The Subsecretariat of Environment and Food Health has launched a key project for environmental management and public health by implementing a comprehensive air quality monitoring system in Gualeguaychú.
This initiative stems from a thorough preliminary diagnosis, aimed at evaluating the presence of contaminants in urban and industrial areas, identifying emission sources and their impact on the environment.
Technical analysis and strategic study areas
The study was conducted by specialists from the Atmospheric Studies Laboratory (LEA) of the Northwest Argentine Institute of Physicochemistry (Inquinoa-Conicet-UNT), in collaboration with the Breathe 2 Change initiative: Connected for cleaner air.
Experts analyzed the current regulations, characterized the local atmospheric dynamics, and assessed the influence of key points such as:
- Gualeguaychú Industrial Park (PIG) and its effluent treatment plant.
- Former Municipal Slaughterhouse site.
- Sensitive areas like Don Pedro neighborhood and the urban area.
The analysis combined meteorological, geomorphological, and technical data, providing a solid foundation to design an environmental monitoring system.
Objectives and methodology of the monitoring program
The plan aims to:
- Establish a baseline for air quality and relevant pollutants.
- Identify critical exposure events.
- Design strategies to mitigate atmospheric pollution.
During the initial stage, monitoring will focus on peak-risk months, installing stations in sensitive areas close to the analyzed sources.
This system will incorporate:
- Real-time sensors to measure gases and suspended particles.
- Sample collection with complementary laboratory analysis.
Towards more efficient environmental management
This strategy will allow for the generation of reliable local data, essential for protecting public health, land use planning, and optimizing environmental policies in Gualeguaychú.
Air quality monitoring is a key step towards improving municipal environmental management, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.
