Communities
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Determinación de los niveles de ruido en base a mapeo en las ferias del cantón Salcedo, periodo 2025-2026
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-16) Zapata Chuqui, Alex Fernando; Daza Guerra, Oscar Rene
This project, with the theme “Determination of Noise Levels Based on Mapping at the Fairs in Plaza San Antonio and Plaza Augusto Davalos in the Salcedo Canton, April 2026 – August 2026,” focuses on the markets located in the San Miguel parish of the Salcedo canton. The methodology employed involved systematic monitoring using a sound level meter at three strategically selected points. Measurements were taken at three different times during a 90-minute period, determining the sound wave levels and representing them on maps that allowed for the identification of the spatial distribution of noise pollution during market days. Three daily values were recorded for each market. These values were then compared, and it was determined that the main commercial markets take place on Thursdays and Sundays. At Plaza Augusto Davalos, a minimum noise level of 74.6 dB was recorded on Thursday, and a maximum of 80.9 dB on Sunday. On the other hand, a noise level of 73.9 dB was recorded in San Antonio Plaza, and on Sunday it reached 83.9 dB, the highest level recorded during data collection. This indicates a considerable increase in noise intensity associated with the influence of vendors, shoppers, vehicles, and other activities taking place within the plazas. Based on the monitoring results, it was determined that a mitigation proposal is necessary for Augusto Davalos and San Antonio Plazas to prevent noise propagation. This proposal would include informational signs and talks focused on promoting proper noise levels and the associated health risks, in accordance with the guidelines established by Book Six of the TULSMA (Annex 5) for commercial spaces. In conclusion, addressing the issue of noise is fundamental, as it will help vendors become more aware of the effects of noise, enabling them to adopt control and mitigation practices that protect public health.
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Evaluación de la implementación de un sistema de monitoreo de la calidad del agua para consumo humano basado en ciencia ciudadana y ciencia abierta para la comunidad San Francisco de Cruz Loma, provincia de Pichincha
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-16) Jilumbango Gualavisi, Sisa Pacarina; Vargas Erazo, Carla Lizeth; Fonseca Largo, Kalina Marcela
Various communities around the world manage their water autonomously; however, limited coordination with the government hinders the monitoring and resolution of water-related problems due to political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) factors. Consequently, this study evaluated the implementation of a participatory system for monitoring the quality of water for human consumption—based on the principles of open science and citizen science—in the San Francisco de Cruz Loma community, located in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Pichincha Province. This community is part of the community organizations affiliated with the Water Protection Fund (FONAG), an institution that promotes the conservation of water sources and the strengthening of community-based water management. To this end, a mixed-methods approach—combining descriptive and prospective elements—was employed to identify, through PESTEL analysis, the main issues affecting the availability of safe water. Data were collected through participatory workshops using purposive non-probabilistic sampling, involving representatives from the Water Management Board, community leaders, and stakeholders involved in water resource management, selected for their experience and knowledge of the water supply system. Subsequently, solution strategies were evaluated by integrating Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) and fuzzy inference. As a result, 36 concepts were identified across the political, economic, social, technological, ecological, and legal dimensions, demonstrating that the availability of safe water depends on the systemic interaction of PESTEL factors. The structural analysis yielded a density of 0.93 and identified the concept “Insufficient Control of Water Pollution” (LC2) as the node with the highest centrality (Ci = 56.73), making it the most influential factor within the system. Subsequently, a worst-case scenario and three strategic scenarios were simulated: a) implementation of a participatory water quality monitoring system, b) mapping of relevant stakeholders, and c) independence of EPMAPS. The simulations showed that the strategies modified between 94.59% and 94.74% of the model’s PESTEL concepts, with the implementation of the monitoring system being the alternative with the greatest capacity to improve information generation, strengthen regulatory compliance, promote community monitoring, and consolidate water governance. The final product was a standardized community manual for implementing participatory water quality monitoring systems, based on the principles of citizen science and open science, serving as a replicable tool to strengthen sustainable water resource management in rural communities. In conclusion, the results show that the implementation of the participatory water quality monitoring system is technically and socially viable in the San Francisco de Cruz Loma community, thanks to its community organization, the active participation of the Water Management Board, and the support of FONAG—conditions that favor its implementation and long-term sustainability.
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Diseño y construcción de un biofiltro a escala con material lignocelulósico para la remoción de contaminantes de aguas residuales domésticas de la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi- Salache
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-15) Carrera Lasluisa, Emilia Adriana; Sanguña Mullo, Karen Nicol; Ágreda Oña, José Luis
Biofilters are a sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment, as they use natural materials capable of retaining pollutants and improving water quality. The objective of this research was to design and construct a full-scale biofilter using sugarcane bagasse and sawdust as lignocellulosic materials, characterize the secondary effluent by determining pH, temperature, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), evaluate removal efficiency, and compare the performance of both filter materials. The research was conducted using a quantitative, applied approach with a comparative experimental design. The design of the biofilters was based on the technical criteria established in the ANSI/AWWA B100-25 Standard for the arrangement of sand and gravel filter layers, adapting these criteria to the use of lignocellulosic materials in a full-scale biofiltration system. Two downflow biofilters were constructed with layers of gravel, sand, sugarcane bagasse, and sawdust as filter media. The evaluation was conducted by analyzing pH, temperature, turbidity, TDS, and COD before and after treatment. The results showed that both biofilters achieved 100% turbidity removal. The sawdust biofilter performed best, reducing TDS from 2.78 mg/L to 2.40 mg/L and COD from 47 mg/L to 7 mg/L. In contrast, the biofilter using sugarcane bagasse increased TDS to 3.51 mg/L and COD to 77 mg/L, due to the release of soluble compounds and organic matter. It was concluded that sawdust was the most efficient material for the supplementary treatment of domestic wastewater, while sugarcane bagasse requires pretreatment to optimize its performance as a filter medium.
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Desarrollo de un sistema de gestión integral de manejo de residuos comunes del sector de curtiembre en el parque industrial de Ambato, 2026
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC) Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-16) Flores Quintana, Yuviry Marilin; Masapanta Morales, Fioreira Yamilex; Clavijo Cevallos, Manuel Patricio
The primary objective of this research was to design a comprehensive system for managing common waste in the eleven organizations engaged in tanning activities within the Ambato Industrial Park, based on the principles of the circular economy and cleaner production. The study was conducted using a combination of literature review, fieldwork, and a non-experimental design, with a qualitative approach grounded in direct observation, descriptive profiles, interviews, and a review of the literature. The initial assessment revealed that more than half of the tanneries (54.5%) rely exclusively on the municipal waste collection service, reflecting a traditional linear “use-and-dispose” model. However, it was found that the remaining percentage relies on formal waste management operators or metal recovery processes. The technical characterization determined a reference waste generation rate of 18,093 kilograms per year, noting that nearly 79% consists of materials with high recycling potential, such as cardboard (26.8%), scrap metal (22.8%), paper (21.6%), and plastic (20.9%). Based on these findings, a technical proposal was developed aimed at strengthening source separation, safe temporary storage, ongoing staff training, and collaboration with authorized environmental management agencies. The initiative seeks to minimize final disposal, optimize operational processes, ensure compliance with the Organic Environmental Code, and foster a culture of corporate responsibility and sustainability within the leather industry.
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Caracterización fitoquímica y evaluación del potencial remediador de ¨lupinus mutabilis sweet¨ frente a contaminantes metálicos en soluciones acuosas en Quisinche –Cotopaxi
(Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi (UTC). Ciencias Agropecuarias y Recursos Naturales. Ambiental, 2026-10-19) Ramos Tituaña, Jaela Anahí; Moreno Ávila, Andrés Sebastián
This research evaluated the remediation potential of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet for Fe³⁺ removal from aqueous solutions through phytochemical characterization and biochar production. The objective was to identify secondary metabolites in leaves, stems, roots, and fruits; produce biochar from leaves and fruits; and analyze the influence of precursor material, pyrolysis temperature, and contact time on Fe³⁺ reduction. The study followed a quantitative, experimental, applied, and comparative approach. The biomass collected in Quisinche Bajo–Joseguango Bajo, Cotopaxi, was conditioned and subjected to colorimetric phytochemical tests, evaluated using a semi-quantitative scale ranging from 0 to 5. For biochar production, leaves and fruits were carbonized at 350, 400, and 450 °C for 15 minutes. The six resulting materials were evaluated using a nominal 100 ppm Fe³⁺ solution at contact times of 0, 10, 30, and 60 minutes. Residual iron concentration was determined by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Phytochemical results showed the highest intensity of tannins in leaves (5), saponins in leaves and stems (4), alkaloids in fruits (3), and steroids/triterpenes in fruits (3), whereas quinones and anthraquinones were not detected. Biochar assays showed variations in residual Fe³⁺ concentration depending on the precursor material, pyrolysis temperature, and contact time. It was concluded that Lupinus mutabilis Sweet exhibits a differentiated phytochemical composition among its plant organs and that biochar production and application conditions influence its behavior toward Fe³⁺. The interpretation of removal efficiency should be limited to measurements within the valid calibration range and should consider the effect of pH on iron speciation. These findings provide an experimental basis for assessing this plant biomass as a precursor for carbonaceous materials applicable to water treatment.