Detección de la contaminación atmosférica por metales pesados mediante el uso de epífitos (bromelias, briófitos y líquenes), en diferentes zonas de la ciudad de Loja.

Abstract

Air pollution is a global phenomenon, due to the dispersion of gases emitted by various sources such as industries or vehicular traffic, causing health risks of people. The epiphytic organisms (bromeliads, lichens and bryophytes) due to their physiological characteristics are able to accumulate heavy metals present in the atmosphere and are very sensitive to environmental changes. The levels of air pollution by heavy metals were determined in 17 locations distributed in the north, center and south of the city of Loja. Also, the map of isocontamination was drawn based on the index of atmospheric purity which identified sources of pollution in the city. The map of isocontamination indicated that areas close to the city (Parque Bolivar, 10 de agosto street and León locality) had the lowest values of IPA related to a higher degree of contamination. Similarly, a higher concentration of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc) in the central areas of the city when compared to areas outside of the city was determined. The results allowed to detect outbreaks of heavy metal pollution in downtown areas of the city related to the anthropic and vehicular impact