Contaminación electromagnética y visual de las antenas de telecomunicaciones de la ciudad de Chone y su efecto al medio ambiente

The research was conducted in the city of Chone, Manabí province, Ecuador, aiming to evaluate the intensity of electromagnetic radiation from telecommunications antennas and their environmental and visual impact. The six-month study adopted a qualitative-quantitative, descriptive, and applied approach, combining analytical, deductive, bibliographic, and statistical methods. Eight antennas from CONECEL, OTECEL, and CNT were identified and georeferenced using GPS and GIS, and 16 strategic measurement points were selected. The intensity of the electric and magnetic fields was measured with a broadband device (50 MHz–3.5 GHz) following ICNIRP guidelines. Measurements taken at 1.5 m height under different times and weather conditions revealed power densities ranging from 0.0039 to 0.0081 W/m², mostly within the population range, with the highest levels concentrated in the urban center. GSM and UMTS technologies were characterized, highlighting UMTS’s greater data transmission efficiency and differences in polarization and modulation. Simultaneously, 84 surveys were conducted with residents across the 16 georeferenced points. Results indicated that 60% of the population observed antennas daily (levels 4–5), 59–61% perceived their aesthetic impact negatively, and 58–60% expressed concern about health, property depreciation, and tourism loss. Furthermore, 62% supported camouflage, co-location, and restriction in sensitive areas such as schools and hospitals. Based on these findings, mitigation measures and regulatory strategies are proposed, including tower co-location, small-cell installation, antenna camouflage, and dynamic zoning, aiming to reduce radiation exposure and improve visual integration while ensuring regulatory compliance and social acceptance. The results highlight the importance of balancing technological development with environmental protection and community perception.

• Hovedforfatter: Napa Rodríguez, José Agustín (author)
• Format: bachelorThesis
• Sprog: spa
• Udgivet: 2025
• Fag: Contaminación electromagnética; Impacto visual; Mapa de incidencia; Percepción
• Online adgang: http://repositorio.espam.edu.ec/handle/42000/2830