Dr. Marcelo Hernando holds
a Bachelor's and a Doctorate in Biology from the University of Buenos Aires,
Argentina. For 20 years, he has conducted research on marine phytoplankton in
high-latitude environments (Antarctic and sub-Antarctic), evaluating temporal
and structural variations in microalgal communities, as well as unialgal
populations. His research has focused on the effects of solar radiation
variations, assessing physiological changes, oxidative damage, antioxidant
defenses, and the generation of protective compounds in short- and long-term
exposures. His research has contributed to our understanding of the carbon
cycle in oceans, evaluating the physiological aspects of phytoplankton in the
context of global climate change.

Dr.
Hernando has incorporated the study of the consequences of increasing
temperature and decreasing salinity as a result of glacial melting in the
Antarctic Peninsula. Additionally, he conducts research on phytoplankton
communities in the Beagle Channel, with a particular focus on toxic microalgae
responsible for harmful algal blooms. These toxic microalgae recurrently cause
significant commercial losses in the province, impacting aquaculture and
tourism.

At
the National Atomic Energy Commission, he currently investigates the effects of
temperature changes caused by nuclear power plants on freshwater bodies and
toxin-producing cyanobacteria.