Use of epiphytes as indicators of air pollution in the Cuenca canton

The use of bioindicators is a new environmental analysis tool based on green chemistry concepts and is an alternative compared to high acquisition costs of air quality monitoring stations; It also allows to show changes in the indicators being exposed to different levels of pollution; That is why this research work aims to analyze the sensitivity and modification in the structure and abundance of the indicator communities of lichens, bromeliums and mosses, in order to determine the quality of the air in the Cuenca canton. For this, the diversity of the bioindicators will be determined, as well as an active monitoring that consists of the transplant of biological species of a low pollution site to the selected monitoring points and a passive monitoring using the atmospheric purity index (IPA), through the frequency and distribution of the lichens. These methods will allow, integrally, classify the different areas of study in relation to the level of pollution. For active monitoring, bioindicators samples will be collected prior authorization from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition of the Suncanosacha and Yanuncay - Irquis protective forests. The monitoring sites will be considered in established transects according to the sources of pollution, vehicular traffic and number of pedestrians. The monitoring of the two methods will include a total time of 12 months divided into 2 stages of 24 weeks each. In addition, heavy metal concentrations (aluminum, iron, manganese, copper and zinc) will be determined in indicator species, by atomic absorption spectroscopy. After this, thematic maps will be prepared thanks to the use of computer tools. In the canton it will be the first time that active and passive monitoring will be carried out since in other cities of the country such as Quito and Loja monitoring of this type with biological species have been carried out. The results will allow to determine if there is significant pollution in the study areas, a comparison between the research methods and the bioindicators used species will also be established. This monitoring technique will be informed of decentralized autonomous governments in order to mitigate air pollution, end extreme poverty and create a healthy and sustainable world favoring health, education, well -being of people and the planet.

19th UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION