At the beginning of this year, I started a new postdoctoral stage by joining the Environmental Soil Science, Chemistry and Agricultural Technology group at the Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT). I’m currently working under the supervision of Dr. María Nazaret González Alcaraz, within the framework of the SOILPROM project (Horizon Europe), and alongside a talented and committed team.
SOILPROM focuses on understanding and mitigating soil pollution, with particular attention to how metal(loid)s are mobilised by water and wind erosion. Our work is centred on the Cartagena–La Unión mining district (southeastern Spain), a semi-arid landscape heavily impacted by historical mining activities. Here, we are studying pollutant dispersion processes and assessing nature-based solutions for restoring soil functionality and reducing environmental risks.
After six months, I’m truly grateful for this opportunity. It’s proving to be an intellectually enriching experience, full of new challenges, new perspectives, and a clear sense of purpose in contributing to sustainable soil management and environmental protection.
Antonio Aguilar-Garrido 