Geoquímica de elementos traza en suelos y polvo sedimentado tras una tormenta de arena y su relación con el riesgo para la salud humana en Diego de Almagro, Chile
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Date
2022
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Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
Las tormentas de arena representan un fenómeno meteorológico que, además de afectar la visibilidad y la calidad del aire, pueden transportar y depositar partículas cargadas de contaminantes en áreas urbanas. Estos depósitos pueden incorporar elementos traza con potencial tóxico, incrementando el riesgo para la salud humana, especialmente en poblaciones vulnerables como los niños. En este contexto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue cuantificar las concentraciones de elementos traza en polvo sedimentado y suelos recolectados en zonas urbanas tras una tormenta de arena, identificar las áreas de mayor acumulación mediante análisis geoespacial y evaluar el riesgo a la salud asociado a la exposición por diferentes vías (ingestión, inhalación y contacto dérmico). Se recolectaron muestras de polvo sedimentado y suelos en diversas zonas urbanas afectadas por una tormenta de arena reciente. Posteriormente, se analizaron las concentraciones de plomo (Pb), arsénico (As), cobre (Cu), cromo (Cr), cobalto (Co), níquel (Ni) y zinc (Zn) mediante espectrometría de absorción atómica, y se calcularon los riesgos carcinogénicos (CR) para adultos y niños utilizando los lineamientos de la Agencia de Protección Ambiental de Estados Unidos (USEPA). Además, se elaboraron mapas geoespaciales para visualizar la distribución espacial de los contaminantes. Los resultados indicaron que las concentraciones de elementos traza fueron consistentemente más elevadas en el polvo sedimentado que en los suelos, especialmente en zonas de alto tránsito vehicular. El análisis geoespacial permitió identificar puntos críticos con altas concentraciones, los cuales coinciden con sectores urbanos densamente habitados y expuestos a fuentes antropogénicas. En cuanto al riesgo para la salud, se evidenció que la ingestión fue la principal vía de exposición, seguida del contacto dérmico. Los niños presentaron un mayor riesgo total (∑CR) que los adultos en todas las muestras, siendo el Pb y el As los elementos más relevantes en la contribución al riesgo. En algunas áreas, los niveles superaron los umbrales
considerados aceptables, lo que sugiere la necesidad de medidas de mitigación. Esta investigación confirma que las tormentas de arena pueden actuar como agentes dispersores de contaminantes urbanos, elevando la carga de elementos traza en el ambiente y aumentando el riesgo para la salud humana. Se recomienda fortalecer la vigilancia ambiental post-evento, implementar estrategias de gestión del polvo urbano y priorizar la protección de grupos vulnerables frente a este tipo de exposición.
Sandstorms represent a meteorological phenomenon that, in addition to affecting visibility and air quality, can transport and deposit contaminant-laden particles in urban areas. These deposits may incorporate trace elements with toxic potential, thereby increasing health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. In this context, the objective of this study was to quantify the concentrations of trace elements in settled dust and soils collected in urban areas after a sandstorm, to identify zones of highest accumulation through geospatial analysis, and to assess health risks associated with exposure via different pathways (ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact). Samples of settled dust and soil were collected from various urban zones affected by a recent sandstorm. Subsequently, concentrations of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), chrome (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry, and carcinogenic risks (CR) for adults and children were calculated based on the guidelines of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Geospatial maps were also developed to visualize the spatial distribution of contaminants. The results indicated that trace element concentrations were consistently higher in settled dust than in soils, particularly in areas with heavy vehicular traffic. Geospatial analysis identified critical hotspots with elevated concentrations, which coincided with densely populated urban sectors exposed to anthropogenic sources. Regarding health risk, ingestion emerged as the primary exposure pathway, followed by dermal contact. Children exhibited a higher total risk (∑CR) than adults across all samples, with Pb and As being the most significant contributors. In some areas, levels exceeded thresholds considered acceptable, highlighting the need for mitigation measures. This study confirms that sandstorms can act as dispersal agents for urban ontaminants, increasing the environmental load of trace elements and heightening human health risks. It is recommended to strengthen post-event environmental monitoring, implement urban dust management strategies, and prioritize the protection of vulnerable groups from this type of exposure.
Sandstorms represent a meteorological phenomenon that, in addition to affecting visibility and air quality, can transport and deposit contaminant-laden particles in urban areas. These deposits may incorporate trace elements with toxic potential, thereby increasing health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. In this context, the objective of this study was to quantify the concentrations of trace elements in settled dust and soils collected in urban areas after a sandstorm, to identify zones of highest accumulation through geospatial analysis, and to assess health risks associated with exposure via different pathways (ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact). Samples of settled dust and soil were collected from various urban zones affected by a recent sandstorm. Subsequently, concentrations of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), chrome (Cr), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry, and carcinogenic risks (CR) for adults and children were calculated based on the guidelines of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Geospatial maps were also developed to visualize the spatial distribution of contaminants. The results indicated that trace element concentrations were consistently higher in settled dust than in soils, particularly in areas with heavy vehicular traffic. Geospatial analysis identified critical hotspots with elevated concentrations, which coincided with densely populated urban sectors exposed to anthropogenic sources. Regarding health risk, ingestion emerged as the primary exposure pathway, followed by dermal contact. Children exhibited a higher total risk (∑CR) than adults across all samples, with Pb and As being the most significant contributors. In some areas, levels exceeded thresholds considered acceptable, highlighting the need for mitigation measures. This study confirms that sandstorms can act as dispersal agents for urban ontaminants, increasing the environmental load of trace elements and heightening human health risks. It is recommended to strengthen post-event environmental monitoring, implement urban dust management strategies, and prioritize the protection of vulnerable groups from this type of exposure.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero Agrónomo
Keywords
Carcinógenos, Geoquímica - Chile, Suelos Absorción y adsorción - Regiones áridas