Caracterización de metales: silicio, calcio y magnesio en material particulado PM10 y su efecto toxicológico en los habitantes de la ciudad de Azogues

Abstract

In this present work the presence of silicon, calcium and magnesium were determined; in the particulated material PM10 collected in the city of Azogues; and the possible health risk to which the population is exposed was established; to relate the results obtained with the incidence of diseases of the respiratory tracts. The air samples from the city of Azogues were obtained by monitoring in specific areas and times, using the high volume sampler (High Volume Sampler HVS). The filters were collected every 24 hours and sampling was repeated every 3 days; obtaining a total of 10 filters per month in the two selected areas for the study. These samples were analyzed by atomic absorption in the CESEMIN laboratory of the University of Cuenca; and the presence and concentration of the mentioned metals was determined. Additionally the opinion from residents was investigated by a survey. The analyzes showed that in the ambient air of the city of Azogues the concentration of silicon, calcium and magnesium are below detection limits, while in 2013 the respiratory tract diseases were the second leading cause of morbidity. However, because the metals objects of study are not detectable it can be concluded that the emissions of particulated material PM10 by the cement factory do not imply a health risk for the inhabitants of the city.