AIR QUALITY TRENDS RELATED TO COPPER CONCENTRATE EXPORTS IN PUERTO BOLIVAR, ECUADOR

Authors

  • Luis Vargas Collaguazo Technical University of Machala
  • Carlos Daniel Ramírez Bermeo Technical University of Machala https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4494-4752
  • Allan Eduardo Gonzabay Galarza Technical University of Machala https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2113-2384
  • Juan Carlos Berrú Cabrera Technical University of Machala

Keywords:

Aerosols, AOD, Particulate Matter, mdc19a2, Remote Sensing

Abstract

Air quality is strongly influenced by both climatic and anthropogenic factors, making it essential to regulate the impact of human activities on the atmosphere. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of copper concentrate exports on air quality in Puerto Bolívar. Data from the MODIS MCD19A2 product were used to collect AOD (Aerosol Optical Depth) values from 2014 to 2024, along with copper concentrate export data obtained from the 2023 preliminary report, in order to determine a correlation between the two variables. Results from segmented regression and the ARIMA model indicated that there was no trend change in AOD, as no breakpoints were identified during the analyzed period. The ADF test produced a statistic of -9.1393 and a p-value of 0, confirming the stationarity of the AOD series. Furthermore, linear regression analysis between copper concentrate exports and AOD revealed no correlation between these variables, supported by Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients of -0.010 and -0.096, respectively.

Author Biographies

Luis Vargas Collaguazo, Technical University of Machala

Luis Ángel Vargas is an environmental engineer who graduated in 2014, with a strong background in the study and integrated management of watersheds. He holds a Master’s degree in Water Management from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and a specialization in remote sensing applied to environmental monitoring. He currently serves as a university professor and researcher at the Technical University of Machala, Ecuador, where he has led projects related to wetland conservation, ecological restoration, and hydrological modeling. Also, he combines his academic work with environmental consulting, particularly in matters related to water resources, environmental audits, and land-use planning. He is currently developing a university-level textbook on integrated watershed management and actively participates in initiatives aimed at creating water funds and ecosystem services payment schemes in the southern region of the country.

Carlos Daniel Ramírez Bermeo, Technical University of Machala

Carlos Ramírez is a tenth-semester Environmental Engineering student at the Technical University of Machala. His interests include natural resource quality, geographic information systems (GIS), and sustainability. He has participated in research projects involving the use of MODIS data to assess the impact of port activities on air quality.

Allan Eduardo Gonzabay Galarza, Technical University of Machala

Allan Gonzabay is a student of Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Machala (Ecuador). In addition, he has completed a diploma program in Technologies, Statistical Analysis, and Sustainable Strategies for the Management of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Services. His academic training focuses on environmental pollution analysis, natural resource quality management, and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in environmental studies.

He has contributed to the development of a scientific article on the influence of port activities on air quality, integrating satellite data and remote sensing tools. His academic interests center on the use of environmental technologies for impact monitoring and the promotion of sustainable territories.

Juan Carlos Berrú Cabrera, Technical University of Machala

Juan Carlos Berru Cabrera is a Civil Engineer who graduated from the Technical University of Machala, with a strong academic background at the postgraduate level. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Impacts from the University of Guayaquil, as well as two additional master's degrees from the Technical University of Machala—one in Teaching and Research and another in Construction Management.

In addition, he has earned a Doctorate in Environmental Sciences from the prestigious National University of San Marcos (Peru). His career integrates technical knowledge in civil engineering, environmental management, university teaching, and project planning, enabling him to approach initiatives with an interdisciplinary and sustainable perspective.

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Vargas Collaguazo, L., Ramírez Bermeo, C. D., Gonzabay Galarza, A. E., & Berru Cabrera, J. C. (2025). AIR QUALITY TRENDS RELATED TO COPPER CONCENTRATE EXPORTS IN PUERTO BOLIVAR, ECUADOR. Journal of Science and Construction, 6(4), 37–51. Retrieved from https://rcc.cujae.edu.cu/index.php/rcc/article/view/315

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 4 (2025): Octubre-Diciembre

Section

Scientific Research Original Papers

License

The contents of this journal are under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License, meaning that its copy and distribution are by all means allowed for as long proper acknowledgments are given and commercial use is not involved.

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