Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental
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Ecological extraction of protein from broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) stem residues
Get PDFThe search for innovative and ecological techniques to obtain high-value compounds from waste materials with a lower impact on the environment is prevailing. Particularly, in protein extraction, utilizing plant waste can reduce environmental impact by taking advantage of residues that, if not properly managed, contribute to soil and air pollution. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) emerge as a sustainable and efficient alternative to plant protein extraction, aiming to replace organic solvents, which are generally toxic. Similarly, employing eco-friendly techniques for the extraction of protein is crucial, with ultrasonication being widely recognized as a green technology. By combining these strategies, an important decrease in environmental impact can be feasible. In the present work, we compared ultrasound-assisted protein extraction (80% amplitude, 30 ºC, 15 min) from a dried broccoli stem sample using two different solvents: ethanol and a deep eutectic solvent consisting of sodium acetate and urea (NaOAc:urea). Total protein was determined by the Bradford technique, showing that using ethanol for the extraction makes it possible to obtain an average of 0.212 ± 0.07 mg/mL, while with the DES the total protein obtained was 0.778 ± 0.09 mg/mL. We optimized ultrasound-assisted protein extraction using NaOAc:urea, assessing time, temperature, and amplitude. Ultrasonic amplitude and extraction time were the most critical factors. The optimal condition was 15 min of sonication at 80% amplitude and 40 ºC, which maximized the protein yield. This demonstrates that broccoli stems, as plant waste, represent a valuable source of protein. Also, that using DES for protein extraction from broccoli stems could maximize its utilization and contribute to a more sustainable cycle in plant protein production, as it may reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional solvents, and is also more effective in protein extraction.The search for innovative and ecological techniques to obtain high-value compounds from waste materials with a lower impact on the environment is prevailing. Particularly, in protein extraction, utilizing plant waste can reduce environmental impact by taking advantage of residues that, if not properly managed, contribute to soil and air pollution. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) emerge as a sustainable and efficient alternative to plant protein extraction, aiming to replace organic solvents, which are generally toxic. Similarly, employing eco-friendly techniques for the extraction of protein is crucial, with ultrasonication being widely recognized as a green technology. By combining these strategies, an important decrease in environmental impact can be feasible. In the present work, we compared ultrasound-assisted protein extraction (80% amplitude, 30 ºC, 15 min) from a dried broccoli stem sample using two different solvents: ethanol and a deep eutectic solvent consisting of sodium acetate and urea (NaOAc:urea). Total protein was determined by the Bradford technique, showing that using ethanol for the extraction makes it possible to obtain an average of 0.212 ± 0.07 mg/mL, while with the DES the total protein obtained was 0.778 ± 0.09 mg/mL. We optimized ultrasound-assisted protein extraction using NaOAc:urea, assessing time, temperature, and amplitude. Ultrasonic amplitude and extraction time were the most critical factors. The optimal condition was 15 min of sonication at 80% amplitude and 40 ºC, which maximized the protein yield. This demonstrates that broccoli stems, as plant waste, represent a valuable source of protein. Also, that using DES for protein extraction from broccoli stems could maximize its utilization and contribute to a more sustainable cycle in plant protein production, as it may reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional solvents, and is also more effective in protein extraction
Mortalidad infantil por malformaciones congénitas y su relación con factores socioambientales en la región de emergencia sanitaria y ambiental “Cuenca del Alto Atoyac”
Get PDFThe Alto Atoyac Basin (CAA) is currently in the grip of a pressing health and environmental emergency, a direct consequence of its intense industrialization. In response to this urgent situation, the Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología initiated several national research and intervention projects (PRONAII) in 2020. This article presents results from the PRONAII “Non-communicable Chronic Diseases in the CAA,” which aimed, among other objectives, to analyze infant mortality due to congenital malformations (CM) from 2000-2019 and estimate the risk of CM mortality concerning environmental and vulnerability factors at the municipal level. Statistical analyses revealed that congenital heart diseases are the leading cause of death among CMs, with an especially severe situation in the Puebla region linked to the diversity and types of industries installed, which likely affects air quality and determines the mix of pollutants to which residents are exposed. According to national pollutant records, higher levels of benzene, dioxins, PCBs, and heavy metals are released in this Puebla region, and PM2.5 and PM10 levels are four times higher than in Tlaxcala. There is increasing evidence of the association between environmental exposure to pollutant mixtures and heart diseases. The methodological approach, through the formulation of indices, is novel and represents a significant step forward in our understanding of these issues. It aims to contribute to the comprehensive management of CMs by mitigating and preventing the environmental and vulnerability factors that determine the risk of CM mortality at the municipal level.La Cuenca del Alto Atoyac (CAA) enfrenta una situación de emergencia sanitaria y ambiental derivada de la intensa industrialización. En 2020, el Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencia y Tecnología financió varios proyectos nacionales de investigación e incidencia (PRONAII) para favorecer la comprensión de esta problemática y ofrecer recomendaciones al respecto. Este artículo presenta resultados del PRONAII “Enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en la CAA”, en el cual se establecieron, entre otros objetivos, analizar la mortalidad infantil por malformaciones congénitas (MC) en 2000-2019, así como estimar el riesgo de mortalidad por MC en relación con factores ambientales y de vulnerabilidad a nivel municipal. Los análisis estadísticos revelaron que las cardiopatías congénitas son la principal causa de fallecimientos entre las MC, con una situación especialmente grave en la región poblana vinculada con la diversidad y tipos de industrias instaladas, lo cual probablemente incide en la calidad del aire y determina la mezcla de contaminantes a los que se exponen los habitantes. De acuerdo con registros nacionales de contaminantes, en esta región poblana se liberan mayores niveles de benceno, dioxinas, bifenilos policlorados y metales pesados, pero también niveles de PM2.5 y PM10 cuatro veces mayores con respecto a Tlaxcala. Cada vez hay más evidencias de la asociación entre la exposición ambiental a mezclas de contaminantes y las cardiopatías. El abordaje metodológico, mediante la formulación de índices, es novedoso y busca ofrecer una contribución para el manejo integral de las MC, mediante la mitigación-prevención de los factores ambientales y de vulnerabilidad que determinan el riesgo de mortalidad por MC a nivel municipal
Determining the food waste awareness of chefs working in hotel kitchens
Get PDFReducing food waste in hotels is of importance for the successful management of operational inputs. For that reason, the present study determines the awareness of food waste of chefs working at hotel kitchens. 979 chefs who work at the kitchens of various hotels in Turkey were included in the research. The data was collected with a structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to determine the construct validity of the scales used in the research. When the chefs’ awareness increases, their caring for the faults and omissions causing food waste also increases. There is a significant relationship between the chefs’ levels of awareness and their care for faults and omissions causing food waste and taking of measures regarding the prevention of food waste at the enterprises. Reducing food waste may decrease the hotels’ expenses. This may be reflected on the consumer as lower sales prices, and on the enterprise as higher profitability. The relationship between the awareness of hotel kitchen staff and their care for faults and omissions was revealed as a means to decrease food waste at sectoral level. Thus, food waste can be reduced through strategies to enhance consciousness of food waste among the employees of the sector.La disminución del desperdicio de alimentos en los hoteles es de importancia para la gestión exitosa de los insumos operativos. Por esa razón, el presente estudio determina la conciencia sobre el desperdicio de alimentos de los chefs que trabajan en cocinas de hoteles. La investigación incluyó a 979 chefs que trabajan en las cocinas de varios hoteles en Turquía. Los datos fueron recolectados con un cuestionario estructurado. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio para determinar la validez de las escalas utilizadas en la investigación. A medida que aumenta la conciencia de los chefs, también aumenta su preocupación por los fallos y omisiones que provocan el desperdicio de alimentos. Existe una relación significativa entre los niveles de conciencia y la atención de los chefs hacia las faltas y omisiones que causan el desperdicio de alimentos y la toma de medidas relativas a la prevención del desperdicio de alimentos en las empresas. Gracias a la disminución del desperdicio de alimentos, los costos pueden reducirse al disminuir los gastos de los hoteles. Esto se reflejará en en precios de venta más bajos para el consumidor y en una mayor rentabilidad para la empresa. La relación entre la sensibilización del personal de cocina del hotel y su atención a los fallos y omisiones se reveló como un medio para disminuir el desperdicio de alimentos a nivel sectorial. Así, se sugiere disminuir el desperdicio de alimentos a través de estrategias que fomenten la concientización entre los empleados del sector
Characterization of PM2.5 elemental composition in residential homes: sources and health risk assessment
Get PDFUnderstanding indoor air pollutant levels is essential to evaluate potential health risks and inform mitigation strategies. This study quantified indoor concentrations of suspended particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and elemental composition (As, Zn, Pb, Cr, and 17 others) in 15 homes—five each from urban, suburban, and rural areas—in Córdoba province (Argentina) during summer and winter. The highest PM2.5 levels were found in rural homes during winter (mean: 14.78 μg/m3),followed by suburban (8.93 μg/m3) and urban homes (8.10 μg/m3). Despite detectable concentrations, all PM2.5 levels remained below the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s 24-hour standard. Health risk assessment revealed that arsenic (As) was the main contributor to carcinogenic risk, with values exceeding 1 × 10–6 in some homes, particularly during summer. Non-carcinogenic risks for most elements remained within acceptable limits. Elemental source attribution using enrichment factors indicated that indoor PM2.5 originated from both outdoor sources—mainly vehicular traffic (Co, Cr, As, Zn, Pb)—and indoor activities such as cooking (Co, Cu), paint use (Mn, Cr, Pb), plastic materials (Zn), and electronics (Mo). Seasonal differences also influenced elemental profiles, with some metals enriched during winter due to reduced ventilation and biomass combustion. These findings emphasize the relevance of both external and indoor sources in shaping indoor air quality and underscore the need for seasonally tailored risk mitigation. This study contributes to a better understanding of indoor PM2.5 exposure in residential environments and supports the development of targeted strategies to reduce health risks associated with airborne particles in low- and middle-income settings.Comprender los niveles de contaminantes en ambientes interiores es esencial paraevaluar los riesgos potenciales para la salud e implementar estrategias de mitigación.Este estudio cuantificó las concentraciones de partículas suspendidas con un diámetrode 2.5 micras (PM2.5) y su composición elemental (As, Zn, Pb, Cr, y otros 17) en 15viviendas —cinco de zonas urbanas, suburbanas y rurales— de la provincia de Córdoba(Argentina), durante el verano y el invierno. Las concentraciones más altas de PM2.5 seobservaron en viviendas rurales durante el invierno (media: 14.78 μg/m3), seguidas porlas suburbanas (8.93 μg/m3) y urbanas (8.10 μg/m3). A pesar de los niveles detectables,todas las concentraciones se mantuvieron por debajo del estándar de 24 horas de laAgencia de Protección Ambiental de EUA. La evaluación del riesgo para la salud revelóque el arsénico (As) fue el principal contribuyente al riesgo carcinogénico, superandoen algunos casos el valor de 1 × 10–6, especialmente durante el verano. Los riesgos nocarcinogénicos para la mayoría de los elementos se mantuvieron dentro de los límitesaceptables. El análisis de factores de enriquecimiento indicó que el PM2.5 en interioresse originó tanto en fuentes externas —principalmente el tráfico vehicular (Co, Cr, As,Zn, Pb)— como en actividades internas como la cocina (Co, Cu), el uso de pinturas(Mn, Cr, Pb), materiales plásticos (Zn) y dispositivos electrónicos (Mo). Las diferenciasestacionales también influyeron en los perfiles elementales, con mayor enriquecimientode algunos metales en invierno debido a la menor ventilación y a la combustión debiomasa. Estos resultados subrayan la importancia de considerar tanto fuentes internascomo externas al abordar la calidad del aire interior y los riesgos asociados
Fitorremediación de colorantes sintéticos mediante Lemna minuta
Get PDFDyes are chemical substances used in industry in general to give color to products. However, they are significant pollutants in water bodies. Dyes can be mutagenic, carcinogenic, allergenic, and cytotoxic to various life forms. Conventional methods for removing these chemicals are often costly, inefficient, and not applicable to all types of dyes. Phytoremediation offers a series of environmentally friendly, low-cost techniques for eliminating contaminants from the environment using plants. This study investigates the phytoremediation capability of the floating plant Lemna minuta for removing three specific dyes: malachite green (MG) at concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/L, cresyl violet acetate (CV) at 5 and 10 mg/L, and a commercial textile dye called navy-blue (NB) at concentrations of 80, 240, and 800 mg/L. The absorbance values were measured at intervals of 24, 48, and 72 h for MG and CV, and at 96 and 168 h for NB. The results showed removal percentages exceeding 97 % for MV and CV within 72 h, while the removal efficiency for NB was nearly 80% across all tested concentrations at 96 and 168 h. Overall, the findings indicate that L. minuta has a high capacity to remove the dyes malachite green, cresyl violet acetate, and the navy-blue textile dye, regardless of light conditions.Los colorantes son sustancias químicas que se utilizan en la industria en general para dar color a los productos. Sin embargo, los colorantes son considerados uno de los principales compuestos contaminantes de los cuerpos de agua. Estos químicos pueden ser mutagénicos, carcinogénicos, alergénicos y citotóxicos para todas las formas de vida. Los tratamientos convencionales para su eliminación tienen alto costo, baja eficiencia y la inaplicabilidad a una amplia variedad de tinturas. La fitorremediación es una serie de técnicas ecológicas, limpias y de bajo costo utilizada para la erradicación de contaminantes del ambiente mediante la utilización de plantas. En este estudio, se evaluó la capacidad fitorremediadora de la planta flotante Lemna minuta para la remoción de los colorantes verde de malaquita (VM, 5 y 10 mg/L), acetato de violeta de cresilo (VC, 5 y 10 mg/L) y el colorante textil comercial azul marino (AM, 80, 240 y 800 mg/L). Los valores de absorbancia fueron determinados en los tiempos 24, 48, 72 (VM, VC), 96 y 168 h (AM). Los resultados muestran porcentajes de remoción mayores a 97 % para VM y VC en 72 h, así como porcentajes de remoción cercanos a 80 % para el caso de AM en todas las concentraciones probadas en los tiempos de 96 y 168 h. Los resultados mostraron que L. minuta tiene una alta capacidad de remoción para todos los colorantes probados independientemente de las condiciones de luz u oscuridad
Advanced oxidation with ozone and hydrogen peroxide for the removal of dyes in agroindustrial wastewaters
Get PDFThis study assesses the effectiveness of peroxone, an advanced oxidation process (AOP) that combines ozone and hydrogen peroxide, for treating agro-industrial wastewater contaminated with dyes from the floral industry. Various ratios of O3/H2O2 (0, 0.35, 0.7, and 0.8) and exposure times (ranging from 95 to 265 min) were tested to assess their impact on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and color removal. The results showed significant pollutant removal, achieving up to 91.44% reduction in color in Treatment 5 (O3/H2O2 ratio = 0.7; treatment time = 240 min). COD reduction reached 77.78% in Treatment 8 (O3/H2O2 ratio = 0.35; treatment time = 265 min). Statistical analyses, indicated that color removal was significantly influenced by the treatment time and the O3/H2O2 ratio (p < 0.05), although these factors had a lesser impact on COD attenuation (p > 0.05). A desirability function was implemented to optimize COD and color removals simultaneously, obtaining the optimal conditions at an O3/H2O2 ratio of 1.6 and a treatment time between 60 and 264 min. Finally, correspondence analysis revealed relationships between pH, conductivity, redox potential, and total dissolved solids. This analysis suggested that while redox potential and conductivity play important roles in color removal, COD mitigation remains relatively stable across varying treatment conditions. This study offers valuable data about the efficient treatment for removing color and COD in agro-industrial wastewater using the peroxone process, providing a sustainable solution for wastewater management in the floral industry.Este estudio evalúa la efectividad del proceso peróxono, que combina ozono y peróxido de hidrógeno, para el tratamiento de aguas residuales agroindustriales contaminadas con tintes de la industria de las flores. Se probaron varias proporciones de O3/H2O2 (0, 0.35, 0.7 y 0.8) y tiempos de exposición (entre 95 y 265 min) para evaluar su impacto en la demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) y la eliminación de color. Los resultados mostraron una eliminación significativa de contaminantes, alcanzando hasta un 91.44% de reducción del color en el tratamiento 5 (proporción O3/H2O2= 0.7; tiempo de tratamiento = 240 min). La reducción de DQO fue del 77.78% en el tratamiento 8 (proporción O3/H2O2= 0.35; tiempo de tratamiento = 265 minutos). Los análisis estadísticos, incluyendo Anova, indicaron que tanto el tiempo de tratamiento como la proporción de O3/H2O2 influyeron significativamente en la remoción de color (p < 0.05), mientras que su efecto sobre la atenuación de la DQO fue menor (p > 0.05). Para optimizar simultáneamente la eliminación de DQO y color, se aplicó una función de deseabilidad, identificando condiciones óptimas con una proporción de O3/H2O2 de 1.6 y un tiempo de tratamiento entre 60 y 264 min. Finalmente, el análisis de correspondencia reveló relaciones entre el pH, la conductividad, el potencial redox y los sólidos disueltos totales. Este análisis sugirió que, mientras el potencial redox y la conductividad desempeñan roles importantes en la remoción de color, la reducción de DQO se mantiene relativamente estable bajo diferentes condiciones de tratamiento. Este estudio aporta datos valiosos sobre el tratamiento eficiente de aguas residuales agroindustriales coloreadas mediante el proceso peróxono, proporcionando una solución sostenible para la gestión de aguas residuales en la industria florícola
Comparación de dos tratamientos pasivos para disminuir la concentración de metales pesados en drenaje ácido de minas: cálcico-magnésico y alofánico-magnésico
No full textAcid mine drainage (AMD) is an environmental challenge of mining activity that must be addressed in the short term. This study compares, at a laboratory scale, the use of two passive treatment systems for AMD to reduce the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTE). Sampling of AMD was carried out in the micro-watershed of the Santa Rosa River in Ecuador. The treatment was carried out in two systems with combined beds: a calcium-magnesium system and an allophanic-magnesium system. The ADM flowed through each system for 50 days. During treatment, pH, electrical conductivity, and redox potential were recorded; PTE was quantified by Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and sulfates were determined by UV spectrophotometry. Initially, the AMD had a pH of 2.4, and the concentration of As(0.7), Cu(2.5), Ni(0.4), and Zn(10.2) (mg/L) exceeded the reference values established in the Ecuadorian environmental legislation. Once the AMD was treated, in both systems, the concentration of the PTEs decreased below the reference values [As(0.05), Cu(0.02), Ni(0.02), Zn(0.18) (mg/L)]. Also, the results showed no statistically significant differences between these two systems, which would result in lower costs in the treatment of AMD due to the availability of allophane in Ecuador. Finally, an increase in sulfate concentration was found in both treatments, which represents a disadvantage and, at the same time, a future line of research in this work.El drenaje ácido de mina (DAM) es un desafío ambiental de la actividad minera que debe atenderse en el corto plazo. Este estudio compara a escala laboratorio la utilización de dos sistemas de tratamiento pasivo para DAM, con el objetivo de disminuir la concentración de elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPT). El muestreo del DAM fue realizado en la microcuenca del río Santa Rosa, Ecuador. El tratamiento se llevó a cabo en dos sistemas con lechos combinado: un sistema cálcico-magnésico y un sistema alofánico-magnésico. El DAM fluyó a través de cada sistema durante 50 días. Durante el tratamiento se registró el pH, la conductividad eléctrica y el potencial redox; se cuantificaron los EPT mediante espectrometría de masas de plasma (ICP-MS) y se determinaron los sulfatos mediante espectrofotometría ultravioleta (UV). Inicialmente, el DAM tenía un pH de 2.4 y la concentración de As(0.7), Cu(2.5), Ni(0.4), Zn(10.2) (en mg/L) sobrepasaba los valores de referencia establecidos en la legislación ambiental ecuatoriana. Una vez tratado el DAM, en ambos sistemas se disminuyó la concentración de los EPT hasta abajo de los valores de referencia [As(0.05), Cu(0.02), Ni(0.02), Zn(0.18) (en mg/L)]. Asimismo, los resultados mostraron que no hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos sistemas, lo que redituaría en la disminución de costos en el tratamiento del DAM debido a la disponibilidad de alófano en Ecuador. Finalmente, se encontró un incremento en la concentración de sulfatos en ambos tratamientos, lo que representa una desventaja y, al mismo tiempo, una futura línea de investigación de este trabajo
Heavy metals, metalloids, and minerals in cosmetics used in Mexico
Get PDFThe interest in cosmetics is due to their wide use and poor regulation of their components, mainly if they contain potentially toxic elements that can enter the body by dermic and oral routes. This study analyzes samples of lipstick and eyeshadows, evaluating heavy metals in cosmetics at high, medium, and low-range prices in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. The systematic analysis of heavy metals was carried out using sequential analysis X-ray fluorescence, microwave-assisted digestion, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Elemental scanning with X-ray fluorescence shows that low-range price lipsticks exhibited higher concentrations of vanadium, strontium, and yttrium than high- and mid-range ones. Meanwhile, mid-range lipsticks exhibited the highest zinc, copper, niobium, nickel, rubidium, and tin concentrations. Vanadium was found in high concentrations but with no significant differences between the three eyeshadow ranges. The elemental concentrations show high Ba, Cr, and Zn concentrations in all lipsticks analyzed, but Cd, Pb, and Mn were only in some samples of lipsticks and eyeshadows. The potentially dangerous minerals identified were bismoclite, barium sulfate, and lead chlorate, mainly in the cosmetic low range. The lipstick images show white amorphous grains and dark spherical nanoparticles containing O, Si, S, Bi, and Ba, with traces of Al, Ca, and Pb. High-price lipsticks have the lowest concentrations of heavy metals and, therefore, have lower health risks.The interest in cosmetics is due to their wide use and poor regulation of their components, mainly if they contain potentially toxic elements that can enter the body by dermic and oral routes. This study analyzes samples of lipstick and eyeshadows, evaluating heavy metals in cosmetics at high, medium, and low-range prices in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. The systematic analysis of heavy metals was carried out using sequential analysis X-ray fluorescence, microwave-assisted digestion, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Elemental scanning with X-ray fluorescence shows that low-range price lipsticks exhibited higher concentrations of vanadium, strontium, and yttrium than high- and mid-range ones. Meanwhile, mid-range lipsticks exhibited the highest zinc, copper, niobium, nickel, rubidium, and tin concentrations. Vanadium was found in high concentrations but with no significant differences between the three eyeshadow ranges. The elemental concentrations show high Ba, Cr, and Zn concentrations in all lipsticks analyzed, but Cd, Pb, and Mn were only in some samples of lipsticks and eyeshadows. The potentially dangerous minerals identified were bismoclite, barium sulfate, and lead chlorate, mainly in the cosmetic low range. The lipstick images show white amorphous grains and dark spherical nanoparticles containing O, Si, S, Bi, and Ba, with traces of Al, Ca, and Pb. High-price lipsticks have the lowest concentrations of heavy metals and, therefore, have lower health risks
Disposición a pagar por mejorar la calidad del aire en Irapuato, Guanajuato, México
Get PDFAir quality in the municipality of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, is one of the primary concerns of the state, largely due to the growth in industry and population. The objective of this research was to determine the willingness-to-pay (WTP) of Irapuato residents for improving environmental quality. The contingent valuation method was employed, utilizing a logit model based on data collected from surveys conducted among the inhabitants. A sample of 100 was obtained with the simple random sampling method. The results indicate that 90% of the respondents have a perception of air pollution as being between bad and very bad, while 10% perceive the air quality as good or very good. The average WTP obtained was 32.50 MXN per month per family. At higher levels of education and income, as well as among respondents who have had any disease related to environmental pollution, the willingness to pay for an improvement in air quality increased by 5.8%, 8.7%, and 12.8%, respectively. The above suggests involving the residents in the search for possible solutions.La calidad del aire en el municipio de Irapuato, Guanajuato, México, es uno de los principales problems de la entidad debido al incremento de la industria y de la población. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la disponibilidad a pagar (DAP) de los habitantes de Irapuato para mejorar la calidad ambiental. Se utilizó el método de valoración contingente con un modelo logit basado en datos de encuestas aplicadas a los habitantes. Se obtuvo una muestra de 100 con el método de muestreo aleatorio simple. Los resultados indican que la percepción del 90 % de los encuestados sobre la contaminación del aire varía de mala a muy mala, mientras que el 10 % restante percibe que la calidad del aire es buena o muy buena. La DAP promedio obtenida fue de 32.50 MXN mensuales por familia. A niveles más altos de escolaridad e ingresos, y si el encuestado ha presentado alguna enfermedad relacionada con la contaminación ambiental, la disposición a pagar una mejora en la calidad del aire fue mayor en 5.8, 8.7 y 12.8 %, respectivamente. Lo anterior sugiere involucrar a los habitantes en la búsqueda de posibles soluciones
Evaluation of marine microbiota with bioremediation potential for hydrocarbons
Get PDFThe release of hydrocarbons resulting from human activities is one of the main causes of global marine pollution. The increasing tourism in Mediterranean regions such as the Costa del Sol (Málaga, Spain) poses a risk to the environmental health of these ecosystems due to the intensified use of motorboats. This situation calls for bioremediation enhanced by bioaugmentation and biostimulation. In this study, cultivable bacteria were isolated from water samples contaminated with hydrocarbons at Muelle Uno (Málaga, Spain). Subsequently, biostimulation processes were applied under different experimental conditions in minimal and complex media, with and without the presence of benzene or pentane, to evaluate their influence on bacterial abundances. The results showed that hydrocarbons extended the bacterial growth even in complex media and highlighted the essential role of nitrogen in bacterial proliferation. Molecular identification revealed the presence of Pseudoalteromonas sp. and Vibrio sp. in the seawater samples. However, benzene favored the growth of Bacillus sp., while pentane facilitated the proliferation of Vibrio sp. Massive sequencing results confirmed the dominance of Vibrio sp. under pentane conditions, whereas Pseudomonas sp. was predominant in benzene conditions. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the significant impact of hydrocarbon pollution on marine microbial communities, particularly affecting key bacterial genera such as Vibrio sp., Bacillus sp., and Pseudomonas sp. These findings provide a robust foundation for future research aimed at optimizing the use of these bacteria in bioremediation processes for hydrocarbon-contaminated marine environments.La liberación de hidrocarburos derivada de actividades humanas es una de las principales causas de contaminación marina a nivel global. El auge turístico en regiones mediterráneas como la Costa del Sol (Málaga, España) pone en riesgo la salud medioambiental de estos ecosistemas debido al mayor uso de embarcaciones de motor. Por ello es necesario llevar a cabo procesos de biorremediación, y la mejora de ésta, mediante técnicas de bioaumento y bioestimulación. En este estudio se aislaron bacterias cultivables procedentes de muestras de agua contaminadas por carburantes en el Muelle Uno (Málaga, España). Posteriormente, tras procesos de bioestimulación en diferentes condiciones experimentales en medios mínimos y complejos, con y sin la presencia de benceno o pentano, se evaluó la influencia en las abundancias bacterianas. Los resultados mostraron que los hidrocarburos prolongaron el periodo de crecimiento bacteriano, incluso en medios complejos, y que la presencia de nitrógeno fue esencial para la proliferación bacteriana. La identificación molecular mostró la presencia de Pseudoalteromonas sp. y Vibrio sp. en las muestras de agua de mar. No obstante, la presencia de benceno promovió la aparición de Bacillus sp., y la de pentano, la de Vibrio sp. Los resultados obtenidos mediante secuenciación masiva mostraron nuevamente la presencia de Vibrio sp. en las condiciones con pentano, mientras que en las condiciones con benceno predominó Pseudomonas sp. En conclusión, este estudio resalta cómo la contaminación por hidrocarburos afecta significativamente a las comunidades microbianas marinas, impactando a géneros bacterianos clave como Vibrio sp., Bacillus sp. y Pseudomonas sp. Estos hallazgos proporcionan unas especies candidatas prometedoras para estudios futuros sobre degradación de hidrocarburos