The bioaccumulation of heavy metals, such as Cr, Cd, Pb, and As, in vegetables irrigated with contaminated water represents a risk to human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Cr concentration in chayote fruits in sites irrigated with contaminated water from Lake Chapala and to assess the potential risk to human health using the estimated daily intake (EDI), objective risk quotient (THQ), and carcinogenic risk quotient (TCR). In parallel, interviews were conducted with local producers to understand their perceptions of the quality of irrigation water and their willingness to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices. In two of the sites and seasons, Cr concentrations exceeded the FAO-WHO limit of 2.3 mg·kg⁻¹ (from 2.49 to 4.82 mg·kg⁻¹). In all, 90% of producers used water from Lake Chapala to irrigate their crops, although most did not perform water quality analyses, despite 32% being aware that the water was contaminated. The results highlight the need to implement strategies to increase awareness of the quality of irrigation water, as well as the need for comprehensive public policies that combine technical assessments and producer perceptions to reduce the risks associated with the use of contaminated irrigation water to promote sustainable agricultural production.

Air pollution is a problem that large cities face inefficiently and its health impacts are evident and poorly evaluated in Mexico, its origin is emission of vehicles, industry and various combustion processes. In the metropolitan area of Guadalajara called El Salto, there are problems with suspended particles, and the objective of this study was to evaluate the number and size of said location by means of a videocontroller of particles at that location, in 25 sampling points at a measurement interval which was 0.3 µm to 10.0 µm in six sizes (0.3µm - 0.5µm - 1µm - 2.5µm - 5.0µm - 10.0µm), this being the first methodological approach in the area. The results show a very homogeneous distribution for each of the 6 measured particle sizes, the largest number corresponds in 90% to the particles of respirable fraction, of aerodynamic diameter 0.3μm and 0.5μm called ultra fine, which pass into the bloodstream, responding to the same distribution pattern at all sampling points. The particles of 0.3µm and 0.5µm have reference values in the precautionary range in 28%, the particles 2.5, 5.0 and 10, have reference values in the precautionary range in 44%, the elaborated maps show the distribution of the particles in the study area.

The University Center of Biological and Agricultural Sciences (CUCBA) of the University of Guadalajara receives approximately 5700 students, and 1500 of the academic, administrative and visiting staff. The CUCBA is research oriented, therefore, large amount of chemical waste and microbial load is generated by health services. There are two sources of water supply that provide quality drinking water to the student population and two water treatment plants that process the wastewater produced. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical chemical and bacteriological quality of the water from the sources of supply, storage tanks, distribution network and principals points of use as an area of food and drinkers, as well as the wastewater emitted in triplicate. The water quality index was calculated, and regular values of the water quality of the 10 sampled points were found, and it is noted that, the sampling points with the lowest quality index were the water that leaves the plants of Water treatment, therefore, is not being accomplished with proper water purification.

This study investigated the efficacy of agave bagasse biochar and zeolite as filter materials for the removal of boron from water using a continuous flow column system. Experiments were conducted with varying initial boron concentrations and contact times. The results showed moderate boron removal capabilities, with agave biochar slightly outperforming zeolite. Maximum removal percentages of 29.31% for zeolite and 33.12% for agave biochar were achieved at the lowest initial boron concentration. Factorial analysis revealed significant effects of concentration, contact time, and column material on boron removal, with contact time having the largest impact. The interaction between concentration and column material suggests the potential for optimization. While removal percentages were lower compared to some chemically modified materials, the use of low-cost, natural filter media offers sustainability advantages. These materials show promise for treating water with lower boron levels or as part of a multi-step treatment process. Future research should focus on optimizing experimental conditions and exploring material modifications to enhance boron removal efficiency.

Lake Chapala is the main freshwater reservoir in Mexico and faces notable environmental pressure associated with urban, industrial, and agricultural activities, with documented evidence of heavy metal contamination. Thus, the artisanal fishers from Lake Chapala occupy a strategic position for understanding the socio-environmental dynamics of this lacustrine system. The objective of this study was to analyze their perceptions of pollution in Lake Chapala and the health risks associated with heavy metal contamination, with particular emphasis on the consumption of charal (Chirostoma spp.). Based on the results, 70% of fishers agreed that Lake Chapala is polluted, and 50% identified solid waste as the main source of contamination. Regarding water quality, 41% considered that it had not changed in recent years, while 37% perceived that it had deteriorated. With respect to heavy metals, 50% reported being aware of their presence in the lake; however, slightly more than 50% expressed concern about the possibility that charal could be contaminated. Fishers acknowledged the environmental pressure faced by Lake Chapala but prioritized risks based on visibility and their everyday experiences. Incorporating the perceptions of key stakeholders is essential for addressing socio-environmental problems, strengthening environmental communication and public health strategies, and effectively managing this lacustrine system.

Heavy metal pollution in urban environments and public understanding of these contaminants pose major challenges for air-quality management. Urban trees have been proposed as tools to mitigate air pollution; however, evidence integrating biophysical assessments and social perception is still limited in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (AMG), Mexico. This study evaluated Cd and Pb accumulation in the leaves of five common urban tree species and assessed residents’ perceptions of air pollution and the role of urban trees. Significant interspecific differences were found, with Citrus × aurantium L. showing the highest Cd concentration (2.60 mg kg⁻¹) and Bauhinia variegata L. the highest Pb content (7.45 mg kg⁻¹). Socially, 62% of respondents found the AMG to be one of the most polluted metropolitan areas in the country, and >90% acknowledged direct or indirect health impacts associated with air pollution; nevertheless, a marked knowledge gap persisted about specific contaminants such as Cd and Pb. This “perception paradox” highlights an opportunity to strengthen risk communication and environmental education and suggests that urban-tree biomonitoring can provide locally meaningful evidence to support public engagement and policy actions. Taken together, the environmental and social findings provide an interpretive, metropolitan-scale synthesis that informs air quality management and public health protection in the AMG.