Northeastern Mexico Research Articles

"Unraveling the Gut Microbiome of the Genus Herichthys (Pisces: Cichlidae): What Can We Learn from Museum Specimens?"

The use of museum preserved specimens to know microbiome in extinct and threatened species has been explored recently. The fishes of the genus Herichthys are distributed mainly in the Pánuco-Tamesí system in Northeastern Mexico, one of the most polluted basins in the country leading to near half of the species be considering as threatened. In this paper we used the hypervariable V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from the 11 species of the genus Herichthys obtained from museum collections to evaluate the potential use of fixed preserved vouchers in the knowledge of gut microbiota diversity and the potential role of sympatric and allopatric speciation of the hosts in the gut microbiome evolution. The 100% of the samples were successfully amplified where the number of amplicons ranged from 4500 from a formaldehyde fixed specimen up to 55,000 in ethanol preserved specimens. Differences in gut microbiota were found between sympatric species and among the comparison of some trophic guilds. A non-random association between the gut host and their microbiome was found allow to suggest a potential phylosymbiosis relationship. In conclusion, the most abundant phyla recovered from the gut microbiota in this study were similar to those previously reported in other cichlids supporting the idea that a gut microbial core is conserved in this group of fishes despite millions of years of evolution and leading to support the potential use of museum specimens in microbiome studies.

Ethnobotany in Iturbide, Nuevo León: The Traditional Knowledge on Plants Used in the Semiarid Mountains of Northeastern Mexico

Iturbide is in the northeast of Mexico and has a rich native and exotic flora; however, there are no ethnobotanical records, therefore, it requires attention in the documentation of traditional knowledge and practices of its botanical resources. In 2021, twelve field trips were carried out, applying 110 semi-structured interviews. Plant samples were collected, identified and deposited in an herbarium. We used the Chi-square test to compare the anthropocentric categories concerning others reported in Mexico. To determine the cultural importance, three ethnobotanical indices were applied (UVI, ICF and FL). We recorded 250 species with ethnobotanical implications associated with 121 genera and 83 families, including 140 native and 110 exotic species. The most common plant families were Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Fabaceae. The main categories of uses were: ornamental, medicinal and food. The species with the highest UVI values were Lepidium peruvianum, Ocimum basilicum and Salvia rosamrinus. The multifunctionality of the native and exotic flora demonstrates the extensive knowledge associated with botanical resources. For example, the role of ornamental plants, with a direct impact on human well-being, the resilience of healers and traditional inhabitants by using different species for the treatment of various ailments or indigenous edible plants in the daily diet.

Seasonal nutritive value and in vitro fermentation kinetics of foliage of some multipurpose shrub species in northeastern Mexico

This study aimed to determine seasonal chemical composition, metabolizable energy (ME) concentration, in vitro gas production patterns, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and in vitro true organic matter digestibility (IVTOMD) of foliage from 5 native shrub species (Celtis pallida, Croton suaveolens, Forestiera angustifolia, Guaiacum angustifolium and Parkinsonia aculeata) growing in semi-arid areas of northeastern Mexico between July 2018 and June 2019 at 2 research sites. Crude protein (CP) concentrations (>13.2% DM) found in leaf material should meet or exceed the requirements for maintenance of small ruminants; C. pallida provided the highest CP% (20.8‒29.3%). While CP% varied with season and site, species had a greater effect than either of those factors overall. ME concentrations ranged between 1.2 and 2.0 Mcal/kg DM. Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations ranged from 29.8 to 51.7% DM and 9.8 to 33.0% DM, respectively. Data obtained for IVOMD (34.5‒58.8%) and IVTOMD (64.1‒88.7%) demonstrate the high nutritive potential of leaf of browse species under study, especially C. pallida, as useful feed supplements for small ruminants in the semi-arid region of northeastern Mexico. Further studies could examine DM yields of browse from the various species, acceptance by small ruminants and their sustainability under regular defoliation under grazing.

Ichnoassemblages from the Wilcox Formation in the Burgos Basin, northeastern Mexico

Abstract An ichnological analysis of the Paleocene–Eocene Wilcox Formation at San José de la Laja and La Curva localities within the Burgos Basin in northeastern Mexico revealed seven ichnogenera: Chondrites , Diplocraterion , Ophiomorpha , Palaeophycus , Planolites , Sinusichnus and Skolithos . The trace fossils were grouped into different ichnoassemblages, including a detailed facies analysis. These results show their apparent association with the Skolithos and Cruziana Ichnofacies in the two studied localities. The integrative analysis of trace fossils and lithofacies made it possible to infer plausible depositional environments for registered periods of fair-weather conditions in both localities of the Burgos Basin, which represent ecosystems characterized by low diversity and abundance. In San José de La Laja, the environment varies from storm affected to tidal setting. In La Curva, lithofacies and ichnology are modulated by storm events in a transitional shoreface, coastal bar and intertidal setting within a deltaic plain. Both localities indicate a shelf impacted by deltaic processes and storm events. Living conditions for most endobenthic organisms were harsh. These results support a long-term regression of the coastal zone during the Paleogene–Neogene and suggest a palaeoenvironment similar to this in the south of Texas during the Paleogene.

Metarhizium acridum1 and Other Entomopathogenic Fungi from Grasshoppers2 at Arid Sites of Northeastern Mexico

Los hongos entomopatógenos son importantes enemigos naturales de los ortópteros, insectos de gran impacto económico. Recolectamos 530 saltamontes vivos y cerca de 200 muertos cerca de Saltillo, México, durante 2007-2010. Menos del 1% de los insectos vivos, incubados, y hasta el 30% de los insectos muertos fueron infectados por Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. sensu lato (en insectos muertos, coinfección con Entomophaga spp.). Se observó Metarhizium acridum (Driver & Milner) Bischoff, Rehner & Humber en adultos vivos de Schistocerca nitens Thunberg. Por lo tanto, enlistamos cinco especies de hongos de langostas y otros saltamontes en Saltillo: además de B. bassiana y M. acridum, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sorok. sensu lato (Ascomycota: Hypocreales); y Entomophaga calopteni (Bessey) Humber y Entomophaga macleodii Humber (sin publicar) (Zoopagomycota: Entomophthorales). Los primeros reportes en este trabajo son M. acridum, de una zona árida en la región Neártica, S. nitens como huésped de M. acridum y Entomophaga sp. en Mexico, infecciones combinadas por B. bassiana y Entomophaga spp. en saltamontes melanoplinos, y nuevos registros de distribución de E. calopteni en México. Se observó esporulación interna de Beauveria en saltamontes melanoplinos grandes. Se debe verificar el impacto de estos enemigos naturales. Las cepas del desierto de Chihuahua de M. acridum deben considerarse para el control de plagas de saltamontes de América del Norte.

Golden Eagle Nesting Territory Distribution in Wind Energy Landscapes of the Southern Great Plains

Abstract Deaths of four Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) due to collision trauma at a new wind energy facility in east-central New Mexico during 2004–2005 prompted concerns about the species' population status in the encompassing Southern Great Plains region, primarily because its breeding distribution there was poorly documented and wind energy development was expanding rapidly. Therefore, we conducted aerial searches for Golden Eagle nests across northeastern New Mexico, northwestern Texas, western Oklahoma, and adjacent portions of Colorado and Kansas during 2006–2009 and 2015–2020. We delineated five Golden Eagle Nest Search Areas (NSAs) with unique physiographic/geological origins. Individual NSAs were searched partially or entirely for up to 8 yr. Collectively, we identified 123 nesting territories (NTs) occupied by Golden Eagles ≥ 1 yr, of which 94 (76%) were in northeastern New Mexico. The most NTs (40) were in the 11,720-km2 Highlands NSA. Greatest NT density (126.6 km2/NT) and shortest NT nearest neighbor distance (7.4 km) were in the 3533-km2 Northern Caprock NSA. Wind turbines existed near (within 3.2 km) eight nests distributed among five of 28 NTs in the Northern Caprock and were planned for sites in two occupied NTs. Elsewhere, only potential turbines were near nests and only within six NTs. The number of nesting territories we found underscores the importance of the Southern Great Plains to Golden Eagles, even though this region lies at the eastern margin of the species' western North American breeding range. Our data provide strong support for protecting breeding habitat from potential threats, particularly those posed by wind energy development, and are also a foundation for long-term population monitoring.

Impact of Drought and Groundwater Quality on Agriculture in a Semi-Arid Zone of Mexico

This paper analyzes the behavior of drought in the face of the impact of climate change and groundwater quality and its implications for agricultural production in a semi-arid area of northeastern Mexico. The pluviometric information of two stations from 1961 to 2020 was analyzed, and the Standardized Precipitation Index was applied in the spring–summer period (SPI-6). Twenty-five samples from the Ahualulco aquifer were collected and analyzed, to which quality indices for agricultural use were applied. The results show that in the last 20 years there have been mild to moderate droughts, which have considerably affected rainfed farmers. The area under irrigation is affected by salinity conditions as the water goes from medium to high conductivities and low to medium sodicity, which indicates a medium sodicity risk but an excessive salinity risk.

Anxiety in Mexican adults throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross sectional study

IntroductionPerceived fear during a pandemic along with measures used to contain it can develop or intensify anxiety symptoms. In Mexico, information on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population is scarce. ObjectiveWe examined the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak in a Mexican sample. MethodWe conducted a cross sectional study from June 15, 2020, to January 31, 2021, in a state in north-eastern Mexico, using an online survey. Beck Anxiety Inventory was used to determine the prevalence and severity of anxiety. ResultsThe overall prevalence of anxiety was 43.5 %. Categories with the highest anxiety prevalence within their groups were women (46.2 %), age group of 18–30 years (47.3 %), higher level of education (43 %), students (48.8 %) and people who weren't currently with a couple (47.3 %). Additionally, we found that people who reported clinically significant anxiety were more likely to be women, ages 18–30 years, not currently partnered and currently living with a psychiatric disorder. Moreover, patients with clinically significant anxiety were more likely to be diagnosed with a mood, anxiety, trauma and stress, or an eating disorder. We also observed that being a woman and having at least one psychiatric disorder were independent factors related to a positive anxiety screening. Discussion and conclusionCOVID-19 outbreak results in considerable increase in anxiety symptoms among the Mexican population. It is important to acknowledge the psychological impact of contingency situations to provide information that can allow establishing preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Passiflora zapalinamensis, a new species of supersect. Bryonioides (Passifloraceae) from northeast Mexico

Passiflora zapalinamensis, a new species of the northern Mexican flora with uncinate trichomes, is herein described and illustrated. This species is endemic to the canyons and hills of the Sierra de Zapalinamé within the state of Coahuila, and the extended Sierra Madre Oriental of northeastern Mexico. It belongs to the subgenus Decaloba, supersection Bryonioides. It can be readily distinguished from its most morphologically similar species Passiflora hispidula by its subopposite to alternate glabrous nectaries, consistently rounded foliar apices, red stems and secluded distribution. Its taxonomy, ecology and conservation are discussed.

A new freshwater snail genus and species (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda, Cochliopidae) with extremely spinous shells from sub-recent spring deposits in northeastern Mexico.

A new monotypic genus of freshwater snail from late Holocene spring deposits in Viesca, Coahuila (Mexico), is described based on shell morphology. Spinopyrgus luismaedai n. gen. et n. sp. has two to three carinate shells with long and wide shovel-shaped spines, strong axial ridges and a pointed protoconch. All sculptural ornamentations on the teleoconch are part of the calcareous shell material and not projections of the periostracum. This combination of shell features and their almost marine-like appearance is unknown among North American recent and fossil freshwater snails. Because of its shell characteristics, we placed the new genus tentatively in the Cochliopidae. The springs of Viesca dried up in the second half of the 20th century so that any living occurrence of this species in neighboring areas is unlikely, rendering the new genus and species possibly extinct.

The tribe Dysoniini part VI: Phylogeny, biogeography and evolutionary trends of the lichen katydid genera (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae). Eleventh contribution to the suprageneric organization of Neotropical phaneropterines.

The tribe Dysoniini is widely distributed in the Neotropics, ranging from northeastern Mexico across Central and South America to northern Argentina. In the latter subcontinent it is most diverse. These tettigoniids are remarkable for their lichen- and bryophyte-mimicking camouflage and for having a particularly elevated vertex, which is unusual in the family Phaneropterinae. A cladistic analysis for 23 terminal taxa has been performed (20 in the ingroup and 3 in the outgroup), using 76 morphological and ecological characters in order to prove monophyly of the following genera and tribes: Hammatoferina n. subtr. (including Hammatofera), Markiina n. subtr. (Machimoides (Machima (Apolinaria (Lichenodraculus + Markia)))) and Dysoniina n. stat. (Quiva (Yungasacris (Dissonulichen (Alexanderellus n. gen. (Paraphidnia + Anaphidna) (Dysonia (Lichenomorphus + Lichenodentix)))))). The tribes genera resulted as monophyletic, except for Dysonia sensu Gorochov, so it was necessary to revalidate generic status for Dissonulichen n. stat. to recover monophyly for Dysonia. The three aforementioned subtribes and a new subgenus Dissonulichospinus n. subgen. (within Dissonulichen n. stat.) are proposed, as well as five new combinations of species so far included in Dysonia: Alexanderellus mariposa n. comb., Dissonulichen diffusus n. comb., D. ornatus n. comb., D. elegans n. comb. and Lichenomorphus pirani n. comb. Four species names are considered as synonyms: Hammatofera brasiliensis n. syn. (under H. nodicornis), Dysonia similis n. syn. (under Dissonulichen minensis), Dysonia cuiabensis n. syn. (under Dissonulichen hebardi) and Lichenomorphus nigriventer n. syn. (under L. puntifrons). Dysonia lamellipes is considered a nomen dubium. Characters referring to camouflage, mimicry, and behaviors associated with these adaptative preferences were optimized. Optimizations for structural phylogenies were indicated on each of the optimized characters, displaying nodes in which the different optimizations by characters differ. Characters analyzed on the ambulatory behavior of the studied taxa are closely related to the type of mimicry or camouflage occurring in each group, so those taxa that camouflage in foliose lichen move in a slow, circumspect fashion, contrasting to taxa mimicking crustose or fruticose lichen, which simulate lichen parts stirred by a breeze. This most effective strategy makes them almost impossible to spot in their natural habitat. Likewise, species with wasp mimicry tend to show behaviors that make their imitation strategy more efficient. The ancestral state of the tribe is a phyllomorphic type (leaf camouflage) as is usual in most genera of the family Phaneropterinae. The appearance of camouflage and mimicry in the species of the tribe is discussed, and how these converge with taxa of other areas of the planet. The relationship between optimized characters is then grouped in the most parsimonious tree, indicating frequency and relation between taxa and characters. A biogeographic dispersal-vicariance analysis of the tribes genera indicates that the ancestral area is in the Brazilian Shield as the only resulting ancestral distribution, with a secondary center of radiation in the Andes. Four vicariant events are postulated: 1) The differentiation of some genera by the rising of the Andes, 2) forming a barrier between species groups of the genus Markia. 3) Expansion from the ancestral area towards the Amazon and 4) the Andes. Diagnoses and a pictorial key to the identification of all genera, plus conventional keys for identification of all species are provided, along with distribution maps. A list presents all taxa of the tribe within the proposed classification, including distribution data, depositories of type specimens, and additional comments.

Livestock Grazing Impact on Species Composition and Richness Understory of the Pinus cembroides Zucc. Forest in Northeastern Mexico

In the pine forests of Mexico, disturbances are primarily due to cattle, horses, goat, and sheep grazing, particularly in communal grazing lands. The most evident disturbances are low tree recruitment, invasive shrubs establishment, species composition changes, and invasion of weeds dispersed mainly by livestock. The Sierra de Zapalinamé is a mountain range and natural protected area of northeast Mexico. We conducted the current study in this area in a forest stand of Pinus cembroides excluded from grazing in the last 25 years (1200 ha with pine forest vegetation and mountain chaparral) and another area nearby subjected to livestock grazing. Forest structure (basal area and density), tree species richness, total understory species richness, and understory species composition were analyzed at the control and grazed sites. Our results revealed that grazing has modified the understory species composition and reduced the evenness in the control plots. Therefore, to maintain species diversity and forest structure, we concluded that extensive grazing should be restricted for some areas or the number of animals reduced in zones of high ecological value.

New species of Phassus Walker ghost moth from northeastern Mexico and notes on its biogeographic significance (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)

New species of Phassus Walker ghost moth from northeastern Mexico and notes on its biogeographic significance (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae)

Chemical Composition, Optical Properties and Sources of PM2.5 From a Highly Urbanized Region in Northeastern Mexico

Here, we report the chemical composition and optical properties of the fine particles (PM2.5) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) of these particles. Additionally, the potential sources of WSOC emission were determined through the study on fluorescence excitation–emission matrix spectra and parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC). Samples were collected in an urban site of the Monterrey Metropolitan Area in Mexico during summer and winter and characterized using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), ultraviolet-visible-near infrared-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis-NIR-DRS), fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The ATR-FTIR analyses allowed the identification of inorganic ions (e.g., CO32−, SO42−, and NO3−), organic functional groups [e.g., carbonyls (C=O), organic hydroxyl (C-OH), carboxylic acid (COOH)], and aromatic and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. The results obtained by XRD and XPS revealed the presence of organic and inorganic chemical species in PM2.5. The diffuse reflectance spectra of PM2.5 provided the absorption bands in the UV region for CaSO4, CaCO3, and aluminosilicates. The absorption coefficient at 365 nm (Abs365) and Ångström absorption exponent (AAE) values obtained for the aqueous extracts suggest that many of the water-soluble organic compounds corresponded to brown carbon (BrC) chromophores. The mass absorption efficiency values at 365 nm (MAE365) were higher in the winter than summer samples, suggesting the presence of more BrC compounds in the winter samples. The fluorescence indices combined with EEM-PARAFAC analysis showed that the WSOC fraction was mainly composed of humic-like substances (HULIS) which are both of terrestrial and microbial origin.

Spatial and Temporal Variations of Predicting Fuel Load in Temperate Forests of Northeastern Mexico

The prediction of fuel load areas and species associated with these events reduces the response time to fight forest fires. The objective of this study was to estimate the annual fuel load from 2009–2013, predict the annual fuel load in the rest of the ecosystem, identify species that contribute most to this load and compare the percentage of area by risk category in the temperate forests of Tamaulipas. Fuel load was estimated with inventory data using three models. Fuel load was predicted with elevation, total annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, and enhanced vegetation index from satellite scenes using partial least squares regression. The highest concentration of fuel load was associated with the oak, oak-pine, pine forest and mountain mesophyll forest ecosystems. The contribution of genera to fuel load was different. Quercus contributed the most variation among clusters, and the contribution among Quercus species was similar. The results highlight the importance of focusing fuel management programs on this type of ecosystem, emphasizing actions in particular Quercus, and the results can also serve as a basis for future research, such as carbon sequestration and forest management programs.

Pigmentary abnormalities in Great-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus mexicanus) from northeastern Mexico and southern Texas

Reportamos 5 casos de encanecimiento progresivo en el zanate mayor (Quiscalus mexicanus) y un caso de plumas blancas, posiblemente por lesión, en el noreste de México y el sur de Texas, EE. UU. Los casos que reportamos muestran diferentes grados de intensidad. Las causas del encanecimiento de las plumas de las aves no están claras; discutimos las posibles causas y factores externos asociados con ella, y enfatizamos la importancia de documentar casos de anomalías pigmentarias. Palabras clave: aberraciones cromáticas, albinismo, canoso progresivo, leucismo.

Xerocomellus carmeniae (Boletales, Basidiomycota), a new fungus from northeastern Mexico

Background and Aims: Xerocomellus is a genus of the Boletaceae family, characterized by the small to medium, boletoid to gastroid basidiomata, usually with areolate pileus, and smooth to ornamented basidiospores. So far only two species are known from Mexico. The aim of this study is to describe a new species of Xerocomellus, based on morphological, molecular and ecological data. Methods: Sampling of studied specimens was carried out in Nuevo León state, northeastern Mexico (2009 and 2016). Classic protocols for macrofungi were followed. Hand cut sections of specimens were made and mounted in KOH and Melzer reagent to observe microstructures. The identification of the putative host tree was made in the botanical herbarium CFNL of the Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León; the type of forest was identified according to field observations and satellite images. DNA was extracted from three different collections. The ITS region and the gene LSU were obtained and analyzed. The material was deposited in the mycological collections of the herbaria “José Castillo Tovar” (ITCV) of the Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Victoria and CFNL. Key results: Xerocomellus carmeniae differs from other Xerocomellus species by the following combination of characteristics: boletoid basidiomata, reddish areolate pileus, yellowish stipe, and basidiospores of 10.5-13.6 × 5.7-7.8 µm, elongate, sometimes truncate. Conclusions: Xerocomellus carmeniae is the third species of this genus known from Mexico and is putatively associated to Quercus cambyi. Some specimens show an aberrant form, but more studies are recommended to evaluate a possible transition to a secotioid form.

"We Speak the Same Language, but They Don't Understand Us." Use and Abuse of Culturalism in Medical Care for Central American Migrants in Transit Through Mexico.

This article deals with cultural stereotypes toward Central American migrants in the Mexican healthcare system, which lead to the naturalization of the supposed cultural characteristics of these new users. Based on 21 interviews of health and administrative staff in the state of Nuevo Leon (northeastern Mexico), it shows the first recourse to culturalist explanations to describe any phenomenon related to migrants' health. According to this perspective, the health of migrants, their relation to illness, and their patterns of seeking healthcare would be mainly determined by characteristic cultural traits, which justify their penurious attendance at health centers, and their low adherence to treatments. The culturalist explanation of migrants' health behaviors may influence the care they receive, as well as their adherence to treatment, which ultimately reinforces the health inequalities initially highlighted. This culturalist excess is partly explained by the incorrect understanding of the directives of health authorities in favor of the integration of an intercultural perspective in healthcare. Despite some ongoing training in this area, it does not seem sufficient to correct this situation effectively.

Parasites with zoonotic potential found in commercially important fish in Tamaulipas, Northeastern Mexico.

Human population is exposed to numerous parasitic ichthyozoonoses. Although Tamaulipas state (northeastern Mexico) is well known for its fishing and aquaculture industry, there are few reports of this type of zoonosis. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate whether the parasites that affect these fish may represent a zoonotic risk for the inhabitants of the area. The objective of this study was to identify molecular and/or morphologically muscle parasites of fish from coastal locations in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and assess the risk of infection for humans. Between 2017 and 2018, 764 individual fish belonging to 28 species were examined for parasites. Collected worms were processed for their identification using morphological characteristics. In addition, partial sequences of the large subunit (28S) ribosomal RNA gene were obtained from some species to corroborate their identity. Prevalence and mean intensity of all registered infections were calculated. A total of seven species of parasites were found: cestodes (Poecilancistrium caryophyllum), trematodes (Clinostomum tataxumui, Clinostomum cichlidorum), nematodes (Eustrongylides sp., Contracaecum sp.) and pentastomids (Sebekia purdieae, Sebekia sp.). Parasites infected 10 species belonging to different fish families (Ariidae, Centrarchidae, Centropomidae, Cichlidae, Eleotridae, Ictaluridae, Mugilidae and Sciaenidae). Congeneric species of parasites or related to those registered in this study have been identified as zoonotic agents in other regions of the world. Despite the low levels of infection (2.6-16.6% prevalence and 1-5.5 parasites per infected host), there is a latent risk of transmission to humans, so it is recommended to avoid eating raw or undercooked fish meat.

Hydrochemical and isotopic characterization of the Region Carbonífera aquifer: An example of hydrogeological systems in the semi-arid climates of northeastern Mexico

Hydrogeological resources in the semiarid regions of Mexico support the economy and essential domestic activities of around 17 million people. However, adverse climatic conditions and overexploitation of aquifers affect the quantity and quality of the resource, added to problems of anthropogenic pollution and the salinity of water bodies. The Region Carbonífera aquifer represents the primary hydrogeological system in the most important coal-mining region in Mexico, located in the state of Coahuila. In this work, we present a complete dataset of 157 samples from surface and groundwaters sites have been used to characterizethe physicochemical and isotopic processes responsible for the composition of circulating waters, clarifying their origin, and to evaluate the water quality in terms of human consumption and irrigation use. The aquifer is mostly represented by Ca2+-Mg2+-SO42- and Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- type waters, that supports salinization problems in 76% of the samples as well as sulfate excess. The origin of this chemical behavior seems to be the result of three main processes: 1) dissolution of soluble salts (gypsum, anhydrite and halite), 2) high surface evaporation under semiarid climate conditions, and 3) ionic and reverse ionic exchange. Processes 1 and 2 are also supported by the enrichment trends in the δ18O and δD signatures. For human consumption, 21% of the samples show high concentrations above the maximum permissible limits of the Official Mexican Standard (NOM-127-SSA1-1994) in total dissolved solids, Cl−, Na+, and SO42−. Additionally, 80% of the waters have some irrigation limitations due to excess sodicity or salinity. The worst quality waters for human or irrigation uses are located south of the aquifer in the municipalities of Juárez and Progreso. This study exhibits the complex hydric situation of the aquifer, raising awareness of the need to seek alternative sources, rational exploitation of resources, the use of crops that better adapt to these semiarid conditions, and intensifying hydrochemical monitoring in the region.