Influencia de una planta termoeléctrica en la concentración de v y Ni en sedimentos em la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela

In this study the distribution and concentration of Ni and V in vial sediments, as well as their relation to flying ashes produced by fuel oil burning at the thermoelectric facility in Maracaibo city, Venezuela, were determined. Sampling (n=112) of vial sediments during the dry season through a radial sampling centered at the Ramón Laguna thermoelectric facility was performed and 24 locations selected on a grid. Later, three samples for each location determined by the first sampling were collected every 15 days. Concentrations were measured by atomic adsorption spectrometry in a graphite furnace, while, flame atomization was used for ashes. The distribution of tracer concentrations and the appraised contribution from the flying ashes showed the influence of the thermoelectric facility on the emissions of these metals, obtaining higher levels at the south-eastern zone of the facility. The Ni concentrations found were near the maximum permissive reference level according to EPA.