Tequila vinasse is a liquid waste generated during the production of tequila, an emblematic alcoholic beverage in Mexico. The objective of this study was to carry out an investigation on the tequila factories located in the state of Jalisco in order to know the location of the factories in the state, the characterization of the vinasses including factories of different sizes, the current treatment methods, and disposal practices as well as the impacts of common practices of vinasse disposal. Part of the information was collected by applying a questionnaire to the tequila factories previously contacted (and physically located). For the vinasse characterization, 24 tequila factories provided a composite sample of vinasse. To assess the impact of common vinasse disposal practices, a stream running through tequila factories, soil that has been used for vinasse discharge for 14 years, and a well located near the soil were evaluated. In two main regions (Valle and Altos Sur), 110 tequila factories distributed in 10 municipalities, were identified. Vinasse disposal and treatment problems are mainly related to micro-factories that do not treat their vinasse at all. The most common method of disposal is discharging on soils. Only in the Valle region is disposal in surface waters a common practice, as well as discharges into sewage systems. The monitored stream is totally degraded with low pH, high concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, etc. Soil fertility has not been affected due to a method of vinasse discharge-soil rest. The texture of the soils (high content of clay and silt) has been decisive in protecting groundwater from the infiltration of vinasse. The results obtained in this study could help the authorities to develop adequate strategies for the management of vinasses (treatment and disposal), mainly in micro and small tequila factories.

Raicilla is a distinctive Mexican beverage produced in two central regions of Jalisco. This study aimed to analyze the physicochemical parameters of 25 raicilla alcoholic drinks originating from the Coast and Sierra regions. Each of the 25 raicilla brands underwent measurements of pH, conductivity, alcohol content, total solids, viscosity, sound velocity, density, and refractive index. Notably, these measurements are cost-effective and their analysis is straightforward. The results were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. According to the PCA, two main components were identified, explaining 81.77% of the total variability of the physicochemical measurements of the distinct Coast and Sierra regions. Furthermore, applying Fisher’s LSD to the Sierra raicilla cluster allowed for the identification of variations. Specifically, samples from the Sierra zone groups were identified through cluster analysis, demonstrating similarities in physicochemical parameters; both statistical methods indicated no significant differences in the physicochemical parameters between a more acidic pH, higher conductivity, and greater density than those from the Coast zone. After the analysis was carried out, it was possible to find similarities and differences between the raicilla produced in the two regions, so it is possible to assume that using these results could facilitate the authentication of raicilla.

This study investigates the hydrogeochemical processes that shape groundwater and surface water quality in the El Salado basin, a volcanically influenced region in western Mexico. A total of 36 samples, 19 in spring and 17 in summer, were collected from thermal springs, shallow wells, and surface water bodies to evaluate seasonal variation in water composition. Major ions and physicochemical parameters were analyzed, and principal component analysis was applied to identify dominant geochemical controls. Results indicate that water–rock interaction is the main process influencing solute concentrations, especially in thermal zones linked to the La Primavera volcanic system. Spring waters reflect dilution and carbonate buffering, while summer samples exhibit higher salinity, longer residence times, and increased influence from evaporative concentration and redox-sensitive species. Arsenic levels exceeded 0.05 mg/L in several thermal springs, with geochemical associations suggesting a geological origin related to the dissolution of arsenic-bearing minerals and geothermal fluid input. The findings reveal a clear seasonal reorganization of hydrogeochemical patterns, emphasizing the role of climatic conditions in modulating water chemistry. This study provides a scientific basis for seasonally adaptive monitoring and management strategies in volcanic aquifer systems facing increasing demand for high-quality groundwater.

This study examines the hydrogeochemical processes that regulate groundwater and surface water quality in the El Salado Basin, a volcanic-geothermal region in western Mexico. Seasonal sampling during spring and summer included thermal springs, wells, and surface waters to evaluate major ions, physicochemical parameters, arsenic, and boron. Piper diagrams, principal component analysis, clustering, and spatial interpolation were applied to identify dominant processes and seasonal patterns. Results show that sodium-bicarbonate facies and elevated As-B concentrations are controlled by geothermal water-rock interaction in zones influenced by the La Primavera Volcanic Field. Seasonal dilution during summer reduces solute concentrations, while redox and evapoconcentration effects modulate trace-element mobility. Interpolation maps demonstrate that arsenic hotspots coincide with geothermal discharge areas. The findings clarify the geogenic origin of arsenic in the basin, reveal how seasonal hydrology reorganizes hydrogeochemical signatures, and provide a methodological framework for interpreting trace-element mobilization in volcanic aquifers.

TiO₂–carbon nanotube (TiO₂–CNT) hybrids are promising gas-sensor platforms because they combine the chemically active and photoresponsive surface of TiO₂ with the high conductivity and interfacial sensitivity of CNT networks. Yet cross-study comparison remains difficult because materials, device architectures, humidity, activation modes, and response definitions vary widely. This comprehensive review connects interfacial mechanisms and architectures with performance benchmarking and design rules. Direct gas-sensing evidence is distinguished from supporting interfacial studies and contextual analogues. We assess band alignment, oxygen vacancies, CNT functionalization, shell thickness, percolation, photoactivation, humidity, and analyte-specific behavior across NO_x, NH₃, H₂, H₂S, VOCs, LPG, O₂, and humidity sensing. The evidence shows that response is governed more strongly by interface continuity, spatial location, and the dominant current pathway than by nominal composition alone. Thin conformal coatings, discrete oxide decoration, and interpenetrating networks can each be advantageous; none is universally superior. Because response definitions and protocols remain inconsistent, we propose a benchmarking framework separating response magnitude from sensitivity, kinetics, selectivity, stability, humidity robustness, and activation requirements. These relationships yield practical design rules for controlling receptor chemistry, interface quality, percolation, activation energy, and validation conditions, providing a route from proof-of-concept demonstrations toward reproducible, low-power, application-relevant TiO₂–CNT gas sensors.