Pollution management: Measuring Pollution

We need to measure pollution in order to control the measured levels. With the exact number, people could regulate their activities to maintain or reach a certain level to maintain balance in an specific zone or area.

The monitoring of pollution can be done directly or indirectly:

• Direct: Measuring the concentration of pollutants. 
• Acidity of rain
• Amount of gases (atmosphere or by emissions)
• pH of soil
• Presence/concentration of nitrates/phosphates/sulfates in soil and water,
• Amount of organic matter, amount of bacteria, concentration of metals
• BOD: Biochemical Oxygen Demand amount of oxygen to determine the pollution of water
• Indirect:
• Indicator species (absence or presence)

In Mexico, the IMECA’s were created to measure the pollution found in the air. It takes into account PM, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and ground level ozone. Specific marks are established to define the air quality.

Each mark counts with an specific color and recommendations to follow at each level in order to reduce risks. In general, the indices advise you to stay at home or go out.

If you want to check the IMECA’s per zone in the Mexico city, check out the following

link http://www.sma.df.gob.mx/simat/

A effect of extremely high air pollution is acid rain. It is generated in cities due to the combustion of cars and combine with oxygen and sulfur and nitrogen and water: forming sulfuric and nitric acid. This substances fall down with rain. The effects of this acid rain harms the cultural patrimony of the affected areas and damage the equilibrium of the environment by acting upon the flora and fauna.