ROAD EDGE EFFECT; NOISE, ORGANIC MATTER IN SOILS AND PERSISTENT POLLUTANTS IN NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS IN CALAKMUL-BALAMK, CAMPECHE

Abstract

In this paper, the road edge effect caused by vehicular traffic of the road located in the Natural Protected Area Balamkú-Calakmul in the state of Campeche is studied. The indicators organic matter, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and noise were quantified at different perpendicular distances to the Bat Cave, as key geographical site. The masic flow of lead emissions is 2.08 ton year-1, 1.54 Ton yr-1 of zinc and 1.63 Ton year -1 of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Even though these concentrations might be the result of atmospheric dilution these substances have persistent and highly toxic properties. Monitoring results of indicators, note evidence of the road edge effect, since the values of organic matter, heavy metals and polycyclic hydrocarbons exhibit a downward pattern with increasing distance. Likewise, the disturbing level of traffic noise can reach 0.5 to 1 km in radial area, with concentrations of 40 dB and a background noise of 20 dB.

Key Words: impact on natural protected area, organic matter in soils, road edge effect.