Modelling the sensitivity of aquatic plants and algae species to chemical pollutants
Organisation: University of Copenhagen
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Nina Cedergreen
Hello, I'm Omar Orozco, the DC6 on the QTOX network. As someone deeply concerned about the impact of anthropogenic pollutants on entire ecosystems, I'm particularly interested in understanding how these pollutants affect plant productivity in challenging scenarios. Therefore, for my Ph.D. at the University of Copenhagen, I aim to explore the performance parameters of aquatic and semiaquatic species (primary producers) when exposed to metal complexes.
My focus will be on uncovering vulnerabilities and examining relationships among different species. I'll determine the time to effect and subsequent recovery periods. Thereby parameterizing toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic (TKTD) models and thus providing insights into the dynamics of pollutant exposure in aquatic systems.
During my undergraduate studies in biology, back in my home country, Mexico, I focused on describing the chemical communication between the Arabidopsis thaliana plant model and the mycelial fungi Trichoderma spp, interested in its phytostimulation. Subsequently, I completed my MSc in environmental biology at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, specializing in plant ecophysiology, particularly in the context of flooding stress and its effect on transcriptomic reconfiguration towards plant senescence.
Now, engaging myself in the QTOX Doctoral Network, I am motivated to generate valuable knowledge that sheds light on the impact of pollutants on plant species. This commitment not only strengthens environmental protection but also contributes to the support of sustainable agriculture.