Evaluation of the contamination by arsenic and pesticide in the groundwater of the communities of Tecuaname and El Papalonal located in the municipality of La Paz Centro, department of León-2016

Abstract

Arsenic is a habitual element in the atmosphere, soil, rocks, natural waters and living organisms. Its mobility in the environment is due to both natural processes and human activities. This element is extremely toxic and carcinogenic to humans. The communities of Tecuaname and El Papalonal are located to the east of the Momotombo and El Hoyo volcanic complex, the determination of total arsenic was made to twenty wells (dug and drilled). 100% of the samples analyzed none exceed the guide value for water for human consumption of 10 µg.l^-1.

The Papalonal community has been characterized, by its high concentration of cultivated zone in the monoculture modality for the production of corn, peanuts, sorghum and sesame. Most producers use agrochemicals to fertilize and control pests. The use of pyrethroids (cypermethrin) has been inconsistently associated with a series of long-term health effects, including alterations in the nervous system, immune system, skin allergies and dermatitis. The El Papalonal drilled well had a cypermethrin concentration of 785.27 ng.l^-1.