23 de Julio

4TH UAM-EPIC FIELD WORK OUTING (July 23, 2024)

On July 23, 2024, 180 students from various Academic Divisions of the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) from different campuses, including Azcapotzalco, Iztapalapa, and Xochimilco, participated in the project UAM-EPIC "Rescue of La Piedad Lagoon" in Cuautitlan Izcalli, State of Mexico. With a transdisciplinary approach, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty from a diverse range of disciplines such as Hydrology, Limnology, Economics, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Graphic Design, Architecture, Sociology, and Rural Development, were involved in generating knowledge to advance the rescue of this waterbody comprehensively. The participants carried out various research activities to characterize the social, economic, and environmental problems that affect the conservation of La Piedad Lagoon and the potential solutions to face these problems. Professor Fabiola S Sosa-Rodríguez is the leader of this project and coordinates with other members of the knowledge generation. Professor Josefa Montalvo supervises the students of the course Agrarian Economics, who conducted surveys of the residents and businesses near La Piedad Lagoon to evaluate the effects of the pollution in this waterbody on economic well-being. Under the direction of Dr. Diego Chaparro and Dr. Alejandro Alva, the students from the course of Limnology carried out biological monitoring of the Lagoon's water quality and the existent aquatic vegetation. In contrast, the Postgraduates in Rural Development, coordinated by Dr. Alejandra Toscano, joined in the different activities to familiarize themselves with the study area and determine intervention opportunities. On the other hand, the students of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering from the course Analytical Chemical Analysis, directed by M.Sc. María Rita Valladares and M.Sc. Erasmo Flores collected water samples to analyze the contaminants and metals present in this water body and its channels. The Graphic Communication Designers guided by M.Sc. Mauricio Alan Gay focused on documenting the state of pollution of La Piedad Lagoon and the progress achieved by the project and the architects led by Arq. Olga Margarita Gutiérrez developed arquitectonic proposals for recovering La Piedad Lagoon in harmony with the landscape. Finally, the Hydraulic Engineering students, under the supervision of Dr. Eugenio Gómez and Dr. Felipe Armas, carried out a first diagnosis of the water inlets and outlets to the Lagoon to learn about the hydraulic behavior of the Lagoon, in addition to carrying out a bathymetry study.

During this event, 2 tons of solid residues and 136 tires were collected, a significant step towards a cleaner environment. The volunteers, including students from UAM, were equipped with gloves, shovels, and the necessary materials, showing their dedication to the cause. In addition to collecting solid residues, students interviewed other volunteers to document their perception of the pollution that affects La Piedad Lagoon and its impact on the community. This activity strengthened the community's governance and fostered stronger social cohesion and commitment to rescuing La Piedad Lagoon. Throughout the day, a collaborative learning environment was fostered, where the participants not only contributed to the environment's recovery but also gained valuable experiences in their respective fields. This shared learning experience was a key aspect of the project, highlighting the mutual benefits of such collaborative efforts.