INTRODUCTION

Quintana Roo has many underground rivers, due to the characteristics of high permeability and porosity of the soil karst of the Yucatan Peninsula. These rivers are interconnected, and in some cases to unload the Caribbean Sea and indirectly with the Mesoamerican reef. However, these characteristics make the aquifer is exposed to pollutants for discharges of waste water.

Various investigations into the aquifer have shown that there is increasing groundwater contamination and one of the sources of pollution is that the most of the communities have no connection to the network of drainage and sewerage and or some persons are using septic tanks with leaks or injected directly to discharge their deep wells without any treatment. On the other hand there are the deep injection of the treatment plants whose operation has been known deficiencies in operation and overload the system. However, the latter it is difficult to verify, since they usually have these plants for water quality analysis prepared by accredited laboratories that support them.

MAIN OBJECTIVE

Through our Water Quality Program we work to reduce pollution of our watershed; promoting between the sector public and private the good managing of the solid and liquid tailing; as well as the utilization of technological alternatives that promote a sustainable development in the zone.
The principal reason for this is because the porous limestone bedrock of the Yucatan Peninsula allows contaminants to enter the aquifer, and the proximity of the Mesoamerican Reef System makes improper waste management a hazard to the health of both the community and the environment. Investigation into the water quality on the peninsula has shown that current methods of treating and disposing waste and waste water is causing significant health problems and destruction of the coral reef.

The goals that develop inside the program are:

• Monitoring in the bays, lagoons and in Akumal's artificial wetlands;
• Training of the sector public and deprived in application of technological alternatives for the development sustainable (Solar power, rain water catch, artificial wetlands, composting toilets and waste management);
• Development activities with the program of Environmental Education to promote the care and managing of the water between the users of the populations of Akumal and Chemuyil.

Major activities of the program:

The principal aim of the monitoring is to determine the quality of the water of the bays, lagoons and water bodies in Akumal's zone, measuring all the parameter established by the Mexican procedure. It is necessary to emphasize that the majority of the analyses before mentioned realize in the laboratory of the CEA, but someone are realized in the Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatan (CICY), unit Quintana Roo, with which we have an agreement of collaboration.

The public and private sector training on technological alternatives, it is carried out by conversations and workshops that there carry out in the CEA, which depend on the demand that is had of these. Also we make this job trough the participation at deferments committees (the Municipal Subcommittee on Waste Management and Clean Beach committee), forums and workshops organizing to the public sector to find the solution of the different problems relative to the environmental management.

We work with the environmental education program to develop activities at the Chemuyil and Akumal schools to teach to the children and young people the importance of the aquifer and the implications of the pollution.

One of the most relevant tools for develops our research work it’s the small laboratory that we have in CEA. At this lab we have the accessibility to test nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, total phosphorus, pH, dissolved oxygen, suspended solids and fecal coliform. Trough this tool we have been available share the space with l researchers from several Mexican and foreign universities and Research Centers to kwon more about the underground system.

The laboratory facilities could be available to visiting scientists and qualified students who are pursuing research at Akumal.

PROJECTS

The projects that we are developing at the program this year are:

• Akumal Beach Certification
• Akumal Artificial Wetland maintenance advising
• Laboratory’s certification
• Akumal sewages treatment strategy

VOLUNTEER

It would be a plus for selection, if you have appropriate skills in water analysis; oceanography and hydrology carry out the sampling and some analytical work, under the supervision of CEA staff

But although you don’t have previous background in hydrological and geological skills, you may help if you have a strong interest in learn about alternative waste water treatments, recycling, water quality monitoring, wildlife and conservation.

Participants are expected to be enthusiastic, adventurous, be able to work as part of a team, be respectful of the host country’s environment and cultures, and have a good sense of humor.

Other general information:

• Please note that we do not accept volunteers under the age of 21
• According to the number of applicants for the program, a strict selection of the applications will be made.
• The minimum length of stay is 2 months.
• Program monthly fee is 200 USD (foreigners) 100 USD (Mexicans). Your payment is due one month before the start of the program.
• You must have a valid passport and visa or FM3 for the length of your stay. It is your responsibility to have up-to-date migratory documents.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the recommended vaccinations and take any prescribed or advised medication. Please note that CEA can not give medical advice.
• You should have valid insurance for medical services.
• The limit application date is at least 1 month before the dates you want start the program.

STAFF

To ask about volunteering for our Water Quality Program, or for further information please contact:

Water Quality Coordinator
Edith Sosa Bravo
agua@ceakumal.org