Environmental impact of apocalyptic fires in the Pantanal

The Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world. This year it has suffered tremendous fires as the result of extreme weather conditions and fires started to facilitate agricultural expansion. More than 26% of the area has been consumed by fires and the overall effect on vegetation and wildlife is enormous ( https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02716-4) . Many questions, however, remain. Examples are: what is the effect of the ash on aquatic geochemistry; what is the effect on aquatic life; what is the effect on soil quality and the viability of seeds? What are the short-term effects, what are the longer term effects? What are possible restoration options? Approaches vary from literature review, laboratory essays and analyses in the lab in Nijmegen and as soon as covid-conditions allow field surveys. Depending on your background, interest and availability we can jointly decide on the exact topic of your bachelor or master internship or literature review. If you are interested, please contact us.

Supervisors: Sarian Kosten and Ernandes Oliveira jr. (UNEMAT)