XOSE LOIS OTERO PEREZ

Xose Lois Otero Pérez is a University Professor of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), affiliated with the Higher Polytechnic School of Engineering. He leads research at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Environmental Technologies (CRETUS) and is a core member of the Ambiosol research group. His work focuses on soil biogeochemistry in extreme environments, wetland ecosystems, and environmental remediation of contaminated soils and waters. Notably, his doctoral thesis on 'Biogeochemistry of heavy metals in marine sedimentary environments' earned an Extraordinary Doctorate Award from the Soil Science Spanish Society.

Key research areas include: soil formation in proglacial zones, mangrove restoration, microplastic contamination, heavy metal dynamics in mine tailings, and seabird impact on coastal soils. Collaborations span global institutions, with fieldwork in Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, and Antarctica. He actively investigates climate change impacts on high-altitude páramos and coastal wetlands, emphasizing ecosystem services and carbon dynamics.

• Education: Doctorate in Soil Science (2000) from USC, supervised by Dr. Felipe Macías Vázquez.
• Awards: Extraordinary Doctorate Award (Soil Science Spanish Society).
• Key Projects: Mangrove soil recovery in Brazil, microplastic toxicity studies in Atlantic fish, and geochemical analysis of Antarctic sediments.

His recent work addresses emerging threats like microplastic cardiotoxicity, phosphorus bioavailability in biochar-amended soils, and the role of iron in soil carbon stabilization. He advocates for 'climate-smart mining' practices and sustainable coastal management strategies.