Evaluación de impacto ambiental sobre la matriz productiva del cantón Guamote producida por la caída de ceniza del volcán Sangay

Abstract

Currently, the volcanic eruptions of the Sangay volcano have represented a considerable problem for the productive matrix of the community members of the Guamote canton, causing not only supply problems but also health problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the state of the matrix of the most affected communities since the last eruption through characterization techniques and physical-chemical analysis, thus allowing us to know the impact caused to each one of them, such as loss of nutrients, contamination by high concentrations of heavy metals. A total of 25 communities of the Guamote canton were considered and distributed among the Cebadas, Palmira and La Matriz parishes. A total of 200 surveys were applied to the community members of each one of them; with the questionnaires, it was determined that the communities most affected by the fall of the ash from the Sangay volcano were: Cebadas Cabecera, Ichubamba, Palmira Dávalos, Pull Chico, Pull Quishuar, San José de Sabalog, San Pedro de Ayacon. A total of 3 samples (1 soil and two plant biomass) were taken from these communities for subsequent analysis. Twenty-one samples (7 soil and 14 plant biomass) were obtained, where the samples were dried, ground, sieved and packed in hermetic bags for their characterizations. Physical and chemical analyses were developed for the two types of samples; in physical analysis, pH, electrical conductivity, natural density, apparent density, texture, and organic matter were determined. While for chemical analysis, acid digestions, acetate-aqueous extractions, Walkley Black titration, the Kjeldahl method and combustions were developed. As a result, a moderate environmental impact is estimated and evaluated in the Leopold matrix.