Browsing by Author "Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth"

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Análisis de la relación entre la sequía hidrológica, los factores climáticos a gran escala y cobertura vegetal, en las cuencas de los ríos Machángara y Tomebamba
(2019-07-11) Nieves Chungata, Gabriela Alexandra; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
Changes in global climatic patterns modify the regional climate; which leads to an increase in the frequency of extreme hydrological events, such as droughts. The Andean basins of the Machángara and Tomebamba rivers provide essential ecosystem services for the southern region of Ecuador, and are also prone to alterations in their hydrology due to the influence of macroclimatic factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships among the hydrological and agricultural drought of the mentioned basins with climate indices of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The standardized flow index (SSI) and the vegetation condition index (VCI) were used to characterize hydrological drought events and the agricultural drought respectively. Two correlation methods were estimated. Cross-correlation between SSI & VCI, and wavelet coherence between climate indices and SSI-VCI. The results suggest that (1) there is no obvious association between the two types of drought. (2) The Pacific indices associated with the ENSO influence the VCI and SSI. (3) The Niño 4 and TNI indices are better linked to the SSI of the Machángara basin, and MEI, ONI and SOI, with the SSI of the Tomebamba basin. (4) The Atlantic TSA index has a remarkable effect on the hydrological and agricultural droughts of the Tomebamba river basin. The results obtained provide a basis for future studies of hydrological variability in the Andean basins, in order to minimize uncertainty and vulnerability to drought risk.
Análisis de microplásticos en gradiente altitudinal y su dispersión en agua pluvial en la ciudad de Cuenca: Técnicas de cuantificación y caracterización.
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-02) Beltrán Figueroa, Tomás Agustín; Maldonado Avila, Pedro José; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
This project aims to study the presence and dispersion of microplastics in rainwater along an altitudinal gradient in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. To achieve this, microplastics will be characterized and quantified in samples collected from strategic points at different altitudes, in order to evaluate the influence of this parameter on their concentration and composition. The research will begin with the selection of representative sampling points, ensuring adequate coverage of the altitudinal gradient. The samples will be analyzed using advanced techniques, such as FTIR spectroscopy (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) to identify the chemical composition of the microplastics, and optical microscopy to quantify the particles present in the rainwater. Subsequently, the concentrations and characteristics of the microplastics will be compared across the different sampling points, allowing the identification of differences in dispersion and deposition based on altitude. The results showed a higher presence of microplastics in areas with high human activity and lower altitudes, with polyethylene in fiber format being the predominant microplastic identified in the analyzed samples.
Análisis medioambiental de las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales del cantón Girón: diagnóstico y elaboración de un plan de mejoras
(2016) Novillo Jara, Miriam Andrea; Patiño Jiménez, Jenny Karina; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
This work titration aims assessment, diagnosis and development of an improvement plan for optimizing the processes of purification wastewater treatment plants of Pambadel and Zhuringualosectors ofGirón. In the diagnosis of WWTP characterization of influent and effluent of these it has been made; the values obtained were compared with environmental regulations TULSMA, to assess compliance. Laboratory results of 2014,2015 and 2016along with on-site assessment allowed to determine the percentages of efficiency of wastewater treatment.The efficiencies achieved in 2014 were 70.98% for Pambadel , 69.14% in Zhuringualo, in 2015 of -266.94% for Pambadel plant, 66.03 % for Zhuringualo, in 2016 40,45% and 71.23% respectively.When comparing with the regulations found breach in most parameters: phosphorus, total andthermotolerantcoliforms. A social analysis in which the population of the areas of influence of the wastewater treatment plant weresurveyed in order to meet the needs and nuisances they generate was made. Concluding that the implementation of the improvement plan that involves the following optimization process is needed: a program for emerging maintenance and renovation of dilapidated infrastructure, implementation of a basic laboratory, construction of a pretreatment system based on design drawings and conducting further technical studies.
Application of ornamental plants in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment: A scientometric analysis
(2023) García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel
The application of ornamental plants in constructed wetlands (CW) is increasingly of interest to researchers, professionals actively involved in wetland management and/or wastewater treatment (WWT), so it is necessary to know the trends in this field of research. The objective of this study was to develop a scientometric study on the use of ornamental plants in CWs for the WWT during the period 2002–2022. For this, a search of the information was carried out in the Scopus database, including all the articles and reviews related to this field. The analysis of the recovered documents allowed to know key aspects of the evolution of production in recent years, the maturity of research in this field, identify the most used ornamental plants and therefore identify gaps. Likewise, it was possible to identify the countries, the most relevant authors, the main journals and the most cited articles through which knowledge in this area is disseminated. The results showed that Mexico, Brazil, USA, China and India have the highest number of publications related to the use of ornamental plants in the CWs. It was found that the most used ornamental plants are Canna, Iris, Heliconia and Zantedeschia. This analysis can help researchers to identify new research approaches in this field. It is concluded that this field of knowledge has aroused great interest since 2002; however, more research can still be carried out on the application of CWs with ornamental plants in cold climates, the influence of the substrate on the growth of these plants.
Caracterización y cuantificación de microplásticos presentes en el río Machángara de la ciudad de Cuenca
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-04) Guambaña Palaguachi, Néstor Iván; Palma Portilla, Kevin David; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
Microplastic pollution poses a growing threat to aquatic ecosystems both nationally and globally. This study focused on the quantification and classification of microplastics in the Machángara River, one of the main water bodies in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. This river is especially important because its upper section provides water for human consumption, while its lower section is used for agricultural, industrial, and other anthropogenic purposes. Five strategic sampling points were established along the river: 1) Chanlud Dam, 2) Rural Area Start, 3) Industrial Park Start, 4) Industrial Park End, 5) Confluence with the Tomebamba River. The sample collection followed the Ecuadorian Technical Standard NTE INEN 2176:2013, using composite sampling techniques to ensure representativeness. The samples were then processed and analyzed in the laboratory of the Center for Environmental Studies (CEA) using a stereomicroscope to classify microplastics by shape (fragments, fibers, spheres, films, and sponges), size, and concentration. Results showed a high presence of microplastics, with a maximum concentration of 15,754 particles per liter (part/L), and significant variations across sampling points and weeks, with increases in urban and industrial areas. Morphologically, the most common types of microplastics were fragments, sponges, and films, ranging in size from 0.24 µm to 4,410 µm. These findings confirm the presence of microplastics in the Machángara River, indicating potential risks for both environmental and human health. Therefore, it is essential to implement appropriate management strategies and promote awareness about the responsible use and disposal of plastics.
Diseño de un sistema de humedales artificiales para el tratamiento de las aguas residuales en la comunidad del Tabacay, cantón Azogues, provincia de Cañar
(2017) García Quito, Andrés Guillermo; Ludizaca Viracocha, Wilson Esteban; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The community of Tabacay located in the canton of Azogues, Cañar province, does not have a wastewater treatment and directly discharges its black waters into one of the streams that joins the Tabacay River, altering the natural composition of the water. The purpose of the project is the design of a system of artificial wetlands. The project started with a meeting with EMAPAL EP technicians and the community to inform them about the project and establish a site for the system to be implemented in the future. A sampling site at the point of discharge of the largest number of domicile interconnected to the community wastewater channel was designated for analysis of the parameters (pH, suspended solids, volatile solids, sedimented solids, nitrites, nitrates, BOD , COD and phosphorus) and subsequent comparison with the Environmental Quality and Effluent Discharge Standards (TULSMA BOOK 6 ANNEX 1). For the design, data obtained from laboratory analysis and tables, theoretical flows and population growth were used to guarantee a useful life of the system, the appropriate vegetation was chosen for the zone, that complies with the removal of pollutants and the correct oxygenation of the wetland. Finally, the cost of plant implementation was estimated, with unit values for material and labor for the correct operation of the plant, adiotinally an operation and maintenance manual was performed to guarantee the efficiency of the system.
Diseño de un sistema de tratamiento de aguas residuales con humedales artificiales para el recinto Fátima en el cantón San Fernando
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2021-02-12) Atariguana Guevara, Paola Valeria; Urvina Guallpa, Dayanna Abigail; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The Fatima enclosure is located in the San Fernando canton of the Azuay province in Ecuador. This enclosure, as well as most rural sectors of our country, lacks a wastewater treatment system, thus triggering the contamination of their water bodies, which is why it was decided to design a system of artificial wetlands with vertical subsurface flow to provide a viable alternative solution to this problem. For the design of this system, the water consumption record corresponding to the year 2019 of the enclosure was taken into account to calculate the flows, as well as the population growth rate to calculate the size of the population in 25 years, the time for which the wetland was designed and the methodology dictated by García and Corzo (2008) for the design of phyto-purification systems when there is no gauging campaign was followed. After the design, the graphic representation of the different structures that make up the system has been made in different plans, cuts and detail sections. An analysis of phytodepuration plant species was made, choosing the Scirpus Californicus species (cattail) because it is present in the study area, which allows to reduce costs for the acquisition of seedlings and reduce adaptation times in relation to other species. Simultaneously, a multicriteria analysis was made with the help of ArcGIS software to determine the optimal site, identifying 4 areas for the construction of the system. Once this information was obtained, a guide for the construction, management and maintenance of the wetland was prepared to guarantee the correct development of this project and its effectiveness during all its phases.
Diseño de un sistema de tratamiento y recirculación para el efluente proveniente de la empacadora de banano de la finca “El Progreso” ubicada en el cantón El Guabo, provincia de El Oro
(2018) Sanmartín Blacio, Jorge Arturo; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
Banana production is vital for the country's economy, however, this productive activity has negative consequences for the environment, specifically during the fruit packing process. In this process, a large amount of water is used, as well as chemicals are added in order give treatment to the fruit. Then the effluents are poured without any previous treatment into water. The aim of this study is to design a system that allows the treatment and recirculation of the effluent generated for the banana washing pools in the packing house of "El Progreso" farm, located in El Guabo, using the water treatment guide proposed by the Pan American Health Organization (2005). Firstly, the packer plant was visited to recognize the water catchment system and the final disposal of the effluent. As well, the effluent flow was calculated using the volumetric method. After, a physical and chemical analysis was carried out for the affluent as well as the effluent. Through the calculation of the effluent flow (2 l/s), it was determined that 0.115 m3 of water are used per box of packed banana produced. The results of the physical-chemical analysis exceeded the maximum permissible limit of the oils and fats parameter of 0.3 mg/l, with values of 11.2 mg/l of the effluent, and 24.8 mg/l of the affluent. Finally, a thick dynamic filtration system was designed in order to reduce the pollutant load of the effluent
Efectos del uso del suelo sobre la calidad del agua, en las captaciones ubicadas en la microcuenca del río Tabacay, pertenecientes a la empresa pública municipal de agua potable, alcantarillado y saneamiento ambiental del cantón Azogues
(2017) Sucuzhañay Guamán, Rubén Darío; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The present study analyzed how the use of soil (shrub vegetation and pasture) around the water abstraction of the municipal public company of potable water, sewage and environmental sanitation of the canton Azogues affects the quality of the water captured for its purification. Through the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) a map was generated that represents the degree of water erosion within the micro basin. Subsequently, extractions of USLE fragments were carried out for the areas near the catchments in order to establish the degree of erosion associated to the catchments and to determine the relevance of the erosion for each catchment. To determine the relationship between the different land uses and the decrease in the water quality that reaches the company's catchments, a variety of laboratory tests were used, an analysis of variance for each variable, a multivariate analysis and discriminant canonical analysis. When the USLE was related to the use and cover of soil around the catchments, it was determined that, in ravines that do not have an adequate degree of conservation, more erosion occurs. And since the Condoryacu stream is the most conserved within the micro-basin, the data of the physicochemical analyzes have lower levels. While the Llaucay creek has the largest pasture extension being a livestock area, high levels of total and fecal coliform concentrations are observed, thus exceeding the norm. In addition, a constant in all ravines is that the true color parameter exceeds what is stipulated in the regulation as a maximum limit. On the other hand, it can be ensured that within the micro-basin there are no erosion problems since most of its territory is in a mild or moderate category, according to the classification established by FAO in 1981. It is established that the variables that most influence the water quality of the micro watershed are: total and fecal coliforms, which are related to the use of soil of the entire ravine and not only to the surrounding area. The physicochemical and microbiological data used were obtained during the period from August 2015 to August 2016.
Eficiencia de los vermifiltros como tratamiento primario para la remoción de microplásticos en aguas residuales urbanas del cantón Cuenca
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-01) Albarracin Zeas, Mateo Andres; Sánchez Cabrera, Camila Fabiola; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a vermifiltration system for the reduction of microplastics (MPs) in urban wastewater, considering the Ucubamba Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in the Cuenca canton as the study area. For this purpose, a pilot vermifiltration system implementing the Eisenia fetida species was used, and its performance was compared with a biofilter without worms. Physicochemical parameters of the water were characterized before and after vermifiltration treatment, and microplastics were also identified and quantified by oxidative digestion, vacuum filtration, and microscopic observation. Regarding microplastics, particles belonging to polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyamide, thermoplastic polyester (#7), and chlorinated polyethylene were detected with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) equipment. Therefore, it is evident that the vermifilter achieved a significantly higher removal efficiency than the biofilter, reaching percentages greater than 60% in the reduction of microplastics. Furthermore, in the analysis of the physical and chemical parameters, improvements were observed in the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) parameters, reaching a percentage reduction of up to 72% and in total suspended solids with a reduction of 68%. In the statistical analysis of the physical and chemical parameters, significant differences were evident between the values of the influent and effluent, which supports the effectiveness of the vermifiltration system. Based on the results obtained and the statistical analyses developed, vermifiltration systems are considered to improve the quality of the treated water, thus contributing to minimizing the environmental impacts associated with effluent discharge.
Elaboración de un plan de gestión de residuos sólidos y estudio de los factores que inciden en la eficiencia y eficacia del plan en las Mecánicas-talleres MAGL y J. J. & Hijos
(2016) Jiménez Jiménez, Martha Azucena; Monroy Morocho, César Alejandro; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The generation of solid waste within the automotive mechanics today, has become one of the main difficult problems to handle and solve due to increased demand and vehicles, generating a negative environmental impact on both the workplace and in the city. For this reason, in several cities of Ecuador and the world it has proposed the implementation of different plans for solid waste management in this sector. This study is focused on the development of a Plan of Solid Waste Management, applied to two auto mechanics of the Cuenca city: J.J. & SON and MAGL, thereby performing an analysis of the factors affecting efficiency and effectiveness. The design and implementation of the Management Plan will allow to estimate the degree of environmental impact caused by the generation of waste in automotive mechanics, on the other hand will allow the optimization of resources, reduction of environmental impacts and pollution, improved the classification system, collection, transportation and disposal of waste and promote conservation of the environment around us.
Estandarización del coagulante tipo A en el módulo II de la Planta de Tratamiento de Agua Potable Tixán, mediante la elaboración de una curva de dosificación
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2023-08-29) Belduma Ochoa, Alex Santiago; Camposano Chica, Karla Adriana; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The objective of this study is to obtain the dosing curve of type A aluminum sulfate coagulant, for module II of the Tixán Drinking Water Treatment Plant. For this process, it was based on obtaining two dosing curves, the first with synthetic water and the second with raw water, made up of optimal dose vs. turbidity. The curves were obtained through statistical analysis in the Microsoft Excel program. In addition, the costs within the coagulation and flocculation process with the two types of aluminum sulfate (A and B) were analyzed, where it was obtained that the operating cost with type A aluminum sulfate coagulant is lower compared to aluminum sulfate. type B aluminum. The sampling, transport and conservation of the raw water samples were carried out under the NTE INEN 2176 and NTE INEN 2169 standards. Due to climatic fluctuations in the city of Cuenca during the months of January, February, March, April and Raw water samples with different turbidity values were taken in May. The synthetic water samples were prepared in the laboratory by mixing raw water with kaolin. The optimal doses of each of the water samples, both for the synthetic and for the raw, were found through jar tests, taking into account the initial and final values of pH, color and turbidity. These tests were developed in the laboratory of Environmental Analysis of the University of Cuenca.
Evaluación de la calidad de agua, mediante la aplicación del índice de calidad del agua NSF en la microcuenca del Guarango, parroquia Quingeo – Cuenca – Azuay
(2019-04-26) Farías Chuqui, María Belén; Guazhambo Albarracín, Santiago; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The watershed of the Guarango is located in the rural parish of Quingeo, 30 km from the city of Cuenca, its area is approximately 1495 ha, and within this are the communities of Punta Hacienda, Rumipamba and Quinzhaloma. As the first point of this study, a baseline of the watershed was drawn up in which social and environmental aspects are detailed, it also includes the analysis and determination of physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of water in the main river; taking into account 9 parameters: pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, phosphates, nitrates, total solids, temperature and fecal coliforms for comparison with the regulations and then the Water Quality Index of the National Sanitation Foundation (WQI – NSF) of the United States was calculated; for this, four monitoring campaigns were carried out between the months of November, December (2018) and January (2019), in four monitoring points located in the streams: Nonadel-Bayan, Rumipamba-Monjas, Guarango and river Salado. Then, environmental impacts were identified in the watershed, and a matrix of impact assessment was generated using the methodology developed by Conesa. The results obtained in the analysis of Water Quality Index in the watershed, show that the water quality is in a range of Good to Medium, in addition that the most significant environmental impacts in the study area were identified. Finally, prevention and mitigation projects are proposed for the environmental problems identified with the environmental assessment matrix in the Guarango watershed.
Evaluación de la eficiencia de absorción de vermifiltros para la remoción de ciprofloxacina
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-08) Bojorque Palacios, Juliana Marcela; Merchan Ordoñez, Karen Mabel; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The existence of pollutants whose consequences are not directly detectable poses an environmental crisis. These are known as emerging pollutants. Drugs are among them, such as ciprofloxacin (CIP). This drug is absorbed in the intestinal tract, where 40% to 50% is not metabolized and is excreted as feces and urine, reaching wastewater that is treated inefficiently and nonspecifically. Therefore, vermifiltration is proposed, a technology based on the removal of contaminants by Eisenia foetida worms due to their bioactivity, rapid acclimatization, high reproductive capacity, and survival. These worms consume the drug, transforming 60% into humus and using the rest in cellular processes. The objective of this research is to evaluate the absorption efficiency of this technology for the removal of ciprofloxacin from water. Two laboratory-scale filters were constructed, one with worms (vermicomposting filter) and the other called a control or blank filter, to make comparisons between the two objects. The study will be carried out with synthetic domestic wastewater containing 2 ppm of the drug. Using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a removal percentage of up to 97.99% of CIP was obtained, of which 3.5% was due to the effect of the worms, thus concluding that it is a viable method. However, further research is needed to explore greater results from the test organism.
Evaluación de la eficiencia de filtros de carbón activo a escala de laboratorio para la retención de microplásticos de aguas residuales
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-18) Muñoz Torres, Romel Gerardo; Quizhpilema Marin, Samantha Katherine; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
Microplastic pollution in water bodies poses a growing threat to both environmental and human health. This study evaluated the efficiency of laboratory-scale filters using activated carbon (AC) for the retention of microplastics in wastewater from the Ucubamba Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Cuenca, Ecuador. Three filter columns were designed with activated carbon bed heights of 20, 25, and 30 cm, each also composed of stratified layers of gravel and sand. The system operated under controlled conditions, including flow rate, hydraulic retention time, and sampling frequency. Samples obtained after membrane filtration, containing retained microplastics (MPs), were analyzed using rhodamine B staining, UV fluorescence, and optical microscopy, allowing for the quantification of initial concentrations ranging from 2.3 to 5.7 million MPs/L. After treatment, favorable microplastic removal percentages were achieved, with Filter 3 standing out for its 78.98% efficiency. This performance is attributed to optimal operational conditions: the greatest activated carbon bed height (30 cm) and extended contact time (2 hours). Subsequently, when comparing the efficiencies of the three types of activated carbon (vegetal, powdered, and granular) powdered activated carbon (PAC) exhibited the highest removal efficiency, reaching 80.08%. This result is associated with its finer structure, which enhances surface interaction and adsorption kinetics with microplastics.
Evaluación de la eficiencia de un vermifiltro como tratamiento secundario, aplicado en una vivienda de la parroquia Baños, para la remoción de amebas de aguas residuales domésticas y su posible uso en la agricultura
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2024-09-11) Vintimilla Durán, Aida Cristina; Zeas Flores, Lisseth Fernanda; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
In this study, a comparative evaluation of the efficiency of three systems for the elimination of contaminants and microorganisms was carried out, with emphasis on the removal of pathogenic amoebae. For this purpose, the performance of a filter without worms, a vermifilter with Eisenia fetida worms and 15 cm of coconut fiber, and another vermifilter with 30 cm of coconut fiber thickness were compared. These systems, installed in a single-family house in the parish of Baños in the city of Cuenca, achieved removals in BOD5 and COD (13.40% - 55.77%), NO3- (18.43% - 40.12%), NH4 + (17.62% - 60.22%), fecal coliforms (29.17% - 31.25%) and amoebae (29.94% - 70.42%), with the vermifilter with 30 cm of coconut fiber being the most efficient. However, parameters such as OD, EC, SDT, PO4 3- and NO2 - increased with respect to the influent. On the other hand, two laboratory-scale activated carbon filters were constructed with 25 cm and then 10 cm of vegetable and mineral carbon, as tertiary treatment. Total coliforms (14.12% - 38.67%), fecal coliforms (13.33% - 20%) and amoebae (47.12% - 62.89%) were removed, with the 10 cm charcoal filter standing out in the removal of amoebae. The persistence of coliforms and amoebae prevents the use of treated water for irrigation of hydroponic crops or any irrigation that involves direct contact with food or animal pastures. Therefore, a more efficient tertiary treatment or disinfection with chlorine is recommended.
Evaluación de la huella de agua por uso directo en la finca bananera “San Felipe”, cantón Pasaje, provincia El Oro
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2021-12-16) González Moreno, Voltaire Adrián; Panamito Reyes, Dunia Lisseth; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
Considering that less than 1% of the water present on the planet is for human consumption and that most of it is used for agricultural purposes, the care and management of water become the central axis to ensure its sustainability. Because of this problem and following what is promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), this research project proposes to evaluate the water footprint of a banana farm, considering the entire production chain, and to propose an alternative that minimizes the evaluated water footprint. To meet the research objectives, a 6,18-hectare farm located in the city of Pasaje, which produces organic bananas for export, was used as a scenario. The study followed the guidelines contemplated in the ISO 14046:2014 standard, which is based on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and contemplates the impact due to scarcity following the AWARE methodology, the impact due to eutrophication using the ReCiPe method, and the impact due to Ecotoxicity using the USEtox methodology. In addition, the methodological guide for the water and carbon footprint in banana production was published by FAO. The results generated by the project show that the San Felipe farm consumes 7,4 m3 and degrades 0,467 m3 of water per 18.14 Kg box of bananas for export. Regarding the impacts evaluated, the impact due to eutrophication was 0,00365 Kg of phosphorus equivalent (Kg P e), the impact due to Ecotoxicity was 22,475 PAF.m3 . day or CTUe, while the impact due to scarcity was 4,44 m3 equivalent, the latter being the greatest impact calculated in the banana farm. Therefore, a water treatment and recirculation system were proposed as a minimization strategy, which consists of a coarse dynamic filter that will reduce the organic load and water demand, which is expected to be a great contribution for future research in the banana sector.
Evaluación de las condiciones operacionales de la planta de tratamiento Quillosisa-Malapamba a través del análisis de la calidad del agua
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2022-07-18) Durán León, Iván Santiago; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
In this titling work, the quality of drinking water from the Quillosisa Malapamba treatment plant is evaluated, from which the inhabitants of the communities of Quillosisa, Malapamba, Patapata and San Nicolás belonging to Santa Isabel Province of Azuay benefit. The analysis of the physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of the water samples from points such as the collection of raw water inside the plant, the exit of the slow sand filtration system, the exit of the storage tank and homes was carried out with different distances from the water treatment plant that are supplied with the vital liquid. The results of the analyses performed were compared mainly with the regulations in force, which identify the maximum permissible limits established in INEN 1108 2020 and the Unified Text of Secondary Environmental Legislation (TULSMA) Book VI, Annex 1. In addition, descriptive statistics used in the calculation of the mean, standard deviation and confidence interval were applied, with the SPSS statistical program, in which ANOVA analysis was also performed on the parameters evaluated with respect to each drinking water treatment stage and supply in several homes to determine their statistically significant variation. Among the water parameters evaluated, the results of the physical analysis comply with the reference norms based on international standards, and with respect to the results of the chemical analysis, significant variations were found in residual chlorine, calcium hardness and magnesium hardness. The microbiological analysis showed variations outside the norms in the water samples analyzed. Thus, at the end of this investigation, it is concluded that there are parameters that exceed the levels established in the applied standards, and therefore the respective technical recommendations are established in order to improve the water treatment in this water treatment plant and obtain quality water that is suitable for human consumption
Evaluación de las propiedades antimicrobianas de hidrolatos de urtica dioica y eucalyptus globulus para la desinfección de aguas residuales provenientes de un vermifiltro
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2025-09-01) Quinde Quito, Cynthia Ximena; Toledo Medina, Jaira Tatiana; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
This study presents a comparative evaluation of the efficacy of hydrosols obtained from Urtica dioica (nettle) and Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) as a natural and sustainable alternative for the removal of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and amoebae present in domestic wastewater treated through a vermifiltration system. The hydrosols were obtained using the steam distillation extraction method. Six treatments with varying concentrations and contact times were tested, achieving removal efficiencies of 90 % to 100 % for total coliforms, 90 % to 100 % for fecal coliforms, and 85.71 % to 100 % for amoebae. The antimicrobial efficacy of the treatments was attributed to the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids, as supported by the literature review. The most effective treatments were T2, consisting of 70 % aqueous eucalyptus extract with a 3- hour contact time and a cost of USD 0.94; and T4, with 50 % aqueous eucalyptus extract and a 4-hour contact time at a cost of USD 0.91. Both treatments achieved 100 % removal of the target microorganisms, positioning them as the most viable and effective disinfection alternatives for the treatment of domestic wastewater.
Evaluación técnica del proceso de filtración rápida y cloración en la Planta de Tratamiento de Agua Tixán
(Universidad de Cuenca, 2022-07-18) Abad Durán, Daniela Isabel; Guaraca Vásquez, Jonnathan Edmundo; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth
The Tixán water treatment plant is a conventional type plant, which belongs to the ETAPA EP company, which is located in the Chiquintad parish of the Cuenca canton, with a maximum flow capacity of 1940 l / s in modules I and II, this plant, aims to supply a projected population of 549646 inhabitants, until the year 2045. The following work was carried out an evaluation of the rapid filtration and chlorination processes within the water treatment plant, to meet this objective the historical data was collected and analyzed of the plant belonging to the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, where the inlet flows will be considered in addition to the physical parameters of the water during the filtration and chlorination process, in order to quantify the performance of the filters belonging to the modules in operation of the plant, which is expressed as a percentage of removal, considering the factors that affect the clogging of each of the filters of the plant and verify the optimal dose of chlorine in each of the chlorination chambers using the residual chlorine data. To carry out the evaluation of the filters and the chlorination chambers, standardized procedures obtained from Manual III from (CEPIS), were established, the tests carried out were: Speed and filtration flow rate, Initial filtration quality, Turbidity of the filtered water, Duration of filtration strokes, Characteristics of the washing system, Duration of the washing process, Characteristics of the filter medium, Granulometry of the filter medium, Filter bed profile, Expansion of the filter bed, mud balls, characteristics of chlorination chambers.