The study of river basins is key to understanding the dynamics of microplastic (MPs) generation, transport, and accumulation in regions where various productive activities converge and waste management is limited. The objective of this study was to characterize economic activities in the Tecolutla River basin, Mexico, to identify risk factors associated with MPs generation and release throughout the production chain. A descriptive applied research study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 19 economic units distributed across seven municipalities in the Tecolutla River basin, Veracruz, Mexico. The instrument allowed for the evaluation of the use of plastic materials in inputs, production processes, final products, and waste management practices. Among the economic units analyzed (n = 19), 94.7% reported the use of polymeric materials, with a predominance of thermoplastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP), which have a high potential for secondary fragmentation. Within the tertiary sector, accommodation and food preparation services account for the highest proportion of units with limited separation and recycling practices. Activities in the secondary sector, especially the textile and construction industries, showed a high potential for releasing this pollutant due to the use of synthetic fibers, composite materials, and the absence of retention systems. The results provide a basis for the design of mitigation strategies targeting priority productive sectors at the watershed scale.

The present work was developed within the facilities of the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Poza Rica, said research work aims to develop a germinable bioplastic based on corn cob, which will reduce environmental contamination, generating a biodegradable and germinable product at the same time. time. The elaboration of the bioplastic was carried out taking into account the methodology described by Guzmán (2013) using cob powder instead of corn starch and with an additional input, gelatin. In this way, 10 tests were carried out, starting from procedure 1 in which 5 tests were carried out, from which it is concluded that the prototypes presented curves and breaks in their structure, and have even reduced their dimensions. Likewise, for procedure 2, 3 tests are carried out where it is obtained that if there has been a resistance to perforation (there is no fracture) and there has been a decrease in its size.

Understanding how communities perceive and respond to plastic pollution is essential, as microplastics (MPs) represent a global environmental challenge with potential implications for ecosystems, human health, and food security; however, knowledge regarding local perceptions in watersheds characterized by intensive plastic use and poor waste management remains limited. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) among household heads in the Tecolutla River Basin, Mexico. A structured questionnaire was administered to 398 households spread across seven municipalities. The instrument included sociodemographic variables and items rated on a five-point Likert scale. Knowledge and attitude scores were higher than perception scores. Participants expressed stronger agreement that microplastic pollution is a serious global problem, while agreement regarding its toxicity and potential effects on human health was lower. They also reported willingness to learn more about microplastics and participate in community activities. This survey assessed household responses; it did not measure environmental microplastics or identify their sources in the watershed. These findings identify topics for environmental education and community engagement in the surveyed municipalities, particularly the potential health effects of microplastics and opportunities for voluntary participation.