INTRODUCTION
The CICY’s Water Science Division works towards sustainable management of water resources on the Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico. The two research areas in the Division, Water Security in Socio-Environmental Systems and Aquatic Ecosystem Sustainability, complement each other in generating knowledge on fundamental aspects of regional aquatic ecosystems, such as their function, challenges to sustainability and their adaptation to global changes. Research emphases include defining aquifer vulnerability, the effects of agriculture and tourism on water, the causes limiting water resource availability, aquatic ecosystem connectivity and biodiversity conservation, all considering climate change scenarios. The Division benefits from the highly qualified personnel in its Master of Science program, as well as its motivated undergraduate and graduate students. Overall, its strategic geographic location and deeply relevant research makes the Division an important regional scientific resource.
Mission
To undertake multidisciplinary research on water resources and aquatic ecosystem sustainability that benefits both society and the environment.
Vision
The Water Science Division engages in cutting-edge research on water resource use and conservation on the Yucatan Peninsula and aims to be an outstanding regional, national and international reference point in the area.
RESEARCH AREAS
1. WATER SECURITY IN SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS
Water quality and availability can suffer due to growing population, urbanization and economic development. These phenomena influence all continental, coastal and marine ecosystems, which are ineluctably interrelated with groundwater. Researchers in this area generate information for solving challenges in water availability and quality, with an emphasis on groundwater-dependent ecosystems on the Yucatan Peninsula. The resulting knowledge is key for policy and decision makers working towards improving water resources management.
RESEARCH TOPICS
- Research and exploration of karstic aquifers
- Diagnosis and evaluation of underground water quality and quantity
- Interconnection of underground water and karstic and coastal ecosystems
- Socioenvironmental elements associated with water resources
RESEARCHERS
- Gilberto Acosta González, PhD.
- Eduardo Cejudo Espinosa, PhD.
- Rosa María Leal Bautista, PhD.
- Jorge Adrián Perera Burgos, PhD.
2. SUSTAINABILITY OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
Regional water quality is declining rapidly in response to anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems, but conservation of water resources is key to ensuring environmental health and social well-being. Researchers in this area generate knowledge that contributes to protecting and conserving regional water resources with the goal of guaranteeing aquifer ecosystem sustainability on the Yucatan Peninsula.
RESEARCH TOPICS
- Structure and function of continental and coastal aquatic ecosystems
- Identification of bioindicators for aquatic system and biodiversity conservation
- Impact of pollution in the aquatic ecosystems of the Yucatan Peninsula
- Detection of pathogenic microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems and health risk analysis
RESEARCHERS
Staff
Researchers
- Gilberto Acosta González, PhD.
- Eduardo Cejudo Espinosa, PhD.
- Rosa María Leal Bautista, PhD.
- Jorge Adrián Perera Burgos, PhD.
- José Carlos Ortiz Alemán, PhD
- Antonio Almazán Becerril, PhD.
- José Adán Caballero Vázquez, PhD.
- Cecilia Hernández Zepeda, PhD.
- Jesús Alvarado Flores, PhD.
TECHNICIANS
- Daniela Ortega-Camacho
- José Epigmenio Bautista-García, MSc.
- Benjamín Delgado-Pech, MSc.
- Jorge Carlos Peniche-Pérez, MSc.
- Gabriela Rosiles-González, MSc.