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Cenotes have seen unprecedented levels of degradation, putting these vital ecosystems—and the communities that depend on them—at risk. Two new studies reveal what’s driving this crisis.
The Yucatán Peninsula’s porous and permeable limestone bedrock allows water to seep through the ground every time it rains. As acidic compounds in the filtrated liquid react with the calcium carbonate in the limestone, the bedrock starts dissolving, forming underground rivers and giant water-filled caves. Open cenotes form when the ceiling of such a cave collapses, exposing previously trapped freshwater.
In a region with no surface rivers, cenotes are extremely important. Today, cenotes are one of the main sources of freshwater in the peninsula, and serve as some of the region’s most popular tourist attractions.
A study in the upcoming Aug. 15 issue of the journal Environmental Research found that cenotes in urban areas are the most highly polluted. The finding is particularly worrisome because, according to the study, one of the two cenotes with the highest concentration of microplastics is also regularly used for drinking water.
“We obviously need to care for the cenotes because they are important for tourism and because of all the animals that live in them,” said Daniela Alvarado Zambrano, the study’s lead author. “But it is also important to remember that cenotes are the main source of freshwater for the Peninsula's population.”
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✍️ Andrés Muedano
📸 Getty Images
