Objective: The aim of this study was to create an inventory of the biodiversity, management, and commercialization of ornamental plants at nurseries in the municipality of Fortín de las Flores in the State of Veracruz, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 150 nursery owners. Results: The respondents reported a total of 230 different plants. With regard to commercialization, 20 species were reported as the most sold. The most notable species were: Syagrus romanzoffiana (Cham.) Glassman, Caesalpinia echinata Lam., Anthurium andreanum Linden, and Phoenix roebelenii O’Brien. The biggest problem was the sale price; 65% of the nursery owners reported that they sold their plants to strangers, and that they did not belong to any organization or cooperative. Limitations on study/implications: The poor local technological development characterized by unspecialized small and medium-sized businesses that compete with each other with little trade organization is a result of the sociocultural context of the region. This context limits regional development. Therefore, more research regarding sociocultural aspects should be promoted. Findings/conclusions: We have concluded that there is an underutilization of the native agrobiodiversity, since species originating in other parts of the world are what is most often sold. This is evidenced in the main species sold as well as those that generate the highest profits for the nursery owners.

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Ten wells in northern Mexico were analysed for 47 water quality constituents to determine the seasonal drinking water quality variations and their suitability for human consumption. Parameters examined include 25 major/trace elements analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Total dissolved solids, sodium and sulphate concentrations were above the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values in 30% of wells during the first and/or the second sampling season. Additionally, only 30% of drinking water samples were found biologically unfit for drinking purpose because total and fecal coliforms were above the guideline values. The drinking water quality index of this area ranked from 'good' to 'excellent'. However, considering that some parameters are above the WHO guideline values, we recommended a monitoring program for biological and chemical pollution of drinking water in order to reach a possible solution knowing the human and ecological risks involved.

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