Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental
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Evaluación de la exposición a contaminantes orgánicos persistentes y su efecto genotóxico en el sapo gigante (Rhinella horribilis) de la Huasteca Potosina, México
No full textThis study was conducted in two Indigenous areas of the Huasteca Potosina (Cuatlamayán and Tocoy) in Mexico. The purpose of this research was to evaluate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the soil and liver tissue of the giant toad (Rhinella horribilis), as well as DNA damage. The determination of POPs in soil and liver tissue of toads was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Genotoxicity was assessed by micronucleus test. A total of 3000 cells per individual were counted and reported as MN/1000. Results obtained from soil samples showed that total POP levels ranged from 28.83 to 34.90 µg/kg. Exposure results in toads indicate the presence of atrazine, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), alpha, beta, gamma, and delta isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and DDE and DDD, both metabolites of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). There was a micronucleus frequency for two indigenous communities in the Huasteca Potosina region of the state of San Luis Potosí: Cuatlamayán (1.9) and Tocoy (0.7). This study provides a baseline of POP exposure and genotoxic effects in different indigenous and rural areas of the Huasteca region in Mexico.El estudio se realizó en dos zonas indígenas de la Huasteca Potosina (Cuatlamayán y Tocoy) en México. El propósito de esta investigación fue evaluar los contaminantes orgánicos persistentes (COP) en el suelo y en tejido hepático del sapo gigante (Rhinella horribilis), así como el daño a su ADN. La determinación de COP en suelo y en tejido hepático de sapos se realizó mediante cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas. La genotoxicidad se evaluó mediante la prueba de micronúcleos. Se contó un total de 3000 células por individuo y se informó como MN/1000. Los resultados obtenidos de las muestras de suelo mostraron que los niveles totales de COP fluctuaron entre 28.83 y 34.90 µg/kg. Los resultados de la exposición en sapos indican la presencia de atrazina, hexaclorobenceno (HCB), isómeros alfa, beta, gamma y delta del hexaclorociclohexano (HCH), y los metabolitos DDE y DDD de dicloro difenil tricloroetano (DDT). Hubo frecuencia de micronúcleos para dos comunidades indígenas de la Huasteca Potosina en el estado de San Luis Potosí. Cuatlamayán (1.9) y Tocoy (0.7). Este estudio proporciona una línea base de exposición a COP y su efecto genotóxico en diferentes zonas indígenas y rurales de la región de la Huasteca en México
(Des)empoderamiento de agricultores: riesgos para la salud y el ambiente por plaguicidas altamente peligrosos
No full textPesticides are substances commonly employed in agriculture for pest control. However, they are also recognized for causing severe and irreversible harm to both human health and the environment. Among the most vulnerable populations are farmers, who are directly exposed to these chemicals through their handling and application. This study aimed to explore the (dis)empowerment of farmers in a sugar cane-growing region of Morelos, Mexico, which influences their reliance on pesticide use. The results indicate that all pesticides utilized in this area are classified as highly hazardous (HHP). Alarmingly, farmers often lack awareness of the long-term effects associated with these HHP, which can include serious health issues such as cancer, infertility, and mutagenicity. Many farmers have experienced acute poisoning incidents; however, their response is typically limited to discontinuing the use of the specific HHP responsible for the poisoning or making only slight adjustments to their protective measures. Our findings suggest that ignorance, a lack of critical awareness, unfounded beliefs, and misconceptions are significant factors that (dis)empower farmers, leading them to underestimate the risks associated with pesticides use. To address these issues, it is essential to implement effective risk communication strategies that inform farmers about the hidden and long-term dangers posed by pesticides to their health, their communities, and the environment. Empowering farmers with knowledge and awareness can lead to safer agricultural practices and better health outcomes.Los plaguicidas son sustancias utilizadas en la agricultura para la eliminación de plagas; sin embargo, se sabe que también ocasionan daños graves e irreversibles en la salud humana y el ambiente. Una de las poblaciones más expuestas y posiblemente más afectadas por el uso de plaguicidas son los agricultores, ya que manipulan estos productos. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprender el (des)empoderamiento de agricultores que los condiciona al uso de plaguicidas en una zona cañera de Morelos, México. Los resultados obtenidos revelan que todos los plaguicidas que utilizan son altamente peligrosos (PAP). Además, se observó que los agricultores carecen de conocimiento sobre los efectos a largo plazo de los PAP que utilizan, tales como el cáncer, la infertilidad y la mutagenicidad. La mayoría de los agricultores ha experimentado intoxicaciones agudas y, en tales casos, sólo suspenden temporalmente el uso de los PAP específicos que las provocan o aumentan levemente sus medidas de protección. Se concluye que el desconocimiento, la falta de conciencia crítica, las creencias infundadas y las percepciones erróneas de los agricultores son los factores que los (des)empoderan, llevándolos a subestimar los riesgos asociados al uso de plaguicidas. Es imperativo implementar mecanismos de comunicación de riesgos efectivos con los agricultores para advertir los daños invisibles y a largo plazo que estos productos pueden causar en su salud, en sus comunidades y en el ambiente
Potentially toxic elements in the Caribbean coastal region: A review
Get PDFMarine pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) represents a significant environmental challenge for the Caribbean coastal region. This article reviews research published between 1990 and 2022 on pollution in coastal environments in different countries. The results revealed the presence of As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn, in various samples. Concentration levels in sediments and aquatic samples from various locations suggest possible environmental, toxicological, and public health risks due to contamination. Considerable accumulations were found in some marine organisms, and certain areas show severe contamination; others show lower levels, which indicates the existence of multiple and complex pollution sources, mainly of anthropogenic origin. The article aims to provide an overview of the status of PTEs pollution in the Caribbean, to understand the state of research on the topic and establish a basis for future studies. This review compiles existing knowledge to support multinational efforts. to integrate pollution monitoring and prevention programs in the Caribbean region. Findings from the samples examined vary concerning sampling schemes, parameters, and analytical techniques, as well as differences in data presentation (i.e., dry weight versus wet weight, or fraction of sediment analyzed). These differences make it difficult to make meaningful comparisons between the available data. Limited data are available for most of these contaminants for most of the countries in the region, and any attempt to develop a regional-scale assessment from contaminant data available in the open literature is made difficult by this limitation.Marine pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) represents a significant environmental challenge for the Caribbean coastal region. This article reviews research published between 1990 and 2022 on pollution in coastal environments in different countries. The results revealed the presence of As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn, in various samples. Concentration levels in sediments and aquatic samples from various locations suggest possible environmental, toxicological, and public health risks due to contamination. Considerable accumulations were found in some marine organisms, and certain areas show severe contamination; others show lower levels, which indicates the existence of multiple and complex pollution sources, mainly of anthropogenic origin. The article aims to provide an overview of the status of PTEs pollution in the Caribbean, to understand the state of research on the topic and establish a basis for future studies. This review compiles existing knowledge to support multinational efforts. to integrate pollution monitoring and prevention programs in the Caribbean region. Findings from the samples examined vary concerning sampling schemes, parameters, and analytical techniques, as well as differences in data presentation (i.e., dry weight versus wet weight, or fraction of sediment analyzed). These differences make it difficult to make meaningful comparisons between the available data. Limited data are available for most of these contaminants for most of the countries in the region, and any attempt to develop a regional-scale assessment from contaminant data available in the open literature is made difficult by this limitation
Drug-resistant bacterial microbiota, an additional health risk factor due to chemical contamination in water bodies
Get PDFEnvironmental pollution caused by anthropogenic chemical compounds is a serious problem that requires new economic policies and greater social awareness to mitigate and prevent biodiversity loss and adverse effects on human health. This review aims to determine whether pollutants in freshwater bodies can lead to the development of resistant bacteria to these contaminants and affect the effectiveness of antibiotics used to treat infections in both humans and livestock. Evidence suggests that areas surrounding rivers and lakes contaminated with toxic substances face a higher risk of infections caused by this type of resistant bacteria, which also show resistance to metals, dyes, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and even to various treatments for potable water. Co-resistant organisms are emerging in surface water bodies, airborne particles, and garbage dumps. When they come into contact with potential hosts, they alter the hosts’ microbiota to favor their own survival. The case of the Atoyac River Basin in Central Mexico is described, where co-resistant bacteria have been found in tributaries, leading to an increase in the frequency of antibiotic-resistant infections among riverside communities. This review underscores the urgency of raising public awareness about these issues and implementing measures for the proper management of industrial materials and consumer products. By replacing polluting energy sources, minimizing the use of toxic substances in industry, and improving waste management, we can help reduce pollutant generation and safeguard health, biodiversity, and the environment.Environmental pollution caused by anthropogenic chemical compounds is a serious problem that requires new economic policies and greater social awareness to mitigate and prevent biodiversity loss and adverse effects on human health. This review aims to determine whether pollutants in freshwater bodies can lead to the development of resistant bacteria to these contaminants and affect the effectiveness of antibiotics used to treat infections in both humans and livestock. Evidence suggests that areas surrounding rivers and lakes contaminated with toxic substances face a higher risk of infections caused by this type of resistant bacteria, which also show resistance to metals, dyes, pesticides, hydrocarbons, and even to various treatments for potable water. Co-resistant organisms are emerging in surface water bodies, airborne particles, and garbage dumps. When they come into contact with potential hosts, they alter the hosts’ microbiota to favor their own survival. The case of the Atoyac River Basin in Central Mexico is described, where co-resistant bacteria have been found in tributaries, leading to an increase in the frequency of antibiotic-resistant infections among riverside communities. This review underscores the urgency of raising public awareness about these issues and implementing measures for the proper management of industrial materials and consumer products. By replacing polluting energy sources, minimizing the use of toxic substances in industry, and improving waste management, we can help reduce pollutant generation and safeguard health, biodiversity, and the environment
Formulación de hongos y nematodos entomopatógenos para el control de Heliothis virescens (Fabricius) en tomate
No full textIn the laboratory, the pathogenicity of an emulsion formulation of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and the virulence of the nematodes Steinernema riobrave and Rhabditis blumi in alginate capsules were tested against three instar larvae of the fruit tomato worm Heliothis virescens (Fabricius). The percentage of larvae mortality at different times was determined. The treatments’ effectivity was evaluated in the field: control (water), Abatec (chemical control). M. anisopliae in emulsion, M. anisopliae Metasin, and encapsulated S. riobrave. In the laboratory, M. anisopliae in emulsion caused 90% of larvae mortality at a concentration of 1 × 108 spores/mL at 120 h, while encapsulated S. riobrave caused 100% mortality, and R. blumi 85% at a dose of 100 and 500 infective juvenile/mL post-infection at 144 h. In the field, Abatec showed less fruit damage by fruit worms (2.310 t/ha), followed by encapsulated S. riobrave (2.7 t/ha), M. anisopliae in emulsion (2.850 t/ha), and M. anisopliae (3.5 t/ha). No statistical differences were found in the tomato production, unlike the observed effects in commercial fruit quality, since the better treatment was Abatec followed by M. anisopliae in emulsion, encapsulated S. riobrave, and M. anisopliae. The formulations of M. anisopliae in emulsion and encapsulated S. riobrave were effective against the fruit worm H. virescens at the evaluated doses.Se evaluó en laboratorio la patogenicidad de un formulado en emulsión del hongo Metarhizium anisopliae y la virulencia de los nematodos Steinernema riobrave y Rhabditis blumi en cápsulas de alginato contra larvas de tercer instar del gusano del fruto del tomate Heliothis virescens (Fabricius). Se determinó el porcentaje de mortalidad de larvas a diferentes tiempos. En campo, se evaluó la efectividad de los tratamientos testigo (agua), Abatec (control químico), M. anisopliae en emulsión, M. anisopliae Metasin y S. riobrave encapsulado para el control de H. virescens. En laboratorio, M. anisopliae en emulsión causó 90 % de mortalidad de larvas a una concentración de 1 × 108 esporas/mL a las 120 h, mientras que en S. riobrave encapsulado fue de 100 % y en R. blumi de 85 % a dosis de 100 y 500 juveniles infectivos/mL post infección a las 144 h. En campo, Abatec mostró la menor cantidad de frutos dañados por el gusano del fruto (2.31 t/ha), seguido de S. riobrave encapsulado (2.7 t/ha), M. anisopliae en emulsión (2.85 t/ha) y M. anisopliae (3.5 t/ha). En la producción total de tomate no hubo diferencias significativas, pero si entre los frutos de calidad comercial, siendo Abatec el mejor tratamiento seguido de M. anisopliae en emulsión, S. riobrave encapsulado y M. anisopliae. La formulación de M. anisopliae en emulsión y la de S. riobrave encapsulado fueron efectivas para el control del gusano del fruto H. virescens a las dosis evaluadas
Environmental impact assessment before and after implementing mitigation and prevention measures on two final waste disposal sites. Case study: Zacatecas, Mexico
Get PDFIn Mexico, municipal governments have material, economic, and human resource limitations, as well as a lack of cooperation with state authorities, causing the solid waste management system to neglect environmental protection. This circumstance has adverse environmental impacts that must be addressed. This project shows two impact assessments, before and after the implementation of an environmental management plan (EMP) in two final waste disposal sites in Cuauhtémoc, Zacatecas, Mexico, following the specifications of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-083-SEMARNAT-2003. The results from the first environmental impact assessment (before the EMP) showed that non-compliance with the control, together with the lack of compaction and coverage of waste in the two final disposal sites and the inappropriate closure, were the issues with the highest impact in the study area. The second assessment (after the EMP) showed an increase in positive impacts and a decrease in the magnitude and importance of the negatives, considering the implementation of prevention and mitigation measures. The new conformation and final use of the closed site, entry control, and compaction of waste, along with proceedings for waterproofing the soil during the construction of a new cell in the active site, were the activities with beneficial impacts. The results proved that with the EMP, the final disposal sites could be improved and restored, bringing positive impacts within the municipality through the actions performed.In Mexico, municipal governments have material, economic, and human resource limitations, as well as a lack of cooperation with state authorities, causing the solid waste management system to neglect environmental protection. This circumstance has adverse environmental impacts that must be addressed. This project shows two impact assessments, before and after the implementation of an environmental management plan (EMP) in two final waste disposal sites in Cuauhtémoc, Zacatecas, Mexico, following the specifications of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-083-SEMARNAT-2003. The results from the first environmental impact assessment (before the EMP) showed that non-compliance with the control, together with the lack of compaction and coverage of waste in the two final disposal sites and the inappropriate closure, were the issues with the highest impact in the study area. The second assessment (after the EMP) showed an increase in positive impacts and a decrease in the magnitude and importance of the negatives, considering the implementation of prevention and mitigation measures. The new conformation and final use of the closed site, entry control, and compaction of waste, along with proceedings for waterproofing the soil during the construction of a new cell in the active site, were the activities with beneficial impacts. The results proved that with the EMP, the final disposal sites could be improved and restored, bringing positive impacts within the municipality through the actions performed
Studies for lipase production ability of Aspergillus sp. strains from the misiones rainforest of paranaense
Get PDFFungi of the Aspergillus genus synthesize lipases, which are primarily extracellular enzymes secreted into the culture medium. These lipases have broad substrate specificity and are capable of hydrolyzing a variety of lipids, including triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters, making them the focus of many studies on their applications. The present work carried out an exploratory analysis of the production of lipases in six fungi of the genus Aspergillus isolated in the Misionera Paranaense jungle (Argentina). Using simple qualitative detection techniques with tween 80% and rhodamine B as substrates, and based on the quantitative analysis carried out, it was determined that the isolate Aspergillus sp. LBM 054 showed the highest levels of lipase activity, reaching a total of 133 U/mL. A Plackett-Burman statistical test revealed that adding tributyrin to the culture medium significantly increased the activity of the lipase enzyme (p < 0.05), reaching a value of 168 U/mL. Among the concentrations evaluated, the addition of 2% tributyrin demonstrated the greatest increase in lipase activity, reaching a five-fold increase compared to the initial activity observed at the beginning of the assays. Optimum activity and stability at neutral to alkaline pH values make these enzymes suitable for various biotechnological applications. The zymogram of the selected strain showed an enzymatic profile that included a protein with a molecular mass of 38 kDa.Fungi of the Aspergillus genus synthesize lipases, which are primarily extracellular enzymes secreted into the culture medium. These lipases have broad substrate specificity and are capable of hydrolyzing a variety of lipids, including triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters, making them the focus of many studies on their applications. The present work carried out an exploratory analysis of the production of lipases in six fungi of the genus Aspergillus isolated in the Misionera Paranaense jungle (Argentina). Using simple qualitative detection techniques with tween 80% and rhodamine B as substrates, and based on the quantitative analysis carried out, it was determined that the isolate Aspergillus sp. LBM 054 showed the highest levels of lipase activity, reaching a total of 133 U/mL. A Plackett-Burman statistical test revealed that adding tributyrin to the culture medium significantly increased the activity of the lipase enzyme (p < 0.05), reaching a value of 168 U/mL. Among the concentrations evaluated, the addition of 2% tributyrin demonstrated the greatest increase in lipase activity, reaching a five-fold increase compared to the initial activity observed at the beginning of the assays. Optimum activity and stability at neutral to alkaline pH values make these enzymes suitable for various biotechnological applications. The zymogram of the selected strain showed an enzymatic profile that included a protein with a molecular mass of 38 kDa
Sustainable process from tannery solid waste as an alternative material in the leather goods industry
Get PDFThis study proposes a sustainable method to utilize solid waste from tanneries, specifically leather shavings, to create an alternative material for the leather goods industry. Focused on an experimental methodology, it includes the design and development of a process comprising three units: raw material conditioning, processing, and obtaining the alternative material. In the first stage, leather shavings are refined for suitable physical and chemical characteristics. In the second stage, they are mixed with resins and molded, and in the third stage, they are pressed to form leather sheets. This research aims to design and optimize a sustainable process that allows the maximum use of sawn waste and materials to improve the mechanical properties of the final product, such as tensile strength and mix cohesion. Two suitable resins were identified: Addix E15 and Vinnapas 401, with the latter proving the most cost-effective and efficient. The results provide a solid foundation for future research and industrial applications. The study concludes that this approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the leather industry but also introduces a competitive alternative material for leather goods. Implementing this technique could represent a significant advancement in industrial waste management and the promotion of sustainable practices, benefiting both the environment and nearby communities.This study proposes a sustainable method to utilize solid waste from tanneries, specifically leather shavings, to create an alternative material for the leather goods industry. Focused on an experimental methodology, it includes the design and development of a process comprising three units: raw material conditioning, processing, and obtaining the alternative material. In the first stage, leather shavings are refined for suitable physical and chemical characteristics. In the second stage, they are mixed with resins and molded, and in the third stage, they are pressed to form leather sheets. This research aims to design and optimize a sustainable process that allows the maximum use of sawn waste and materials to improve the mechanical properties of the final product, such as tensile strength and mix cohesion. Two suitable resins were identified: Addix E15 and Vinnapas 401, with the latter proving the most cost-effective and efficient. The results provide a solid foundation for future research and industrial applications. The study concludes that this approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the leather industry but also introduces a competitive alternative material for leather goods. Implementing this technique could represent a significant advancement in industrial waste management and the promotion of sustainable practices, benefiting both the environment and nearby communities
Riesgos asociados con la presencia de genes de resistencia a compuestos antimicrobianos en hortalizas fertilizadas con enmiendas de cerdo
Get PDFIntensive pig production is a farming system aimed at raising large numbers of animals in enclosed and controlled facilities to maximize performance and reduce costs. However, this approach has been criticized due to concerns about animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and overuse of antibiotics. Considering the relevance of the latter, this bibliographic review aimed to evaluate the available evidence on antimicrobial resistance genes in vegetables intended for human consumption, which were previously fertilized with organic amendments from pig manure. For this purpose, a selection of scientific articles obtained from the “Web of Science”; website was analyzed, which provided information on fifteen vegetables, and the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. These genes were classified according to the family of antibiotics to which they present resistance to, and the resistance mechanism involved. The analyses revealed that the vegetables Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis and Allium tuberosum showed a higher abundance of resistance genes related to various families of antibiotics, identifying a total of seven. In particular, the genes were mainly associated with the groups of tetracyclines, sulfonamides, chloramphenicols, aminoglycosides, and beta-lactams. Regarding the identified resistance mechanisms, the expulsion by efflux bombs were the most prevalent. These results suggest that the consumption of vegetables fertilized with organic amendments from pig manure could become a route for the propagation of antimicrobial resistance genes, representing a potential risk to consumer health. Consequently, it is crucial to implement adequate management and treatment measures for organic amendments used in agriculture, along with regulating the overuse of antibiotics in the animal industry.La producción intensiva de cerdos es un sistema para criar grandes cantidades de animales en instalaciones cerradas y controladas para maximizar el rendimiento y reducir los costos. Sin embargo, este enfoque ha sido criticado debido a preocupaciones sobre el bienestar animal, la sostenibilidad ambiental y el uso excesivo de antibióticos. Considerando la relevancia de este último punto, la presente revisión tuvo como objetivo evaluar la evidencia disponible sobre la presencia de genes de resistencia a compuestos antimicrobianos en cultivos de hortalizas destinadas al consumo humano, que fueron previamente fertilizadas con enmiendas de cerdo. Para ello, se analizó una selección de artículos científicos obtenidos de la base de datos “Web of Science”, los cuales proporcionaron información sobre quince especies vegetales examinadas y la presencia de genes de resistencia a antibióticos (GRA). Estos genes se clasificaron según la familia de antibióticos a los que presentan resistencia y el mecanismo de resistencia involucrado. Los análisis revelaron que las hortalizas Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis y Allium tuberosum exhibieron una mayor abundancia de genes de resistencia relacionados con diversas familias de antibióticos, identificándose un total de siete. En específico, los genes se asociaron principalmente con los grupos de las tetraciclinas, sulfonamidas, cloranfenicoles, aminoglucósidos y betalactámicos. En cuanto a los mecanismos de resistencia identificados prevaleció el de expulsión por bombas de efluido. Estos resultados sugieren que el consumo de hortalizas fertilizadas con enmiendas de cerdo tiene el potencial de convertirse en una vía para la propagación de genes de resistencia a compuestos antimicrobianos, con el consiguiente riesgo potencial para la salud de los consumidores. En consecuencia, es crucial implementar medidas adecuadas de manejo y tratamiento de las enmiendas utilizadas en la agricultura, junto con regular el uso excesivo de antibióticos en la industria animal
Caracterización fenotípica y propiedades ecológicas de bacterias termorresistentes aisladas de desechos mineros
Get PDFMine tailings contain waste with a chemical composition that is susceptible to oxidation. The oxidation of these wastes creates conditions that reach the threshold of environmental extremes. These extreme conditions limit the development of life. However, bacteria have adapted to extreme environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to isolate heat-resistant bacteria from mining wastes and describe their phenotypic characteristics and ecological properties, providing insight into their adaptation to the extreme conditions of these pollutants. The rhizosphere-associated substrate had the highest abundance, and the leachate was the sample with the highest diversity of thermoresistant bacteria. The dominance of Gram-positive bacilli was described, mainly in the leachate. All isolates showed protection against oxidative stress, and most of them did not use oxygen as an electron acceptor in respiration. The thermoresistant bacteria showed evidence of acidophilic growth. Despite being selected by heat shock, only 34% of the samples produced biofilm. Sixty-nine per cent of the isolates grew on medium containing inorganic phosphorus but showed no evidence of solubilization. These isolates showed significant phenotypic changes in the morphology of their colonies. Correlations between phenotypic characteristics and ecological properties of heat-resistant bacteria revealed adaptive similarities shared by groups of isolates. These correlations need to be confirmed from a phylogenetic perspective. This study contributes to the description of adaptability to extremophilic sites of anthropogenic origin, aiming to identify bacteria for potential use in the bioremediation of mining sites.Los relaves mineros contienen desechos con una composición química susceptible a la oxidación. La oxidación de estos desechos genera condiciones que alcanzan el umbral de extremosidad ambiental. Estas condiciones extremas limitan el desarrollo de la vida. Sin embargo, las bacterias se han adaptado a las condiciones de ambientes extremos. El objetivo de este estudio fue aislar bacterias termorresistentes de desechos mineros para describir características fenotípicas y propiedades ecológicas que vislumbren su adaptación a las condiciones extremas de estos contaminantes. El sustrato asociado a la rizosfera tuvo la mayor abundancia y el lixiviado fue la muestra con mayor diversidad de bacterias termorresistentes. Se describió una dominancia de bacilos grampositivos, principalmente en el lixiviado. Todos los aislados presentaron protección ante el estrés oxidativo y la mayoría no utiliza el oxígeno como aceptor de electrones en la respiración. Las bacterias termorresistentes mostraron evidencias de un crecimiento acidófilo. A pesar de haber sido seleccionadas por choque térmico, solo el 34 % produce biofilm. El 69 % de los aislados creció en un medio con fósforo inorgánico, pero no mostró evidencias de solubilización. Estos aislados tuvieron cambios fenotípicos considerables en la morfología de sus colonias. La correlación entre las características fenotípicas y las propiedades ecológicas de las bacterias termorresistentes reveló similitudes adaptativas que comparten entre grupos de aislados. Estas correlaciones deben ser confirmadas desde una perspectiva filogenética. Este estudio contribuye a la descripción de la adaptabilidad a sitios extremófilos de origen antrópico con la intención de identificar bacterias para uso potencial en la biorremediación de sitios mineros