Spatial distribution of lead in the urban soil of Callao, Peru

Castro-Hinostroza N.; Mestanza Novoa C.J.; Vizarreta-Luna G.A.; Gutiérrez Vílchez P.P.; Guerrero Barrantes J.A.; Nazario Ríos J.C.; Tello Peramás L.D. · Revista Internacional de Contaminacion Ambiental (2024) · DOI: 10.20937/rica.54942

Resumen

Heavy metal contamination in urban soils is a major problem due to the serious consequences it generates on human health. The objective of this study was to quantify the concentration and spatial distribution of lead in the urban soil of the Mi Perú district in the Constitutional Province of Callao, Peru. Forty-four sampling points in an area of 50 ha were evaluated, and the total concentration of lead was analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Two sampling points were identified that exceeded 140 mg/kg of lead in the soil (Peruvian Environmental Quality Standard for urban soil) and it was concluded that the study area does not present generalized lead contamination, but it does present local contamination. Since the data density was insufficient to run a directed variogram, it was impossible to determine if the spatial distribution of Pb was dominated by the direction of the wind. It is recommended to carry out complementary analyses to continue with the detailed evaluation of this environmental problem, such as analysis of the precipitates, redox potential, detail sampling, lead speciation, lead bioaccessibility, health risk assessments, and environmental risk assessments.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina