Abstract

ALCALA, Jorge et al. Heavy metals in urban land as an indicator of environmental quality: city of Chihuahua, México. Multequina [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.2, pp.53-69. ISSN 1852-7329.

Growth of cities is putting pressure on soil quality research and its association as a factor of pollution, because its condition leads up effects to human health, mainly by the concentration of heavy metals. In order to determine the concentrations of Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), Vanadium (V) and Lead (Pb) in the city of Chihuahua, soil samples were taken at sites where 75 trees of five species are growing. Samplings were conducted in accordance with the land uses and Commercial and Services, Mixed Industry, Heavy Industry, Middle upper class Residential areas and Low class Residential areas during autumn, spring and summer seasons. In order to determine the concentrations of metals, the technique described as ICP (spectrometer optics inductively coupled plasma) was employed. With a model adjusted through Minitab® the effects of the species, type of land use and season interactions were tested with respect to heavy metal concentration in soils. The significant interactions found were between season-type of land use with Ni, Co, V and Pb in addition to the season-species with respect to Vanadium. It is emphasized that the site in relation to the Heavy Industry area Pb concentration was of 1714,70 mg/kg surpassing the NOM-147-SEMARNAT/SSA1- 2004 which establishes a limit of 800 mg/kg for this land use. This type of information is considered necessary for urban planning of the city, and for its impact in public health and the mitigation of environmental pollution.

Keywords : Heavy metals; Environmental quality; Urban development; Pollution.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )