The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of heavy metals on Maradol papaya cultivation soil, through the geoaccumulation index (I_geo) and the ecological potential risk index (RI). Soil samples from 15 locations in the Cotaxtla municipality of Veracruz, Mexico were tested for pH, soil texture, and concentrations of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and organic matter (MO). The pH varied between values of 5.5 ± 0.10 and 7.7 ± 0.22, while the MO varied from 1.57% ± 0.97% to 13.1% ± 1.342%. The type of soil texture represented 48% sandy loam, 40% loam, 8% clay loam, and 4% silt-loam. For heavy metals, average levels were found in the following order Cr (0.695 ± 0.018) > Zn (0.615 ± 0.016) > Pb (0.323 ± 0.012) > Cu (0.983 ± 0.011) > Cd (0.196 ± 0.011) mg kg⁻¹. The I_geo values from 96% of the analyzed sampling points were below zero and were considered uncontaminated. The other 4% of samples, from the Potrerillo1 (PT) site, had I_geo values of 1.13, where the highest concentration of Cd was found, which indicates moderate contamination levels. The RI index at the PT site was in the category of moderate contamination, and the rest of the points correspond to the category of low pollution.

This study presents the results of evaluating hydrocarbonoclastic consortia in the biodegradation of microplastics derived from single-use, triple-layered polypropylene face masks. The choice of this carbon source was driven by the need to address the increase in single-use waste generated during the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, as the use of face masks was a mandatory protective measure. Two bubble column bioreactors were used, each containing hydrocarbonoclastic consortia sourced from the Port of Veracruz and the Gulf of Mexico. The biodegradation activity of these consortia was assessed by observing the physical appearance of microplastic samples under a stereoscope and a microscope, as well as by calculating the weight loss of polypropylene after 15 days. The results revealed that the consortium from the Gulf of Mexico, with a maturity of 1 year, showed a higher capacity for polypropylene biodegradation, achieving a 19.98% degradation rate. This consortium also demonstrated more stable kinetics during the experimentation period. In contrast, the younger consortium from the Port of Veracruz exhibited a lower biodegradation rate of 3.77% and variable growth kinetics. Hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria identified within the consortia included Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, among others. The hydrocarbonoclastic consortia have the potential to biodegrade from various forms of plastic waste, including single-use face masks.

There is evidence of the high use of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiamethoxam, in tropical crops, for its effectiveness in the control of soil and plant pests. The objective of this study was to know the residuality and concentration of thiamethoxam in the papaya agroecosystem, in the main papaya fruit producing zone in the central area of the Gulf of Mexico. It was carried out during a papaya growing cycle with watermelon rotation; the taking of samples was according to the technique established by the NOM -AA-103-1988 for leaves and for fruit the NMX -FF-041- 1996 by the method of quartering in papaya and watermelon, the samples were analyzed with a HPLC-UV, the data obtained were statistically analyzed by parametric and non-parametric Kruskal- Wallis tests. The presence of thiamethoxam was found in papaya and watermelon cultivation plants, the concentrations in papaya leaves reported a maximum value of 0.29 mg/kg, while for the leaves of the watermelon rotation fruit it was 0.15 mg/kg. In papaya fruit, thiamethoxam concentrations are within a range of 0.24 to 0.32 mg/kg. The concentrations and residuality of thiamethoxam mainly exceed the maximum tolerance and residuality limits of the EFSA and FAO.

El municipio de Cotaxtla, Veracruz aportó el 50% de la producción nacional de papaya, esto es 49 mil toneladas al año. Esta producción puede verse reducida por la presencia de contaminantes en el cultivo que inhiben el desarrollo morfológico y fisiológico de la planta; además de degradar el suelo y el agua. El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar: 1) los factores de cambio que involucran nuevos fenómenos relacionados con el cultivo de papaya (Carica papaya L.) y 2) las variables estratégicas que caracterizan al sistema de producción en el municipio de Cotaxtla, Veracruz El estudio se realizó de octubre de 2023 a marzo de 2024 en el municipio de Cotaxtla, Veracruz, y se utilizó una metodología de tipo prospectiva, se realizaron talleres participativos para la exploración de los factores de cambio e identificación de las variables estratégicas que influyen en la toma decisiones enfocadas en reducción de los riesgos de contaminación del producto, suelo y agua. Se utilizó el análisis estructural o método ‘MicMac’ y se identificaron 44 factores de cambio y cinco variables estratégicas de mayor influencia y dependencia. De acuerdo con la sintaxis lógica: a través de la capacitación adecuada en el manejo de los agroquímicos y sus residuos sólidos peligrosos y la incorporación de las buenas prácticas agrícolas; se disminuirán los riesgos de contaminación, se incrementará la producción, mejorará la calidad y la competitividad en el mercado. Este conocimiento permite diseñar acciones para la reducción de los riesgos de contaminación en el cultivo de papaya del municipio de Cotaxtla, Veracruz.

Both S. brasiliensis and S. plumieri are relevant species in reef systems, but little is known about their parasitic helminths and community structure. This work describes such community in terms of species richness and diversity. A helminthological study was conducted on 33 specimens of S. brasiliensis and 36 of S. plumieri, captured in the Pájaros and Cabezo Reefs, in the Veracruz Reef System National Park (VRSNP), Ver., Mexico. The helminth community structure was analyzed in both hosts. A total of 10 parasitic species was registered for S. brasiliensis (trematodes, 5; nematodes, 3; cestodes, 1; acanthocephals, 1). S. plumieri hosted 11 species (trematodes, 4; nematodes, 4; monogeneans, 1; cestodes, 1; acanthocephals, 1), with 8 common species. Overall, parasites had prevalences < 20%, as Pseudocapillaria (Icthyocapillaria) sp., with 18.2% and 19.4% in S. brasiliensis and S. plumieri, respectively. Community component richness for S. brasiliensis was S=10, with Shannon index diversity value of H’=2.08. For S. plumieri, such values were of S=11 and H’=1.91. The richness and diversity in the components community and infracommunity of parasitic helminths for both hosts are lower than in other parasite community of marine fish Southern 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.