Abstract

LOZANO-MENDOZA, Pedro Harrys et al. Hazardous waste and population risk: A geospatial study of lubrication facilities in El Empalme Canton. e-Rev. Multidiscip. Saber [online]. 2025, vol.3, e-RMS07042025.  Epub Oct 25, 2025. ISSN 2960-2467.  https://doi.org/10.61286/e-rms.v3i.207.

Poor management of hazardous waste at vehicle lubrication facilities represents a significant environmental and health risk in high-density urban areas. The proximity of these facilities to homes and social activity centers increases exposure to contaminants such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. Twelve lubrication facilities in the El Empalme canton were analyzed using a geospatial approach and waste production assessment. Used oil volumes were recorded in August and September, with values ​​fluctuating between 26.95 and 103.82 gallons depending on the operational activity of each facility. Furthermore, significant variability in waste production was identified, with L2, L7, and L8 showing increases in September, while L10 and L11 maintained stable levels, suggesting structural and operational differences. The geospatial distribution confirmed the integration of the facilities into densely populated urban areas, with hotspots in the central core and on Vía Manabí. Extreme proximity was recorded between facilities, such as L1 and L2, with a distance of 22.36 meters, which increases population exposure. All of this indicates a high probability of inadequate storage and disposal practices, activating contaminant dispersal pathways to soil, water, and air. These findings emphasize the need for differentiated management strategies, strict regulations, and mitigation measures to minimize environmental and health risks in vulnerable urban environments.

Keywords : lubricants; waste; contamination; risk; environment.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )