Environmental bioindicators: what diatoms say about the human environment

Abstract

This study aims to reflect on how microalgae can theoretically be conceptualized and methodologically used as a biotechnological instrument of sensing to increase the capacity of perception/action/cognition and communication regarding the anthropic dynamics of nature – considering, in epistemological terms, that scientific reason departs from common sense insofar as it generates instrumentalized experiences between subject-object of knowledge. They also extend and correct phenomenological experiences limited to human capacities circumscribed to neurophysiological and neuropsychological rules of the human body or to the technical and scientific logics of other areas of knowledge linked to politics. Its work as biotechnologies capable of growing and correcting the intelligence and sensitivity of theoretical-methodological systems applied in plans for diagnosis, monitoring and environmental adjustments. As biotechnologies, microalgae work as extensions and potentiators of the bodies and brains of scientists or academic communities gathered within the Environmental Sciences. Finally, it considers some epistemological obstacles that prevent the participation of the bioindicators in the sphere of the policies directed to environmental management.