Total and faecal coliforms presence in cenotes of Cancun; Quintana Roo, Mexico

Abstract

The large increase in population in Cancun, Mexico has increased domestic, agricultural and industrial activities, resulting in inadequate solid and liquid waste management that can affect underground aquifers. One of the factors which affects water quality is coliform bacteria. The present study focused on determining the presence of total and faecal coliforms in ten urban cenotes in Cancun. Sampling was carried out in the dry and rainy seasons of 2018. The Most Probable Number (MPN) technique was used to determine the concentration of coliform bacteria. The results from the analyses indicate that the ten cenotes are contaminated with total and faecal coliforms. Additionally, the concentration of coliforms increases during the rainy season. We conclude that all the cenotes are contaminated with faecal coliforms and suggest that more studies are necessary to determine the origin of this contamination and the impact on the ecosystem.