Ponencia: Ma. Elena Macías, Evaluación del uso de líquenes como bioindicadores de calidad del aire

Summary

This presentation discusses the use of lichens as bioindicators for assessing air quality in Jocotepec, Mexico. The research team, including environmental laboratory students, employed statistical tests like Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney to evaluate differences in lichen presence across areas with varying levels of vehicular traffic. Findings revealed that heavily trafficked areas had fewer lichens, highlighting the impact of air pollution. The study confirms that lichens are effective for air quality monitoring, promoting fieldwork-based learning for students. The methodology is replicable, enabling long-term monitoring and raising awareness about local air quality and environmental concerns.

Takeaways

• 😀 The study used lichens as bioindicators to assess air quality in different areas of Jocotepec.
• 😀 Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were conducted due to non-normal data distribution.
• 😀 The research found significant differences in lichen presence between areas with high vehicular flow and a control forest area.
• 😀 The control area, a well-preserved forest, showed better air quality compared to areas with vehicle traffic.
• 😀 The Index of Air Pollution (IPA) was an effective tool for interpreting air quality based on initial assumptions about vehicular flow.
• 😀 The study rejected the null hypothesis, confirming that there are differences in air quality between various sampling areas.
• 😀 The results highlighted the importance of studying and monitoring air pollution, especially in smaller towns that may not typically consider it a major issue.
• 😀 The methodology was praised for being simple to implement, requiring few resources, and allowing for fieldwork engagement from students.
• 😀 The study provided an excellent learning experience for students by using a globally recognized method to evaluate environmental quality.
• 😀 The researchers recommended raising awareness among local authorities and citizens about the air quality issues in the area, especially considering the impact of vehicular emissions.
• 😀 The project is designed to be replicable each academic year, which would help in monitoring and understanding long-term air quality changes.

Q & A

What was the primary focus of the research presented in the transcript?

The primary focus of the research was to evaluate the use of lichens as bioindicators of air quality in the town of Jocotepec, specifically in areas with different levels of vehicular traffic.

What statistical tests were conducted in the study, and why were they chosen?

The study used the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney test to compare the data. These non-parametric tests were chosen because the data did not follow a normal distribution, making them more suitable than an ANOVA test.

What did the study find regarding the difference in air quality between areas with and without vehicular traffic?

The study found significant differences in the air quality between areas with vehicular traffic and those without, suggesting that traffic influences the presence of lichens, which in turn reflects the air quality.

How did the researchers interpret the differences between the control area and the areas with vehicular traffic?

The researchers concluded that the control area, a well-preserved forest, had significantly better lichen coverage, indicating a better air quality compared to areas with vehicular traffic, where the air quality was poorer.

What was the role of the IPA (Index of Air Pollution) in the study?

The IPA was used as a tool to interpret the air quality in the study areas. The results showed that it was a useful and accessible method for assessing air quality based on lichen presence.

Why did the researchers opt to use lichens as bioindicators?

Lichens were chosen as bioindicators because they are sensitive to air pollution, making them a reliable tool for assessing air quality, particularly in areas with fluctuating levels of pollution like those affected by traffic.

What was the impact of the research on the students involved in the project?

The research provided a hands-on learning experience for the students, allowing them to apply fieldwork techniques and methodologies used worldwide. It helped them gain meaningful and practical knowledge in environmental studies.

How did the researchers plan to extend their work in future semesters?

In future semesters, the researchers planned to expand the study by mapping additional areas with varying vehicular traffic levels, allowing them to compare air quality across different zones and gather more comprehensive data.

What recommendations were made for local authorities based on the research findings?

The researchers recommended that local authorities monitor vehicular traffic and take steps to increase awareness about air pollution. Despite being a small town, the study showed that air quality can still be impacted, and proactive measures should be taken.

What conclusion did the researchers draw about the broader implications of their work?

The researchers concluded that their methodology is replicable and could be used annually to track air quality over time. They also emphasized the importance of increasing awareness about air pollution in the local community and the broader environmental implications.