Tolerance of Atlantic Forest trees to climate change and heavy metals in ecological restoration areas

• Grant number: 24/17477-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Marisa Domingos
• Grantee: Geane Martins Barbosa
• Host Institution: Instituto de Estudos Avançados (IEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/06694-8 - BIOTA SYNTHESIS - Nucleus of Analysis and Synthesis of Nature-Based Solutions, AP.BTA.NPOP

Abstract

In large Brazilian urban conglomerates, such as the metropolitan region of São Paulo (RMSP), climate change and vehicle emissions of particles containing heavy metals have become significant threats to the few remaining natural fragments of the Atlantic Forest in the region. These emissions induce the formation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative damage to native trees. Oxidative stress can lead to a reduction in biodiversity, the simplification of forest structure, and the degradation of ecosystem services. It is expected that these disturbances will intensify over time, contributing significantly to the degradation of the Atlantic Forest, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Reforestation with native trees capable of tolerating stress induced by climate change and heavy metal pollution emerges as an effective measure for restoring the Atlantic Forest in these disturbed areas. Therefore, this study was proposed to expand scientific knowledge on this environmental issue. The main objective is to investigate how restored forests are responding to the impacts caused by atmospheric pollution, particularly by heavy metals, in the context of climate change. To this end, a field assessment will be conducted to determine the tolerance of species currently present in these areas, comparing the responses of trees in natural forest remnants. After identifying the most tolerant species, an experimental analysis will be conducted to verify whether they maintain their defense mechanisms under more extreme conditions and acquire stress memory, indicating resistance. Based on these results, and upon approval of BEPE, a selection system will be developed in collaboration with the Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IRET - CNR) in Florence, Italy. This system will incorporate physiological, biochemical, and/or chemical defense biomarkers identified earlier into the FlorTree Model to establish tolerance levels of tree species in urban areas across Europe.