Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) were measured in the muscle of 30 specimens of Pterois volitans, captured on April 2018, in the Veracruz Reef System National Park (VRSNP), Veracruz, Mexico. Concentrations, in the samples, were quantified with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), after microwave digestion. Results of the mean concentration, in descending order were V = 7.3 ± 0.7; Pb = 0.66 ± 0.07; Zn = 0.43 ± 0.14; and Cd = 0.03 ± 0.01 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight. These values did not exceeded limits established in the Mexican National Standard (NOM-242-SSA1-2009), of Cd and Pb (0.5 mg kg⁻¹) wet weight. This means that consumption of lionfish from this site does not pose a potential risk for human health.

Emerging contaminants (ECs) represent a growing environmental problem due to their presence in various environmental matrices. In Mexico, research on ECs remains limited. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, analyzes their environmental fate during the period 2004–2025, considering their distribution in surface and groundwater, sediments, and influents and effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The reviewed studies demonstrate the presence of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), personal care products, phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, illicit drugs, xanthines, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), metabolites, and industrial compounds. The Apatlaco, Cuautla, and Santa Catarina rivers exhibit the greatest diversity of ECs, while groundwater shows evidence of infiltration of PhACs, phthalates, bisphenols, and triclosan, associated with urban, industrial, and tourist discharges. In sediments, PhACs and EDCs accumulate at concentrations in the ng/g range, while phthalates reach concentrations of thousands of ng/g, indicating their affinity for the solid phase. At Mexican wastewater treatment plants, conventional treatment methods do not completely remove ECs, allowing residual amounts to be discharged into receiving bodies of water. Overall, national monitoring should be expanded to include metabolites, transformation products, and advanced treatment assessment.

Coastal lagoons have undergone changes due to anthropogenic activities, the presence of wastewater discharges, and unsustainable practices that alter water quality, favoring the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as Vibrio. This study identified the presence of the genes for zinc metalloproteinase (HA) Vibrio sp. and choleric toxin (ctx) Vibrio cholerae, associated with the sources of contamination in the Mandinga Coastal Lagoon (MCL). During 2017, samplings were carried out in which sources of contamination associated with anthropogenic activities were identified. At the same time, water samples were collected from which DNA was extracted and the presence/absence of the HA and ctx genes was detected with a PCR analysis. The HA gene was identified in the three seasons of the year, while the ctx gene was only present in the dry and rainy seasons. The prevalence of both genes in the study area was independent of the presence of the pollution sources identified in the area. The absence of the ctx gene during the northern season is associated with the variability of the physicochemical parameters typical of the season.

Objective: To analyze the level of use of antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture activities developed in the lower basin of Jamapa River, to know the possible impact of these compounds on water quality and the risk to public health. Methodology: A survey of 60 farmers was conducted using a structured questionnaire with 41 open and closed questions during the year 2020. The use of key informants with experience in the livestock sector and related to the livestock sector in the study area was applied. Results: Regarding the profile of the producers, it was found that 95% were men, and women only represented 5% (2 women). The 50% of producers have a basic level of schooling; 85% of respondents used antibiotics as a preventive treatment for disease control, 8.3% apply vitamins and 6.7% use dewormers. Among the most frequently used antibiotics is Oxytetracycline. Study limitations/implications: to assess the toxic risk that exists when using antibiotics in the livestock sector, it is necessary to develop procedures and to plan new regulations for the use of antibiotics in this sector. Findings/conclusions: a relationship was found with the use of oxytetracycline by the livestock sector. There is great concern about the impact that pharmaceuticals can have on water bodies and outside them. It is necessary to carry out risk assessments based on traditional fish responses, such as changes in growth or survival

Sandy beaches in the Central Region of Veracruz (CRV) face constant anthropogenic pressure from port and urban activities. This study aimed to evaluate total hydrocarbon (TH) concentrations in the intertidal interstitial water of five beaches in the CRV, analyzing their variability by depth (15 and 30 cm) and seasonality (northerly winds, dry, and rainy seasons). TH determination was performed using gas chromatography (GC-FID), following the NMX-AA-117-SCFI-2001 and NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012 standards. Results showed concentrations ranging from 0.86 to 6.53 µg L⁻¹. Significant spatial differences were identified (p < 0.05); Antepuerto beach presented the highest levels due to its proximity to the port, while Farallón showed the lowest concentrations, confirming its role as a reference site. No significant variations were detected by depth or season (p > 0.05), indicating temporal stability associated with continuous anthropogenic inputs. Although levels comply with Mexican regulations, the continuous presence of TH represents a potential risk to benthic biota and the integrity of the Veracruz Reef System (SAV). This study provides a critical baseline for strengthening coastal ecosystem management strategies in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sandy beaches in the Central Region of Veracruz (RCV) face constant anthropogenic pressure from port and urban activities. This study aimed to evaluate total hydrocar-bon (TH) concentrations in the intertidal interstitial water of five beaches in the RCV, analyzing their variability by depth (15 and 30 cm) and seasonality (northerly winds, dry, and rainy seasons). TH determination was performed using gas chromatography (GC-FID), following the NMX-AA-117-SCFI-2001 and NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012 standards. Results showed concentrations ranging from 0.86 to 6.53 µg L⁻¹. Significant spatial differences were identified (p < 0.05); An-tepuerto beach presented the highest levels due to its proximity to the port, while Far-allón showed the lowest concentrations, confirming its role as a reference site. No sig-nificant variations were detected by depth or season (p > 0.05), indicating temporal stability associated with continuous anthropogenic inputs. Although levels comply with Mexican regulations, the continuous presence of TH represents a potential risk to benthic biota and the integrity of the Veracruz Reef System (SAV). This study pro-vides a critical baseline for strengthening coastal ecosystem management strategies in the Gulf of Mexico.