Hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the municipality of Macuspana, Tabasco: Key actors Hidrocarburos y metales pesados

Abstract

The economy in most of the Gulf of Mexico is based on the extraction, processing and distribution of hydrocarbons, the growth of this industry increased the number of exploration and production of oil wells with direct impact on aquatic environments. The state of Tabasco is one of the largest producers of oil, as well as fishery resources of commercial and environmental importance. The aim of this research was to identify the possible contamination by hydrocarbons and heavy metals that derive from oil production, by the use and consumption of water from different sources in the Macuspana municipality. A diagnostic analysis was carried out by applying a questionnaire through interviews directed to the inhabitants of the municipality of Macuspana and workers in the oil sector. Data were processed with Kruskal Wallis frequency analysis, analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis with two factors. The results of the survey showed that there has been historical contamination for 30 years, there is evidence of dead organisms in water bodies and the presence of various diseases in the population due to exposure to contamination by hydrocarbons and heavy metals derived from oil activity. These can also be the result of oil wells that are no longer exploited and have spills due to lack of a maintenance program. There is little interest from the oil sector towards the negative impact received by the municipality of Macuspana, Tabasco.