Evaluación de la calidad de aire mediante la aplicación de biomonitores en el terminal Chambo-Licto de la ciudad de Riobamba

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the environment air quality at Chambo-Licto bus terminal located in Riobamba city through the application of biomonitors for which, five species of bryophytes were selected, they were tested on tolerance for pollutantslike carbon dioxide, nitrogen and sulfur dioxide. Qualitative verified tests were carried out through the wilting point as well as quantitative tests to determine the absorbance of each species. To determine the effectiveness of this method, it was necessary to compare it with the traditional method through passive sensors. The biomonitors and passive sensors were placed in 25 randomly selected points around the Chambo-Licto bus terminal, the exposure process lasted two months and the analysis was carried out through UV-Visible spectrophotometry allowing to obtain the concentration of pollutants. SPSS software was used for the statistical analysis, where a correlational analysis was performed. Metzgeriaceae species was used as a biomonitor due to the ability it has for the bioaccumulation of pollutants. The results obtained determined that the contamination levels at Chambo-Licto bus terminal from Riobamba are within the permissible limits established by the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment. In addition, the pollutant absorption is 22% more NO2 absorption by biomonitors compared to passive sensors. SO2 passive sensors reflect 86% more absorption than biomonitors. It is concluded that the Metzgeriaceae species used as a biomonitor is useful only to detect nitrogen dioxide but it does not detect sulfur dioxide, therefore it is recommended to carry out this study to determine other air pollutants as well as a physiological study due to its potential use as a biomonitor.