Study on Contamination by Heavy Metals in the Cotaxtla-Jamapa Basin with Influence in the Central Zone of the Gulf of Mexico

Surface waters are exposed during their journey to various types of pollutants plus the contribution they receive from different effluents. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the concentration of Pb, Cd, and Cu in surface waters of the Cotaxtla-Jamapa basin in Veracruz, Mexico. Analyzes were carried out in triplicate in six sampling sites, during three seasons, in morning, and night hours. At the sampling sites, Bocana and Arroyo Moreno, concentrations higher than the maximum permissible international limits of Pb and Cd were reported. The Pb, by time of sampling, presented significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) in three seasons of the year, in contrast to Cd and Cu. The above results indicated a risk in the use of water from the Cotaxtla-Jamapa basin, despite the fact that the concentrations obtained according to the national limits for NOM-001-SEMARNAT were not exceeded. It is necessary to update the national legislation to ensure the reduction of risk from exposure to heavy metals and to ensure conservation in terms of environmental quality.