Publications
Relevance and Reliability of Outdoor SO2 Monitoring in Low-Income Countries Using Low-Cost Sensors
Low-cost SO2 sensors can provide reliable air quality data in low-income countries, as demonstrated by a study comparing their performance to high-end calibration methods. Researchers found that tropical climate calibrations in Cuba matched the accuracy of European lab calibrations, validating the use of affordable sensors for monitoring in resource-limited settings like Cienfuegos. While reliability improves with higher SO2 concentrations, the findings suggest these sensors could effectively replace expensive equipment in regions where traditional monitoring is inaccessible.
Mineralogical and Chemical Tracing of Dust Variation in an Underground Historic Salt Mine
A UNESCO-recognized historic salt mine in Cienfuegos exhibits minimal atmospheric pollution underground, with dust composition primarily derived from natural geogenic sources. The study found that pollutants from surface air are quickly sedimented near the ventilation intake, while anthropogenic influences—such as tourist traffic—are localized and limited to specific areas. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), researchers analyzed dust samples from 11 sites at varying distances from the air inlet. The findings highlight the mine's relative isolation from surface pollutants, with only one site showing elevated ferruginous particles due to tourist activity. This methodology offers universal applicability for similar underground environments.
El Espacio Público en Zonas de Conservación Patrimonial de Latinoamérica y El Caribe
A critical gap in urban planning methodologies for Latin American and Caribbean heritage zones is exposed: traditional approaches, such as the Logical Framework Methodology, lack adequate support for professionals designing public spaces. The study analyzed four historic centers, including Cienfuegos, finding that current methods fail to provide real-time, comprehensive data needed for sustainable decision-making. It advocates for integrating emerging technologies to track urban elements and improve conservation strategies, addressing a pressing need for more dynamic and responsive heritage management in the region.
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