Evaluación de la capacidad removedora de metales pesados (CR, CD, AS) empleando Taxones de Hongos Filamentosos aislados de sedimentos marinos del Golfo de Guayaquil, Ecuador

Abstract

The Gulf of Guayaquil is the most important estuary on the Pacific coast of Ecuador since it includes areas of ecological protection and allows trade and industrial development. However, anthropogenic activity has caused contamination of the Gulf, inducing an increase in concentrations of pollutants, especially heavy metals that exceed permissible limits and cause effects on the ecosystem and human health. The objective of the research is the isolation of fungal taxa with the potential to remove heavy metals (Cr, Cd, As) for the bioremediation of marine sediments in the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The methodology consists of the quantification of metals through the ICP-OES technique, isolation, acclimatization, replanting and identification of the taxon, and the evaluation of the degree of removal of contaminants through experimental treatments. The results obtained show a high presence of metal ions, especially Cr (43 ppm); an isolate of fungi from the genera Aspergillius and Penicillium; and a positive result in the reduction of contaminants of 77.08% Cd, 70.98% Cr and 9.60% As. However, the effectiveness of the treatment is determinated by environmental conditions and the individual use of fungal agents in contrast to the use of a consortium. The treatment of contaminated areas and industrial water effluents are essential to preserve the environment and the integrity of health, in addition, the implementation of microorganisms for bioremediation, through its biological mechanisms, is a more efective technique compared to conventional treatments for its economic advantages, large-scale results and the fact they do not cause side effects in the environment.