Evaluación de NOx y material particulado sedimentable producidos por ladrilleras del sector urbano del cantón Chambo, provincia de Chimborazo año 2023

Abstract

The research evaluated the presence of NOx and sedimentable particulate matter (SPM) generated in brick kilns in the urban sector of Chambo town. Nowadays, approximately 200 brick kilns are operating, 39 of which are located in the urban area, with a production capacity of 15,000 - 25,000 units per load. Five sampling points were selected corresponding to brick kilns located in the urban area and two additional sampling points in areas free of this activity to compare the concentration levels of NOx and MPS. By passive sampling using samplers, NOx concentration levels were determined in the brick kilns (average = 0.024 ± 0.01 μg/m3), and in the areas without brick kilns (average = 0.032 ± 0.01 μg/m3). The results showed that the NOx concentrations are below the maximum permissible hourly limit (200 μg/m3) established in the Ministerial Agreement 097-A. Similarly, MPS levels were measured in the brick kilns (average = 0.637 ± 0.35 mg*month/cm2) and the areas without brick kilns (average = 0.716 ± 0.06 mg*month/cm2). Besides, it was found that in four of the brick kilns, the concentration levels are below the maximum permissible limit (1 mg*month/cm2); as is also the case with the measurement points in the areas without brick kilns. However, the concentration of MPS from one brick kiln (1,269 mg*month/cm2) exceeds the maximum permissible. In general, NOx concentration levels are almost negligible, except for MPS, whose values are close to reaching the maximum permissible. This highlights the need to control pollutant emissions, for which purpose a proposal was designed. This proposes measures in four lines of action: environmental education to create awareness of impacts and regulations, prevention to avoid emissions, mitigation to reduce pollutants with appropriate technologies, and air quality monitoring.