Abstract

PEREZ-VIDAL, H; LUNAGOMEZ-ROCHA, MA  and  ACOSTA-PEREZ, Ll. Analysis of total suspended particles (TSP) and breathable fraction-particulate matter (PM₁₀) in Cunduacan, Tabasco. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2010, vol.26, n.2, pp.151-162. ISSN 0186-2979.

The concentration of total suspended particles (PST) and of breathable fraction-particulate matter (PM₁₀) was recorded in the air in the municipality of Cunduacán, Tabasco. Air samples were passed through fiber glass filters placed in high-volume sampling equipment according to the procedures established by the Mexican environmental legislation (NOM-035-ECOL/1993 and NOM-CCAM-002 ECOL/1993). The PST were sampled from January 2001 to October 2003 (n = 50) and the PM₁₀from February 2001 to October 2003 (n = 58). The PST maximum concentration was 335.45 /µg m^-3 in May 2003, whereas the minimum value was 4.39 /µg m^-3 in October 2001. The maximum contaminant level allowed was exceeded on two days of the year 2003. During 2001-2003, the PM₁₀exceeded the established MCL (150 /µg m^-3), detecting a pollution problem with respect to particulate matter in Tabasco, and of which the effects have not yet been evaluated.

Keywords : Total suspended particles; air; breathable fraction.