HPLC-Based Metabolomic Analysis and Characterization of Amaranthus cruentus Leaf and Inflorescence Extracts for Their Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive Potential.

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Amaranthus cruentus flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, hesperetin, naringenin, hesperidin, and naringin), cinnamic acid derivatives (p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid), and benzoic acids (vanillic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) as antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive agents. An analytical method for simultaneous quantification of flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives, and benzoic acids for metabolomic analysis of leaves and inflorescences from A. cruentus was developed with HPLC-UV-DAD. Evaluation of linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, precision, and recovery was used to validate the analytical method developed. Maximum total flavonoids contents (5.2 mg/g of lyophilized material) and cinnamic acid derivatives contents (0.6 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in leaves. Using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, the maximum total betacyanin contents (74.4 mg/g of lyophilized material) and betaxanthin contents (31 mg/g of lyophilized material) were found in inflorescences. The leaf extract showed the highest activity in removing DPPH radicals. In vitro antidiabetic activity of extracts was performed with pancreatic α-glucosidase and intestinal α-amylase, and compared to acarbose. Both extracts exhibited a reduction in enzyme activity from 57 to 74%. Furthermore, the in vivo tests on normoglycemic murine models showed improved glucose homeostasis after sucrose load, which was significantly different from the control. In vitro antihypertensive activity of extracts was performed with angiotensin-converting enzyme and contrasted to captopril; both extracts exhibited a reduction of enzyme activity from 53 to 58%. The leaf extract induced a 45% relaxation in an ex vivo aorta model. In the molecular docking analysis, isoamaranthin and isogomphrenin-I showed predictive binding affinity for α-glucosidases (human maltase-glucoamylase and human sucrase-isomaltase), while catechin displayed binding affinity for human angiotensin-converting enzyme. The data from this study highlights the potential of A. cruentus as a functional food.

Use of Microbiological and Chemical Data to Evaluate the Effects of Tourism on Water Quality in Karstic Cenotes in Yucatan, Mexico.

Cenotes are spectacular karst formations in Yucatan, Mexico, often used for recreation. However, their impact on water quality has yet to be explored in detail. Therefore, during Easter, water samples were collected from four cenotes to identify variations in water quality associated with the presence of tourists. PCO of water quality, before (PH) and during Holy Week (HW) in 2019, explained 49.02% of the total variation. The indicators contributing to the first principal coordinate's variation were Sr, K, sulfate, and chloride (0.89). Whereas, alkalinity, temperature, conductivity, nitrate, and ORP contributed to the second PC. PERMANOVA indicated a significant interaction between "cenote" and "condition" factors, and post hoc paired comparisons indicated significant differences between PH and HW conditions. Significant correlations varied among the four cenotes as the result of hydrogeological differences. Whereas, numbers of visitors were correlated with at least one fecal-matter indicator, demonstrating anthropogenic influence on the cenotes' water quality.

Exposure to Landfill Leachates Affects the Embryonic Development of Zebrafish, Danio rerio: A Case Study in Yucatan, Mexico.

We report the chemical characterisation and toxic effects of municipal solid waste landfill leachates on the embryonic development of Danio rerio. The results of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of nitrogen-containing groups and aromatic functional groups associated with highly toxic pollutants such as ammonia and heavy metal-humic complexes. Mortalities of up to 93 and 100% were observed in 1:64 and 1:32 landfill leachate dilutions, v/v, respectively. The hatching percentages of the fish were also severely affected, with very low percentages ranging from 0 to 33.3% for 1:32, 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, v/v. Morphologically, a developmental arrest was evident for all treatments. This study reveals the high toxicity of landfill leachates that could contaminate the aquifer of the Yucatan Peninsula and threaten the health of living organisms.

Pesticide bioremediation in liquid media using a microbial consortium and bacteria-pure strains isolated from a biomixture used in agricultural areas.

Microorganisms' role in pesticide degradation has been studied widely. Insitu treatments of effluents containing pesticides such as biological beds (biobeds) are efficient biological systems where biomixture (mixture of substrates) and microorganisms are the keys in pesticide treatment; however, microbial activity has been studied poorly, and its potential beyond biobeds has not been widely explored. In this study, the capacity of microbial consortium and bacteria-pure strains isolated from a biomixture (soil-straw; 1:1, v/v) used to treat agricultural effluents under real conditions were evaluated during a bioremediation process of five pesticides commonly used Yucatan Mexico. Atrazine, carbofuran, and glyphosate had the highest degradations (>90%) using the microbial consortium; 2,4-D and diazinon were the most persistent (DT50 = 8.64 and 6.63 days). From the 21 identified bacteria species in the microbial consortium, Pseudomonas nitroreducens was the most abundant (52%) according to identified sequences. For the pure strains evaluation 2,4-D (DT50 = 9.87 days), carbofuran (DT50 = 8.27 days), diazinon (DT50 = 8.80 days) and glyphosate (DT50 = 8.59 days) were less persistent in the presence of the mixed consortium (Ochrobactrum sp. DGG-1-3, Ochrobactrum sp. Ge-14, Ochrobactrum sp. B18 and Pseudomonas citronellolis strain ADA-23B). Time, pesticide, and strain type were significant (P < 0.05) in pesticide degradation, so this process is multifactorial. Microbial consortium and pure strains can be used to increase the biobed efficiency by inoculation, even in the remediation of soil contaminated by pesticides in agricultural areas.

Selection of the Activated Carbon Type for the Treatment of Landfill Leachate by Fenton-Adsorption Process.

Sanitary landfill leachates usually have characteristics that depend on the region where they are generated and according to the age of the landfill, which is why a unique treatment for their sanitation has not been found. However, the adsorption preceded by the Fenton process has been proven to be highly efficient at removing contaminants. In this study, the adsorptive capacity of two types of activated carbon, granular and powdered, was analyzed to determine which was more efficient in the adsorption stage in the Fenton-adsorption process. Likewise, its behavior was analyzed using three isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin), testing the raw leachate and the Fenton-treated one with both carbons. The adsorption that is carried out on the carbons is better adjusted to the Freundlich and Temkin models. It concludes that multilayers, through the physical adsorption, carry out the adsorption of pollutants on the surface of the carbons. The results show that, statistically, granular activated carbon is more efficient at removing chemical oxygen demand (COD), and powdered activated carbon removes color better. Finally, an adsorption column was designed for the Fenton-adsorption process that was able to remove 21.68 kgCOD/kg carbon. Removal efficiencies for color and COD were >99%.

Synthesis and Surface Modification of Small Pore Size Zeolite W for Improving Removal Efficiency of Anionic Contaminants from Water.

The presence of regulated inorganic contaminants in water such as AsO43- and PO43- anions, is becoming a relevant environmental research topic. The harm that these anions cause to human health and the ecosystem have been reported in several works. The adsorption processes using low-cost materials, such as zeolites, have proven to be an option to removal hazardous contaminants from water. The coal fly ash, a waste from thermoelectrical plants, offers a raw pollutant material to synthesis an effective adsorbent (Zeolite W). In this research was studied the removal of arsenic and phosphates anions from water, applying a functionalized by iron and zirconium Zeolite W, which was modified using a fast and efficient process through microwave-assisted method (1 min at 150°C). The obtained Zeolite W did not show significant changes in its structure and morphology. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qm expressed in mg g-1) was found to be 42.31 (Iron-zirconium-zeolite) and 27.82 (Iron-zeolite) for AsO43-, while it reached 50.89 for PO43- using Zirconium-zeolite. Results showed that functionalized zeolites are efficient adsorbents for hazardous anionic species; therefore, it could be useful for aqueous effluents remediation.

A Rapid and Green Method for the Determination of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals in Swine Wastewater by Fluorescence Spectrophotometry.

A growing concern exists over water contamination by veterinary pharmaceuticals from small pig farms in Yucatan, Mexico, where the anaerobic digesters installed as the wastewater treatment system are not operated properly. Therefore, considerable interest exists to develop analytical methods to detect these compounds and characterize their fate in the environment. In this study, the detection of three antibiotics (enrofloxacin, oxytetracycline and sulfamethoxazole) and a ß-agonist (ractopamine) was carried out using fluorescence spectrophotometry, with a semi-quantitative approach and a low environmental impact. Wastewater samples from 10 pig farms were analyzed, detecting concentrations of approximately 0.043 µg mL-1 for enrofloxacin, 1.427 µg mL-1 for oxytetracycline, and 9.748 µg mL-1 for sulfamethoxazole. The detection of these pharmaceuticals in the effluents of treated wastewater from the biodigesters of the pig farms suggests the need to optimize the system and prevent the entry of these compounds into the environment.

Space-temporal analysis of groundwater quality in three areas of the state of Yucatán, México, and its relationship with existing anthropogenic activity.

Groundwater in the Yucatan State is the only source of water. The karst aquifer in Yucatan is vulnerable to pollution. Anthropic activities in Yucatan, such as pig farming, are usually related to high wastewater discharges and water pollution. Administrative and logistical issues in developing on-site sampling to evaluate water quality are common in Mexico. The RENAMECA database provides official data related to groundwater quality. However, no analysis based on this database has been reported. A groundwater quality evaluation based on five reference pig farms and the effect of spatial and temporal anthropic activities in the study area was developed. Eighteen wells based on their location concerning the selected pig farms were studied. On-site sampling and laboratory analysis of the supply water and wastewater in the study case farm were done. Fecal coliforms (FC) values (maximum 2850 MPN [100 mL] -1) in most cases for supply water wells exceeded the allowed limit by NOM-127-SAA1-2021. The year of monitoring was significant (P < 0.05) on FC concentrations. Population density and the proximity of wells to population centers affect negatively the presence of total dissolved solids (TDS) and total nitrogen (TN). TDS (maximum value 2620 mg L -1) and phosphorus presence could be related to agricultural activities, human settlements, and local aquifer conditions. A local wastewater treatment issue is evident. Groundwater is not quality for consumption without treatment. Regarding the issues in on-site water monitoring, database analysis provides an approximation of the real situation of groundwater quality.

Regeneration of granular activated carbon clogged in the treatment of leachates.

Landfill leachates are highly contaminated liquids and complex to treat. Two of the processes which are promising for the treatment are the advanced oxidation and adsorption methods. With the combination of the Fenton and adsorption methods, practically all the organic load of leachates can be removed; however, this combination of processes is limited due to the soon clogging of adsorbent material, which leads to high operation costs. In the present work, the results of the regeneration of clogged activated carbon are shown after the application of the Fenton/adsorption process in leachates. This research consisted of four stages: sampling and leachate characterization, clogging of the carbon through the Fenton/adsorption process, carbon regeneration through the oxidative Fenton process, and lastly, evaluation of regenerated carbon adsorption through jar and column tests. In the experiments, HCl 3 M was used, and different concentration of hydrogen peroxide (0.15 M, 0.2 M, 0.25 M) were tested at different times (16 h and 30 h). The activated carbon regeneration through the Fenton process and the optimal peroxide dosage was 0.15 M for 16 h. The regeneration efficiency was obtained from comparing the adsorption efficiency between regenerated and virgin carbon, reaching 98.27% and can be applied up to 4 times without losing regeneration efficiency. These results prove that it is possible to restore the clogged activated carbon adsorption capacity during the Fenton/adsorption process.

Pesticide treatment in biobed systems at microcosms level under critical moisture and temperature range using an Orthic Solonchaks soil from southeastern Mexico amended with corn husk as support.

Agriculture effluents from cleaning and handling equipment used in pesticide applications can contaminate superficial and groundwater sources when not correctly disposed of. Biobeds using soil enriched with amendments represent a viable technology to control and minimize pesticide pollution of soil and water in farmlands. They are usually installed outdoors without protection, making them vulnerable to rain flooding, lack of moisture, drought, and intense heat or cold. Temperature (T) and moisture (M) of the biomixture are considered two of the most important physical factor affecting pesticide dissipation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of T and M on the dissipation of five of the most used pesticides (carbofuran, atrazine, 2,4-D, diazinon, and glyphosate) in Yucatan State, Mexico. Three experiments using miniaturized biobeds considering optimal temperature and moisture (T of 30 ± 2 °C and 90% water holding capacity [WHC]) were performed. The optimal dissipation time and the effect of T, M variations, and volatilization was determined. The optimal dissipation time was over 14 days. Carbofuran was the least dissipated pesticide and glyphosate the most. The primary factor affecting pesticide dissipation was T (P < 0.05), reaching rates of dissipation of 99% at 45 °C. Variations of M in the biomixture were not significant on pesticide dissipation (P > 0.05). The white-rot fungi were observed; its presence was related to increments of T. Head Space analysis (at 45 °C) showed low pesticide volatilization (≤0.03%) for all pesticide used were quantified; water vapor condensation could reduce the pesticide volatilization for experimental conditions.

Experimental Methodology for the Separation Materials in the Recycling Process of Silicon Photovoltaic Panels.

As the use of photovoltaic installations becomes extensive, it is necessary to look for recycling processes that mitigate the environmental impact of damaged or end-of-life photovoltaic panels. There is no single path for recycling silicon panels, some works focus on recovering the reusable silicon wafers, others recover the silicon and metals contained in the panel. In the last few years, silicon solar cells are thinner, and it becomes more difficult to separate them from the glass, so the trend is towards the recovery of silicon. In this paper, we investigate the experimental conditions to delaminate and recovery silicon in the recycling process, using a combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical methods. The conditions of thermal treatment to remove the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) layer were optimized to 30 min at 650 °C in the furnace. To separate silicon and metals, the composition of HF/HNO3 solution and the immersion time were adjusted considering environmental aspects and cost. Under the selected conditions, panels from different manufacturers were tested, obtaining similar yields of recovered silicon but differences in the metal concentrations.

Identification of microbial species present in a pesticide dissipation process in biobed systems using typical substrates from southeastern Mexico as a biomixture at a laboratory scale.

Biobed systems are an important option to control point pollution in agricultural areas. Substrates used and microbial diversity present in a biomixture perform an essential function in pesticide dissipation. In this study, the effects of soil (50% of volume/volume [V/V] proportion for all biomixtures) and four soil-based biomixtures (miniaturized biobeds; addition of novel substrates from southeastern Mexico) on dissipation of high concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), atrazine, carbofuran, diazinon, and glyphosate and on microbial diversity in biomixtures were evaluated. Small residual amounts of all pesticides at 20 (<2%) and 41 (<1%) days were observed; however, the lowest efficiency rates were observed in soil. Glyphosate was the only pesticide that completely dissipated in soil and biomixtures. Archaea, bacteria, and fungi were identified in biobeds, with bacteria being the most diverse microorganisms according to the identified species. The presence of white-rot fungi (normally related to pesticide degradation in biomixtures) was observed. Effects of the pesticide type and of biomixtures on pesticide dissipation were significant (P<0.05); however, only the effect of biomixtures on microbial diversity was significant (P<0.05); microbial diversity and richness had a significant effect on the residual amount of pesticides (P<0.05). Microbial diversity in terms of phyla was directly related to physicochemical parameters such as organic matter, lignin, water-holding capacity, and pH of soil and biomixtures.

Agricultural effluent treatment in biobed systems using novel substrates from southeastern Mexico: the relationship with physicochemical parameters of biomixtures.

Misuse of pesticides in farming activities leads to contamination of drinking water sources and is responsible for animal and human health problems. The biobeds are practicable option to minimize contamination by pesticides during preparation, use and washing of equipment for pesticide treatments. This research aimed at testing substrate mixtures to optimize biobed efficiency to remove pesticides under the climate of the Yucatan (México). Agricultural soil and 11 mixtures adding vegetable compost, sisal pulp, corn stover and seaweed were tested under controlled conditions. Each biomixture was exposed to a mixture of five pesticides (2,4-diclorophenoxyacetic acid "2,4-D" [1.08 mg cm-3], atrazine [2.50 mg cm-3], carbofuran [0.23 mg cm-3], diazinon [0.34 mg cm-3], and glyphosate [0.36 mg cm-3]) in a period of 41 days. Monitoring of the dissipation of pesticide residues showed that pesticides were quickly dissipated in soil at microcosm level experiment, while at two critical times of 20 and 41 days, all mixtures of substrates (biomixtures) were efficient in dissipation of high concentrations of pesticide in a short time (>99%). Time, biomixture and type of pesticide were shown to be the main parameters influencing pesticide dissipation (P < 0.05). Several other physicochemical parameters of the biomixtures, such as organic matter (OM), lignin, water holding capacity (WHC), and pH, were also significant on pesticide dissipation (P < 0.05), being pH the most significant.

Physico-chemical treatment of Merida landfill leachate for chemical oxygen demand reduction by coagulation.

In order to determine the optimal dosage and type of coagulant for the physico-chemical treatment of leachate from the sanitary landfill of Merida, Mexico, a total of 864 jar tests were performed. Four metallic coagulants (ferric chloride, ferric sulphate, aluminium polychloride and aluminium sulphate) with doses ranging between 50 and 300 mg L(-1) and two polyelectrolytes (high-density anionic and cationic reagents) with doses from 2 to 12 mg L(-1) were tested. Neither an adequate type of coagulant nor an optimal dose could be found. The removal of contaminants was measured as total and dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD). Soluble COD removal efficiencies were low, from 0 to 47%, with a 4% average value only. These low values of organic material removal were attributed to the particular characteristics of the Merida landfill leachate (low suspended solids concentration), so even with sweep-floc coagulation (300 mg L(-1) dose) only low COD removal efficiencies were obtained. A study of the suspended particle size distribution of the leachate was conducted in order to explain the poor performance. The particle size distribution ranged from 0.375 to 948.2 microm, with an average value of 22.97 microm. In a second step the optimal pH for physico-chemical treatment of these leachates was determined. Finally a greater than 90% removal of organic material, measured as suspended COD, was obtained at pH 2, which was considered as the optimal value.