Análisis de la Concentración de Arsénico en Tres Alimentos Papas (Solanum tuberosum), Zanahoria (Daucus carota) y Leche Cruda Producidas en las Zonas Afectadas por el Volcán Tungurahua (Mocha - Quero)

Abstract

In this thesis we analyzed the concentration of arsenic in food (potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), carrots (Daucus carota) and raw milk, produced in the areas affected by the Tungurahua volcano (Mocha - Quero), using the technique of atomic absorption spectrophotometry by hydride generation, which allowed us to evaluate whether the toxicity of arsenic present in these foods is harmful to the health of the population. The study was carried out at the facilities of the Center for Technical Services and Environmental Technology Transfer (CESTTA), Faculty of Sciences of the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, through the application of the deductive-inductive, scientific, analytical-synthetic method. A sampling was carried out in each sector mentioned above, obtaining 1 Kg of tubers and 5 L of raw milk. The analysis was carried out by means of a direct acid digestion that was taken to dryness, obtaining soluble salts that were duly gauged in buckets to then take the readings. Subsequently, a statistical evaluation of the results was carried out and it was obtained that in Canton Quero (Pilco Parish) the concentration of arsenic in potatoes is 0.04226 mg/kg, in carrots 0.01510 mg/kg and in milk 0.0378 mg/L and in Canton Mocha (Atillo Parish) the potatoes are: 0.02477 mg/kg, carrots 0.01134 mg/kg and milk 0.0321 mg/L. With this we conclude that the foods are below 0.1 mg/Kg, which is the limit value established by INEN for foods, thus guaranteeing their consumption by the Ecuadorian population.