Evaluation of the risk of exposure to toxic substances from air pollution in the city of Cuenca.

Contamination by atmospheric particulate material, as many studies demonstrate, causes an impact on health, weather, ecosystems, construction and coatings and visibility materials. Previous studies carried out in the historic center and in some sectors of industrial influence of the city of Cuenca have revealed that the levels of particulate material are high, and exceed current environmental regulations. However, to date, its composition has not been determined, and the levels of trace elements are not known such as: lead, copper, cadmium, arsenic, manganese, among others, and therefore it is impossible to evaluate the toxicological risk to which the population is exposed. Therefore, the completion of a study is proposed to determine the composition of the atmospheric particulate material both PM 10 and sedimentable material, in areas of mass concurrence and high vehicular traffic. The first stage of the project is to obtain the sample for this, containers will be installed according to the characteristics of the study areas in terms of weather conditions, location, local pollution, etc. Obtained the samples will proceed to analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively the elements trace contained in the atmospheric particulate material. Based on this, the most important trace elements will be identified in terms of toxicological characteristics, and in a second stage these elements will be quantified. The data will be processed, and its impact on health and the environment will be analyzed. Likewise, this will identify the possible emitting sources and the trend of dispersion of pollutants. The conclusions obtained, will allow to know the basic toxicological aspects that affect health and the environment, product of exposure to elements contained in both sedimentable material and PM 10, and propose strategies for control and prevention of air pollution, the project will end with the establishment of air quality goals that will be discussed with the local institutions in charge and the elaboration of a management plan aimed at the reduction of emissions.

7th UNIVERSITY PROJECT COMPETITION, 2nd RESEARCH PROGRAM COMPETITION