Evaluación de la incidencia de la ceniza del volcán Tungurahua y su impacto ambiental en suelos agrícolas de las provincias de Tungurahua y Chimborazo

Abstract

The purpose of the research work was to set a baseline diagnosis in the areas influenced by Tungurahua volcano erupting process in Tungurahua and Chimborazo provinces. The data were collected through a sample analysis, surveys applied to the population and the identification of aspects, as well as the evaluation of the environmental impact in the Leopold matrix. By means of a laboratory analysis, it was determined that pH value is between 5.16 and 8.54, which is considered its neutral mean, CE<2007 us/cm; it means, salinity is not present in large amounts, %MO >0.71 low content, density between 0.44 and 0,75 g/ml, sandy loam texture is evidenced throughout the field of study, the values of Cr, Ni and Pb for heavy metals were under the permissible limits according to EPA. However, Cd is out of the permissible limit; thus,soil pollution is evidenced due to this metal, these results match with previous analyses carried out in which a correlation among them is evidenced. In general, ash fall and the heavy metal content it has, revealed a total of 107 negative interactions in relation with the environmental components, this was carried out by means of a quantitative analysis of each one of the activities registered in the Leopold matrix. Some of these impacts, were severe and others moderate depending on their affectation level. This research evidences that as times passes, the places with presence of ash falling are much more productive with a high nutritional content and fertility for agricultural and livestock activities, thus it is recommended to continue with the research in the field of study through the collection of samples and their further analysis.