Evaluación de so2 y no2 empleando muestreo pasivo en el mercado mayorista de la cuidad de Ambato

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the presence of sulfur dioxides (SO2) and nitrogen dioxides (NO2) in the Wholesale Market, located in Ambato since these atmospheric pollutants are responsible for modifying the air quality. For this, it was necessary to use passive samplers prepared with Triethanolamine-based capture solutions, which allowed measuring the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide concentration levels. These samplers were placed in 22 randomly selected points and exposed to a seven-day period, during seven weeks. The samplers were analyzed every week in a spectrophotometer to establish the absorbance levels. This allowed calculating the concentrations in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3). The results obtained reflected a maximum concentration of (41,460 ug/m3) for sulfur dioxide, this value is according to the parameters established by the Ecuadorian regulations, which indicate that the concentrations should not exceed 60 ug/m3; while for nitrogen dioxide, a maximum concentration of (62,360 ug/m3) was obtained. In this way, it was possible to determine that the study area have points exceeding the levels established by the Ecuadorian regulations, which indicate that concentrations should not exceed 40 ug/m3. The concentration levels are mainly caused by the vehicular flow in the area due to commercialization and sale of products. It was also determined that meteorological parameters directly influence the permanence of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, so it is recommended to conduct similar studies at different periods of time to know about the situation and air quality in the area since high levels of these pollutants can affect both, people´s health and ecosystem.