Publications
Low-cost electrochemical detection of arsenic in the groundwater of Guanajuato state, central Mexico using an open-source potentiostat
A low-cost, open-source potentiostat based on Arduino technology has been developed to accurately detect arsenic in groundwater at parts-per-billion levels. This method significantly outperforms traditional colorimetric test strips, reducing median error from -50% to +2.9%, precision uncertainties from ±25% to ±4.9%, and eliminating false negatives (50% with test strips vs. 0% with the potentiostat) when compared to the World Health Organization's 10 μg L-1 limit. The study, conducted in arsenic-contaminated groundwaters of Guanajuato, Mexico, used gold electrodes (screen-printed and microwire) with anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV), achieving a low detection limit of 0.7 μg L-1. This approach offers a cost-effective solution for in-house arsenic analysis by research groups and NGOs, providing superior quantitative data.
Widespread elevated concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury in Guanajuato, Mexico, centuries after historical silver refining by mercury amalgamation
Centuries after historical silver refining, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations remain significantly elevated in Guanajuato, Mexico. Ground-level air GEM levels range from 8 to 454 ng/m³, surpassing Northern Hemispheric averages by up to two orders of magnitude, while interstitial air in reprocessed mineral wastes, sediment, and soil reaches up to 44,700 ng/m³. This persistent elevation is attributed to the disproportionation of legacy calomel (Hg₂Cl₂), a mercury compound formed during the patio process used for silver extraction. The study supports this mechanism by identifying HgI in reprocessed wastes and analyzing GEM release patterns from calomel. These findings challenge previous assumptions about historical mercury emissions, suggesting that calomel's disproportionation must be accounted for to accurately assess past atmospheric mercury contributions.
Carbon Monoxide and Particulate Matter Concentrations inside the Road Tunnels of Guanajuato City, Mexico
Road tunnels in Guanajuato, Mexico, while designed to alleviate traffic congestion and shorten pedestrian travel times, harbor significant levels of air pollution. Research reveals that although carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations remain below the World Health Organization's 30-minute exposure guideline of 50 ppm, particulate matter (PM10) levels consistently exceed the WHO's 24-hour limit of 50 µg m–3 in all three studied tunnels. The study employed advanced sensors to monitor CO, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations, alongside vehicle counts and wind speed, while X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the chemical composition and morphology of the particulates. Findings indicate that these particles primarily originate from eroded rhyolite rock, soil, and construction materials within the tunnels, underscoring the urgent need for ventilation systems to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
Exploring the Links Between Biophilic and Restorative Qualities of Exterior and Interior Spaces in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
Research reveals that biophilic and restorative qualities of urban spaces significantly enhance mood states while reducing situational stress. The study, conducted in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, analyzed 65 public spaces using multidimensional scaling (MDS) to categorize them based on vegetation proportion, spatial extension, landmark salience, biophilic architecture, people density, street visual access, olfactory pleasantness, and noise levels. Findings indicate that environments with higher biophilic design elements—such as vegetation and natural materials—lead to decreased negative moods and perceived stress, while increasing positive emotional responses. Structural equation modeling (SEM) confirmed these relationships, underscoring the importance of integrating biophilic features in urban planning to foster restorative experiences for inhabitants.
Studying Online Travel Reviews related to tourist attractions using NLP methods: the case of Guanajuato, Mexico
A novel analysis of online travel reviews (OTRs) for Guanajuato, Mexicoreveals that cleanliness and prices are recurring negative themes, regardless of whether travelers are national or international. This study is the first to apply Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, specifically Mutual Information Ranking and Jaccard Coefficient, to OTRs in a Mexican context, uncovering critical insights into visitor perceptions. Surprisingly, evaluations showed little variation between domestic and foreign tourists, suggesting universal concerns that could inform tourism policy and site management.
Empresarias mineras de Guanajuato, 1714-1803
A groundbreaking analysis reveals the significant yet overlooked role of women as mining entrepreneurs in 18th-century Guanajuato, Mexico. Despite their substantial contributions to the silver and gold industry—through ownership of mines, processing facilities (haciendas de beneficio), and metal recovery (rescatadoras)—women have been largely excluded from historical narratives about this period. By tracing the trajectories of two prominent female entrepreneurs, the study demonstrates their adept business acumen in managing complex transactions and maintaining strategic partnerships with male counterparts. This research challenges traditional historiography by highlighting women's economic agency during a pivotal era of colonial industrialization.
Geología y estructura de las sierras de Guanajuato y Codornices, Mesa Central, México
The Sierras de Guanajuato and Codornices, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines,' exhibit a complex tectonic history characterized by three major uplift-exhumation phases: early-middle Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene. These phases shaped their current configuration, with the Sierra de Guanajuato rising more significantly relative to the El Bajío basin compared to the Sierra de Codornices. The study reveals that these ranges form a raised block of an Oligocene-Eocene half-graben, bounded by normal faults that migrated towards the basin over time, creating a stepped configuration along their southwestern margin. This research compiles geological data from six lithologic groups and 27 stratigraphic sections to model the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of central Mexico, providing insights into the region's dynamic geological processes.
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