Mexico

Human health risks in a freshwater lake basin

Since 2006, the University of Toronto has been working with the Universidad de Guadalajara to develop a research program in the Lake Zapotlán basin in Mexico. The lake and its basin are integral to the sustainability of the local economy, but ecological damage is causing significant human health issues. In earlier research, for example, Harvey Shear determined a water treatment plant was contributing to high bacteria levels.

Through the LACREG project, researchers continued their pursuit of a water quality model for the lake. They noted the plant had adopted the project partners’ earlier recommendations for chlorine treatment, and was now functioning. Field work also revealed that mercury levels were acceptable, but that the lake was contaminated with sewage. Finally, local stakeholders lacked understanding of ecological conditions in the lake and its basin.

As a direct result of the Canadian-Mexican partnership, the U de G committed funds to build a laboratory on the shore of the lake. With support from Dr. Shear, the Mexican partners developed a management plan that ultimately earned the lake and basin a spot on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. This coveted designation may attract additional funding so that researchers can continue the work.