Determinación de trazas de arsénico y plomo en aguas del Lago de Guatemala

Abstract

El agua, fuente vital para los ecosistemas y para la humanidad, enfrenta un deterioro progresivo. Este trabajo de investigación consiste en determinar trazas de plomo y arsénico en aguas de un lago de Guatemala. El propósito es evaluar el nivel de contaminación de estos metales pesados, identificar riesgos para la comunidad y el ambiente, y proporcionar una base científica para medidas correctivas. Se utilizó un método normalizado mediante espectroscopia óptica con plasma acoplado inductivamente (ICP-OES) para obtener mediciones precisas en niveles bajos. Los resultados mostraron que las concentraciones de plomo y arsénico en todas las muestras del lago se encuentran altas, observándose que, a mayor profundidad, mayor es la concentración.

Water, an essential resource for ecosystems and humanity, is facing progressive deterioration. What was once a symbol of life and indispensable to all is now often treated as a dumping ground. This research study aims to determine trace levels of lead and arsenic in the waters of a lake in Guatemala. The objective is to evaluate the level of contamination by these heavy metals, identify the potential risks they pose to both the community and the environment, and provide a scientific basis for implementing corrective and preventive measures.

Several methodologies and analytical techniques are available for the quantification of trace heavy metals. In this study, a standardized method based on Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used, allowing highly accurate measurements and the detection of very low concentrations.

Obtaining precise data is essential for making informed decisions and restoring appropriate water quality levels in the lake, thereby ensuring its conservation for future generations. It is expected that this study will serve as a basis for future decisions regarding the protection and sustainable use of the lake's water resources.

Using the aforementioned method, trace concentrations of arsenic and lead were successfully identified. Concentrations were obtained at the parts-per-billion (ppb) level. The results showed that all water samples collected from the lake contained elevated concentrations of lead (Pb) and arsenic (As), with higher concentrations observed at greater depths.