Unnamed spring near Balneario de Almoloya, Mexico

Environment

Environment

Affected by human activity

Affected by human activity

Agriculture

Agriculture

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Surrounding area

Balneario de Almoloya, situated in the Municipality of San Juanito de Escobedo, Jalisco, about 1.385 m above sea level, benefits from a mild and pleasant climate. The average temperatures during the summer months range from 18-25°C, while the winter temperatures range from 5-15°C.

In the highland areas of Jalisco, various species of pine and oak trees thrive. The Mexican White Pine and Montezuma Pine are common pine species, while the Encino Oak is prevalent in the region. These trees provide essential habitats for wildlife. The Mexican White Cedar, a coniferous tree, can also be found in the highlands and Ahuehuete (Taxodium mucronatum), the national tree of Mexico, as well.

In the agricultural region surrounding Balneario Almoloya, farmers engage in a variety of activities. Agave cultivation is prominent for the production of tequila and mezcal, with the Blue Agave being the primary plant used. Maize, beans, and horticultural crops like tomatoes, chilies, and avocados are commonly grown. Livestock rearing, including cattle farming for meat and dairy, as well as organic farming practices, have gained significance. The specific agricultural activities may vary based on factors such as soil composition, water availability, and market demand. These activities contribute to the local economy, providing food and resources for both local consumption and commercial trade.

Balneario de Almoloya itself is a popular recreation center for the community.

Underwater landscape

The main pool at Balneario de Almoloya has a sandy, gravelly, and muddy bottom. The areas closer to the spring are primarily composed of sand and gravel, while mud becomes more prevalent as you move away from it. The maximum depth of the main pool reaches around 1.5m.

Aquatic vegetation was scarce, with the exception of green algae, though some bog plants could be seen in certain areas along the shore of the spring. Outside the park in the northern side — before Laguna del Bordo — there are other springs that hold the same fauna and there you can find aquatic vegetation such as Ceratophyllum sp., Eleocharis sp., Egeria sp., Typha sp., Potamogeton sp., Eichhornia sp. and Pistia stratiotes etc. Of course there are roots, rocks and branches on the bottom present. Depth is about 0.5m at maximum.

Regarding conservation, Balneario de Almoloya was in good condition on May 12th, 2022. However, there was a notable abundance of exotic species, including Oreochromis aureus, Poecilia reticulata, Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus, and Xiphophorus helleri.

Although the survey was not extensive, Xenotoca melanosoma species were observed on that particular date. The high number of exotic species appears to have an impact on the local fish fauna. The two most abundant native species in the area were Goodea atripinnis and Ameca splendens.

Native species:

• Xenotoca doadrioi (Goodeidae)
  
• Amatitlania siquia (Cichlidae)
  
• Zoogoneticus purhepechus (Goodeidae)
  
• Goodea atripinnis (Goodeidae)
  
• Poecilia butleri (Poeciliidae)
  
• Poeciliopsis infans (Poeciliidae)

Exotic species:

• Oreochromis aureus (Cichlidae)
  
• Poecilia reticulata (Poeciliidae)
• Pseudoxiphophorus bimaculatus (Poeciliidae)
• Xiphophorus hellerii (Poeciliidae)

Threats to ecology

Jalisco, Mexico, like many other regions, faces various human activities and pollution challenges. Here are some key aspects of human activity and pollution in Jalisco:

Water drainage

• Ecological consequences: Drainage can have negative impacts on natural ecosystems. Lowering the groundwater level and rapid drainage of rainfall can affect wetlands, river systems, and biodiversity in the area.
• Shifting the problem: Drainage systems can shift flood risks from one area to another. Increased runoff from a specific location can raise the flood risk in downstream areas.
• Water pollution: Fast drainage of rainfall from the surface can reduce natural filtration and purification processes. This can lead to increased transport of pollution, such as sediments, toxic substances, or fertilizers, into rivers and lakes.
• Maintenance requirements: Drainage systems require regular maintenance to function properly. Reduced channel capacity, sedimentation, and growing vegetation can impact drainage efficiency and necessitate repeated maintenance work.

Industrial Pollution

• Jalisco has a significant industrial presence, particularly in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Industries such as manufacturing, chemicals, and textiles contribute to air and water pollution through emissions and waste disposal. These activities can release pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals into the environment.

Urbanization and Traffic

• Rapid urbanization and population growth in Jalisco, particularly in cities like Guadalajara, contribute to increased vehicular traffic. This leads to air pollution from exhaust emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

Agricultural Practices

• Agriculture is an essential sector in Jalisco, particularly for the production of crops such as agave, corn, and fruits. However, the use of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, can result in soil and water pollution if not properly managed. Runoff from agricultural areas can carry these chemicals into water bodies, potentially affecting aquatic ecosystems and water quality.

Waste Management

• Proper waste management is crucial to prevent pollution. However, inadequate waste disposal and recycling practices can lead to environmental contamination. Jalisco faces challenges related to waste management, including improper disposal of solid waste, inadequate treatment of wastewater, and the presence of illegal dumping sites.

Water Pollution

• Jalisco has several bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. These water sources can face pollution from various sources, including industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate wastewater treatment. Water pollution affects aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, and can have implications for human health, especially if contaminated water is consumed or used for agricultural purposes.

Conservation Efforts

• Despite the pollution challenges, Jalisco also has conservation efforts in place to protect its natural resources. This includes the establishment of protected areas, initiatives to promote sustainable practices in agriculture and industry, and programs to improve waste management and reduce pollution.

It’s important to note that efforts are being made to address these pollution issues in Jalisco through regulations, environmental policies, and public awareness campaigns. However, continued monitoring, enforcement, and sustainable practices are necessary to mitigate pollution and preserve theenvironmental quality of the region.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat

Few -

Bibliography

• → Freshwater Fishes of Mexico 2022 ( mexfish.info) - Ameca splendens, the butterfly splitfin by Artigas Azas, Juan Miguel
  
• → Freshwater Fishes of Mexico ( mexfish.info) - Report for Jalisco 2022 Fish Surveying Trip by Artigas Azas, Juan Miguel & José Antonio Granados
  

Sitography

Comment by the expert