Journals Information
Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 13(3), pp. 358 - 370
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130305
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Contamination of Urban Sediment by Harmful Heavy Metals in High Vehicular Traffic Zones of Juliaca, Peru
Roberto Alfaro-Alejo 1,2,*, Rene Paz Paredes 3, Wilber Laqui 2, Victor Deyvi Alfaro-Vilca 4, Germ谩n Belizario-Quispe 1
1 Doctorate Program in Science, Technology and Environment, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Per煤
2 Research Institute of Water Science and Technology, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, Per煤
3 School of Economic Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Altiplano Puno, Per煤
4 School of Civil Engineering, Universidad Andina N茅stor C谩ceres Vel谩squez, Per煤
ABSTRACT
The accumulation of pollutants derived from vehicular activity, whether on paved roads or within recreational urban areas, constitutes a significant source of environmental contamination, particularly in densely trafficked zones. This study aimed to assess the levels of heavy metal contamination in sediments and road runoff collected from high-traffic neighborhoods in the city of Juliaca, Peru. Heavy metal concentrations were determined in three road sediment samples, two urban park soil samples, and three runoff samples collected during precipitation events. The results were evaluated against national and international environmental quality standards for sediments and water. Daily vehicle counts at the sampled sites ranged from 6,128 to 8,464 vehicles per day. Lead (Pb) exhibited moderate contamination levels based on the geo-accumulation index, while other analyzed metals remained within non-contaminated thresholds. In contrast, runoff samples revealed elevated concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Pb, with the descending concentration order of Zn > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Ni > Cr > Cd, surpassing national Environmental Quality standards (ECA) for surface water. These findings indicate a significant presence of heavy metals, particularly in stormwater runoff, and emphasize that sedimentary Pb levels exceed internationally accepted guidelines. The persistent presence of elevated heavy metal concentrations in urban runoff underscores the need for preventative and remedial measures in urban green spaces, transportation corridors, and stormwater infrastructure to mitigate potential environmental and public health risks.
KEYWORDS
Road Sediments, Traffic Intensity, Geo-Accumulation, Lead, Public Health, Urban Soil, Vehicle Emissions
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Roberto Alfaro-Alejo , Rene Paz Paredes , Wilber Laqui , Victor Deyvi Alfaro-Vilca , Germ谩n Belizario-Quispe , "Contamination of Urban Sediment by Harmful Heavy Metals in High Vehicular Traffic Zones of Juliaca, Peru," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 358 - 370, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130305.
(b). APA Format:
Roberto Alfaro-Alejo , Rene Paz Paredes , Wilber Laqui , Victor Deyvi Alfaro-Vilca , Germ谩n Belizario-Quispe (2025). Contamination of Urban Sediment by Harmful Heavy Metals in High Vehicular Traffic Zones of Juliaca, Peru. Environment and Ecology Research, 13(3), 358 - 370. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130305.