City Of Ensenada Research Articles

Shallow submarine and subaerial, low-enthalpy hydrothermal manifestations in Punta Banda, Baja California, Mexico: Geophysical and geochemical characterization

The low-enthalpy geothermal system at Punta Banda (NW Baja California Peninsula, Mexico) has been studied because it might provide heat to future desalination plants in the city of Ensenada. Utilization of subaerial, intertidal and submarine hot springs is evaluated based on geochemical and geophysical data. The results of the geochemical studies show that the geothermal fluids have a major meteoric water component because seawater is not present at the subaerial springs and hot wells. The highest estimated reservoir temperature (140 °C) calculated using a silica geothermometer corresponds to the Agua Caliente intertidal manifestation, a promising area also identified by geophysics. Geothermometric calculations applied to the computed composition of the thermal end member yield a reservoir temperature of 137 °C. Cl/B ratios indicate that the thermal fluids discharged by the intertidal vents and subaerial springs are similar, but they differ from those of submarine vents. Geoelectrical models depict an anomalous conductive trend from the La Jolla well to the Agua Caliente manifestation, suggesting the presence of a fault that allows upflow of hot water from depth. Lastly, integration of geochemical and geophysical data identified the best site for future exploration drilling at Punta Banda.

Municipal Solid Waste Generation and Characterization in Ensenada, Mexico

A comprehensive study of the generation and characterization of municipal solid waste is essential to the long- term efficient and economical planning for solid waste management. The aim of this study was to quantify and analyze the solid waste generated in the city of Ensenada, Mexico, and to use this data in a project that will generate energy through methane gas production. Ensenada's per capita waste generation is approximately 0.87 ± 0.07 kg per person per day within a 98% confidence interval. Ensenada's solid waste composition consists of food scraps at 34.28%, paper and cardboard 22.49%, plastic 12.53%, disposable diapers 7.14%, and textiles 6.58%. Of the total waste generated, 86.36% has potential for reuse, whereas 13.65% has no further identifiable use and must be landfilled. Of the usable percentage, 48.34% can be recycled and 51.66% can be used to generate energy, obtaining financial and environmental benefits.

Analysis of the non-native flora of Ensenada, a fast growing city in northwestern Baja California

Urbanized areas show a high proportion of non-native plants and can work as dispersal points to the surrounding areas. Ensenada is a fast growing city located in the northwestern peninsula of Baja California (Mexico). It is the southern extreme of a bi-national, coastal urban corridor that extends from Los Angeles, California south to Ensenada. This corridor is part of the biodiversity hotspot of the California Floristic Province. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition and distribution of the spontaneous flora in the city of Ensenada. We systematically sampled two differentiated urban environments, vacant lots and arroyos, in 2006 and 2007. We found a total of 158 plant species, 61% of them were non-native species. Arroyo areas showed higher non-native species richness than vacant lots (21.9 vs. 13.6 species/transect) and could be potential dispersal vectors for non-native species to natural areas outside of the city, or in the reverse direction also.

Systems Modeling for the Planning of Greywater Management in New Housing Developments in the City of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Systems Modeling for the Planning of Greywater Management in New Housing Developments in the City of Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico

Geochemical evolution of groundwater in the Maneadero coastal aquifer during a dry year in Baja California, Mexico

Water pumped from 25 shallow wells (<31 m) in the Maneadero unconfined coastal aquifer was studied geochemically in order to determine the short-term compositional variability of the aquifer due to seawater intrusion during a drier than normal year (Fall 2001 to Fall 2002). The groundwater was commonly found to be mixed with seawater, with TDS concentrations in November 2002 ranging from 0.99 to 9.46 g l−1, having an intermediate Na+Cl− to Ca2+Cl− water-type. Rapid recharge events of short duration, after low and short rainfall events during the study period, are suggested from short-term fluctuations in water quality. Seawater intrusion is progressing faster in the central and southern coastal sections of the aquifer and has recently affected the quality of the sites pumping water to the nearby city of Ensenada. Only one of the wells used for the Ensenada water supply had a TDS concentration lower than the 1.0 g l−1 official limit. Low flow rates and high residence times of water are inferred to be the cause for high alkalinity in the east-central section of the aquifer. High NO3 in the east-central aquifer indicates that any NO3 infiltration due to fertilizer use was only slightly dispersed. After a short rainfall season during winter 2001, a significant decrease was seen for the previously most enriched site. However, concentrations above the 10 mg l−1 official limit persisted in 2002, affecting one well for urban supply (15.9 mg l−1). The water from this well is nevertheless mixed with better-quality water from other wells before being distributed through the city’s piping system.