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• Elias Viteri-Basso, Johannes Ramirez Kastdalen, Jorge Carrión-Tacuri

  Even ferals: First predation record of the Galápagos Hawk Buteo galapagoensis (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), on a feral cat Felis catus (Carnivora: Felidae).

  The Galápagos hawk Buteo galapagoensis is the top predator of the archipelago, feeding on a wide variety of species from different taxonomic groups, ranging from insects to carrion. We report the first recorded instance of predation by a Galápagos hawk on a feral cat Felis catus, as camera trap bycatch, on Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island. This report adds to the extensive list of the hawk’s dietary items and may have ecological implications, such as the role of introduced species in food webs, the role of native predators in controlling invasive species, and how these interactions play out on islands, leaving many open questions.

  DOI: https://doi.org/10.18272/aci.3877

• Jonathan Javier Sayavedra Delgado, Estefanía Haro-Viteri, Marielisa Bravo Cordero, José Álvarez-Barreto

  Development of a proposal for the production of spirulina powder applying circular economy principles for industrialization.

  This work presents a process design for spirulina production, emphasizing circularity. It analyzes the feasibility of cultivating spirulina in Tumbaco, Ecuador, and proposes a tubular photobioreactor for its culture. A block diagram of the process and a mass balance were developed to quantify the inputs and outputs involved in the production of spirulina powder, from culture to packaging. In addition, a preliminary economic analysis was conducted to evaluate its viability. To apply circularity to the process, the reuse of water and nutrients was discussed. Furthermore, the possibilities of using spirulina as a biosorbent to treat industrial wastewater were explored, transforming a byproduct into an environmental solution. The calculation of costs provided an idea of how economic return would be generated in the future. In contrast, the circular process presented better economic returns, while demonstrating technical viability.

  DOI: https://doi.org/10.18272/aci.3739

• Edwars Naranjo, Inés Hernández Guerra, Lourdes Orejuela-Escobar

  Biopolymers and Nanotechnology: eco-friendly and sustainable alternative in Enhanced Oil Recovery

  Biopolymers, natural and biodegradable materials, emerge as a promising and sustainable alternative in the oil industry, optimizing oil extraction in a profitable and environmentally friendly way These biopolymers, capable of improving the mobility ratio, increasing viscosity, and decreasing permeability, are emerging as a critical trend in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), with the potential to replace conventional synthetic polymers When selecting polymers for EOR, it is essential to consider factors such as cost, availability, and functional properties The methodology used in the research involved a systematic review of the scientific literature, encompassing a critical analysis of recent advances in biopolymer research for EOR The study also compares biopolymers and synthetic polymers, considering efficiency, cost, and environmental implications Additionally, the research explores the economic considerations associated with utilizing biopolymers in EOR, including cost factors and potential returns on investment Continuous innovation in using biopolymers is seen as the future of EOR, offering a more ecological and responsible alternative to exploit this important resource The choice of biopolymers contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious oil industry.

  DOI: https://doi.org/10.18272/aci.v17i2.3424