Abstract

MORALES HERNANDEZ, Julio Cesar et al. Air pollution in the urban area of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Bitácora Urbano Territorial [online]. 2021, vol.31, n.2, pp.27-43.  Epub Sep 20, 2021. ISSN 0124-7913.  https://doi.org/10.15446/bitacora.v31n2.87800.

Particulate matter is a set of matter dispersed in the atmosphere, condensed and emitted directly into the air or formed in a secondary way; this pollutant puts public health at risk, specifically of the respiratory tract, due to the concentrations observed today in different urban areas. The objective of this article was to evaluate the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 in the urban area of Puerto Vallarta and its relationship with atmospheric systems (high pressure system, jet stream, anticyclone, low level jets, etc.). Monitoring was carried out during the 2018-2019 dry season at 10 different points in the city, which were chosen according to the high number of cars. Measurements were taken during the hours of 8:00 to 10:30 a.m., at 10-minute intervals and with the PM2.5/PM10 HoldPeak HP-5800F real-time monitor. The site with the highest PM2.5 concentrations was El Pitillal, with 13.7 μg/m3, and the lowest concentration was Mojoneras, with 7.6 μg/m3, in the center of the urban area the trend showed normal values. In the case of PM10 concentration, the site with the highest values was CUC, with 66.4 μg/ m3, while the lowest value was El Centro with 23.9 μg/m3, in the northeast of the municipality the values were acceptable. In terms of IMECA, the urban area is within the healthy standards established by law, although it could be observed that in some areas, specifically in Las Juntas, the average concentrations of PM10 exceeded the maximum value established by the Mexican Official Standard.

Keywords : environmental quality; pollution; urban planning; polluting material.

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