Levels of carbon monoxide in the urban center of Cantón Bolívar

Abstract

The present research work was developed in the urban center of the Bolívar canton (Calceta parish), which had the objective of determining the levels of Carbon Monoxide in said study area. For the purpose of this study, it began with the identification of the areas that generate higher levels of Carbon Monoxide (CO) within the urban area of ​​the canton in question; For this, the field method was used, applying an observation sheet; and, for the monitoring of CO levels, a calibrated Crowcon tetra 3 portable gas meter was used. Likewise, the polluting factors that affect the emission of CO in the study area were identified, through a survey applied to a sample of 200 people. Finally, the results obtained were compared with the permissible limits of Carbon Monoxide (CO) proposed by the current environmental regulations of Ecuador. As results, it was obtained that the highest levels of CO were 3810 µg/m3 corresponding to the Civic Square and 3708 µg/m3 in the Terrestrial Terminal; while, in the Central Market area, values ​​of 2708 µg/m3 were recorded and in the Municipal GAD of 2436 µg/m3; with lower levels, the University bus stop was determined with 2217 µg/m3. Consequently, the recorded data derives from the high vehicular flow in these areas, which occurs especially from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, on Fridays and Saturdays.