Revista Internacional de Contaminación Ambiental
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CAMBIOS EN LOS BIOMARCADORES DE LA FRACCIÓN DE HIDROCARBUROS SATURADOS EN UN ENSAYO DE BIORREMEDIACIÓN CON UN CRUDO EXTRAPESADO
Get PDFBiomarkers in the saturated hydrocarbon fraction (n-alkanes, pristane, phytane, terpanes, and steranes) were evaluated in a 90-day bioremediation assay with extra heavy crude (10º API). Based on the presence of an unresolved complex mixture (UCM), deficiency of n-alkanes, pristane, phytane and presence of demethylated hopanes (25-norhopanes), it was determined that the original oil is biodegraded. Detecting n-alkanes, pristane and phytane (more susceptible to biodegradation), along with 25-norhopanes (less susceptible to biodegradation), suggests that the crude oil analyzed is the result of mixtures of several episodes of charging and biodegradation in the reservoirs. In crude oil after 90 days of the bioremediation test, the following order of biodegradation was found for the extended hopanes (R + S): C35 > C34 < C33 > C32 > C31. The change in the distribution of the extended hopanes related to the original oil indicates a greater alteration of C32 and C35, and in the 22S and 22R isomers, a selective degradation for C3322S. Alteration of tricyclic terpanes is suggested, due to the variation in signal intensity in the original oil and that determined at 90 days. At the end of the test no alteration in steranes was observed, with only variation in signal intensity that suggests decreased concentration of these compounds. During the bioremediation test, < n-C25 alkanes were removed without altering > n-C25, and pristane and phytane isoprenoids. Additionally, tricyclic terpanes, extended hopanes and steranes were altered. Se evaluaron los biomarcadores en la fracción de hidrocarburos saturados (n-alcanos, pristano, fitano, terpanos y esteranos) en un ensayo de biorremediación de 90 días con un crudo extrapesado (10 ºAPI). Con base en la presencia de una muestra compleja no resuelta (MCNR), deficiencia de n-alcanos, pristano, fitano y presencia de hopanos desmetilados (25-norhopanos), se determinó que el crudo original está biodegradado. La detección de n-alcanos, pristano y fitano (más sensibles a la biodegradación), junto con 25-norhopanos (menos sensibles a biodegradación) sugiere que el crudo analizado es el resultado de mezclas de distintas cargas de crudo en el yacimiento. Después de 90 días del ensayo de biorremediación se encontró el siguiente orden de biodegradación en el crudo para los hopanos extendidos (R + S): C35 > C34 < C33 > C32 > C31. El cambio en la distribución de los hopanos extendidos respecto al crudo original indica una mayor alteración para C32 y C35, y en los isómeros 22S y 22R una degradación selectiva para C3322S. Se sugiere alteración de los terpanos tricíclicos debido a la variación en la intensidad de la señal en el crudo original y la determinada a los 90 días. En los esteranos no se observó alteración al final del ensayo; sólo variación en la intensidad de las señales que sugiere disminución en su concentración. Durante el ensayo de biorremediación se produjo la remoción de los alcanos < n-C25, sin alteración de los > n-C25 y los isoprenoides pristano y fitano. Adicionalmente, los terpanos tricíclicos, hopanos extendidos y esteranos fueron alterados
BIOMONITOREO ACTIVO CON Leskea angustata EN LA ZONA METROPOLITANA DEL VALLE DE TOLUCA
Get PDFThe main purpose of this research was to assess Cu, Zn, and Pb levels in the metropolitan area of the Toluca Valley (ZMVT, Spanish acronym) by active biomonitoring, using moss bags and Leskea angustata as bioindicators, as well as to determine whether phytoquelatins (PCs) are produced and if there is a correlation between PCs and glutathione (GHS) concentrations and the heavy metals present in moss. Ten monitoring locations were selected in which two moss bags were exposed to the ZMVT environment for six months. Heavy metals concentrations were determined using total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TRXF), whereas GHS and PCs were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS). GHS and PCs concentration were measured before and after exposition, and the enrichment rate was also calculated. Results show enrichment rates between 2 and 30 for heavy metals and 116 and 569 for GHS. PCs concentrations were below the limit of detection. The order of total metal concentrations in the monitoring locations was: Tollocan > Reforma > San Mateo Atenco > Alameda > Aeropuerto > San Cristóbal > Metepec > Ceboruco > Toluca Centro > Oxtotitlán. Overall, Tollocan, San Mateo Atenco, Alameda and Reforma were significantly different from other locations. GHS presented a concentration rate between 164 and 808 nM/g and had positive correlations (r = 0-8) with Cu, Zn and Pb; therefore, it is inferred that concentrations of the assessed heavy metals in this study are related to their direct induction. It can be concluded that GHS plays a major role in divalent metals bioaccumulation since it is an important detoxification mechanism in these organisms.El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar los niveles de Cu, Zn y Pb en la zona metropolitana del valle de Toluca (ZMVT) empleando la técnica de biomonitoreo activo con bolsas con musgo (moss bags) con Leskea angustata como bioindicador, así como determinar si se producen fitoquelatinas (PC) y si hay correlación entre la concentración de éstas y de glutatión (GHS) con los metales presentes en el musgo. Se seleccionaron 10 sitios de monitoreo y en cada uno se colocaron dos bolsas con musgo para ser expuestas al ambiente de la ZMVT durante seis meses. Las concentraciones de metales se determinaron mediante la técnica de fluorescencia de rayos x en reflexión total (TXRF), mientras que el GHS y las PC se cuantificaron empleando la técnica de cromatografía de líquidos de ultra alta resolución acoplada a espectrometría de masas (UPLC-MS). Se evaluó la concentración de metales, PC y GHS antes y después de la exposición y se calculó la tasa de enriquecimiento. Los resultados muestran enriquecimientos de 2 a 30 para metales y de 116 a 569 para GHS. La concentración de PC siempre fue menor al límite de detección. El orden de la concentración total de metales en los sitios de monitoreo fue: Tollocan > Reforma > San Mateo Atenco > Alameda > Aeropuerto > San Cristóbal > Metepec > Ceboruco > Toluca Centro > Oxtotitlán. En general Tollocan, San Mateo Atenco, Alameda y Reforma fueros significativamente diferentes a los demás sitios. El GHS presentó un rango de concentración de 164 a 808 nM/g y presentó correlaciones positivas (r = 0.8) con el Cu, Zn y Pb, por lo que se infiere que la concentración de los metales en estudio tiene relación directa con su inducción. Con los resultados obtenidos en este trabajo se pude concluir que el GHS desempeña un papel fundamental en la bioacumulación de metales divalentes en Leskea angustata de la ZMVT e incrementa su potencial de acumulación, ya que es un mecanismo importante de destoxificación en estos organismos
MUTATIONS IN radA ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ACQUIRED RADIO-RESISTANCE IN AN Escherichia coli STRAIN
Get PDFWhen bacteria are exposed to chronic or cyclic irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light, it is observed that their resistance to this agent is increased by the selection of advantageous mutations under those conditions. UV light produces different damages in DNA, the repair of which is necessary to maintain the integrity of the genome. However, some damages can lead to such mutations when they are not properly repaired. In an earlier work, five subcultures of a wild-type Escherichia coli strain (PQ30) were cyclically irradiated with UV and different strains resistant to UV light and gamma radiation were obtained. In a preliminary mapping, different genes involved in their resistance to radiation were identified. In one of these strains, designated as IN801, the radA gene, the product of which is involved in recombinational DNA repair, was identified. In this work, cells from another wild-type strain (AB1157) were transformed with a plasmid (pUC19) that carries the radA gene from either PQ30 or IN801, in order to establish whether the radio-resistant phenotype can be transferred to a normal strain. Only cells that received the IN801 radA gene showed increased resistance to UV and gamma radiation. Further radA sequencing showed that the gene of IN801 acquired two-point mutations that replace two amino acids in the RadA protein, which most likely changed its enzymatic activities. These results confirm that radA participates in the radiation resistance of IN801.When bacteria are exposed to chronic or cyclic irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light, it is observed that their resistance to this agent is increased by the selection of advantageous mutations under those conditions. UV light produces different damages in DNA, the repair of which is necessary to maintain the integrity of the genome. However, some damages can lead to such mutations when they are not properly repaired. In an earlier work, five subcultures of a wild-type Escherichia coli strain (PQ30) were cyclically irradiated with UV and different strains resistant to UV light and gamma radiation were obtained. In a preliminary mapping, different genes involved in their resistance to radiation were identified. In one of these strains, designated as IN801, the radA gene, the product of which is involved in recombinational DNA repair, was identified. In this work, cells from another wild-type strain (AB1157) were transformed with a plasmid (pUC19) that carries the radA gene from either PQ30 or IN801, in order to establish whether the radio-resistant phenotype can be transferred to a normal strain. Only cells that received the IN801 radA gene showed increased resistance to UV and gamma radiation. Further radA sequencing showed that the gene of IN801 acquired two-point mutations that replace two amino acids in the RadA protein, which most likely changed its enzymatic activities. These results confirm that radA participates in the radiation resistance of IN801
OPTIMIZACIÓN DE LAS VARIABLES DEL PROCESO DE DIGESTIÓN ANAEROBIA DE LACTOSUERO EN LA PRODUCCIÓN DE BIOGÁS
Get PDFTo reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and to have competitive prices of biogas in the energy market, it is necessary to have bioprocesses with low cost and high efficiency of production. This study demonstrates that biogas production and methane yield can be increased optimizing some of the variables of the anaerobic digestion process of cheese whey. The initial conditions of process variables, such as initial substrate concentration, initial inoculum concentration, and initial pH were evaluated and optimized using a central composite design. The optimal conditions for the maximum values of methane yield (469.75 ± 3.25 mL CH4/g SV) and biogas production (331±1.13 mL) were the following: initial substrate concentration of 24.6 g/L, initial inoculum concentration of 22.4 g/L, and initial pH of 7.1. The analysis of volatile fatty acids indicated that the formation of methane in biogas is mainly due to metabolic transformation of acetate by the acetoclastic methanogenesis pathway. The obtained results show that using cheese whey as substrate and under the optimal conditions obtained, the bioprocess developed in this study can be a new industrial biotechnological option for the production of biogas.Con el objetivo de reducir el consumo de combustibles fósiles y tener biogás con precios competitivos en el mercado energético, es necesario disponer de bioprocesos económicos y de altos rendimientos de producción. En este estudio, se demuestra que la producción de biogás y el rendimiento de metano pueden incrementarse optimizando algunas de las variables del proceso de digestión anaeróbica del lactosuero. Las condiciones iniciales de las variables de proceso, como concentración de sustrato, concentración de inóculo y pH, fueron evaluadas y optimizadas mediante un diseño central compuesto. Las condiciones óptimas para los máximos valores de rendimiento de metano (469.75 ± 3.25 mL CH4/g SV) y producción de biogás (331 ± 1.13 mL) fueron: concentración inicial de sustrato de 24.6 g/L, concentración inicial de inóculo de 22.4 g/L y pH inicial de 7.1. El análisis de los ácidos grasos volátiles indicó que la formación de metano en el biogás se debe principalmente a la transformación metabólica del acetato por la vía de la metanogénesis ecetoclástica. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que al utilizar lactosuero como sustrato y en las condiciones óptimas obtenidas, el bioproceso desarrollado en este estudio puede ser una nueva opción biotecnológica industrial para la producción de biogás
BIODEGRADACIÓN DE PLAGUICIDAS ORGANOFOSFORADOS Y ORGANOCLORADOS POR Candida tropicalis Y Stenotrophomonas maltophilia EN MICROCOSMOS DEL SUELO
Get PDFFor decades, organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides have been used in Mexico. Due to their persistence in the environment, they have caused damage to various ecosystems, accumulation in trophic chains and affectations to human health. Therefore, it is important to establish remediation protocols at contaminated sites with this type of compounds. In this report, the yeast Candida tropicalis and the bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were used in soil microcosms for degrading malathion, parathion, chlorpyrifos, aldrin, and lindane. Additionally, optimal growth parameters for both microorganisms at bioreactor level were determined. The initial concentration of pesticides was 130 mg/kg in 10 g of soil. The highest degradation by C. tropicalis was obtained for malathion (98.32 %) followed by lindane (81.01 %), and chlorpyrifos (74.23 %), while S. maltophilia degraded malathion (98.23 %), aldrin (80.17 %), and lindane (75.85 %). Regarding culture conditions for producing high cell densities at bioreactor level, a high biomass value (132 g/L) was obtained for C. tropicalis at 36 ºC, 140 rpm, pH 5 and an air intake of 2 vvm. In the case of S. maltophilia, a lower value (54 g/L) was obtained under the best culture conditions (28 ºC, 70 rpm, pH 5 and 2 vvm). The present work showed for the first time that C. tropicalis is capable of degrading some organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides, and due to its easy handling in liquid culture, it is proposed as a biological agent that can be used in the remediation of potentially pesticide-contaminated soils.En México se han utilizado plaguicidas organofosforados y organoclorados que, debido a su persistencia en el ambiente, han causado efectos adversos sobre ecosistemas, cadenas tróficas y salud humana. Por tanto, es importante establecer protocolos de remediación en los sitios contaminados con este tipo de compuestos. En la presente investigación se utilizaron Candida tropicalis y Stenotrophomonas maltophilia en microcosmos del suelo para la biodegradación de malatión, paratión, clorpirifos, aldrín y lindano. Adicionalmente, se determinaron los parámetros óptimos de crecimiento para ambos microorganismos. La concentración inicial de plaguicidas fue de 130 mg/kg. C. tropicalis degradó en un valor alto el malatión (98.32 %) seguido de lindano (81.01 %) y clorpirifos (74.23 %), en tanto que S. maltophilia degradó el malatión (98.23 %), aldrín (80.17 %) y lindano (75.85 %). En cuanto a las condiciones de cultivo para la producción de altas densidades celulares a nivel biorreactor, se obtuvo un valor alto de biomasa (132 g/L) para C. tropicalis a 36 ºC, 140 rpm, pH 5 y una aireación de 2 vvm. En el caso de S. maltophilia, la biomasa fue menor respecto a la levadura (54 g/L) en las mejores condiciones de cultivo (28 ºC, 70 rpm, pH 5 y una aireación de 2 vvm). El presente trabajo evidenció por primera vez que la levadura C. tropicalis tiene la capacidad de degradar algunos plaguicidas organofosforados y organoclorados, y, debido a su fácil manejo en medio líquido, se propone como agente biológico para la remediación de suelos potencialmente contaminados con plaguicidas
CALIDAD AMBIENTAL DE LA LAGUNA MARÍA LA GORDA DE LA CIUDAD DE RÍO GALLEGOS, ARGENTINA
Get PDFThe María la Gorda lagoon is part of the Urban Natural Reserve System of the city of Río Gallegos, being one of the largest reserve areas, with approximately 11.29 ha. The objective of this work was to characterize the quality of water and sediment in the María la Gorda lagoon from a physical, chemical, microbiological and specific-pollutant point of view, in order to know its environmental quality. For this, water and sediment samples were taken seasonally and studied according to their physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics, as well as their concentration in hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The main results obtained showed that the environmental quality of the María la Gorda lagoon’s water is average, and it should only be used for recreational purposes due to the presence of organic matter with high COD values, nitrates and indicator microorganisms; however, no hydrocarbons or heavy metals were present above the reference values. The evidence of poor environmental quality in the study area, classified as an urban reserve, makes it necessary to implement sanitizing measures which tend to maintain a good environmental quality, so that it may continue to serve its intended purpose without future environmental problems. These could lead to emerging health problems in the population of Río Gallegos associated with the problem raised.La laguna María la Gorda forma parte del Sistema de Reserva Natural Urbana de la ciudad de Río Gallegos, siendo una de las de mayor superficie con aproximadamente 11.29 ha. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar desde el punto de vista físico, químico, microbiológico y de contaminantes específicos la calidad del agua y el sedimento de la laguna María la Gorda con el fin de conocer su calidad ambiental. Para ello se tomaron muestras de agua y sedimento de forma estacional y se estudiaron en función de sus características físicas, químicas, microbiológicas, así como de su concentración de hidrocarburos y metales pesados. Los principales resultados obtenidos demostraron que el agua de la laguna María la Gorda tiene calidad ambiental media. Su uso debe limitarse a fines recreativos debido a la presencia de contaminación por materia orgánica con elevados valores de DQO, nitratos y microorganismos indicadores; sin embargo, no se encontraron presentes hidrocarburos ni metales pesados por encima de los valores de referencia utilizados. La demostración de la deficiente calidad de este espacio catalogado como reserva urbana obliga a implantar medidas que tiendan al saneamiento y mantenimiento de la buena calidad ambiental de la zona de estudio, a fin de darle el uso para el cual está destinada y evitar que, en el futuro, surjan inconvenientes ambientales que lleven a la aparición de problemas de salud en la población de Río Gallegos asociados con la problemática planteada
EVOLUCIÓN DE LOS FACTORES DE EMISIÓN COMO HERRAMIENTA DE MEJORA AMBIENTAL. CASO DE ESTUDIO DEL SECTOR CEMENTERO ESPAÑOL
Get PDFEnvironmental issues relevant to the Spanish cement sector, together with the regulation of emissions which are harmful to health, safety and the environment, have led to the development of emission factors as a standardization tool at sector level. According to these factors it is possible to establish their evolution and analyze the technical causes that influence the behavior of polluting emissions. This research includes thisevolution in a historical series encompassing the period 2009-2018. The statistical analysis developed makes it possible to establish emission factors for the cement sector in a robust and reliable way. The results include the evolution of emissions as well as the latest values taken from an entire industrial sector in Spain. The evolution of emission factors shows an increasing awareness towards the reduction of polluting gases, validating the emission factors tool and its methodology.La concienciación ambiental en el sector cementero español, unido a la normalización en cuanto a la cuantificación de emisiones nocivas para la salud, seguridad y ambiente, ha propiciado el desarrollo de factores de emisión como herramienta de estandarización a nivel país. Gracias a estos factores es posible establecer su evolución y analizar las causas técnicas que inciden en el comportamiento de las emisiones contaminantes. El presente trabajo de investigación recoge la evolución de dichos factores en una serie histórica que abarca el periodo 2009-2018. El análisis estadístico desarrollado permite establecer factores de emisión para el sector de estudio de forma robusta y fiable. Los resultados recogen la evolución de las emisiones, así como los últimos valores tomados de todo un sector de la industria española. La evolución de los factores de emisión muestra una concienciación cada vez mayor hacia la reducción de gases contaminantes, validando la herramienta factores de emisión y su metodología
EFFECT OF COVID-19 LOCKDOWN ON AIR QUALITY IN URBAN AND SUBURBAN AREAS OF EXTREMADURA, SOUTHWEST SPAIN: A CASE STUDY IN USUALLY LOW POLLUTED AREAS
Get PDFLockdown measures were established in Spain from 14th March 2020, to flatten the pandemic curve of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The increasingly stringent implementation of these measures has made it possible to assess the effect of anthropogenic activities on the most relevant air pollutants present in ambient air. Whereas most published reports focus on highly polluted urban areas, the present work aims to quantify variations in the levels of NO2, O3 and BTX (benzene, toluene and xylene) due to the COVID-19 lockdown in usually low polluted urban and suburban areas within Extremadura (Spain). Compared to the reference period from 2010 to 2019, significant reductions in NO2 levels occurred in the suburban stations of Badajoz, Cáceres, Mérida, Plasencia and Zafra (–50.4 %, –71.6 %, –55.2 %, –64.6 % and –51.8 %, respectively), likely due to the limitation of road traffic as the primary source of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These percentages of reduction are similar to data reported in high polluted areas. Similarly, O3 levels have decreased slightly by –9.9 % in Badajoz, –9.5 % in Mérida and –18.2 % in the Monfragüe National Park. The reduction in O3 levels may be due to a decrease in NOx limiting atmospheric conditions and the influence of weather conditions (high cloudiness and rainy days) during the lockdown period. No defined trend was observed for VOCs (BTX), probably due to the very low levels of these contaminants, close to the detection limit both during the lockdown and the reference periods.Lockdown measures were established in Spain from 14th March 2020, to flatten the pandemic curve of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The increasingly stringent implementation of these measures has made it possible to assess the effect of anthropogenic activities on the most relevant air pollutants present in ambient air. Whereas most published reports focus on highly polluted urban areas, the present work aims to quantify variations in the levels of NO2, O3 and BTX (benzene, toluene and xylene) due to the COVID-19 lockdown in usually low polluted urban and suburban areas within Extremadura (Spain). Compared to the reference period from 2010 to 2019, significant reductions in NO2 levels occurred in the suburban stations of Badajoz, Cáceres, Mérida, Plasencia and Zafra (–50.4 %, –71.6 %, –55.2 %, –64.6 % and –51.8 %, respectively), likely due to the limitation of road traffic as the primary source of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These percentages of reduction are similar to data reported in high polluted areas. Similarly, O3 levels have decreased slightly by –9.9 % in Badajoz, –9.5 % in Mérida and –18.2 % in the Monfragüe National Park. The reduction in O3 levels may be due to a decrease in NOx limiting atmospheric conditions and the influence of weather conditions (high cloudiness and rainy days) during the lockdown period. No defined trend was observed for VOCs (BTX), probably due to the very low levels of these contaminants, close to the detection limit both during the lockdown and the reference periods
ENTROPÍA Y NEGUENTROPÍA: UNA APROXIMACIÓN AL PROCESO DE DIFUSIÓN DE CONTAMINANTES Y SU SOSTENIBILIDAD
Get PDFThis paper presents a study of hourly air pollution time series of coarse and fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, relative humidity, wind speed and temperature, from the city of Santiago de Chile. Hourly measurements were made of the evolution of the concentration of atmospheric pollutants, which were accompanied by continuous local measurements, for over three years, of temperature, relative humidity and wind speed at ground level. These series arise from measurements made at six monitoring stations during the period between 2010 and 2013 (3.25 years). Its study, based on non-linear analysis, allows us to obtain its correlation entropies from which the process of diffusion of pollutants through the Earth-atmosphere system is interpreted. As a result, full agreement is shown with the dynamics of observed concentrations. It is discussed how neguentropy and associated flow can promote dispersive dynamics, according to the meteorological variables studied, of the pollutants emitted according to their particular half-life. It is discussed how neguentropy and associated flow can promote dispersive dynamics, according to the meteorological variables studied, of the pollutants emitted according to their particular half-life. The chaotic character of pollution variables is checked as particulate matter and some meteorological variables. These last variables could explain why certain localities in the city of Santiago have less pollution by particulate matter than others.En este estudio se analizan series temporales de partículas gruesas y finas, de monóxido de carbono, humedad relativa, velocidad del viento y temperatura, de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. Se realizaron medidas horarias de evolución de la concentración de contaminantes atmosféricos, las que fueron acompañadas con mediciones locales continuas, por sobre tres años, de temperatura, humedad relativa y velocidad del viento a nivel del suelo. Estas series surgen de mediciones efectuadas en seis estaciones de monitoreo durante el periodo de tiempo comprendido entre los años 2010 y 2013 (3.25 años). Su estudio, basado en análisis no lineal, permite obtener sus entropías de correlación a partir de las cuales se interpreta el proceso de difusión de los contaminantes a través del sistema Tierra-atmósfera. Como resultado, se muestra acuerdo pleno con las dinámicas de concentraciones observadas. Se discute como la neguentropía y el flujo asociado pueden propiciar la dinámica dispersiva, según las variables meteorológicas estudiadas, de los contaminantes emitidos acorde a su vida media particular. Se comprueba el carácter caótico de variables de contaminación como las partículas atmosféricas y algunas variables meteorológicas. Estas últimas podrían explicar por qué ciertas localidades en la ciudad de Santiago presentan menos contaminación por partículas que otras
RESIDUOS DE PLAGUICIDAS EN CULTIVOS DEL MUNICIPIO ZONA BANANERA, DEPARTAMENTO DEL MAGDALENA, COLOMBIA
Get PDFBanana production is related to the generation of hazardous wastes that can cause potential contamination to the water, the soil and the workers’ health. The objective of the present work was to identify the main pesticide wastes associated to export banana production activities from the Zona Bananera municipality, Department of Magdalena, Colombia. The methodology consisted of systematic observation, primary data collection and data analysis of 46 banana farms, two waste collection centers, and a hazardous waste manager. In this way, the hazardous wastes generated in the four stages of banana crop was categorized in sowing, crop management, harvesting and postharvest. In the banana crop management, weed control, mooring, tagging and phytosanitary management were the activities with greater generation of hazardous wastes, among which empty containers of agrochemicals, bags with additive chlorpyrifos/biphentrine, and other hazardous waste such as personal protective elements and preparation and use of biocides. It is concluded that the identification of hazardous wastes contributes to the development and implementation of the Hazardous Waste Management Plan in the Zona Bananera municipality, Department of Magdalena, Colombia.El proceso productivo del banano se encuentra relacionado con la generación de residuos o desechos peligrosos que pueden ocasionar potencial contaminación de los recursos hídricos y del suelo, así como afectar la salud de los trabajadores, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo consistió en identificar los principales residuos de plaguicidas asociados a las actividades de producción de banano de exportación en el municipio Zona Bananera, Departamento del Magdalena, Colombia. La metodología consistió principalmente en visitas efectuadas a 46 fincas bananeras, dos centros de acopio de residuos y un gestor de residuos peligrosos para la recolección de información primaria, sistematización y análisis de datos. De esta forma, se categorizaron los residuos peligrosos generados en las cuatro etapas del proceso productivo: siembra, manejo del cultivo, cosecha y postcosecha, identificando que en el manejo del cultivo las actividades de control de malezas, amarre, embolse y control fitosanitario, constituyen las de mayor generación de diversas tipologías de residuos, dentro de las que se pueden enumerar los recipientes vacíos de agroquímicos, las bolsas con aditivos y otros desechos peligrosos resultado del uso de elementos de protección personal por parte de los trabajadores y de la preparación y utilización de biocidas, entre otros. Se concluye que la identificación de estos residuos peligrosos contribuye a la elaboración e implementación del Plan de Gestión de Residuos Peligrosos en Zona Bananera, conducente al adecuado manejo de estos residuos por parte de los generadores y al fortalecimiento del ejercicio de control ambiental por los entes reguladores