Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental
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High density polyethylene microplastics biodegradation by bacteria isolated from a landfill in Cali, Colombia
Get PDFMicroplastics cause pollution problems because they are difficult to degrade and tend to be easily transported and accumulate in the environment. Biodegradation is a promising solution by exploiting the ability of fungi or bacteria to accelerate the degradation process of microplastics, but this is a topic with several knowledge gaps. To evaluate the ability of microorganisms to degrade high-density polyethylene microplastics, four bacterial strains isolated from a sanitary landfill were selected, in a minimal salt medium with microplastics as the sole carbon source. The selected strains were identified as Tsukamurella sp. strain JP3, Tsukamurella sp. strain JP5+, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (JP5–) and Streptomyces sp. strain JP8. The bioassays were performed with single strains and mixed cultures. Biodegradation was determined by calculating the percentage weight loss of the microplastics and observing changes in their surface structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biodegradation rates between 6.81 and 18.14% were obtained, with JP5+JP8 being the treatment with the highest percentage, but with no significant differences between treatments. However, SEM showed microbial damage and growth on the surface of microplastics. Therefore, the bacterial strains used would have potential for biodegradation of high-density polyethylene, but it is advisable to continue investigations to determine the conditions and appropriate times to improve biodegradation with these strains.Microplastics cause pollution problems because they are difficult to degrade and tend to be easily transported and accumulate in the environment. Biodegradation is a promising solution by exploiting the ability of fungi or bacteria to accelerate the degradation process of microplastics, but this is a topic with several knowledge gaps. To evaluate the ability of microorganisms to degrade high-density polyethylene microplastics, four bacterial strains isolated from a sanitary landfill were selected, in a minimal salt medium with microplastics as the sole carbon source. The selected strains were identified as Tsukamurella sp. strain JP3, Tsukamurella sp. strain JP5+, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (JP5–) and Streptomyces sp. strain JP8. The bioassays were performed with single strains and mixed cultures. Biodegradation was determined by calculating the percentage weight loss of the microplastics and observing changes in their surface structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biodegradation rates between 6.81 and 18.14% were obtained, with JP5+JP8 being the treatment with the highest percentage, but with no significant differences between treatments. However, SEM showed microbial damage and growth on the surface of microplastics. Therefore, the bacterial strains used would have potential for biodegradation of high-density polyethylene, but it is advisable to continue investigations to determine the conditions and appropriate times to improve biodegradation with these strains
Evaluación espacio-temporal del estado trófico en el sistema lagunar de Agiabampo, Sonora
Get PDFThe main source of pollution in the coastal areas of the Gulf of California is nitrogen (N) fertilizers discharged through agricultural drains, resulting in excess nutrients in the water. However, the trophic state in the coastal lagoons of the Gulf of California has been poorly studied, particularly in the southern region of Sonora. The present work estimates the temporal and spatial variation of the trophic state within the Agiabampo coastal lagoon system in northwestern Mexico. The trophic state of the estuary was evaluated by applying the trophic state index and an alternative index based on the concentration of dissolved oxygen and pH. These indices were estimated at various sampling points across the lagoon system between November 2019 and March 2020. Additionally, water physical and chemical parameters were continuously measured at two sampling points using low-cost probes. The results indicate that eutrophication levels in the shallow water column in both indices were medium to high, while the deeper column showed more variation between indices. On the other hand, marked seasonal differences were found in dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, temperature, pH, and salinity along a 15-km transect from the discharge point of agricultural drains. The results of this work provide basic knowledge to understand the trophic state of coastal lagoons that receive agricultural discharges. Furthermore, the indicators proposed in this work can be implemented in monitoring observatories both in the Northwest of Mexico and in other lagoon systems of semi-arid regions in the world.La principal fuente de contaminación de las zonas costeras del sureste del Golfo de California son las descargas de aguas residuales agrícolas, las cuales, contienen una gran cantidad de fertilizantes nitrogenados dando como resultado un exceso de nutrientes en el agua. Sin embargo, el estado trófico en las lagunas costeras del Golfo de California ha sido poco estudiado, especialmente, en la región del sur de Sonora. El presente trabajo estima la variación temporal y espacial del estado trófico dentro del sistema lagunar de Agiabampo. La evaluación del estado trófico del estero se realizó mediante la aplicación del índice de estado trófico y un índice alternativo basado en la concentración de oxígeno disuelto y pH. Estos índices se estimaron en varios puntos a lo largo del sistema lagunar entre noviembre de 2019 y marzo de 2020. Adicionalmente se midieron en forma continua parámetros físicos y químicos del agua en dos puntos de muestreo mediante sondas de bajo costo. Los resultados indican que los niveles de eutrofización en la columna superficial en ambos índices fueron de medio a altos, mientras que la columna más profunda mostró más variación entre índices. Por otra parte, se encontraron marcadas diferencias estacionales en oxígeno disuelto, clorofila-a, temperatura, pH y salinidad a lo largo de un transecto de 15 km a partir del punto de las descargas de los drenes agrícolas. Los resultados de este trabajo proporcionan conocimiento base para entender el estado trófico de lagunas costeras que reciben descargas agrícolas. Además, los indicadores propuestos en este trabajo pueden ser implementados en observatorios de monitoreo tanto en el noroeste de México como en otros sistemas lagunares de regiones semiáridas en el mundo
Distribución estacional de indicadores fecales en una playa recreacional del litoral Atlántico de Argentina
Get PDFIn 2018, the concentrations and distribution of two indicators of fecal contamination were evaluated on a recreational beach located on the Atlantic coast of Argentina. The presence of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in samples of dry sand, wet sediments, and seawater was determined using the filter membrane technique by periodic monitoring considering the abundance of rain in previous days and ambient temperature values (maximum and minimum). Samples were analyzed according to the date of collection (summer season; winter season). In order to identify the origin of the selected indicators, the ratio E. coli /Enterococci (EC/ENT) was used. The concentration values of both indicators did not show significant differences between seasons and collection sites, with the exception of E. coli, with a higher concentration in the water during the summer period. In turn, the maximum abundance of both was identified in the summer months and in the three sites sampled. On the other hand, 58 % of the samples analyzed exceeded the admissible reference limits. When analyzing the origin of the contamination, a composition of mixed origin (animal and anthropic) was observed in both seasons. The colonies of EC and ENT persisted throughout the year, with sand being their best reservoir, while the environmental factors considered did not affect the distribution of these bacteria. The prevalence of their colony forming units (CFU), above the recommended levels and occurring in the intensive use period, would characterize this sector as a sanitary risk during the evaluated season.Durante el 2018 se evaluaron las concentraciones y distribución de dos indicadores de contaminación fecal en una playa recreacional localizada en el litoral atlántico de Argentina. Utilizando la técnica de membrana filtrante, se determinó la presencia de Escherichia coli y Enterococcus spp. en muestras de arena seca, sedimentos húmedos y agua de mar, mediante monitoreos periódicos considerando la abundancia de lluvia en días previos y valores de temperatura ambiente (máxima y mínima). Las muestras fueron analizadas según fecha de colecta (temporada estival; temporada invernal). Con el propósito de identificar la procedencia de los indicadores seleccionados se empleó la relación: E. coli / enterococos (EC/ENT). Los valores de concentración de ambos indicadores no evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre las temporadas como en los sitios de colecta, a excepción de E. coli, con mayor concentración en el agua durante el periodo estival. Por su parte, la máxima abundancia se identificó en los meses de verano y en los tres sitios muestreados. Por otra parte, el 58 % de las muestras analizadas superaron los límites admisibles. Al analizar la procedencia de la contaminación, se observó una composición de origen mixto (animal y antrópico) en ambas temporadas. Las colonias de EC y ENT persistieron a lo largo del año siendo la arena su mejor reservorio, mientras que los factores ambientales considerados no incidieron en la distribución de dichas bacterias. La prevalencia de sus unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC) por encima de lo recomendable y ocurridas en el periodo de uso intensivo, caracterizarían a este sector de riesgo sanitario durante la temporada evaluada.
Los valores de concentración de ambos indicadores no evidenciaron diferencias significativas entre las estaciones como en los sitios de colecta, a excepción de E coli, con mayor concentración en el agua durante el periodo estival. Por su parte, la máxima abundancia se identificó en los meses de verano y en los tres sitios muestreados. Por otra parte, el 58 % de las muestras analizadas superaron los límites admisibles.
Al analizar la procedencia de la contaminación, se observó una composición de origen mixto (animal y antrópico) en ambas temporadas.
Las colonias de EC y ENT, persistieron a lo largo del año siendo la arena su mejor reservorio mientras que los factores ambientales considerados no incidieron en la distribución de dichas bacterias.
La prevalencia de sus UFC, por encima de lo recomendable y ocurridas en el periodo de uso intensivo, caracterizarían a este sector de riesgo sanitario durante la temporada evaluada.
Impacto de la concentración de partículas atmosféricas en las enfermedades respiratorias de la población de la ciudad de Los Ángeles, Chile
Get PDFThe city of Los Angeles, located in south-central Chile, has severe air quality problems in the winter months due to the use of firewood for residential heating. The effects of poor air quality on population health were evaluated by linking particulate matter concentrations with medical care for respiratory and circulatory causes between 2013 and 2019. Specifically, generalized linear models (Poisson and negative binomial) were used to relate the concentration of inhalable (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) atmospheric particles to emergency care and hospital admissions, considering the following age groups: under 15 years of age, between 15 and 64, and over 65. The results show that a 100 μg/m3 increase in the daily concentration of PM2.5 raises emergency care by 3 and 2% in the age groups under 15 and between 15 and 64 years, respectively. On the other hand, the risk of hospitalization rises by 7% for the first age group when the PM10 concentration increases by 100 μg/m3. However, no significant effects were observed for circulatory conditions.La ciudad de Los Ángeles, ubicada en centro-sur de Chile, tiene graves problemas de calidad del aire en los meses de invierno por el uso de leña para calefacción residencial. Por lo anterior, se evaluaron los efectos de la mala calidad del aire en la salud de la población vinculando las concentraciones de partículas atmosféricas con las atenciones médicas por causas respiratorias y circulatorias entre 2013 y 2019. Específicamente, se utilizaron modelos lineales generalizados (Poisson y binomial negativo) para relacionar la concentración de partículas atmosféricas respirables (PM10) y finas (PM2.5) con las atenciones de urgencias e ingresos hospitalarios, considerando los siguientes grupos etarios: menores de 15 años, de 15 a 64 años y mayores de 65 años. Los resultados muestran que un aumento de 100 μg/m3 en la concentración diaria de PM2.5 incrementó en 3 y 2 % las consultas de urgencia en los grupos etarios de menores de 15 años y de 15 a 64 años, respectivamente. Por otro lado, el riesgo de hospitalización aumentó 7 % para el primer grupo etario cuando la concentración de PM10 aumentó en 100 μg/m3. Sin embargo, no se observaron efectos significativos por causas circulatorias
Tecnosuelos a base de concreto reciclado: efectos de la fuente de materia orgánica, biocarbón e inoculación con bacterias promotoras de crecimiento vegetal
Get PDFWorldwide, waste from the construction and demolition sector represents 45 to 65% of the waste deposited in final disposal sites, 25% of which is concrete. It is important to seek alternatives to reuse these materials in order to reduce the environmental impact they cause, particularly when they are not disposed of properly. One option is the elaboration of technosols, which require a mineral fraction and a source of organic matter. Due to their synthetic origin, technosols usually have a poorly diverse microbiota. In the present work, technosols were designed from recycled concrete (of two textures) and organic wastes of two origins (wastewater treatment sludge, and compost). The materials were characterized and the growth of Zea mays and Albizia occidentalis was evaluated. In addition, the effect of inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) was quantified. Different crystalline structures were found in the concrete, characteristic of this material, including portlandite. The results indicate that the source of organic matter is important for plant performance, particularly for Zea mays, since the best performance was obtained in mixtures with residual sludge as a source of organic matter with coarse-textured concrete. The physical and chemical properties of the technosols and leachates varied according to the composition of the mixtures and the plant species grown. The use of PGPB was beneficial for plant growth.A nivel mundial los residuos del sector de la construcción y demolición representan del 45 al 65 % de lo depositado en sitios de disposición final, en México 25 % corresponden a concreto. Buscar alternativas para reutilizar estos materiales es importante para reducir el impacto ambiental que causan, particularmente cuando no se dispone de ellos de forma adecuada. Una de las opciones es la elaboración de tecnosuelos, que requieren de una fracción mineral y una fuente de materia orgánica. Debido a su origen sintético, los tecnosuelos suelen contar con una microbiota poco diversa. En el presente trabajo se diseñaron tecnosuelos a partir de concreto reciclado (de dos texturas) y residuos orgánicos de dos orígenes (lodo residual de tratamiento de agua y composta). Se caracterizaron los materiales y se evaluó el crecimiento de Zea mays y Albizia occidentalis. Además, se cuantificó el efecto de la inoculación con bacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (BPCV). Diferentes estructuras cristalinas fueron encontradas en el concreto, características de este material, incluyendo portlandita. Los resultados indican que la fuente de materia orgánica es importante para el desempeño de las plantas, en particular para Zea mays, pues el mejor desempeño se obtuvo en mezclas con lodo residual como fuente de materia orgánica con concreto de textura gruesa. Las propiedades fisicas y químicas de los tecnosuelos y los lixiviados variaron en función de la composición de las mezclas y de la especie vegetal creciendo en ellas. El uso de BPCV fue benéfico para el desarrollo de las plantas
Legislaciones estatales para los plásticos de un sólo uso en méxico: ¿Qué sectores están incluidos?
Get PDFIn Mexico, there is a growing trend to reform the state waste management legislation to curb the dispersion of single-use plastics (P1U) and encourage waste reduction through co-responsibility actions. Currently, 29 of Mexico’s 32 states establish the participation of society’s sectors to motivate plastics governance in their laws. However, a national study is still needed to provide information on how responsibility is distributed within the legislation. Therefore, through network analysis, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity of actors and their inclusion as sectors within the legislation regulating P1U in Mexico. According to the research findings, Mexican state legislation aimed at reducing the spread of P1U relies primarily on economic measures targeting the distribution and commercialization sectors, accounting for 90% of the overall strategy.; however, the productive and academic sectors are underrepresented. This study presents a methodological proposal to provide a concise and schematic visualization of the diverse actors and sectors involved in the complex responsibility landscape for P1U reduction. The network analysis tool could be used to facilitate the task of decision-makers or for research that considers quantitative legislative review.En México existe una tendencia por reformar las legislaciones estatales de gestión de residuos con la intención de frenar la dispersión de plásticos de un sólo uso (P1U) y fomentar la reducción de residuos mediante acciones de corresponsabilidad. Actualmente, 29 de los 32 estados mexicanos establecen en sus leyes la participación de sectores de la sociedad para motivar una gobernanza de los plásticos. Sin embargo, aún no existe un estudio nacional que brinde información sobre la forma en la que se está distribuyendo la responsabilidad dentro de las legislaciones. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar a través de un análisis de redes la diversidad de actores y su inclusión como sectores dentro de la legislación que hasta ahora regula los P1U en México. Los hallazgos de la investigación indican que para frenar la dispersión de P1U el 90 % de las entidades federativas, de acuerdo con su legislación, se apoyan en el sector económico de la distribución y comercialización. Además, a nivel nacional, se observó una subrepresentación de la responsabilidad de los sectores productivo y académico. En este sentido el presente estudio ofrece una propuesta metodológica para visualizar de forma resumida y esquemática la diversidad de actores y sectores en el complejo panorama de la corresponsabilidad para la reducción de P1U. La herramienta de análisis de redes podría ser aprovechada para facilitar la tarea de los tomadores de decisión o para investigaciones que consideren la revisión legislativa cuantitativa
Risk assessment for the consumption of the freshwater turtle Podocnemis unifilis with Hg in an indigenous population living close to mining area in the brazilian Amazon
Get PDFPodocnemis unifilis is an important source of protein for indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon. However, contaminants associated to the mining activities can be affecting this species and, in turn, its consumers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of Hg contamination that the Kayapó indigenous people are exposed to through the consumption of P. unifilis in a region affected by mining in the Baú river basin, municipality of Altamira-PA, Brazilian Amazon. Muscle (edible) samples of the collected specimens were digested in a solution of concentrated nitric acid with hydrogen peroxide using a microwave digestion system. Inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry with hydrogen generation was used to quantify HgT. The health risk assessment was performed according to the methodology proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The muscle of P. unifilis presented an average concentration of 0.022 (µg/g wet weight) HgT, a value within the allowed level for the dietary pattern. The risk assessment for human health shows that the consumption of P. unifilis presents low risks of intoxication by Hg for the indigenous people. The results show a reduced risk of exposure to Hg due to the consumption of P. unifilis by indigenous people. However, if mining activity continues to spread across the region, since Hg biomagnifies in the trophic chain and can represent a serious risk for human health and biota.Podocnemis unifilis is an important source of protein for indigenous communities in the Brazilian Amazon. However, contaminants associated to the mining activities can be affecting this species and, in turn, its consumers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of Hg contamination that the Kayapó indigenous people are exposed to through the consumption of P. unifilis in a region affected by mining in the Baú river basin, municipality of Altamira-PA, Brazilian Amazon. Muscle (edible) samples of the collected specimens were digested in a solution of concentrated nitric acid with hydrogen peroxide using a microwave digestion system. Inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry with hydrogen generation was used to quantify HgT. The health risk assessment was performed according to the methodology proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The muscle of P. unifilis presented an average concentration of 0.022 (µg/g wet weight) HgT, a value within the allowed level for the dietary pattern. The risk assessment for human health shows that the consumption of P. unifilis presents low risks of intoxication by Hg for the indigenous people. The results show a reduced risk of exposure to Hg due to the consumption of P. unifilis by indigenous people. However, if mining activity continues to spread across the region, since Hg biomagnifies in the trophic chain and can represent a serious risk for human health and biota
Caracterización del uso de plaguicidas en el cultivo de aguacate en Temascaltepec, México
Get PDFAvocado production in the municipality of Temascaltepec, State of Mexico, is in constant growth, which implies an increase in the use of agrochemicals for pest control, but information on the type of pesticides used is limited. This work characterized and typified the pesticides used in avocado crops, grouping them to evaluate similarities, to know the diversity of active ingredients and the possible risk to human health and the environment in 22 communities of Temascaltepec. A survey was applied in 96 avocado orchards (121 questions). Data were analyzed using principal components and cluster analysis. Four groups of producers were obtained, whose similarities are based mainly on the variety grown, orchard size, time in the activity, altitude, and soil type. The use of 32 active ingredients was found, of which 26 are classified as highly hazardous in Mexico. The most frequently used pesticides are malathion, abamectin and lambda-cyhalothrin. The most toxic pesticides used are methomyl, glyphosate, methamidophos, paraquat, dimethoate and terbufos. Most farmers do not follow the protocols for pesticide application and dosage, and although they are aware of the labeling and storage of the products, they do not do it correctly. The information obtained from this study will provide guidance on the use of these substances to improve production alternatives, expand markets and reduce health risks, both for avocado producers and consumers.La producción de aguacate en el municipio de Temascaltepec, Estado de México, se encuentra en constante crecimiento, lo cual supone un incremento en el uso de agroquímicos para el control de plagas. Sin embargo, la información respecto al tipo de plaguicidas empleados es limitada. En este trabajo se caracterizaron y tipificaron los plaguicidas utilizados en el cultivo de aguacate, realizando agrupamientos, con el fin de evaluar semejanzas, conocer la diversidad de ingredientes activos y el posible riesgo a la salud y al ambiente de 22 comunidades de Temascaltepec. Para lo anterior, se aplicó una encuesta en 96 huertas de aguacate (121 preguntas) y los datos se analizaron mediante componentes principales y análisis de conglomerados. Se obtuvieron cuatro grupos de productores, cuyas semejanzas se basan principalmente en la variedad cultivada, el tamaño del huerto, el tiempo en la actividad, la altitud y el tipo de suelo. Como resultado, se encontró el uso de 32 ingredientes activos, de los cuales 26 son catalogados como altamente peligrosos en México. Los plaguicidas que se utilizan con mayor frecuencia son malatión, abamectina y lambda-cialotrina. Los plaguicidas de mayor toxicidad utilizados son metomilo, glifosato, metamidofos, paraquat, dimetoato y terbufos. Cabe mencionar que la mayoría de los agricultores no atienden los protocolos de aplicación y dosificación de los plaguicidas y, aunque tienen conocimiento sobre el etiquetado y almacenamiento de los productos, no lo realizan correctamente. La información obtenida del presente estudio permitirá orientar sobre el uso de estas sustancias para mejorar las alternativas de producción, mercados y reducción de riesgos a la salud
Effect of light intensity on removal of contaminants in tilapia residual effluents with mocroalgae
Get PDFResidual aquaculture effluents are discarded into the environment, causing adverse effects on water bodies through eutrophication. Therefore, looking for a treatment that extracts the contaminants and adds benefits by cultivating microalgae in the effluents is necessary. In this research, Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oculata were cultivated in aquaculture waste effluent using two lighting condi-tions (40.5 and 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1). The results show that the time the exponential and stationary phases are reached was not influenced by light, but cell growth, production, and biomass productivity were. The best results were for the condi-tion of 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1 in stationary phase (4.62×107 ± 2.12×105 and 4.45×107 ± 2.33×106 cell mL–1; 0.684±0.124 and 0.718±0.122 g L–1; 0.043 ± 0.008 and 0.048 ±0.008 g L–1 d–1) with C. vulgaris and N. oculata, respectively. Cultures at 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1 and the stationary phase were better for removing nitrates, phosphates, and COD (80-97%, 25-50%, and 43-89%) in microalgae and growth phases. While for ammonium and nitrites, the highest removal efficiency was obtained with 40.5 μmol m–2 s–1 in the stationary phase. Therefore, light intensity is an essential factor to consider when there are high concentrations of contaminants On the other hand, the light intensity of 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1 was also the most suitable for the highest biomass production and productivity in the stationary phase.Residual aquaculture effluents are discarded into the environment, causing adverse effects on water bodies through eutrophication. Therefore, looking for a treatment that extracts the contaminants and adds benefits by cultivating microalgae in the effluents is necessary. In this research, Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis oculata were cultivated in aquaculture waste effluent using two lighting condi-tions (40.5 and 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1). The results show that the time the exponential and stationary phases are reached was not influenced by light, but cell growth, production, and biomass productivity were. The best results were for the condi-tion of 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1 in stationary phase (4.62×107 ± 2.12×105 and 4.45×107 ± 2.33×106 cell mL–1; 0.684±0.124 and 0.718±0.122 g L–1; 0.043 ± 0.008 and 0.048 ±0.008 g L–1 d–1) with C. vulgaris and N. oculata, respectively. Cultures at 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1 and the stationary phase were better for removing nitrates, phosphates, and COD (80-97%, 25-50%, and 43-89%) in microalgae and growth phases. While for ammonium and nitrites, the highest removal efficiency was obtained with 40.5 μmol m–2 s–1 in the stationary phase. Therefore, light intensity is an essential factor to consider when there are high concentrations of contaminants On the other hand, the light intensity of 72.9 μmol m–2 s–1 was also the most suitable for the highest biomass production and productivity in the stationary phase
Potential of chitosan and activated carbon biocomposites for removing enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline from water
Get PDFEnrofloxacin (ENRO) and oxytetracycline (OTC) are two antibiotics, which are difficult to remove by conventional water treatment methods. The characteristics of the biocomposites suggest that they could represent an alternative for the removal of this type of substances through adsorption processes. The current study aimed to determine and compare the potential of biocomposites formed with chitosan and different concentrations of activated carbon (AC) with a particle size of 500 nm, prepared from agave bagasse, to remove enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline solved in water. The effectiveness of the addition of different concentrations of AC (0, 0.5, 2 and 5% w/v) to chitosan was evaluated by morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The detection of the characteristic functional groups carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that the nanoparticles of AC were attached in the chitosan biocomposite, and stable chemical crosslinking was formed during the polymerization process. The removal test of ENRO (10 mg/mL) and OTC (10 mg/mL) in a water was performed by a gradient method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the addition of AC to chitosan formed a biocomposite with maximum capacity to remove 59.3% of OTC (contact time 2 h at 100 rpm, 4 g biocomposite/L solution, pH 6-7, 30 ºC), and a maximum removal of 50.3% of ENRO (contact time 2 h at 100 rpm, 4 g biocomposite/L solution, pH 6, 30 ºC). Biocomposites formed by chitosan and agave activated carbon can support the development of tools for the removal of recalcitrant antibiotics from water bodies.Enrofloxacin (ENRO) and oxytetracycline (OTC) are two antibiotics, which are difficult to remove by conventional water treatment methods. The characteristics of the biocomposites suggest that they could represent an alternative for the removal of this type of substances through adsorption processes. The current study aimed to determine and compare the potential of biocomposites formed with chitosan and different concentrations of activated carbon (AC) with a particle size of 500 nm, prepared from agave bagasse, to remove enrofloxacin and oxytetracycline solved in water. The effectiveness of the addition of different concentrations of AC (0, 0.5, 2 and 5% w/v) to chitosan was evaluated by morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The detection of the characteristic functional groups carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that the nanoparticles of AC were attached in the chitosan biocomposite, and stable chemical crosslinking was formed during the polymerization process. The removal test of ENRO (10 mg/mL) and OTC (10 mg/mL) in a water was performed by a gradient method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that the addition of AC to chitosan formed a biocomposite with maximum capacity to remove 59.3% of OTC (contact time 2 h at 100 rpm, 4 g biocomposite/L solution, pH 6-7, 30 ºC), and a maximum removal of 50.3% of ENRO (contact time 2 h at 100 rpm, 4 g biocomposite/L solution, pH 6, 30 ºC). Biocomposites formed by chitosan and agave activated carbon can support the development of tools for the removal of recalcitrant antibiotics from water bodies