Air Pollution by Heavy Metals Derived from Waste Generated by Mining in Hidalgo Del Parral Chihuahua, Mexico

摘要

In order to evaluate the quality of air in Hidalgo del Parral Chihuahua, a TSP and PM_(10) monitoring campaign was set, using Hi Vol samplers, covering the period from March 23rd to May 10~(th) , 2010. The place called "Maquila" was selected, based on the guidelines set in the Code of Federal Regulation 40, of the United States of America, for capturing particles of material coming from the tailing deposits of Mina la Esmeralda. The content of Pb and Zn was analyzed, by using the technique of X ray Micro fluorescence. The concentrations of TSP and PM_(10) observed oscillate in a range from 36 to 331 μg/m~3 for TSP and from 19 to 154 μg/m~3 for PM_(10). The parameters established by the current regulations for the concentration of TSP were overcome in several times. The highest concentrations, for particles of material as well as for heavy metals into them, were detected on April 23~(rd), 2010, produced by a wind erosion phenomenon which started in the tailing deposit. The highest concentrations detected for TSP and PM_(10), Pb content in TSP and Pb content in PM10 were of de 331.73 μg/m~3, 154 μg/m~3, 26.81 μg/m~3 and 3.61 μg/m~3 respectively, in a period of 24 hours. The concentrations of Pb detected in PM10 and TSP significantly exceeded the limit of 1.5 μg/m~3 established by the EPA for a period of three months, which represents a potential risk for Hidalgo Del Parral population health.