María Teresa Gómez Sagasti. Universidad del País Vasco
- WHO are you?
I am María Teresa Gómez Sagasti, PhD in Experimental Sciences from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), and currently an adjunct professor in the area of Plant Physiology, linked to the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, at the Faculty of Science and Technology FCT/ZTF of the UPV/EHU.
- WHAT do you research?
I have focused my research career on the field of phytoremediation and phytomanagement of degraded and/or contaminated soils with metals, organic compounds, and emerging pollutants. Specifically, I study the impact of different phytoremediation technologies (phytoextraction, phytostabilization) and sustainable soil management (application of residues as organic amendments) on the health (functionality) of the soil and the health and diversity of the vegetation promoter of remediation. To achieve this, I analyze a wide range of chemical parameters, ecophysiological parameters of vegetation, and soil microbial parameters. In this way, we obtain a comprehensive evaluation of the state of the sites throughout the remediation process and streamline decision-making on their management.
- WHERE do you research?
I am currently part of the BEZ-EKOFISKO Research Group (Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services and Eco-physiology of Stress and Pollution in Plants), linked to the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology (FCT/ZTF, UPV/EHU). Much of the research activity is carried out in the Plant Physiology Laboratory of the María Goyri Biotechnology Center, in the Science Park of the UPV/EHU in the Bizkaia Campus. In addition, I actively participate in competitive research projects in collaboration with research centers of relevance at the regional and state level.
- WHEN do you plan to do your work?
Currently, I combine teaching at the University with my research activities.
- WHY is your work important?
The survival of our society is linked to the health of our soils, as they provide multiple ecosystem services. Unfortunately, currently, pollution and the loss of biodiversity and organic matter affect the functionality of this non-renewable resource. In this context, my research work advocates for the phytoremediation/phytomanagement of contaminated and/or degraded soils in order to promote the ecological, social and economic regeneration of the affected area and enable its reuse for urban, leisure or agricultural use, thus constituting a high-value market opportunity.
- Is your work related to any EU mission?
Yes, my work is related to the “Soil Health and Food” mission of Horizon Europe, which advocates for the sustainable management of soil health in order to reverse its degradation/contamination.
COMPARTE EN TUS REDES SOCIALES CON EL HASHTAG #NIGHTSPAIN