Diazotrophic Cyanobacteria from Two Hot Springs in Chihuahua: Toward Sustainable Solutions for Arid Agriculture
摘要
Cyanobacteria found in hot springs are a highly interesting research topic due to their potential to produce environmentally friendly compounds that can withstand adverse conditions such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperature fluctuations—common characteristics of arid regions. Additionally, their metabolic products can support other life forms, including bacteria, fungi, and even higher plants. This study focused on the location, collection, and morphological identification of cyanobacteria with biotechnological potential from the hot springs of the San Antonio el Bravo geothermal zone in Chihuahua, Mexico. The hypothesis proposed that native cyanobacterial species in these thermal waters might have significant potential for developing local agricultural biotechnology. Sampling was conducted at two different hot spring outlets during two distinct seasons. Cyanobacteria were cultured, isolated, and identified up to the genus level. The results confirmed the presence of species belonging to the genera Anabaena, Nostoc, and Scytonema, which have been widely studied for their current and potential applications in mitigating the effects of adverse conditions in arid agricultural regions.