Evaluación de PM10 y PM2.5 en la Ciudad de Riobamba Afectada por el Volcán Tungurahua y Validación del Método de Análisis

Abstract

The objective of this research is to evaluate the concentration of particulate matter of diameter 10 and 2.5 micrometers in the city of Riobamba, which come from the ash emanating from the Tungurahua volcano, which directly affects our health, carried out with the support of the Center for Technical Services and Environmental Technology Transfer, located in the Faculty of Sciences of the Polytechnic School of Chimborazo (ESPOCH). The equipment used was adequate for monitoring particulate matter, the necessary precautions were taken to weigh the filter in an exclusive weighing area, and the temperature and humidity were controlled; parameters that affect the results. The results are given in µg/m3 (micrograms/cubic meter) as indicated by the standard, since the evaluation of particulate matter is done by gravimetric analysis of the filter containing the pollutant. The presence of the following was observed: Particulate Matter PM10 with an arithmetic average of 48 µg/m3 being below the 50 µg/m3 permissible limit; Particulate Matter PM2.5 with an arithmetic average of 16 µg/m3 being below the 25 µg/m3 permissible limit of the Air Quality Standard. In conclusion, the amount of particulate matter contained in the volcanic ash that reaches the city is lower than the limits established in the standard, so the population's health is not affected.