El crecimiento urbano y el desarrollo de actividades industriales en Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México, han afectado el suelo de la laguna La Escondida con As, Cd, Cr y Pb, elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPT). Sin embargo, dentro de la laguna se encuentran leguminosas como Neltuma glandulosa, Parkinsonia aculeata, Leucaena leucocephala que pueden ser utilizadas como ensayo preliminar de tolerancia para la fitorremediación de la laguna. En este estudio se evaluó la tolerancia germinativa de leguminosas expuestas al suelo de la laguna. Se cuantificaron parámetros físicos y químicos del suelo (clase textural, N, P K, CIC, pH y conductividad eléctrica), luego se prepararon extractos acuosos para la germinación (10 semillas se colocaron sobre papel adsorbente en cajas Petri y se les añadieron 13.5 mL del extracto); durante una semana se cuantificó el porcentaje de germinación (PG), PG relativo (PGR), longitud radicular relativa (LRR) e índice de germinación (IG). Los parámetros físicos y químicos fueron analizados con la prueba de Tukey, posteriormente se relacionó las medias de las variables de germinación vía Amva y finalmente todas las variables de estudio se relacionaron con un análisis de componentes principales (ACP). Los resultados mostraron que N. glandulosa y P. aculeata presentan un IG mayor (73.06 y 100 % respectivamente) son significativamente diferentes (P ≤ 0.05) a A. lebbeck y L. leucocephala en PGR, LRR e IG. El ACP indica que estos mismos parámetros tienen una contribución 5.90 % en N. glandulosa y P. aculeata que en las dos últimas especies. N. glandulosa y P. aculeata son tolerantes a los EPT.
Una de las estrategias para mitigar el cambio climático y avanzar hacia el cumplimiento de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) en las instituciones de educación superior es la medición de sus impactos ambientales, como la huella de carbono (HC), considerando las principales fuentes de emisión y las metas específicas, e identificando áreas prioritarias para una visión de sostenibilidad institucional. Durante la pandemia por COVID-19, las universidades experimentaron cambios significativos en sus operaciones: no solo transformaron la dinámica educativa, sino que también influyeron en los patrones de consumo eléctrico, la movilidad y la generación de residuos. El objetivo de este estudio fue cuantificar la HC de la Facultad de Planeación Urbana y Regional de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMEX) en tres modalidades educativas: híbrida, presencial y virtual, así como analizar su relación con el cumplimiento de los ODS. La metodología se basó en el Protocolo de Gases de Efecto Invernadero, categorizando las fuentes de emisión en tres niveles de alcance y utilizando factores de emisión (FE) de la base de datos Ecoinvent, según el método de evaluación de impacto ambiental del Panel Intergubernamental de Cambio Climático. Se aplicó un análisis de sensibilidad del sector transporte a distintas fuentes energéticas en seis escenarios y un análisis de incertidumbre de Monte Carlo, enfocado en el FE. La HC total de la institución para 2022 fue de 157.82 tCO2eq, con predominio del alcance 3 (48.77 %), asociado principalmente con el uso del transporte urbano. El escenario eléctrico disminuye a un 63 %, alineándose con las estrategias impulsadas actualmente por la UAEMEX. Para dar cumplimiento a los ODS, la modalidad híbrida presentó una mayor correspondencia (60-80 %) con las emisiones asociadas a la movilidad universitaria.
The accumulation of non-degradable conventional plastics and their environmental impacts have driven the search for sustainable alternatives. In this study, bioplastic films were produced using mango peel extract (MPE) at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% (g/100 mL) to characterize their physical, mechanical, and morphological properties, as well as evaluate its biodegradability. Using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), it was demonstrated that the bioplastic prepared with 15% MPE stood out in physical properties (color, ΔE ≈ 10.87), mechanical properties (elongation: 77%; tensile and puncture strength: ≈ 2.65 MPa and 1.03 N), and morphological properties (surface uniformity and homogeneity). However, the bioplastic with 5% MPE exhibited greater biodegradability, achieving 57% decomposition in 28 days, which is faster than that of conventional plastics. It was determined that the incorporation of MPE improves both mechanical and morphological properties; however, higher MPE concentrations tend to decrease the biodegradation rate, which is relevant for applications and formulation design. These findings highlight the potential of mango peel-based bioplastics as viable ecological alternatives, with promising applications in various industrial sectors.
Este estudio evaluó los perfiles de emisión de compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COV) de vehículos a gasolina en dos túneles urbanos de México: uno ubicado en Monterrey y otro en Guanajuato. Se realizaron campañas de muestreo utilizando recipientes para muestreo de aire y se analizaron 56 COV mediante cromatografía de gases, de acuerdo con los métodos TO-14A y TO-15 de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (EPA, por su sigla en inglés). Se identificó una alta presencia de hidrocarburos aromáticos y alcanos, siendo el tolueno, el isopentano, los xilenos y el etileno los compuestos dominantes. Las diferencias con un estudio previo en el túnel de Monterrey sugieren cambios en la calidad de los combustibles, en la composición del parque vehicular y en la tecnología automotriz de los autos nuevos. El cálculo del potencial de formación de ozono (PFO) mostró que los aromáticos son los principales precursores de ozono, al igual que en la formación de aerosoles orgánicos secundarios. Los alquenos y los aromáticos más reactivos (especialmente el etileno y los xilenos) fueron los principales contribuyentes a la reactividad del radical hidroxilo (kOH), lo que evidencia su papel central en la fotoquímica atmosférica. La actualización de los perfiles de COV vehiculares incrementa el conocimiento y comprensión de la contribución de dichas emisiones en la formación de ozono y pueden utilizarse en modelos fotoquímicos de pronóstico y diagnóstico de este contaminante secundario. Asimismo, este trabajo refuerza la importancia de los estudios en túneles como herramienta para caracterizar las emisiones vehiculares en condiciones reales de manejo y orientar estrategias de control de emisiones a la atmósfera.
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin that primarily targets the central nervous system. The population worldwide is exposed to MeHg mainly by ingesting seafood with high mercury (Hg) content. Regulatory frameworks and studies worldwide estimate the human health risk posed by MeHg using the total Hg concentration in fish tissue (HgTot) and consider an adjustment factor of 90% to estimate MeHg contribution, without any validation. In this study, we combine quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to quantify HgTot and MeHg in three high-consumption fish species from the Seafood Central Market of Mexico City (SCMM), the second-largest seafood distributor in the world after the Toyosu market in Japan. SCMM serves 22 million people in Mexico City, millions across the entire country, and millions worldwide, such as the United States of America, Japan, Canada, and France. We pointed out that the MeHg proportion in fish tissue worldwide varies widely (from 19% to 100%), with a global median of 82.3% (n = 50 published studies, including our results), significantly lower than the 90% adjustment factor commonly used. Cathorops fuertii shows a high mercury content, reaching up to 0.70 μg/g HgTot, with 78.9% as MeHg. Risk assessment reveals an important risk (HQMEHg > 1) for children under six years old and pregnant women due to MeHg exposure in some localities of Mexico. Our findings highlight the need for species-specific monitoring of MeHg and updated daily safety intake guidelines. We recommend adopting HPLC-ICP-MS to replace HgTot-based estimations, in line with the Minamata Convention’s goals.
Water pollution generates significant environmental and social impacts, affecting ecosystems and the quality of life of local communities. This study assessed both the social behavior of residents and the contamination of sediments in a high Andean lake (Lake Umayo) exposed to anthropogenic sources. Through interviews, changes in water usage and productive activities due to pollution were identified. Subsequently, total concentrations of heavy metals and phosphorus were measured in surface sediments collected from the lake's main body, its inflows (Vilque, Ccaccapunco, Challamayo Rivers), and outflow (Llungo River). The results indicated that residents have reduced water use for consumption and agricultural purposes due to its poor quality. Additionally, increased mortality of vicu & ntilde;as and sheep has heightened concern regarding environmental impacts. Geochemical analyses revealed elevated concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and phosphorus (P), exceeding quality standards in agricultural and cheese-producing zones. Furthermore, mercury (Hg) displayed a transport pattern from the Vilque River toward the central aquatic system. The geochemical index indicated moderate to strong contamination by Cd, Cu, and As. Thus, human activities have increased levels of Cd, P, Hg, and As in sediments, affecting the ecosystem and prompting changes in community practices in a context of limited institutional response to environmental concerns.
Cheese whey is an agro-industrial by-product that poses a high environmental risk due to its high chemical oxygen demand (COD). In Mexico, cheese whey is not typically treated directly, and its management generally involves autofermentation, which influences the treatment process. In this study, we assessed various strategies for valorizing different types of cheese whey: fresh, auto-fermented, auto-fermented-filtered, and double-fermented. These were used as the substrates for dark fermentation or anaerobic digestion. Four continuous stirred tank reactors were operated under dark fermentation conditions to determine how hydraulic retention time (HRT), volumetric organic loading rate (OLR), and solids content affected metabolite and hydrogen production. Total carboxylic acids and ethanol concentrations as high as 20 g/L, along with a volumetric hydrogen production rate of 2.42 L/L-d were obtained. The results showed that the content of solids in the autofermented cheese whey directly influenced the dark fermentation metabolic pathways and global outcome. The production of lactate or caproate can be enhanced by selecting appropriate HRT and OLR values. The anaerobic digestion of the cheese whey (auto fermented, auto fermented-filtered, and double-fermented) proved to be very efficient, achieving over 99% COD removal in all cases, with a volumetric methane production rate of 0.21 L-L-d. These findings underscore the potential of cheese whey to be valorized either through the production of high-value carboxylic acids or methane, suggesting that the cheese industry could become more sustainable within a circular economy framework.
The massive influx of Sargassum along Caribbean coastlines presents both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for biomass valorization. This study evaluated pretreatment consisting of washing and solar drying to adapt Sargassum biomass for thermochemical recovery. Biomass was collected from three coastal sites in the Mexican Caribbean, with an average morphotype composition of Sargassum natans III (88.3%), Sargassumfluitans I (10%), and Sargassum natans VIII (1.6%). Samples were divided into Control (untreated) and Wash-dry (pretreated) groups and analyzed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, proximate analysis, and ultimate analysis. Statistical evaluation revealed that prior segregation by morphotype or morphological section does not significantly influence biomass composition or higher heating value (similar to 14 MJ/kg), supporting large-scale processing strategies. FTIR spectra showed that both groups retained key functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and polysaccharide-associated vibrations, indicating biochemical integrity. The intensity of the signals associated with marine salts and sand decreased in the Wash-dry sample, confirming effective removal of surface-bound inorganic matter. Proximate analysis revealed a reduction in both moisture content (from 57.9 to 18.1%) and fixed carbon content (from 3.5 to 0.9%). Volatile matter increased from 20.7 to 59.4%, enhancing the potential of Sargassum for oil and gas production. Ultimate analysis revealed statistically similar C, H, N, S, and O contents after pretreatment, confirming preservation of the internal chemical structure. These findings demonstrate that the Wash-dry protocol is a selective and non-destructive strategy that enhances Sargassum biomass quality, potentially enabling a less energy-intensive pathway for its thermochemical valorization.
Artisanal small-scale gold mining (ASM) is one of the main economic activities in Las Habitas, a town located in southern Sinaloa. This activity involves exposure to mercury (Hg) during the Au amalgamation process. Hg can cause severe environmental damage and pose health risks to the population. To understand the socio-environmental dynamics, this study addresses fundamental aspects to understand the activity, including the process and the establishment of social perceptions regarding mining activities. The process of obtaining Au is rudimentary, using mills known as "taunas", which operate under precarious safety and protection measures. Income generated from the sale of Au sustains this practice. It has been documented that to obtain 1 kg of Au, an average of 11 880 L of water and 19.8 kg of Hg are used, which are released directly into the environment. The process takes about three days, yielding between 10 and 20 g of the mineral, with an average selling price of $565 MXN per gram. The general population's perception of mining is that it represents an important economic activity with a moderate environmental impact, but it does not fully grasp the true long-term health and environmental repercussions. The socio-environmental situation of Las Habitas exemplifies the limited modernization in both infrastructure and techniques for the use and recovery of Hg, as well as the limited knowledge of less harmful alternatives. This study highlights the need for more comprehensive research on environmental and public health risks, with a focus on developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Comprender los niveles de contaminantes en ambientes interiores es esencial para evaluar los riesgos potenciales para la salud e implementar estrategias de mitigación. Este estudio cuantificó las concentraciones de partículas suspendidas con un diámetro de 2.5 micras (PM2.5) y su composición elemental (As, Zn, Pb, Cr, y otros 17) en 15 viviendas —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 se observaron en viviendas rurales durante el invierno (media: 14.78 μg/m3), seguidas por las 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 la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de EUA. La evaluación del riesgo para la salud reveló que el arsénico (As) fue el principal contribuyente al riesgo carcinogénico, superando en algunos casos el valor de 1 × 10–6, especialmente durante el verano. Los riesgos no carcinogénicos para la mayoría de los elementos se mantuvieron dentro de los límites aceptables. El análisis de factores de enriquecimiento indicó que el PM2.5 en interiores se 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 diferencias estacionales también influyeron en los perfiles elementales, con mayor enriquecimiento de algunos metales en invierno debido a la menor ventilación y a la combustión de biomasa. Estos resultados subrayan la importancia de considerar tanto fuentes internas como externas al abordar la calidad del aire interior y los riesgos asociados.
Mine tailings contain waste with a chemical composition that is susceptible to oxidation. The oxidation of these wastes creates conditions that reach the threshold of environmental extremes. These extreme conditions limit the development of life. However, bacteria have adapted to extreme environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to isolate heat-resistant bacteria from mining wastes and describe their phenotypic characteristics and ecological properties, providing insight into their adaptation to the extreme conditions of these pollutants. The rhizosphere-associated substrate had the highest abundance, and the leachate was the sample with the highest diversity of thermoresistant bacteria. The dominance of Gram-positive bacilli was described, mainly in the leachate. All isolates showed protection against oxidative stress, and most of them did not use oxygen as an electron acceptor in respiration. The thermoresistant bacteria showed evidence of acidophilic growth. Despite being selected by heat shock, only 34% of the samples produced biofilm. Sixty-nine per cent of the isolates grew on medium containing inorganic phosphorus but showed no evidence of solubilization. These isolates showed significant phenotypic changes in the morphology of their colonies. Correlations between phenotypic characteristics and ecological properties of heat-resistant bacteria revealed adaptive similarities shared by groups of isolates. These correlations need to be confirmed from a phylogenetic perspective. This study contributes to the description of adaptability to extremophilic sites of anthropogenic origin, aiming to identify bacteria for potential use in the bioremediation of mining sites.
Sandy beaches accumulate plastics that affect water quality, sediments, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. This study provides the first report of plastic pollution in the sediments of G & uuml;ibia Beach (Dominican Republic), an urban area with restricted use that also serves as a nesting site for sea turtles. Surface sampling was conducted at five equidistant points along a 100 m transect on the high tide line, collecting visible plastics and sediments using a wooden quadrat (50 & times; 50 cm) and a metal shovel. In the laboratory, samples were dried, sieved (mesh sizes of 4.75 and 0.5 mm), and examined under a magnifying glass (50 & times;) to extract plastic particles. Additionally, density separation was applied using NaCl (5 mol/L). An average abundance of 79.6 items/kg of dry weight was recorded, consisting of 45.73% mesoplastics and 54.27% microplastics. Foam, mainly associated with food consumption and fishing activities, was the most frequent type (369 items: 150 spheres and 219 fragments). The accumulation of plastic particles was related to local conditions, including geomorphology, hydrodynamics, and anthropogenic pressures. These findings highlight the vulnerability of urban beaches to plastic pollution, which poses a potential risk to the reproductive success of threatened marine species. The results underscore the need to strengthen solid waste management and develop conservation strategies to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Dyes 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.
Reducing 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 ness of food waste among the employees of the sector.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories are crucial for the design and implementation of climate change measures. Historically, the sector with the highest emissions in Venezuela is the energy sector; however, there is no comprehensive, public, and accessible time series to identify the drivers of these emissions. The objective of this paper is to estimate energy-sector emissions in Venezuela and their drivers in a time series for the period 1995-2021, following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change guidelines, using public sources and filling in missing data with statistical methods based on complementary data. Total emissions for the period 1995-2021 ranged from 168 559 to 502 600 Gg CO2eq/yr due to fugitive emissions and combustion of fossil fuels, with maximum emissions in 2014. The largest contributors to emissions were fugitive emissions from oil production (40-80%) and diesel and gasoline burning from road transport (8-27%). The sector presented a complex interaction between economic growth, population growth, and GHG emissions. Kaya's decomposition showed that the emission intensity per unit of energy is the most important driver, underscoring the need for a mitigation plan tailored to Venezuela's national circumstances that prioritizes managing fugitive emissions from oil production and increasing energy efficiency.
Annually, over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated worldwide. This waste often ends up in open dumps or landfills, causing flooding, health hazards, and pollution. In M & eacute;rida, Yucat & aacute;n, Mexico, MSW is disposed of at the RESAM landfill. This research aimed to document residents' perceptions of the impacts of the RESAM landfill. A total of 251 residents from three communities within a 1500-meter radius of RESAM were interviewed. The respondents reported several impacts: i) declining air quality (98%), ii) presence of disease vectors (81%), iii) negative effects on emotional well-being (81%), iv) high rates of both acute (42%) and chronic (22%) respiratory illnesses, and v) eye conditions (31%). To cope with these effects, residents adjusted their habits-keeping their homes closed, changing daily routines, and reducing social interactions.
The 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 Tecnologia 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 PM(10 )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.
Dairy activity in La Pampa in 2020 included 133 dairy farms, mostly located in the southern dairy sub-basin. In recent years, industry intensification has led to increased wastewater production from these dairy farms. These wastes (a combination of manure, feed residues, and cleaning chemicals) pose a potential environmental threat. Due to the lack of data about these environmental effects, a randomized survey of 25 dairy farms in this sub-basin was conducted. Nine of them were selected to analyze their effluents. The survey revealed that an average dairy farm used between 2620 and 12 400 L/d primarily for floor washing, cooling chambers, and equipment cleaning. This wastewater was typically discharged into canals or wells without prior treatment. Chemical analyses of the effluents indicated elevated levels of several parameters: chemical oxygen demand (179-683 mgO(2)/L), total nitrogen (48-221 mgN/L), ammonia nitrogen (7-146 mgN-NH4+/L), total phosphorus (14-57 mgP/L), and phosphates (2-15 mg P-PO43-/L). All these values greatly exceeded the limits established by law. Toxicity bioassays using Daphnia magna indicated that the effluents were toxic or highly toxic to biota (LC50: 51.3-10.5 %). However, this toxicity could not be associated with any of the variables studied, indicating that there may be interactions between them, or it may be due to compounds not studied in this project. The nutrient content demonstrates good potential for reuse as irrigation after treatment. It is imperative that new legislation include toxicity analysis.
Los inventarios de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) son cruciales para el diseño e implementación de medidas contra el cambio climático. En Venezuela, el sector de mayor emisión ha sido históricamente el energético; sin embargo, no se cuenta con una serie de tiempo amplia, pública y accesible que permita identificar los impulsores de dicha emisión. El objetivo de este trabajo es estimar las emisiones del sector energético de Venezuela, así como sus impulsores, en una serie temporal del periodo 1995-2021, siguiendo los lineamientos del Panel Intergubernamental sobre Cambio Climático, utilizando fuentes públicas y completando los datos faltantes mediante métodos estadísticos basados en datos complementarios. Las emisiones totales para el periodo 1995-2021 fluctuaron entre 168 559 y 502 600 Gg CO2eq/año debido a emisiones fugitivas y quema de combustibles fósiles, con el máximo de emisiones en 2014. Los mayores contribuyentes a las emisiones fueron las fugitivas provenientes de la producción de petróleo (40-80 %) y la quema de diésel y gasolina del transporte terrestre (8-27 %). El sector presentó una compleja interacción entre el crecimiento económico, el aumento de la población y las emisiones de GEI. La descomposición de Kaya reveló que la intensidad de emisión por energía es el impulsor más importante, mostrando la necesidad de establecer un plan de mitigación a la medida de las circunstancias nacionales venezolanas, que priorice el manejo de emisiones fugitivas de la producción petrolera y el aumento de la eficiencia del transporte terrestre, que son los principales impulsores de las emisiones actuales.
Anualmente se generan en el mundo más de 2000 millones de t de residuos sólidos urbanos (RSU). Estos residuos pueden terminar en botaderos o rellenos sanitarios, produciendo inundaciones, efectos sobre la salud y contaminación. En la ciudad de Mérida, Yucatán, México, los RSU son acumulados en un relleno sanitario (RESAM). Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo documentar las afectaciones percibidas por los habitantes en la zona de influencia de este relleno. Se entrevistaron 251 residentes en tres comunidades ubicadas alrededor del RESAM en un radio de 1500 m. Los entrevistados reportan las siguientes afectaciones: i) deterioro de la calidad del aire (98 %), ii) presencia de vectores (81 %), iii) afecciones al bienestar emocional (81 %), iv) alta prevalencia de enfermedades respiratorias agudas (42 %) y crónicas (22 %) y v) afecciones oculares (31 %). Para mitigar los efectos del relleno sanitario, las personas cambiaron sus usos y costumbres, i.e., mantienen sus hogares cerrados, modifican las actividades diarias, dejan de socializar.
