Evaluación de dos biofiltros usando estropajo común (Luffa cylindrica) y Yanchama (Poulsenia armata) en el tratamiento de aguas residuales.

Abstract

Population growth, industrialization, agricultural practices, and urbanization increase water demand and, therefore, a proportional increase in wastewater. The untreated discharge of this wastewater is one of the main sources of pollution of water resources. In this context, the evaluation of two biofiltration systems was carried out, using common stonecrop (Luffa cylindrica) and Yanchama (Poulsenia armata) for wastewater treatment from Flor de Pantano neighborhood, in Francisco de Orellana canton, in Orellana province, to facilitate its subsequent discharge into freshwater bodies. The methodology implemented had a quantitative approach, which involved collecting physical and chemical data both before and after the biofiltration process. These data were obtained by analyzing the plant fibers stated above and the wastewater used. The biofilters were composed of four filter media: cotton, silica sand, Luffa cylindrica and Poulsenia armata fibers, and gravel. The treatment was carried out with a hydraulic retention time of 12 hours. A completely randomized experimental design was used to determine the effectiveness of both the biofilter and the fibers used in its construction. The application of this method showed that Yanchama (Poulsenia armata) biofilter was more effective in the removal of pollutants such as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), turbidity, cadmium, copper, iron, and zinc. However, both treatments were deficient in nickel and lead reduction. These results suggested that Yanchama biofilter is a promising option for application in wastewater treatment plants, reducing implementation costs, and ensuring that water discharge is clean and does not affect natural waterways.