Tillandsia usneoides como bioindicador de la deposición de metales pesados en la ciudad de Quito Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this work was to analyze the presence of heavy metals (Lead and Cadmium) within the city of Quito, using Tillandsia usneoides as a bioindicator. Sampling was carried out in 15 locations within the city, taking into account the density of vehicular traffic as a variation factor. 5 high-traffic locations, 5 medium-traffic locations and 5 low-traffic locations were analyzed. The definition of the sampling points was carried out through the implementation of the Google Maps Traffic application. To analyze the content of heavy metals within the samples of Tillandsia usneoides, a high-performance microware system was used, following the US EPA 3502 methodology. To analyze the effect of vehicular traffic on the metal concentration of Cadmium and Lead, a used a Kruskal-Wallis test. The results obtained showed that there is a higher concentration of heavy metals, both lead and cadmium, in locations with a high vehicular flow. It is considered that these variations are modulated by the vehicular flow, the reduction of the vegetal barrier and the proximity to industrial zones.