Spatial Localization of Air Pollutants in Lima: Air Quality Monitoring in the Troposphere

Romero-Baylón A.A.; Mayorga-Rojas J.C.; Del Valle J.C.; Diaz-Cartagena W.J.; Ccatamayo-Barrios J.H.; Soto-Juscamayta L.M. · International Journal of Environmental Impacts (2024) · DOI: 10.18280/ijei.070310

Resumen

The growing concern about air pollution, driven by its severe impact on public health and the environment, has emphasized the need for comprehensive studies on its distribution. This study addresses the spatial location of atmospheric pollutants in Lima, Peru, with the objective of identifying patterns and areas of concentration. Advanced geospatial analysis techniques such as Stirling and Kriging algorithms were used, developing the study in five phases: data acquisition with quality control from National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology of Peru (SENAMHI), analysis of topographic and climatic parameters, interpolation of contaminant concentrations up to ten thousand meters of altitude, geospatial interpolation with Kriging, and creation and validation of the contaminant dispersion model. The results reveal that accurate and reliable data acquisition allowed measurement of key pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO and O3. The integration of topographic and climatic data was crucial to model the dispersion of contaminants. Vertical interpolation with Stirling showed a reduction in concentrations with altitude, while interpolation with Kriging provided accurate estimates at unsampled locations. The dispersion model developed demonstrated high precision, identifying priority areas for environmental management. In conclusion, the combination of advanced monitoring and geospatial modeling techniques provides a comprehensive understanding of pollutant distribution patterns in Lima, laying a solid foundation for effective mitigation measures and environmental policies, improving air quality and protecting public health.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos