In the Necaxa, Nexapa, and Tenango dam system, located in the municipalities of Tlaola and Nuevo Necaxa in the state of Puebla, problems are being faced due to contamination and the uncontrolled growth of photosynthetic organisms, particularly the water lily, which has covered nearly 80% of the surface of the Nexapa reservoir.
To address this situation, an interdisciplinary team of researchers from BUAP and the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) is working on the project 'Management plan for the improvement of water quality and sediments in the Necaxa, Nexapa, and Tenango dam system and system for the utilization of aquatic weeds.'
During an initial visit in September 2024, organic compounds present as additives in various types of plastics were identified. These compounds are used in wetlands created to reduce the accumulation of metals from various activities. The proliferation of water lilies, especially in the Tenango dam, has been notable in recent years and is related to the presence of enriching minerals in the region.
Despite being invasive, the water lily also offers opportunities for utilization. Therefore, the biomass of the invasive lily is being analyzed to generate community utilization alternatives that can have economic value while also helping to reduce contamination. This project also considers social studies to understand local communities’ perceptions and management of the lily.
In a second sampling campaign scheduled for May, samples of water, sediments, and lily will be collected to validate the findings obtained. The team of researchers from BUAP and IPN, under the coordination of Dr. Pedro Francisco RodrĂguez Espinosa, continues to work on solutions to improve water quality and sediments in the Necaxa, Nexapa, and Tenango dam system, as well as in the search for alternatives for utilizing the invasive water lily.