Author(s)

R. Rodriguez-Castillo & M. A. Armienta-Hernandez

Abstract

Megacities in developing countries are growing without environmental controls. New poor neighborhoods are located in formal urban area surroundings. In Mexico City urbanization is going to the volcanic hillsides of the Sierra Chichinautzin range. The volcanic environment and rocks restricts the sewage line construction. Some people conduct wastewater to natural cavities. Some wells located in piedmont contain organic matter and consequently nitrogen compounds. The geologic environment (lacustrine sediments rich in organic matter, volcanic rocks) propitiates the presence of sulphur compounds. A groundwater monitoring was carried out in the Southern part of Mexico City. Chemical analyses included trace elements, organic compounds (volatiles) and water stable isotopes. Nitrates, arsenic, and chlorination transformation products were detected. However, very low concentrations of volatiles and arsenic were determined. The detection of wells with quality of water problems and potential contamination sources around them is helping to improve water management. Treatment plants in contaminated wells are another proposed solution, due to the limitations in water availability. Keywords: Basin of Mexico, health risks, sanitation.

Keywords

Basin of Mexico, health risks, sanitation