Applied Microbial Ecology Laboratory
The Applied Microbial Ecology Laboratory (LEMA) conducts research on microbial ecology in soils and aquatic systems, with an emphasis on environmental processes relevant to climate change, environmental pollution, and sustainable agriculture.
LEMA conducts basic and applied research 
by integrating ecological, molecular, and geochemical approaches 
in collaboration with academic institutions and public organizations 
Soil Microbial Ecology
Study of the diversity, structure, and function of microbial communities in natural and anthropized soils, and their relationship with biogeochemical cycles and soil quality.
Microorganisms in Aquatic Systems
Analysis of microbial communities in freshwater and impacted aquatic environments, focusing on pollutant degradation processes and nutrient dynamics.
Microorganisms and Climate Change
Investigation of the role of microorganisms in greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration in soils and aquatic systems.
Applied Environmental Microbiology
Assessment of microbial potential for environmental pollution mitigation, including bioremediation processes and bioindicators of environmental impact.
Bioremediation Potential of Heavy Metal–Contaminated Soils
Duration: 2023–2026
Principal Investigator: Dr. Paula Fernández
Funding: Interdisciplinary university – government project
Research aimed at identifying microbial communities with the capacity to tolerate and transform heavy metals in soils impacted by industrial activities.
Microbial Communities in Urban Water Bodies
Duration: 2021–2024
Principal Investigator: Dr. Andrés Rojas
Funding: National Environmental Research Agency
The project evaluates microbial diversity in urban aquatic systems and its relationship with physicochemical variables as indicators of environmental quality.
Microbial Dynamics in Agricultural Soils under Sustainable Management
Duration: 2022–2025
Principal Investigator: Dr. Laura Méndez
Funding: National Scientific Development Fund
This project analyzes how different agricultural management practices influence the composition and activity of soil microbial communities, and their impact on soil fertility and carbon sequestration.
Méndez L., Rojas A., Fernández P. (2025). Microbial community responses to sustainable agricultural practices in temperate soils. Applied Soil Ecology, 192, 105234. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx
Rojas A., Méndez L., Castillo M. (2024). Microbial indicators of water quality in urban freshwater systems. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 16(2), 145–159. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx
Fernández P., López R., Rojas A. (2023). Metal-tolerant microbial communities in contaminated soils. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 121, 78–91. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx
Méndez L., Fernández P., Castillo M. (2022). Soil microbial dynamics under sustainable agricultural management: Implications for carbon sequestration. Soil Biology & Biochemistry, 160, 108987. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx
Dr. Paula Fernández
Principal Investigator
Dr. Andrés Rojas
Co-Investigator
Dr. Laura Méndez
Postdoctoral Researcher
Opportunities
We welcome motivated students, postdocs, and collaborators interested in microbial ecology and environmental research. Join us to contribute to exciting projects, gain hands-on experience, and be part of a collaborative scientific community.