Determinación de contaminantes atmosféricos generados por fuentes móviles en el sector “mercado mayorista” del cantón Ambato empleando biomonitores

Abstract

The aim of the research was to analyze atmospheric pollutants generated by mobile sources in the surrounding area of "Mercado Mayorista", located in Ambato county. This was carried out through the application of biomonitors. Eight species of bryophytes were collected, these species were under a controlled contaminant injection in order to determine the suitable species to be used as biomonitors. Based on the tests carried out, it was determined that the species with the greatest resistance and bioaccumulation were the bryophytes Metzgeriaceae and Rhaphidorrhynchium. Once the biomonitors were selected, they were placed in 22 monitoring points established around the Wholesale Market, located in Ambato. The biomonitoring process was carried out during a 2- month period; the bioanalysis was performed through laboratory tests and UV-Visible spectrophotometry in order to determine the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). The results revealed that the level of air pollution does not exceed the permissible limits established by the national regulations and the World Health Organization. The bioanalysis with Metzgeriaceae bryophytes revealed that the highest NO2 value is 1,990 microgram per cubic meter (μg/m3) in a 1-hour measurement and the highest SO2 value is 14, 622 (μg/m3) in 24 hours similarly with Rhaphidorrhynchium bryophytes the highest NO2 value is 0.911 (μg/m3) in a 1-hour measurement and the highest SO2 value is 6.576 (μg/m3) in 24 hours. Thus, it is concluded that Metzgeriaceae and Rhaphidorrhynchium bryophytes can be used to analyze atmospheric pollutants as they are useful for estimating the air quality. It is recommended to use biomonitors permanently to determine the air quality since they are excellent alternatives from the economic and technical point of view.