Diesel uptake by an indigenous microbial consortium isolated from sediments of the Southern Gulf of Mexico: Emulsion characterisation.

In this study a microbial consortium, dominated by members of the genera Marinobacter and Alcanivorax (Gammaproteobacteria) isolated from marine sediments of Southern Gulf of Mexico, was assessed to grow in a bubble column bioreactor using 13 g L-1 of diesel (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons mix including nonane and hexadecane) as the sole carbon source. The consortium was able to produce 3.3 g L-1 of biomass, measured as suspended solids. Microbial growth was detectable, even substrate depletion, after 8 days of cultivation. The emulsifier activity and its influence on the droplet size were also evaluated: it was observed that droplet diameter decreases as emulsifier activity increases. The bubble column bioreactor system proposed in this research could be used as a biotechnological process for the remediation of a contaminated body in important petrochemical regions, for example, Veracruz, México, where some points of sea and fresh-water bodies were analysed to find nonane and hexadecane in all sample water. It is important due to a lack of information, regarding hydrocarbon pollution in this port area, is filled.

Hydrocarbon water-pollution related to chronic kidney disease in Tierra Blanca, a perfect storm.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects the kidneys, and in severe cases is considered as end-stage renal disease which can only be treated by dialysis and transplantation. Tierra Blanca city has a higher CKD rate compared to other Mexican cities, but its principal cause has not been found yet. Main factors related to CKD are carbonated beverage consumption, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heat stress, dehydration, and intoxication by pesticides, heavy metals, and/or hydrocarbons. The aim of this work was to evaluate hydrocarbon pollution in Tierra Blanca domestic fresh-water related to CKD and to integrate this information with other main factors in order to suggest precautionary actions taking account of key actors. We found hydrocarbons in the water wells of the city and the presence of other risk factors, which creates a perfect storm for CKD. Additionally, key actors were identified in order to follow precautionary principles related to CKD cases in Tierra Blanca.