Projects

Given the large number of international travelers visiting the Yucatán peninsula every year, there is an increased risk of intestinal diseases to the travelers as well as the indigenous population. A common intestinal disease is travelers’ diarrhea (TD) that can be caused by bacterial (e.g., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp.), viral, and (e.g., norovirus and rotavirus), and protozoa, (e.g., giardia and cryptosporidium), pathogens (CDC, 2013). This study will examine aspects of microbiology important for human health. Many of the wells and cenotes are shallower than 50 feet (15m), which can be heavily influenced by enormous levels of waste involved with tourist activities. Therefore, it is important to identify the environmental and human health impacts considering the very shallow groundwater network in the Yucatán peninsula. We will also examine the impact of microbial communities on microplastics found in the water.

Faculty mentor: Melissa Lenczewski

The main geology of the peninsula is karst. The karst is evident on the surface with collapse features and cenotes throughout the whole area. The lack of soil and the surface conduits allow contaminant releases at the surface to spread into the freshwater. Drinking water comes from an unconfined aquifer located 10-50 m below the surface with a saline water interface below that. This unconfined and coastal aquifer gradient is influenced by increased pumping for freshwater supplies and by diurnal tidal action.

As tourism increases so does the need for fresh water. The well field for southern Cancún and Puerto Morelos is just west of the Cancún International Airport along the Ruta de los Cenotes. This well field contains over 75 wells, each pumping fresh water out of the aquifer. Without the pumping, the aquifer flows into the ocean. The research questions are: do the low turbidity cenotes have the highest velocity?  Which directions to the flow?  Is the point of entry into the cenote have the geochemistry signature of sites upgradient? 

This project will use an Aquadopp to determine groundwater flow and direction throughout cenotes and link to organic and inorganic geochemistry.  We will work with the other teams to understand the physical flow of the system. We will also use UAVs (drones) to help collect water from cenotes and visually document them.  The outcomes from this research will allow for better planning and management of the limited freshwater resources in the Yucatán Peninsula.

This project will consist of one faculty mentor and two students. While candidates are suggested to have background in geology/earth science, engineering, and environmental science, all interested students are welcome.

Mentors: Chit Wityi Oo and Gilberto Acosta Gonzalez

In recent decades, coastal and marine environments have faced increasing challenges from pollution caused by plastic litter, including microplastics (MPs). MPs particles can come from secondary sources when larger plastics disintegrate and fragment, or from primary sources when they are manufactured that size (< 5 mm). Scientists predict that coral reefs (very diverse and spectacular ecosystems) could be strongly affected by MPs pollution. In sediments in coral reefs (Arabian Sea) it has been recorded that they present MPs particles (154 particles/kg), however, the information on MPs in the reef systems in the Mexican Caribbean is practically non-existent. The coral reefs located in the State of Quintana Roo in Mexico are part of the Mesoamerican reef system, the second most important barrier reef in the world and which generates many benefits to coastal populations through fishing and tourism.

The high permeability of the coastal karst system of the Yucatán Peninsula prevents the formation of rivers and reduces surface runoff, making the system dependent on groundwater. The hydrogeological characteristics of the northern coastal region of Quintana Roo include submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) through so-called “ojos de agua” (springs), where groundwater from the continent flows into the sea. SGD can be an important source of compounds such as nutrients and contaminant particles, including microplastics, as well as low-salinity water inputs to various coastal ecosystems.

These SGDs initially generate a decrease in salinity since they are freshwater inputs and have been reported to contain ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrate (NO₃⁻), nitrite (NO₂⁻), phosphate (PO₄³⁻) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂); recently, enteric viruses have also been detected. In addition, MPs that have accumulated in oceans for over forty years can enter coastal environments through these discharges. Due to their small size, MPs are bioavailable to organisms across the trophic web, directly or indirectly affecting ecosystems such as coral reefs. Many of the organisms inhabiting these reefs are strictly marine and corals thrive in oligotrophic waters; therefore, the input of nutrients and contaminants (such as MPs) can disrupt the equilibrium of reef systems. Such imbalances can contribute to coral colony deterioration, reduced growth rates and consequently, limited reef accretion—affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services on which at least 500 million people living in coastal areas depend. The Mexican Caribbean is currently experiencing massive coral mortality, possibly linked to changes in water quality caused by groundwater discharges connecting to the reef.

This study will focus on determining the presence and distribution of MPs in groundwater (cenotes), submarine groundwater discharges (SGDs) and coral reef waters in the northern Mexican Caribbean. Understanding MP transport through groundwater and coastal systems is essential for evaluating their potential effects on reef ecosystems. This research will provide valuable insights into contaminant pathways, water quality and ecosystem health, supporting coral reef protection and restoration efforts in the region.

To address analytical challenges, NIU has developed a Microplastics Laboratory equipped with the 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System, an automated tool for identifying and measuring MPs in environmental samples. During the project, sample preparation will take place at CICY and microplastic analysis will be conducted at NIU, combining both institutions’ expertise to ensure reliable and high-quality data.

The outcomes of this study will advance understanding of MPs occurrences and transport in freshwater and coastal ecosystems. Findings will inform water management and pollution control policies, raise public awareness and promote sustainable practices to protect marine biodiversity in the Mexican Caribbean and beyond.

This project will consist of two faculty mentors and two to three students. While candidates are suggested to have background in oceanography, geology/earth science, chemistry and environmental science, all interested students are welcome.

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.