Insects and spiders on Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) saplings as bioindicators for the recovery of tropical degraded areas / Insetos e aranhas em plantas de Acacia mangium (Fabaceae) como bioindicadores na recuperação de área tropical degradada

Abstract Acacia mangium is a pioneer species with fast growth and frequently used in the recovery of degraded areas. The objectives were to evaluate insects and spiders, their ecological indices and interactions on A. mangium saplings in a tropical degraded area in recovering process. The experimental design was completely randomized with 24 replications, with treatments represented by the first and second years after A. mangium seedling planted. Numbers of leaves/branch, branches/sapling, and ground cover by A. mangium saplings, Hemiptera: Phenacoccus sp. and Pachycoris torridus; Hymenoptera: Tetragonisca angustula and Trigona spinipes, Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. and Cephalotes sp.; Blattodea: Nasutitermes sp. and Neuroptera: Chrysoperla sp.; abundance, species richness of pollinating insects, tending ants, and the abundance of Sternorrhyncha predators were greatest in the second year after planting. Numbers of Hemiptera: Aethalium reticulatum, Hymenoptera: Camponotus sp., Cephalotes sp., Polybia sp., T. angustula, T. spinipes, tending ants, pollinating insects, Sternorrhyncha predators and species richness of tending ants were highest on A. mangium saplings with greatest numbers of leaves or branches. The increase in the population of arthropods with ground cover by A. mangium saplings age increase indicates the positive impact by this plant on the recovery process of degraded areas.

Resumo Acacia mangium é uma espécie pioneira, de rápido crescimento e utilizada na recuperação de áreas degradadas. Os objetivos foram avaliar insetos e aranhas, seus índices ecológicos e interações com plantas de A. mangium em área tropical degradada em processo de recuperação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com 24 repetições, com os tratamentos representados pelos primeiro e segundo anos após a plantio de A. mangium. Os números de folhas/galhos, galhos/plantas e cobertura do solo por plantas de A. mangium, de Hemiptera: Phenacoccus sp. e Pachycoris torridus; Hymenoptera: Tetragonisca angustula e Trigona spinipes, Brachymyrmex sp., Camponotus sp. e Cephalotes sp.; Blattodea: Nasutitermes sp. e Neuroptera: Chrysoperla sp.; a abundância, riqueza de espécies de insetos polinizadores, formigas cuidadoras e a abundância de predadores de Sternorrhyncha foram maiores no segundo ano após o plantio. Os números de Hemiptera: Aethalium reticulatum, Hymenoptera: Camponotus sp., Cephalotes sp., Polybia sp., T. angustula, T. spinipes, formigas cuidadoras, insetos polinizadores, predadores de Sternorrhyncha e a riqueza de espécies de formigas cuidadoras foram maiores em plantas de A. mangium com maior altura e número de folhas ou galhos. O aumento populacional de artrópodes e da cobertura do solo com o processo de envelhecimento das plantas de A. mangium indicam impacto positivo dessa planta na recuperação de áreas degradadas.

Reserve mobilization and secondary metabolites during seed germination and seedling establishment of the tree Erythrina velutina (Fabaceae) / Movilización de reservas y metabolitos secundarios durante la germinación de semillas y el establecimiento de plántulas del árbol Erythrina velutina (Fabaceae)

Introduction: The lack of knowledge on seed germination and seedling establishment is a main constraint for the restoration of degraded areas, including the tropical dry forest known as Caatinga. Objective: To assess reserve and secondary metabolite mobilization during seed germination and seedling establishment in Erythina velutina. Methods: We scarified, disinfected, imbibed, sown between towel paper, and incubated seeds under controlled conditions. We hydroponically cultivated seedlings in a greenhouse. We harvested cotyledons at seed imbibition, radicle protrusion, hypocotyl emergence, apical hook formation and expansion of cordiform leaves, first trifoliate leaf, and second trifoliate leaf. Results: Seeds contained approximately 20 % starch, 14.5 % storage proteins, 11.6 % neutral lipids, and 5.7 % non-reducing sugars on a dry weight basis. Soluble sugars were mainly consumed from hypocotyl emergence to apical hook formation, while major reserves were mobilized from apical hook formation to expansion of first trifoliate leaf. Enzymatic activity increased from mid to late seedling establishment, causing the mobilization of starch, oils, and proteins. Terpenoid-derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and alkaloids were detected. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were present at almost all stages and terpenoid-derivatives disappeared at expansion of cordiform leaves. Conclusion: Soluble sugars support early seedling growth, while starch, oils and proteins are simultaneously mobilized from mid to late establishment by amylases, lipases, and acid proteases. The cotyledons contain secondary metabolites, which may act in seedling defense. High content of reserves and presence of secondary metabolites in the cotyledons could enable E. velutina seedlings endure stress, validating their use in the restoration of degraded areas.

Introducción: La falta de conocimiento sobre la germinación de semillas y el establecimiento de plántulas es una de las principales limitaciones para la restauración de áreas degradadas, incluido el bosque seco tropical conocido como Caatinga. Objetivo: Evaluar la movilización de reservas y metabolitos secundarios durante estas etapas de desarrollo en Erythina velutina. Métodos: Las semillas fueron escarificadas, desinfectadas, embebidas, sembradas entre toallas de papel e incubadas bajo condiciones controladas. Cultivamos las plántulas hidropónicamente en un invernadero. Recolectamos los cotiledones en la imbibición de la semilla, la protrusión de la radícula, la emergencia del hipocótilo, la formación del gancho apical y la expansión de las hojas cordiformes, la primera y segunda hoja trifoliada. Resultados: Las semillas contenían 20 % de almidón, 14.5 % de proteínas de almacenamiento, 11.6 % de lípidos neutros y 5.7 % de azúcares no reductores en peso seco. Los azúcares solubles se consumieron desde la emergencia del hipocótilo hasta la formación del gancho apical. Las principales reservas se movilizaron desde la formación del gancho apical hasta la expansión de la primera hoja trifoliada. La actividad enzimática aumentó desde la mitad hasta el final del establecimiento de las plántulas, movilizando almidón, aceites y proteínas. Se detectaron derivados de terpenoides, flavonoides, ácidos fenólicos y alcaloides. Los flavonoides y los ácidos fenólicos estuvieron en casi todas las etapas y los derivados terpenoides desaparecieron en la expansión de las hojas cordiformes. Conclusión: Los azúcares solubles apoyan el crecimiento temprano de las plántulas; el almidón, los aceites y las proteínas se movilizan simultáneamente desde el establecimiento medio hasta el final por amilasas, lipasas y proteasas ácidas. Los cotiledones contienen metabolitos secundarios, que pueden actuar en la defensa de las plántulas. El alto contenido de reservas y los metabolitos secundarios en los cotiledones podría permitir que las plántulas de E. velutina toleren estrés, validando su uso en la restauración de áreas degradadas.

Revegetación natural de áreas afectadas por minería de oro en la selva pluvial tropical del Chocó, Colombia / Natural revegetation of areas impacted by gold mining in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia

Introducción: La minería de oro a cielo abierto ocasiona impactos drásticos sobre los bosques naturales en regiones tropicales de alta biodiversidad, y la eficiencia de "revegetación", un proceso de resembrar y reconstruir el suelo, continúa siendo poco estudiado. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del tiempo sucesional y la distancia al bosque de referencia sobre la estructura biológica y composición de especies en minas de oro revegetadas. Métodos: Realizamos inventarios de vegetación en minas abandonadas en el bosque tropical lluvioso de Chocó, Colombia. Las minas contaban con 6, 10, 15, 19 y 24 años de sucesión natural. En cada escenario, establecimos cuatro parcelas de 2×50 m: a 50 m y 100 m de distancia desde el borde bosque-mina (ecotono). Resultados: Se identificaron 300 especies (193 géneros y 75 familias). La riqueza, diversidad y equitatividad cambian poco con el tiempo sucesional en las minas, pero alcanzan valores superiores en el bosque de referencia. La composición de especies es similar entre las minas con distinto tiempo sucesional, pero difiere ampliamente del bosque de referencia (solo 7 % de semejanza). La calidad del sustrato y las estrategias reproductivas de plantas herbáceas (principalmente Cyperaceae y Melastomataceae) y arbóreas (Cespedesia spathulata y Miconia reducens) que crecen espontáneamente en las minas, juegan un papel importante en la revegetación natural temprana. Conclusiones: 24 años de sucesión natural es poco tiempo para apreciar una recuperación sustancial de la vegetación en las minas si se compara con el bosque, y la distancia desde el ecotono parece no tener efecto significativo; sin embargo, la calidad de sustrato y estrategias reproductivas de plantas herbáceas son importantes en la etapa temprana de recuperación de las áreas impactadas por la minería de oro en Chocó.

Introduction: Open pit gold mining causes drastic impacts on natural forests in tropical regions of high biodiversity, and the efficacy of "revegetation", a process of replanting and rebuilding the soil, is still poorly studied. Objective: To evaluate the effect of successional time, and distance to the reference forest, on the biological structure and species composition of revegetated gold mines. Methods: We inventoried the adjacent forest and abandoned gold mines in the tropical rain forest of Chocó, Colombia. The mines had 6, 10, 15, 19 and 24 years of natural succession. In each scenario, we set four 2 × 50 m plots: two 50 m and two 100 m from the forest-mine edge (ecotone). Results: We identified 300 plant species (193 genera, 75 families). The richness, diversity and evenness changed little with successional time in the mines but reached higher values in the forest. The species composition was similar between the mines with different successional times but differed widely from the forest (only 7 % similarity). The substrate quality and reproductive strategies of herbaceous plants (mainly Cyperaceae and Melastomataceae) and trees (Cespedesia spathulata and Miconia reducens) that grow spontaneously in the mines, play an important role on the early natural revegetation. Conclusions: The 24 years of natural succession have been insufficient to reach a community of a complexity similar to that of the forest, and distance from the ecotone has no significant effect; however, the substrate quality and reproductive strategies of herbaceous plants are important in the early stages of mine recovery in the Chocó.

Effect of handling, time of use and photoactivation on the contamination of dental composite resins

This study evaluated the effect of contamination of composite resins (CRs) handled by undergraduate students during restorative procedures, varying the time (baseline, 30 days and 60 days) and experimental condition (before and after handling, contamination with saliva [positive control] and photoactivation). Eight CR tubes were randomly distributed at the dental clinic and the samples were organized into four groups: CR fragments collected before (GB) and after (GA) the restorative procedure; CR fragments contaminated with saliva (GS) and photoactivated (GP) both collected after the procedure. These 4 groups were evaluated in 3 different times: baseline (after sealing), 30 days and 60 days of use of the CR. Samples that had positive turbidity in Brain HeartInfusion (BHI) broth were sown in BHI and Sabouraud Dextrose (SB) agars for subsequent counting of Colony Forming Units (CFU mL-1). The results showed that the handling was responsible for increasing contamination (p < 0.05) at the baseline (GB [n = 0] and GA [n = 3]), as well as after 30 (GB [n = 1] and GA [n = 6]) and 60 (GB [n = 1] and GA [n = 5]) days of use. Photoactivation was responsible for the reduction for microorganisms in T0 and T60. Additionally, the time use and conservation did not influencethe contamination of CRs. Handling was responsible for the increase of contamination of CR, the photoactivation seems to reduce the number of viable microorganisms and the time of use seems not to potentiate the effect of tube contamination.

Genótipos e Fenótipos de Resistência a Metais Pesados e Agrotóxicos em Patógenos de Alto Risco em Saúde Única / Genotypes and Phenotypes of Resistance to Heavy Metals and Pesticides in High-Risk Pathogens in Single Health

As atividades industriais e de agronegócio, embora necessárias para o desenvolvimento da sociedade, tem causado sérios problemas ambientais devido à eliminação inadequada de seus efluentes, sendo o tratamento destes um dos assuntos mais importantes em relação ao controle de poluição. Os microrganismos podem ser utilizados como biomarcadores de contaminação, portanto, o conhecimento de mecanismos associados à resistência e a capacidade de imobilização e biotransformação de poluentes é um fator importante para a identificação de linhagens adaptadas, que podem ser eficientes no tratamento e na recuperação de áreas contaminadas. O objetivo do presente projeto foi avaliar o perfil de tolerância de patógenos bacterianos de alto risco em saúde única, aos metais pesados (mercúrio, prata, telúrio e arsênio) e ao agrotóxico glifosato; identificando o resistoma associado. A correlação fenótipo-genótipo foi avaliada em isolados de Klebsiella pneumoniae (n= 35), Escherichia coli (n=46), e Salmonella spp. (n=19), determinando a CIM pelo método de microdiluição, e analisando as respectivas sequências genômicas. Entre os isolados de K. pneumoniae, 32 cepas apresentaram CIM elevadas (64- 512µg/mL) para o metal prata, dos quais 20 carregam o operon silPABCRSE responsável por conferir resistência. Uma cepa de K. pneumoniae carregando genes terABCE apresentou uma CIM de 64 µg/mL para telúrio. Seis cepas de E. coli apresentaram uma CIM >32 µg/mL para telúrio, sendo que 3 cepas carregam os genes tehA/B. Outras 6 cepas de E. coli apresentaram CIM para prata de 256-512 µg/mL, mas só duas carregaram genes silPFCE. Duas cepas de Salmonella apresentaram CIM 64-128 µg/mL para telúrio, e carregam genes tehA/B e terABCDEF. Em relação ao arsênio, 24 cepas de E. coli apresentaram uma CIM ≥ 512 µg/mL, e destas, 12 cepas carregam os genes arsRBC. Salmonella spp., que carregam o gene merR apresentaram CIMs de 8-16 µg/mL para mercúrio. Não foi possível correlacionar a presença do operon phnC-P (sugerido como responsável pela tolerância ao glifosato) com CIMs elevadas para este composto. Os resultados obtidos suportam a hipóteses que a exposição de bactérias de origem humana, animal e ambiental, aos metais pesados pode estar contribuindo para a seleção de linhagens tolerantes, sendo que a tolerância à prata mediada pelo operon silPABCRSE em K. pneumoniae foi predominante no grupo clonal CG258, característica com potencial de biomarcador que pode ser utilizado para monitorar o impacto do uso deste metal nas diferentes atividades humanas. Neste trabalho foi possível padronizar a técnica de PCR com os genes do operon sil de interesse

Industrial and agribusiness activities have caused serious environmental problems due to the inadequate disposal of their effluents, the treatment of which being one of the most important issues in relation to pollution control. Microorganisms can be used as biomarkers of contamination, therefore the knowledge of mechanisms associated with resistance and the immobilization and biotransformation capacity of pollutants can be an important factor for the identification of adapted strains, efficient in the treatment and recovery of contaminated areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance profile of critical priority bacterial pathogens relevant in One Health, to heavy metals (mercury, silver, tellurium, and arsenic) and to the pesticide glyphosate, identifying the associated resistome. The phenotype-genotype correlation was evaluated in antibiotic-resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n= 35), Escherichia coli (n= 46), and Salmonella spp. (n= 19), by MIC determination using the microdilution method, and by analysis of their respective genomic sequences. Among the isolates of K. pneumoniae, 32 strains showed elevated MIC (64-512 µg/mL) for silver metal, of which 20 carried the silPABCRSE operon responsible for conferring resistance. A strain of K. pneumoniae carrying terrace genes showed a MIC of 64 µg/mL for tellurium. Six strains of E. coli showed an MIC> 32 µg/mL for tellurium, with 3 strains carrying the Thea/B genes. Other 6 strainsof E. coli showed MIC for silver of 256-512 µg/mL, but only two carried silPFCE genes. Two strains of Salmonella showed MIC 64-128 µg/mL for tellurium and carried the/B and terABCDEF genes. In relation to arsenic, 24 strains of E. coli had a MIC 512 µg/mL, and of these, 12 strains carried the arsRBC genes. Salmonella spp., which carriedthe mer gene, had MICs of 8-16 µg/mL for mercury. It was not possible to correlate thepresence of the phonic-P operon (suggested as responsible for glyphosate tolerance) with elevated MICs for this compound. The silver tolerance mediated by the operon sil was a predominant feature in K. pneumoniae strains belonging to the clonal group CG258, suggesting a intrinsic property that has contributed to the persistence and wide dissemination of CG258 within a One Health context, which could be as a biomarkerto monitor the impact of the use of silver compounds and silver-based biomaterial on different human activities. In this work it was possible to standardize the PCR technique with the genes of the sil operon of interest

Phytosociology, successional level, and conservation of the woody component in a "restinga" of Maranhão island, Brazil / Fitosociología, nivel sucesional y conservación del componente leñoso de una "restinga" en isla Maranhão, Brasil

Abstract Introduction: The "restingas" (coast vegetation) can serve as a species corridor in ecotonal environments due to the particulars regarding the composition of the flora. The studies covering the entire length of the Maranhão state coast are necessary to understand the diversity and distribution of plant species present in the "restingas". Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the structure and conservation of the woody vegetation of a "restinga" in Maranhão. Methods: Phytosociological sampling of woody vegetation was carried out using the quadrants method, followed by classification of species by successional group; in addition to analyzing the diametric and hypsometric data of the populations whose species presented the highest importance value (IV). Results: In total, 24 species and 16 families were identified, 72 % of which were classified in the initial stages of succession. The values of H' and J' were 2.637 nat.ind-1and 0.830, respectively. The mean height and diameter were 2.1 m and 27.66 cm, respectively. The species Coccoloba ramosissima Wedd., Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth, Anacardium occidentale L., Manilkara triflora (Allemão) Monach, and Astrocaryum vulgare Mart. presented the highest IVs. Conclusions: It was observed that characteristics such as size, power of regrowth, and ease of regeneration processes could be useful for choosing target species for recovery actions in coastal areas.

Resumen Introducción: Las "restingas" pueden servir como corredor de especies en ambientes ecotonales debido a los aspectos de la composición de la flora. Los estudios a lo largo de la costa del estado de Maranhão son necesarios para comprender la diversidad y distribución de las especies de plantas presentes en las "restingas". Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la estructura y conservación de la vegetación leñosa de una "restinga" en Maranhão. Métodos: Se realizó un muestreo fitosociológico de la vegetación leñosa utilizando cuadrantes, seguido de la clasificación de especies por grupo sucesional; además de analizar los datos diamétricos e hipsométricos de las poblaciones cuyas especies presentaron el de mayor valor importancia (VI). Resultados: En total, se identificaron 24 especies y 16 familias, 72 % de los cuales fueron clasificados en las etapas iniciales de sucesión. Los valores de H' y J' fueron 2.637 nat.ind-1 y 0.830, respectivamente. La altura y el diámetro medios fueron de 2.1 my 27.66 cm, respectivamente. Las especies Coccoloba ramosissima Wedd., Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth, Anacardium occidentale L., Manilkara triflora (Allemão) Monach, y Astrocaryum vulgare Mart. presentaron los valores de mayor importancia (VI). Conclusiones: se observó que características como el tamaño, capacidad de rebrote y la facilidad de los procesos de regeneración podrían ser útiles para elegir las especies objetivo para las acciones de recuperación en las zonas costeras.

Crescimento e sobrevivência da castanheira do Brasil em três habitats antropogênicos após dez anos de plantação / Growth and survival over ten years of Brazil-nut trees planted in three anthropogenic habitats in northern Amazonia

No presente estudo analisamos o crescimento e a sobrevivência da castanheira, Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) em diferentes condições ambientais e níveis de abertura de dossel em plantações experimentais localizadas na bacia do Rio Trombetas, na Amazônia oriental brasileira. Plantamos 144 mudas em habitats antrópicos com diferentes intensidades de luz: roçados recentemente abandonados (100% de abertura de dossel), capoeira de 2-3 anos (20-80% de abertura de dossel) e castanhal maduro (< 10% de abertura de dossel). Anualmente, durante dez anos, medimos a altura e diâmetro das plantas, e registramos mortalidade e rebrotação. A performance de B. excelsa variou significativamente entre os habitats, tendo a taxa de crescimento mais alta sido observada no roçado. A sobrevivência foi mais alta no roçado (85%) e na capoeira (63%) e mais baixa no castanhal (17%). A capacidade de rebrotação das plantas de castanheira foi maior no roçado, onde as plantas de castanheira se recuperaram após episódios de fogo, a maioria com rebrotação de mais de um caule. Algumas plantas do roçado começaram a produzir flores e frutos aos 9-10 anos do plantio. Nós mostramos que plantas jovens de B. excelsa são heliófilas (com alta demanda de luz), com maior crescimento e sobrevivência em condições de alta luminosidade. Sugerimos a utilização da castanheira em programas de reflorestamento, restauração de áreas degradadas e enriquecimento de floresta secundária, sempre que se adotem medidas adequadas de manejo (e.g., manutenção das condições de exposição direta à luz solar e controle de espécies pioneiras competidoras. (AU)

Análise das oportunidades e desafios no uso de Soluções baseadas na Natureza como medidas complementares ao "Programa Novo Rio Pinheiros" na cidade de São Paulo / Analysis of opportunities and challenges in the use of Nature-based Solutions as complementary measures to the "Novo Rio Pinheiros Program" in the city of São Paulo

As deficiências na infraestrutura sanitária e urbana, a ineficiente gestão dos resíduos sólidos urbanos, as ocupações das planícies aluviais e a impermeabilização do solo são alguns dos principais fatores que condicionam ao estado de poluição em cursos hídricos, bem como potencializam os riscos de transbordamentos de rios e córregos urbanos. A conservação de bacias hidrográficas tem se tornado essenciais frente ao desafio de assegurar a disponibilidade de água em padrões de qualidade. Implantado em 2019, o Programa Novo Rio Pinheiros, tem a meta de reduzir o esgoto lançado em seus afluentes e melhorar a qualidade das águas até 2022. Com o objetivo de contribuir no alcance das metas do Programa, analisou-se o potencial das Soluções baseadas na Natureza (SbN) como medidas complementares às infraestruturas convencionais de saneamento. Para tanto, a pesquisa foi dividida em três partes, a primeira analisou estudos de caso com SbN por meio de uma revisão sistemática de literatura. A segunda e terceira compreenderam estudos que identificaram as sub-bacias dos córregos do Jaguaré, Pirajuçara, Pau Arcado/Morumbi, Morro do S, Cordeiro, Água Espraiada, Zavuvus, Pedreira, Olaria, Poli, Sapateiro, e o dreno do Brooklin, em condições mais críticas de poluição das águas superficiais ou de alagamentos urbanos na bacia hidrográfica do rio Pinheiros. Os resultados identificaram que as SbN proporcionam oportunidades como: (1) solução decentralizada e de baixo custo para conter alagamento e poluição na água, fornecendo alternativas de tratamento próximo das fontes geradoras; (2) soluções eficientes para remover compostos de fósforo, nitrogênio, substâncias orgânicas e sedimentos; (3) recuperação de áreas degradadas e contaminadas; e (4) integração dos serviços ecossistêmicos e paisagísticos. O desafio no uso de SbN está na apropriação dos espaços urbanos densamente povoados, sendo que as regiões centrais com urbanização mais consolidada, que dispõe de mais áreas verdes como as praças e parques, as tipologias de SbN como biovaletas e os jardins pluviais são mais favoráveis e, nas regiões periféricas, com a predominância de ruas estreitas e ausência de áreas verdes, os parques lineares são mais favoráveis para melhorar a qualidade ambiental dos córregos e a ampliação de espaços de lazer. Concluiu-se que o uso de SbN tem o potencial de aprimorar as ações do eixo saneamento, contribuindo para alcançar as metas do Programa Novo Rio Pinheiros.

Deficiencies in sanitary and urban infrastructure, inefficient management of urban solid waste, occupation of floodplains and soil sealing are some of the main factors that condition the state of pollution in water courses, as well as potentiate the risks of river overflows. and urban streams. The conservation of watersheds has become essential in the face of the challenge of ensuring the availability of water with quality standards. Implemented in 2019, the Novo Rio Pinheiros Program has the goal of reducing the sewage discharged into its tributaries and improving water quality by 2022. In order to contribute to the achievement of the Program's goals, the potential of Nature-based Solution (NbS) as complementary measures to conventional sanitation infrastructures. Therefore, the research was divided into three parts, the first analyzed case studies with NbS through a systematic literature review. The second and third comprised studies that identified the sub-basins streams of Jaguaré, Pirajuçara, Pau Arcado/Morumbi, Morro do S, Cordeiro, Água Espraiada, Zavuvus, Pedreira, Olaria, Poli, Sapateiro, and the Brooklin drain, in more critical conditions of surface water pollution or urban flooding in the Pinheiros river basin. The results identified that the NbS provide opportunities such as: (1) a decentralized and low-cost solution to contain flooding and water pollution, providing treatment alternatives close to the generating sources; (2) efficient solutions to remove phosphorus compounds, nitrogen, organic substances and sediments; (3) recovery of degraded and contaminated areas; and (4) integration of ecosystem and landscape services. The challenge in using NbS is in the appropriation of densely populated urban spaces, with central regions with more consolidated urbanization, which have more green areas such as squares and parks, NbS typologies such as biovaletas and rain gardens are more favorable, although in peripheral regions, with the predominance of narrow streets and the absence of green areas, the linear parks are more favorable to improve the environmental quality of streams and the expansion of leisure spaces. It was concluded that the use of NbS has the potential to improve the actions of the sanitation axis, contributing to achieving the goals of the Novo Rio Pinheiros Program.

Use of Phanerochaete Chrysosporium in a Semibatch Reactor for Removal of Indigo Carmine from Synthetic Textile Wastewater

Abstract The textile industry demonstrates a polluting potential from the planting of cotton to the release of wastewater. The presence of dyes in water bodies decreases the passage of sun rays and directly affects the photosynthetic organisms and the ecosystem. Fungi have potential in the treatment of wastewater containing dyes with complex organic structures due to enzymes that they produce. This study evaluated the use of Phanerochaete chrisosporium in the treatment of synthetic effluent from textile industry containing indigo carmine (20 mg/L). The fungus was immobilized in a semibatch reactor. Glucose was the cosubstrate employed in the experiment and it was used in the system at 1g/L at the beginning of the process and 0.5 g /L after 24 hours of reaction. Average dye removal was 84±10% and chemical oxygen demand removal was 79±14%. For nitrogen compounds, the removal efficiencies were 87±11%, 81±11% and 91±9% for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, respectively. The pH of the medium remained in the acidic range (2.57 to 5.00) throughout the process, with the lowest values recorded in the effluent of each cycle, justified by the release of organic acids from fungi metabolism. There was contamination of the medium by bacteria (710,000 CFU/mL), but the colonies count showed a predominance of fungi (1,365,000 CFU/mL). With the use of the semibatch system after reading of glucose it was observed that the efficiency of dye removal evolved from 72±17% to 84±10%, producing a final effluent with 3.35±1.99 mg/L of indigo, which proves that treatment configuration analyzed is satisfactory for dye removal.

Advances in degradation mechanisms of 1,2,3-trichloropropane and remediation technology of contaminated sites / 生物工程学报

1,2,3-trichloropropane (TCP) is an industrially synthesized aliphatic chlorinated hydrocarbon and an intermediate product in the industrial production of epichlorohydrin, which can be used as a precursor for the manufacture of soil fumigant and organic solvents. Due to its biological toxicity, environmental persistence and strong environmental migration ability, 1,2,3-TCP is listed as an emerging organochlorine pollutant in the environment and regulated by many international organizations. Currently, the degradation of 1,2,3-TCP and the remediation of 1,2,3-TCP-contaminated sites receive great attention, but the degradation mechanism of 1,2,3-TCP has not been summarized in depth. This article discussed the origin of 1,2,3-TCP, its environmental impact and ecological effects, and the physical and chemical degradation techniques. This was followed by summarizing the degradation mechanisms of 1,2,3-TCP (e.g., aerobic co-biodegradation, anaerobic biodegradation). Specially, the pathways and mechanisms of microbial biodegradation and transformation of 1,2,3-TCP in anoxic environments (e.g., groundwater) were thoroughly reviewed. The feasibility of using 1,2,3-TCP as an electron acceptor by organohalide-respiring bacteria under anoxic conditions was predicted based on thermodynamic analysis. Last but not least, in situ bioremediation of 1,2,3-TCP contaminated sites was summarized, and prospects for future research were discussed.

Effects of experimental lightgaps and topography on enrichment plantings in a central Amazonian secondary forest

Enrichment plantings into secondary forest are an important option in restoring species diversity and ecosystem services. However, little attention has been given to environmental requirements for species performance. This study evaluated the effects of lightgaps and topographic position on the growth and survival of four native tree species (Pouteria caimito, Garcinia macrophylla, Dipteryx odorata and Cynometra bauhiniaefolia) planted into a 26-year old secondary forest originating from abandoned pastures in the central Amazon Basin. Artificial lightgaps and control plots under closed canopy were uniformly distributed on plateaus and bottomlands near water bodies. Seedlings were planted randomly into the plots and monitored for 28 months. Seedling survival rate was high (93%) and did not differ among species. Overall, lightgaps produced a 38% increase in seedling height relative to the controls. Although the four species naturally occur in mature forest, two of the four grew significantly more in lightgaps than in closed canopy secondary forest. Overall, bottomlands facilitated greater seedling growth in height (38%) relative to plateaus, but only one species exhibited a significant increase. This study shows the importance of the environmental variability generated with canopy openings along the topographic gradient, suggesting that both the selection of species and microsite conditions of planting sites have to be considered important criteria in the recovery of degraded areas. (AU)

Photocatalytic Degradation of Textile dye Orange-122 Via Electrospray Mass Spectrometry

Abstract This work reports the study of the potential application of Zn/TiO2 catalysts, obtained by the sol-gel method, in processes of environmental decontamination through the reactions of photodegradation of textile dye, followed by electrospray mass spectrometry. The catalysts synthesis was performed according to a 2² factorial design with repetition at the central point. The characterization techniques used were: N2 adsorption measurements (BET method), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (MEV/EDS), X-ray diffraction and point of zero charge (PZC). The photocatalytic tests were performed in batch in the presence of sunlight, and to evaluate the degradation kinetics study, a rapid direct injection electrospray mass spectrometry (DI-ESI-MS) method has been developed. By the photocatalytic tests, the calcination temperature of 400 °C has shown the best results of discoloration for the reactive Orange-122 dye (99.76%) in a reaction time of 2h. The discoloration kinetics were a pseudo-first order, and a statistical analysis was performed to investigate the effects of the variables and to optimize the conditions of discoloration to the dye. After the reactional time of 2 h, an ion of m/z 441.5 was detected by ESI-MS, indicating that the photocatalytic process was effective for the degradation of the dye to secondary compounds.

Recovery of degraded area of Urochloa decumbens with turkey litter fertilizer / Recuperação de área degradada de urochloa decumbens adubando com cama de peru

The aimed of this study was to evaluate the effects of different dosages of turkey litter on soil's chemical attributes and yield of the Urochloa decumbens in classified as degraded pasture. The work was performed at the municipality of Mineiros-GO between October/2011 and September/2013 in Quartzipsamment soil. The treatments consisted in applications of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 Mg ha-1 of turkey litter at a randomized-complete blocks design with four replications. Was evaluated the fodder's productivity and the following soil's chemical attributes: organic matter, hydrogenionic potential (CaCl2), phosphorus (resin), potassium, calcium, magnesium, cation exchange capacity and base saturation of soil. In general terms, the increase of turkey litter's doses increased the grass productivity and the supply of nutrients of the soil, maintaining the balance of the soil-plant system. The dosage of 12 Mg ha-1 year-1 of turkey litter ensure higher amounts in the soil's chemical attributes and in the productivity of dry mass of Urochloa decumbens.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de diferentes doses de cama de peru nos atributos químicos do solo e na produtividade de pastagem degradada deUrochloa decumbens. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Mineiros, GO entre outubro/2011 a setembro/2013 em Neossolo Quartzarênico Órtico. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de aplicações de 0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 Mg ha-1 de cama de peru, no delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas a produtividade de forragem e os atributos químicos do solo: matéria orgânica, potencial hidrogeniônico (CaCl2), fósforo (Resina), potássio, cálcio, magnésio, capacidade de troca catiônica e saturação por bases do solo. Em termos gerais, o aumento das doses de cama de peru proporcionou acréscimos na produtividade de capim e no aporte de nutrientes no solo, mantendo o equilíbrio do sistema solo-planta. Concluiu-se que a dose de 12 Mg ha-1 ano-1 de cama de peru garante maiores valores dos atributos químicos do solo e produtividade de massa seca da Urochloa decumbens.

Monitorización de la capacidad de degradación de las nuevas bacterias haloalcalifílicas resistentes a cloruro de tributiltina (TBTCl) en una ubicación contaminada por butiltina / Monitoring the degradation capability of novel haloalkaliphilic tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) resistant bacteria from butyltin-polluted site

Tributyltin (TBT) is recognized as a major environmental problem at a global scale. Haloalkaliphilic tributyltin (TBT)-degrading bacteria may be a key factor in the remediation of TBT polluted sites. In this work, three haloalkaliphilic bacteria strains were isolated from a TBT-contaminated site in the Mediterranean Sea. After analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences the isolates were identified as Sphingobium sp. HS1, Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga HS2 and Rhizobium borbori HS5. The optimal growth conditions for biodegradation of TBT by the three strains were pH 9 and 7% (w/v) salt concentration. S. chelatiphaga HS2 was the most effective TBT degrader and has the ability to transform most TBT into dibutyltin and monobutyltin (DBT and MBT). A gene was amplified from strain HS2 and identified as TBTB-permease-like, that encodes an ArsB-permease. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis in the HS2 strain confirmed that the TBTB-permease-like gene contributes to TBT resistance. The three novel haloalkaliphilic TBT degraders have never been reported previously.

Se considera a la tributiltina (TBT) como un problema medioambiental serio a escala global. Las bacterias haloalcalifílicas degradadoras de TBT pueden constituir un factor clave para remediar áreas contaminadas con dicho xenobiótico. En este estudio se aislaron 3 cepas de bacterias haloalcalifílicas procedentes de un sitio contaminado con TBT en el mar Mediterráneo. Tras analizar las secuencias del gen de 16S del ARNr, se identificaron los aislados como Sphingo-bium sp. HS1, Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga HS2 y Rhizobium borbori HS5. Las condiciones de crecimiento óptimas para la biodegradación de TBT por parte de las 3 cepas fueron pH 9 y 7% (p/v) de concentración de sal. S. chelatiphaga HS2 fue el degradador de TBT más efectivo, con capacidad de transformar la mayor parte de ese compuesto en dibutiltina y monobutiltina (DBT y MBT). Se amplificó un gen de la cepa HS2, que fue identificado como tipo TBTB-permeasa, que codifica para una ArsB permeasa. Un análisis de la cepa HS2 por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa inversa (RT PCR) confirmó que el gen TBTB-permeasa contribuye a la resistencia al TBT. Estos 3 nuevos degradadores haloalcalifílicos de TBT no habían sido reportados previamente.

Efecto del microhábitat sobre la abundancia y riqueza específica de los macroinvertebrados bentónicos en dos ríos tropicales de montaña, Guatemala / Effect of microhabitat on the abundance and specific richness of benthic macroinvertebrates in two tropical mountain streams, Guatemala

Los macroinvertebrados bentónicos cumplen funciones ecológicas importantes en los sistemas lóticos, como el traspaso de energía a través de las redes tróficas, la descomposición de la materia orgánica, el reciclaje de nutrientes y la mezcla de sedimentos. Uno de los principales factores que definen la composición del ensamble de macroinvertebrados es la disponibilidad de microhábitats. Debido a ello, se evaluó el efecto de ocho microhábitats (hojarasca, grava, piedras, roca, musgo, vegetación acuática, pozas y cataratas), así como de la velocidad y profundidad, sobre la abundancia y riqueza específica de los macroinvertebrados en los ríos La Labor y Tzununá en la cuenca del lago Atitlán en el altiplano de Guatemala. Se colectaron 19,529 organismos correspondientes a 91 taxa, 49 familias y 65 géneros. El microhábitat que presentó mayor abundancia fue hojarasca (7,723 organismos) y pozas presentó la menor (652 organismos). En cuanto a riqueza, piedras presentó la mayor riqueza (41 taxa) y musgo tuvo la menor (28 taxa). Se evidenció que el microhábitat tuvo un efecto significativo sobre la abundancia y la riqueza (p < .05), ésta última también se vio influenciada por la profundidad (p = .030). Se concluyó que el microhábitat es un factor importante, para determinar la composición de la comunidad de macroinvertebrados; ya que la presencia y dominancia de elementos de heterogeneidad en los ríos, contribuye a incrementar la diversidad del hábitat físico, así como las opciones de alimento y refugio, promoviendo la abundancia y riqueza de macroinvertebrados en los sistemas lóticos.

Benthic macroinvertebrates serve important ecological functions in lotic systems, such as the transfer of energy through trophic networks, decomposition of organic matter, nutrient recycling and sediment mixing. One of the main factors that define the composition of the macroinvertebrate assemblage is the availability of microhabitats. The survey evaluated the effect of eight microhabitats (leaf litter, gravel, stones or pebbles, rock, moss, aquatic vegetation, pools and waterfalls), as well as speed and depth, on the abundance and specific richness due to rarefaction of the macroinvertebrates in La Labor and Tzununá rivers, which are part of the Lake Atitlán basin in the Guatemalan highlands. In this area 19,529 organisms corresponding to 91 taxa, 49 families and 65 genera were collected. The highest abundance was in leaf litter microhabitat (7,723 organisms), while stones showed the highest richness (41 taxa). Pools had the lowest abundance (652 organisms) and moss had the lowest richness (28 taxa). The microhabitat has a significant effect on abundance and richness (p < .05), also depth has a significant effect on richness (p = .030). The microhabitat is an important factor, to determine the composition of the macroinvertebrate community, because the presence and dominance of elements of heterogeneity in the rivers contributes to increase the diversity of the physical habitat, which provides refuge and food that satisfy the requirements of organisms promoting the abundance and richness of macroinvertebrates in lotic systems.

Retratos de um hospital de custódia: os espaços verdes e sua relação com a restauração psicofisiológica do estresse / Portraits of a custodial hospital: the green spaces and their relation with the psychophysiological restoration from stress / Retratos de un hospital de custodia: los espacios verdes y su relación con la restauración psicofisiológica del estrés

A investigação e o incentivo ao uso de espaços verdes em hospitais de custódia atuam como alternativa para aumentar o bem-estar e a qualidade de vida daqueles que experienciam esse ambiente. Trata-se de uma vertente oposta ao conceito de confinamento, porém congruente com as teorias que discutem a importância dos elementos naturais para a saúde e restauração do estresse. Para tanto, procurou-se identificar como os espaços verdes podem contribuir para a restauração do estresse psicofísiológico de usuários do hospital de custódia. A técnica de Fotografia do Ambiente foi aplicada em associação à entrevista semiestruturada. Buscou-se compreender as especificidades capturadas por meio das fotografias, discutindo-as com base nos pressupostos e na literatura dos Estudos Pessoa-Ambiente. Doze participantes retrataram diferentes lugares, percepções e sentimentos em resposta às indagações propostas. Constatou-se que os ambientes e as paisagens naturais se destacaram quanto ao potencial benéfico à saúde e à redução psicofisiológica do estresse.

The proposal to investigate and encourage the use of green spaces in custodial hospitals acts as a healthy alternative to human beings who experience this type of environment. This is a work line opposed to the concept of confinement, congruent with theories that deal with the importance of natural elements for health and stress restoration. In this sense, we sought to identify how green spaces can contribute to psychophysiological restoration from stress in a custodial hospital. Therefore, the Environmental Photography technique in association with semi-structured interviews was applied. It was sought to understand the specificities captured through the photographs, discussing them based on the assumptions and the literature of the Person-Environment Studies. Twelve participants portrayed different places, perceptions and feelings in response to the proposed questions. It was verified that natural environments and landscapes stood out as to the beneficial potential to health, as well as in stress reduction.

La investigación y el incentivo al uso de espacios verdes en hospitales de custodia actúa como alternativa para aumentar el bienestar y la calidad de vida de aquellos que experimentan ese ambiente. Se trata de una vertiente opuesta al concepto de confinamiento, pero congruente con las teorías que discuten la importancia de los elementos naturales para la salud y restauración del estrés. Para ello, se buscó identificar cómo los espacios verdes pueden contribuir a la restauración del estrés psicofísiológico de usuarios del hospital de custodia. La técnica de Fotografía del Ambiente fue aplicada en asociación a la entrevista semiestructurada con el fin de comprenderlas especificidades capturadas a través de las fotografías y discutirlas con base en los presupuestos y en la literatura de los Estudios Pessoa-Ambiente. Doce participante retrataron diferentes sitios, percepciones y sentimientos en respuesta a las indagaciones propuestas. Se constató que los ambientes y los paisajes naturales se destacaron en cuanto al potencial benéfico a la salud y en la reducción psicofisiológica del estrés.

Soil macrofauna density and diversity across a chronosequence of tropical forest restoration in Southeastern Brazil / Densidade e diversidade da macrofauna edáfica em uma cronosequência de florestas tropicais em restauração no Sudeste do Brasil

Abstract Edaphic macrofauna must be better studied if we want to take advantage of their full potential for the restoration of tropical ecosystems. We investigated changes in edaphic macrofauna density and diversity along a secondary succession chronosequence in the Atlantic Forest. Our results show some clear patterns of change in soil macrofauna along the chronosequence. Density did not increase along secondary succession, but was correlated with canopy cover. Diversity was characterized by high dominance of social insects and evenness among other groups. We conclude soil macrofauna has a high capacity to recolonize young forests and that its recovery is considerably fast compared to other ecosystem transformations.

Resumo A macrofauna edáfica deve ser mais bem estudada se quisermos aproveitar todo o seu potencial para a restauração de ecossistemas tropicais. Nós investigamos as mudanças de densidade e diversidade da macrofauna edáfica em uma cronossequência durante a sucessão secundária na Mata Atlântica. Nossos resultados mostram padrões claros de mudança. A densidade não aumentou ao longo da sucessão secundária, mas foi correlacionada com a cobertura de dossel. A diversidade foi caracterizada pela alta dominância de insetos sociais e equidade entre os demais grupos. Nós concluímos que a macrofauna edáfica tem alta capacidade de recolonizar florestas jovens e que sua recuperação é relativamente rápida se comparada a outras transformações ecossistêmicas.

A whole-transcriptome approach to evaluate reference genes for quantitative diurnal gene expression studies under natural field conditions in Tamarix ramosissima leaves

Background: Tamarix ramosissima is a desert forest tree species that is widely distributed in the drought-stricken areas to sustain the fragile ecosystem. Owing to its wide usage in the desert restoration of Asia, it can be used as an ecophysiological model plant. To obtain reliable and accurate results, a set of reference genes should be screened before gene expression. However, up to date, systematical evaluation of reference genes has not been conducted in T. ramosissima. Results: In this study, we used eigenvalues derived from principal component analysis to identify stable expressed genes from 72,035 unigenes from diurnal transcriptomes under natural field conditions. With combined criteria of read counts above 900 and CV of FPKM below 0.3, a total of 7385 unigenes could be qualified as candidate reference genes in T. ramosissima. By using three statistical algorithm packages, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, the stabilities of these novel reference genes were further compared with a panel of traditional reference genes. The expression patterns of three aquaporins (AQPs) suggested that at least UBQ (high expression), EIF4A2 (low expression), and GAPDH (moderate expression) could be qualified as ideal reference genes in both RT-PCR and RNA-seq analysis of T. ramosissima. Conclusions: This work will not only facilitate future studies on gene expression and functional analysis of genetic resources of desert plants but also improve our understanding of the molecular regulation of water transport in this plant, which could provide a new clue to further investigate the drought adaptation mechanism of desert plant species under harsh environments.

Contributions of organic matter and nutrients via leaf litter in an urban tropical dry forest fragment / Contribuciones de materia orgánica y nutrientes a través de la hojarasca en un fragmento de bosque seco tropical urbano

Abstract The litterfall and decomposition represent the main transfer of organic matter and nutrients from the vegetation to the soil surface and determine positive trajectories in the process of rehabilitating and restoring degraded ecosystems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the contributions of organic materials and nutrients through the characterization of fine litter in an urban dry forest fragment. Litter production was monitored for one year by collecting 29 traps (0.5 m2). To evaluate leaf nutrient resorption, green leaves were collected from 5-10 individuals that represented the dominant tree species. Litter-bags (20 x 20 cm, 2 mm pore) were used for six months to evaluate the decomposition of leaf litter. Annual fine litter production was found to be 8 574 kg ha-1, with the Cordia alba species contributing the most leaf litter (1 134 kg ha-1) and nutrients (N: 6.16; P: 0.21; Ca: 4.72; Mg: 0.47; K: 1.27 kg ha-1). Decomposition rates (k constant) followed the decreasing order: C. alba (k: 4.6) > Machaerium milleflorum (k: 3.5). M. milleflorum and Albizia niopoides presented a pattern of rapid N and P release in the first 30 days, with more than 80 % and 60 % released from M. milleflorum and C. alba, respectively, by the end of the experiment. The litterfall monitoring carried out in this urban dry forest fragment revealed some important aspects of the functioning of an ecosystem as seriously threatened as the tropical dry forest. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 571-585. Epub 2018 June 01.

Resumen La caída de hojarasca y su descomposición representan la principal transferencia de materia orgánica y nutrientes desde la vegetación a la superficie del suelo y determinan trayectorias positivas en el proceso de rehabilitación y restauración de ecosistemas degradados. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los aportes de materiales orgánicos y nutrientes a través de la caracterización de la hojarasca fina en un fragmento de bosque seco urbano. La producción de hojarasca fina se monitoreó durante un año mediante 29 trampas (0.5 m2). Para evaluar la reabsorción de nutrientes foliares, se recogieron hojas verdes de 5-10 individuos que representaban las especies arbóreas dominantes. Bolsas de descomposición (20 x 20 cm, 2 mm de poro) fueron usadas durante seis meses para evaluar la descomposición de la hojarasca foliar. La producción de hojarasca fina anual fue de 8 574 kg ha-1. La especie Cordia alba presentó los mayores aportes de hojarasca foliar (1 134 kg ha-1) y nutrientes (N: 6.16; P: 0.21; Ca: 4.72; Mg: 0.47; K: 1.27 kg ha -1). Las tasas de descomposición (constante k) siguieron el orden decreciente: C. alba (k: 4.6)> Machaerium milleflorum (k: 3.5). M. milleflorum y Albizia niopoides presentaron un patrón de liberación rápido de N y P en los primeros 30 días, con más del 80 % y 60 % de M. milleflorum y C. alba, respectivamente, al final del experimento. El monitoreo de la caída de hojarasca llevado a acabo en este fragmento de bosque seco urbano reveló algunos aspectos importantes del funcionamiento de un ecosistema tan seriamente amenazado como es el bosque seco tropical.

Modelo de negocio de restauración productiva de Abies guatemalensis Rehder utilizando plantas nodrizas para su establecimiento / Business model of productive restoration of Abies guatemalensis Rehder using nurse plants for its establishment

El presente reporte de caso tuvo como objetivo generar el modelo de negocios para el pinabete (Abies guatemalensis Rehder) en restauración, no se pretende hacer un análisis profundo de la producción de árboles de pinabete, únicamente mostrar que la producción se puede combinar con la conservación. En la región alta del altiplano occidental de Guatemala hay muchas tierras degradadas fuera de bosques, donde la sucesión vegetal ha promovido el crecimiento de especies arbustivas, útiles como nodrizas en el establecimiento de pinabete para protegerlas de heladas y lograr establecimiento mayor a 80 %, lo cual ya se ha puesto en práctica por varios silvicultores locales. Se realizó un análisis técnico financiero sobre la producción de pinabete con doble propósito: especie comercial y para la restauración de áreas degradadas. El modelo de negocios se estableció para 0.25 ha, con un precio de venta por árbol de Q. 300, con y sin incentivos forestales, considerando establecer previamente plantas arbustivas. Los resultados indican que con una inversión de Q. 45,227 durante ocho años a una tasa de descuento del 13 %, el Valor Actual Neto (VAN) toma valores entre Q. 398,576 a 742,020 con una Tasa Interna de Rendimiento (TIR) entre 30 y 50 %. A la vez se preparó un plan de negocios utilizando la metodología Canvas, que establece un plan estratégico que permite visualizar lo que actualmente se está realizando y qué situaciones hay que mejorar. El modelo propuesto puede utilizarse de una forma mixta para la conservación al dejar al menos un 30 % de los árboles, la otra parte se puede utilizar para comercialización a partir del octavo al 12do año de forma sostenible.

The present case study aimed to generate the business model for the Guatemalan fir (Abies guatemalensis Rehder) under restoration process. In the highlands of the altiplano region in western Guatemala there are many degraded lands outside of forests, where the ecological succession has promoted the growth of shrub species that help to the establishment of the fir and to protect it from frost. This condition also helped the specie to achieve more than 80 % of survival rate. The method has been implemented by several local silvicultors. A technical and financial analysis was carried out on the production of fir with two objectives: production of commercial Christmas trees and for the restoration of degraded areas. The business model was established for an area of 0.25 ha, with an estimated market price per tree of Q. 300, with and without forestry incentives, assuming previously establish shrub plants. The results indicate that with an investment of Q. 45,227 for eight years at a discount rate of 13 %, the Net Present Value (NPV) takes values between Q. 398,576 to 742,020 with an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) ranging between 30 and 50 %. At the same time, a business plan was prepared using the Canvas methodology, which establishes a strategic plan that allows visualizing what is currently being done and what areas need improvement. The proposed model can be used in a mixed way for conservation by leaving at least 30 % of the trees; the other part can be used for trading the trees from the eighth to the twelfth years old in a sustainable way.