr (47.8), Taraxacum officinale and Plantago australis for Pb, and Lachemilla orbiculata for Hg, while Fe was widely accumulated. The LDA highlighted differences based on As and Pb, suggesting physiological adaptations. Pollution threatens biodiversity and human health, but C. bonplandii and L. orbiculata have phytoremediation potential.

Phytoremediation is based on the use of plants to decontaminate water and soil. In this work, the capacity of high Andean vegetation in the absorption and translocation of heavy metals was analyzed. Species were identified to analyze the presence of metals in roots, stems, and leaves by spectrometry. The translocation factor was determined and analyzed by means of pattern clusters. Based on the floristic inventory, the dominance of the Poaceae and Asteraceae families was determined, and 12 plant species with a high importance value were selected. According to the ICP-AES, mercury (951.07 mg/kg) was determined in the roots of Lachemilla orbiculata, and chromium (21.88 mg/kg) in Carex bonplandii. Arsenic (2.79 mg/kg) was detected as being significantly higher than the values recorded in lowland plants. Cadmium mobility was high in all species, reaching higher values in Baccharis salicifolia (86.28%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (37.16%). Rumex acetocella accumulated lead in leaves (9.27%), while Taraxacum officinale (1.20%) and Calamagrostis intermedia (1.20%) accumulated silicon. Stabilization of chromium, mercury, and sodium was determined in the roots without translocation to higher organs. Finally, cluster analysis showed physiological interactions between metals as a toxicity mitigation mechanism affecting mobility. These findings suggest that they are hyperaccumulator species.

The Ichubamba Yasepan wetlands, in the Andean paramos of Ecuador, suffer heavy metal contamination due to anthropogenic activities and volcanic ash from Sangay, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the bioaccumulation and tolerance of metals in high Andean species through stratified random sampling and linear transects in two altitudinal ranges. Concentrations of Cr., Pb., Hg., As. and Fe. in water and tissues of eight dominant plant species were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, calculating bioaccumulation indices (BAI) and applying principal component analysis (PCA), clustering and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Twenty-five species from 14 families were identified, predominantly Poaceae and Cyperaceae, with Calamagrostis intermedia as the most relevant (IVI=12.74). The water exceeded regulatory limits for As., Cr., Fe .and Pb., indicating severe contamination. Carex bonplandii showed high ABI for Cr. (47.8), Taraxacum officinale and Plantago australis for Pb., and Lachemilla orbiculata for Hg., while Fe. was widely accumulated. The LDA highlighted differences based on As. and Pb., suggesting physiological adaptations. Pollution threatens biodiversity and human health, but Carex bonplandii and Lachemilla orbiculata have phytoremediation potential.

The Andean paramos are unique and biodiverse environments. Located between the upper limit of forest and perpetual snow, they provide ecosystem services, especially freshwater supply; however, anthropogenic activities and climate change have altered their distribution and composition. This paper analyses the influence of altitude and climatic factors on the floristic composition of the páramos. A quasi-experimental study was used in three altitudinal gradients, collecting geolocalised data on species and bioclimatic variables. Principal component analysis, using the HJ-Biplot visualisation technique and k-means clustering algorithms, was applied to explore the relationships between factors. It was determined that the lower zone is nuanced by the presence of Solanaceae, which are important for human food. In the middle zone, there is a high diversity, with the Ericaceae and Caprifoliaceae families standing out, while in the upper zone, the Ericaceae and Gentianaceae families are accentuated. The PCA reveals that strata 2 and 3 share family taxa, while stratum 1 shows differences. Altitude and precipitation directly influence the distribution of species in each stratum; the Asteraceae family is dominant in the canton for its contribution to the principal components.

The relationship between COVID-19 infections and environmental contaminants provides insight into how environmental factors can influence the spread of infectious diseases. By integrating epidemiological and environmental variables into a mathematical framework, the interaction between virus spread and the environment can be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of atmospheric contaminants on the increase in COVID-19 infections in the city of Quito through the application of statistical tests. The data on infections and deaths allowed to identify the periods of greatest contagion and their relationship with the contaminants O₃, SO₂, CO, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀. A validated database was used, and statistical analysis was applied through five models based on simple linear regression. The models showed a significant relationship between SO₂ and the increase in infections. In addition, a moderate correlation was shown with PM_2.5, O₃, and CO, and a low relationship was shown for PM₁₀. These findings highlight the importance of having policies that guarantee air quality as a key factor in maintaining people’s health and preventing the proliferation of viral and infectious diseases.

Method: The methodology adopted for the research included an exhaustive bibliographic search in high impact databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, complemented with semi-structured interviews with relevant members of the RECB, field trips within the reserve, development of plots in one hectare of land, determination of diversity indices and expert judgment. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the current state of the Cofan Bermejo Ecological Reserve, which should be improved in different social aspects. In addition, the diversity indexes for the 609 individuals sampled within the study area were evaluated, of which 9 families, 9 genera and 9 species were recognized. Of which there is one cosmopolitan species of the Polypodiaceae family. On the other hand, Simpson's dominance indexes are low, with a value of (0.281) and Simpson's diversity is determined on average with (0.719). Meanwhile, Shannon's index shows a medium diversity (1.609) and Shannon's evenness index indicates a low diversity (0.732). Research Implications: The results of this study have implications for the planning and management of the Cofan Bermejo Ecological Reserve in the lowland evergreen forest. The research highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the conceptualization and management of the reserve, as well as the importance of considering the landscape as a central element in the development of sustainable tourism products and experiences. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the relationship between the natural landscape and reserve management, bringing together knowledge from a variety of disciplines.

Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a source of supply in many areas of the world, especially in developing countries. This is often carried out illegally using toxic substances such as mercury. Mercury, due to its chemical–physical properties and the transport factors involved between the different environmental matrices, can percolate through soil and from surface water to groundwater. The objective of this study was to conduct a human health risk assessment. For this purpose, a screening of mercury concentrations was carried out, collecting 67 water samples at selected points, and a risk assessment was performed applying both a deterministic and a probabilistic approach. A deterministic approach is a specific analysis based on determining the values of the risk quotient (HQ) and the risk index (HI) for each receptor category (adults and children) and scenario (residential and recreational) considered; a probabilistic approach is based on stochastic simulation techniques and the evaluation of the statistical quantities. There was found to be a discrepancy between the results provided by the two approaches, with the deterministic approach suggesting a more worrisome picture. However, in general, the results showed a greater exposure in the provinces of El Oro and Esmeraldas, and a greater vulnerability of child receptors.

Global warming as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases symbolizes a great threat to life on the planet, with the passage of time it has been reflected in the increase in temperatures causing major disasters and altering physical, biological and human systems, so it is sought mitigate its effects and preserve biodiversity. Therefore, the present research proposed to estimate the content of carbon sequestered in the natural grasslands of the Ichubamba Yasepan protected area, with the purpose of establishing the amount of carbon present in necro mass, biomass and soil stored in the high Andean natural grasslands to have real data for future negotiations of environmental compensations and thus contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with deforestation and environmental degradation. In the grassland and shrub ecosystems 4 plots were established and sampling units of square shape with dimension of 10 x10 m were installed, two circular plots with a radius of 5 and 2.5 m were installed, 8 quadrants of 50 x 50 cm were formed according to the GLORIA methodology, where they were collected 18 necromass samples, 18 aerial biomass samples and 16 soil samples. These were processed in the laboratory of the Faculty of Natural Resources (FRN) of the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo (ESPOCh). For the statistical analysis, a database was built that was processed using the InfoStat statistical package, where values between 6.14 and 7.22 Ton C * ha-1 of biomass, 1.74 and 11.55 Ton C * ha-1 in necro mass and according to the depth of the soil of 30 to 60 cm the amount of 93.98 Ton C * ha-1 was determined , obtaining as total results 170.8 Ton C * ha-1 in the shrub vegetation corresponding to 220,690.68 tons of total carbon in an area of 1292.1 hectares, while the grass vegetation registered 178.7 Ton C * ha-1 corresponding to 625,097.96 tons of total carbon distributed in 3498.03 hectares, which affirms that these ecosystems are huge carbon containers since vegetation cover absorbs CO2 from the environment, stores part of the carbon and returns oxygen to the atmosphere, all this through the process of photosynthesis, which prevents the destruction of the ozone layer and strengthens the mitigation of climate change worldwide.