Mentors: Kevin Tucker and Rosa Maria Leal-Bautista
Yucatán peninsula is expecting to double its population in a short period of time ( for 2030) due to the promotion of mayor infrastructures like Maya train, Bridge over Nichupte Laguna those projects promote the rise of anthropogenic activities that in consequence would bring the use of several emergent contaminants, thus the relative influence of emergent contaminants related to recreational or touristic activities could be overpassed by new type of contaminants more related to household activities or workshops, thus to assess the rise, type variation, special distribution and its influence in the water conditions as resource and aquatic ecosystem it’s a situation that needs to be addressed at its develop.
Monitoring contaminants of emerging concern, including antibiotics, sunscreens, and pesticides, in cenotes in the Yucatan, Mexico, is of particular importance for several reasons:
Ecological Significance: Cenotes are natural sinkholes or water-filled caves found in the Yucatan Peninsula. They are often interconnected with underground rivers and serve as critical habitats for unique and fragile ecosystems. Contaminants from human activities can disrupt the balance of these ecosystems, potentially leading to species loss and ecological damage.
Drinking Water Source: Cenotes are a crucial source of freshwater in the Yucatan Peninsula, providing drinking water for both local communities and tourists. Contaminants such as antibiotics, pesticides, and other emerging pollutants can find their way into cenotes through runoff, leaching, and wastewater discharges.
Agricultural Practices: The Yucatan Peninsula is home to agriculture, and pesticides are commonly used in farming activities. Pesticides can enter cenotes through surface runoff and groundwater contamination, potentially affecting both the cenote ecosystems and the quality of drinking water derived from them.
Antibiotics and Sunscreens are quantified by liquid chromatography while the pesticides will be quantified using gas chromatography. Extractions for each class of compound will be performed on-site and analysis will be performed either at CICY or SIUE based on instrument availability.
By monitoring antibiotics, sunscreens, and pesticides, we will be contributing to datasets that allow informed decision-making and the implementation of effective pollution control measures to mitigate the impacts of contaminants on cenotes and their surroundings.
This project will consist of two faculty mentors and two to three students. While candidates are suggested to have background in organic chemistry, geology/earth science, and environmental science, all interested students are welcome.