Evaluación del cadmio y plomo en suelo y forraje. Caso Colta, Penipe, Riobamba

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals, such as cadmium and lead, in soil and forage in the cantons of Colta, Penipe, and Riobamba in the province of Chimborazo. For this purpose, the concentration of these metals was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Simple random sampling was used at six points, with two points belonging to each studied canton. This was conducted in the livestock industry, with the help of an initial environmental review and surveys. The analysis parameters included pH, electrical conductivity, real density, bulk density, texture, organic matter, and heavy metals. The levels of macro and micronutrients were also determined. Subsequently, the results were entered SPSS software, where a one-factor ANOVA analysis of variance was performed, followed by the TUKEY-B test. The lead concentration in the dry matter does not exceed the limits in samples S3, S4, and S5, while sample S6 is close to the limit in the case of soil. Regarding forage, the OMS permissible limits were considered; lead does not exceed the permissible limits, while cadmium exceeds them in all samples. However, considering the Environmental Protection Agency regulations, the limits are exceeded in only two samples, F3 and F5. It is concluded that cadmium has slightly affected the cantons studied, mainly in samples from Colta and Penipe, while lead does not represent a contamination problem. Therefore, regular monitoring of possible variations in heavy metal concentrations is recommended to take preventive measures.