Evaluation of Meteorological Variables and Their Influence on Air Quality at the La Oroya Metallurgical

Abstract

The present research project aims to evaluate environmental air quality parameters and analyze the influence of meteorological variables within the district of La Oroya, Yauli Province, Junín Department, Peru, during the month of April 2025. Analyses of air quality parameters related to SO2, together with environmental monitoring, constitute fundamental and necessary tools to assess environmental impacts and to adopt environmental management measures related to air pollution processes. Objectives: One of the objectives of this study is to analyze the SO2 parameter and determine the influence of meteorological variables on the concentration and dispersion of SO2 in the environment of Junín, in order to establish preventive measures against pollution. Methods: The methodology applied consisted of the analysis and collection of data from the database of the Environmental Surveillance Center of OEFA – La Oroya Metallurgical Complex, regarding SO2 parameters and meteorological variables. Results: The 24-hour concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2) obtained in April 2025 exceeded the reference Air Quality Environmental Standard (ECA) value of 250 μg/m3 on one (1) occasion (Supreme Decree No. 003-2017-MINAM). Likewise, the air quality ECA for sulfur dioxide of 250 μg/m3 was exceeded (Supreme Decree No. 003-2017-PCM). The maximum 24-hour SO2 concentration was 255.3 μg/m3, recorded on April 26, 2025. Conclusions: During the April 2025 monitoring period at the CA-CC-01 environmental monitoring station, the wind direction showed a predominance from the west (W) with a monthly frequency of 23.3%, followed by west-southwest (WSW) winds with 14.6%.