La ocupación del espacio geográfico y el desarrollo de los sistemas de producción agrícola en el distrito de El General, Pérez Zeledón. Costa Rica (1850-1950)

ResumenEste trabajo aborda el proceso de desarrollo del frente de colonización agrícola en El General, Pérez Zeledón, entre la segunda mitad del siglo XIX y la primera mitad del siglo XX. Se analizan las características del espacio, así como los elementos constitutivos y las transformaciones que durante el período experimentaron las unidades y los sistemas de producción ubicados en dichos territorios. Junto a una revaloración de la complejidad agrícola presente en la región durante esta etapa, este artículo pone de manifiesto el papel de las políticas estatales en la ocupación y la vinculación de la zona sur al entorno económico nacional.AbstractThis work addresses the development process of the agricultural front in El General, Pérez Zeledón, that took place during the second half of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century. Here, spatial characteristics are analyzed, as well as the components of the production units and systems in these territories and the transformations they experienced. Along with a revaluation of the agricultural complexity present in the region during this period, this article highlights the role of governmental policies pertaining to the settlement of the southern region and its connection with the national economic framework

Medicinal Water? The occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments A short communication

Although very little is known about the transport, fate and toxic effects of medical compounds in aquatic environments, the presence of these compounds in potable water sources can no longer be overlooked. We can argue that trace concentrations of drugs in the water is relatively a minor problem, however, the current and future demands on global potable freshwater supplies will probably lead to greater incidents of indirect and direct water-reuse situations at the local, regional, and cross-border levels. It is important to remark that the solution of this emerging ecological issue does not rely on new and better wastewater treatment technologies, but a new paradigm of responsibility and the understanding of the relations between anthropogenic actions and their ecological effects as well. The objective of this brief communication is to present the state of the art of research conducted in the last decade in Europe and United States concerning the presence of pharmaceuticals products in aquatic environments.