INCORPORATING UNDERGRADUATE GEOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND BUSINESS STUDENTS INTO EXAMINING FLUORIDE AND ARSENIC ISSUES IN GROUNDWATER IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

Arsenic and fluoride levels in the groundwater around San Miguel de Allende, Mexico have risen to alarming concentrations. In some wells, concentration of fluoride can get has high as 17 ppm (maximum contamination level (MCL) in Mexico is 1.5ppm) and arsenic has high as 60 ppb (MCL=25ppb). Undergraduate students from Northern Illinois University (NIU) are working with a local nongovernment organization called Centers for Appropriate Technology and Indigenous Sustainability (CATIS) to help small communities in Guanajuato, Mexico with their groundwater issue. First, a student team from NIU’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) and geology students have concluded a comprehensive survey of over 50 rural community wells at varying elevations across Guanajuato and throughout the Independence Aquifer. Anion analysis was done on an ion chromatograph (IC) and metals were analyzed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). 60% of the communities tested exceeded Mexican standards for fluoride and arsenic in drinking water. In most of these communities, this is the first time they have had their water tested and concentrations reported back to them. By giving the communities their results they can understand their health problems and fight back again over exploitation of their drinking water supply by large agribusiness. In a second project, students are working with CATIS to develop a ceramic passive filtration system. The geology students assisted in sourcing a local clay that did not contain arsenic. In addition, the students aim to improve on this filter technology to include removal of arsenic and fluoride. The “attachment” must be must be cheap, low technology, sustainable, use local materials and socially conscious. Currently, they are evaluating biochar to decrease fluoride and arsenic concentrations. The business students are working with CATIS to come up with ways to market the filter systems, develop business plans, and more create more social entrepreneurs in the region. This project has also increased the number of Latino students interested in STEM fields. As information is provided to undergraduate students about these opportunities in Mexico, many Latino students have volunteered for the field work and research.