Person:
Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel

Birth Date

1977-04-03

ORCID

0000-0001-9278-5738

Scopus Author ID

56511440200

Afiliación

Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
Universidad de Cuenca, Departamento de Química Aplicada y Sistemas de Producción, Cuenca, Ecuador
Universidad de Cuenca, Grupo de Evaluación de Riesgos Ambientales en Sistemas de Producción y Servicios (RISKEN), Cuenca, Ecuador

País

Ecuador

Organizational Units

Organizational Unit

Facultad de Ciencias Químicas

Fundada en 1955 como la Escuela de Química Industrial, la facultad ha sido un pilar fundamental en la formación de profesionales altamente capacitados, comprometidos con el desarrollo de la ciencia, la educación y el bienestar social. La Facultad de Ciencias Químicas pone a consideración su trabajo académico, investigativo y de vinculación con la sociedad, desarrollado a través de la práctica de una docencia de calidad, investigación e innovación en su área de estudio. Desde su oficio de conocimiento se permite contribuir a la sociedad con cuatro carreras: Bioquímica y Farmacia, Ingeniería Química, Ingeniería Ambiental e Ingeniería Industrial. Su carta de presentación en la Academia, la coloca como una dependencia dinámica, donde confluye la solidez de una trayectoria de más de sesenta años. Aquí se trabaja en una continua formación de pregrado y posgrado de la más alta calidad, mediante la mejora continua con la innovación y a la vanguardia de las ciencias químicas.

Job Title

Profesor (T)

Last Name

Avilés Añazco

First Name

Alex Manuel

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 25

The challenge of improving the efficiency of drinking water treatment systems in rural areas facing changes in the raw water quality
(2021) Sánchez Cordero, Esteban Remigio; Tonon Ordoñez, Maria Dolores; Valdiviezo González, Lorgio; García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel
Safely managed drinking water for all is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6.1. Achieving this goal is a challenge in rural areas. A strong partnership between users of a water treatment system was critical to the success of community-scale technological change. In this study, the efficiency of a water treatment system was evaluated after the implementation of a technological change in a rural area. This research was carried out in a community in Ecuador, which before the change in technology had a treatment system composed of gravel pre-filtration and slow filtration. This system did not guarantee adequate water quality, due to a notable increase in the color and turbidity levels of raw water; in addition to the growing demand for water in recent years. A new conventional treatment system was implemented consisting of: coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, rapid filtration and disinfection. All the modernization works were carried out on the same infrastructure that had served as gravel pre-filters. Before modernization, samples of raw water and treated water were collected for six months. After the changes carried out, samples of raw and treated water were also collected for another six months. The parameters analyzed were: turbidity, color, pH, total dissolved solids, residual chlorine, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, chlorides, alkalinity, total hardness and iron. The values of all the parameters analyzed improved after the modernization, indicating that the changes made in the treatment plant were successful. As a result, a conventional treatment to make water potable in rural areas has become a robust process that can operate within a wide range of water quality, improving the quality and quantity of drinking water.
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.
Probabilistic forecasting of drought events using Markov chain- and Bayesian network-based models: A case study of an Andean regulated river basin
(MDPI AG, 2016-01-01) Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; Célleri Alvear, Rolando Enrique
The scarcity of water resources in mountain areas can distort normal water application patterns with among other effects, a negative impact on water supply and river ecosystems. Knowing the probability of droughts might help to optimize a priori the planning and management of the water resources in general and of the Andean watersheds in particular. This study compares Markov chain- (MC) and Bayesian network- (BN) based models in drought forecasting using a recently developed drought index with respect to their capability to characterize different drought severity states. The copula functions were used to solve the BNs and the ranked probability skill score (RPSS) to evaluate the performance of the models. Monthly rainfall and streamflow data of the Chulco River basin, located in Southern Ecuador, were used to assess the performance of both approaches. Global evaluation results revealed that the MC-based models predict better wet and dry periods, and BN-based models generate slightly more accurately forecasts of the most severe droughts. However, evaluation of monthly results reveals that, for each month of the hydrological year, either the MC- or BN-based model provides better forecasts. The presented approach could be of assistance to water managers to ensure that timely decision-making on drought response is undertaken.
Evaluation of Markov Chain Based Drought Forecasts in an Andean Regulated River Basin Using the Skill Scores RPS and GMSS
(KLUWER ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS, 2015-01-01) Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; Célleri Alvear, Rolando Enrique
On behalf of the decision-makers of Andean regulated river basins a drought index was developed to predict the occurrence and extent of drought events. Two stochastic models, the Markov Chain First Order (MCFO) and the Markov Chain Second Order (MCSO) model, predicting the frequency of monthly droughts were applied and the performance checked using two skill scores, respectively the ranked probability score (RPS) and the Gandin-Murphy skill score (GMSS). Data of the Chulco River basin (3200–4300 m.a.s.l.), situated in the Ecuadorian southern Andes, were employed to test the performance of both models. Results indicate that events with greater drought severity were more accurately predicted. The study also revealed the importance of verifying the quality of the forecasts and to have an assessment of the likely performance of the forecasting models before adopting any model and accepting the resulting information for decision-making.
Integration of high-rate filtration using waste-derived biochar as a potential sustainable technology for drinking water supply
(2023) Barros Bermeo, Monica Estefania; García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Galarza Guaman, Andres Geovanny; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel
This research aimed to evaluate the efficiency of eucalyptus (E) and bamboo (B) residual biomass biochars as filter materials for drinking water treatment. The efficiencies of these two biochars in the rapid filtration process were evaluated using water (raw, flocculated and settled) at the rate of 120 m3/m2/d. Finding that bamboo biochar manufactured under a slow pyrolysis process "b" (Bb) had the best performance. Subsequently, Bb was evaluated with three different granulometries, and it was found that the effective size with the best performance was the finest (0.6–1.18 mm). Subsequently, this biochar was compared with conventional filter materials such as gravel, sand and anthracite, using different types of water (raw, flocculated and settled) and at different filtration rates (120 and 240 m3/m2/d), and it was found that the filter material with the best performance was precisely biochar, with average removal efficiencies of 64.37% turbidity and 45.08% colour for raw water; 93.9% turbidity and 90.75% colour for flocculated water, and 80.79% turbidity and 69.03% colour for settled water. The efficiency using simple beds of sand, biochar, anthracite and gravel at the rate of 180 m3/m2/d was 75.9% copper, 90.72% aluminium, 95.7% iron, 10.9% nitrates, 94.3% total coliforms and 88.9% fecal coliforms. The efficiencies achieved by biochar were higher compared to those of conventional filter materials. It was also found that biochar contributes to improving the performance of sand and anthracite in mixed beds. Additionally, it was possible to demonstrate that the volume of washing water required for the biochar is lower compared to the other filter beds. Finally, it is recommended to carry out more tests for the purification of water with biochars from rural areas affected by the mining and oil exploitation, as well as the purification of seawater with biochars from coastal areas with residues from dry forests and organic residues from municipalities. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]
Evaluation of the water quality of a high Andean lake using different quantitative approaches
(2023) Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Loja Suco, Pablo Andres; Siguenza Jeton, Christopher Napoleon
This study assessed a high Andean lake’s trophic state and water quality using methodologies with eutrophication and water quality indexes. Water samples were collected at six points in the lake, with a monthly frequency, for three winter and three summer months. Dissolved oxygen, pH, phosphates, nitrates, transparency, chlorophyll-a, fecal coliforms, biological oxygen demand (BOD), temperature, and turbidity were determined at each point. The trophic state of the lake was categorized by applying the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) eutrophication index, Carlson’s trophic state index (CTSI) and trophic index (TRIX). In addition, National Sanitation Foundation water quality index (NSF-WQI), Canadian Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) and Oregon Water Quality Index (OWQI) were used to evaluate water quality. Results indicated that the lake had a high level of eutrophication, suggesting an excessive accumulation of nutrients in the water. CTSI and TRIX index showed that the lake was in a hyper-eutrophic state, while according to the OECD methodology, the trophic state related to phosphorus and transparency was hypereutrophic, and according to chlorophyll, it varied from mesotrophic to eutrophic. The NSF index classified the lake with average quality, the CCME index indicated fair water quality, and the OWQI classified it as very poor. Therefore, the water quality of the high andean lake assessed by eutrophication and water quality indexes presented significant differences based on physicochemical characteristics. The human influence was identified as the main cause of eutrophication, including tourism and agriculture. These results suggest that measures should be taken to reduce human activity in the area and control pollution in the lake.
Integrated methodological framework for assessing the risk of failure in water supply incorporating drought forecasts. Case study: andean regulated river basin
(2018) Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; Solera Solera, Abel; Paredes Arquiola,, Javier; Pedro Monzonís, María
Hydroclimatic drought conditions can affect the hydrological services offered by mountain river basins causing severe impacts on the population, becoming a challenge for water resource managers in Andean river basins. This study proposes an integrated methodological framework for assessing the risk of failure in water supply, incorporating probabilistic drought forecasts, which assists in making decisions regarding the satisfaction of consumptive, non-consumptive and environmental requirements under water scarcity conditions. Monte Carlo simulation was used to assess the risk of failure in multiple stochastic scenarios, which incorporate probabilistic forecasts of drought events based on a Markov chains (MC) model using a recently developed drought index (DI). This methodology was tested in the Machangara river basin located in the south of Ecuador. Results were grouped in integrated satisfaction indexes of the system (DSIG). They demonstrated that the incorporation of probabilistic drought forecasts could better target the projections of simulation scenarios, with a view of obtaining realistic situations instead of optimistic projections that would lead to riskier decisions. Moreover, they contribute to more effective results in order to propose multiple alternatives for prevention and/or mitigation under drought conditions.
Evaluation of on-Site Sanitation Systems: Efficiency of Baffled Septic Tanks
(2023) Plaza Leon, Pablo Alejandro; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Caraguay Palacios, Cesar Augusto
Domestic wastewater from homes without sewerage is discharged directly into the ground, rivers or streams, which generates health and pollution problems. Septic tanks are used as an on-site treatment by a significant fraction of the world's population. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of domestic wastewater treatment using septic tanks with baffles implemented in rural households. The septic tanks were built and evaluated as part of a research project, focused on decentralized domestic wastewater treatment systems at the rural level. The septic tanks operated with detention times of 4.44; 2.67 and 1.90 days. The data was obtained through five monitoring campaigns with a fortnightly frequency, taking water samples at the entrance and exit of each septic tank. After sample collection, concentration levels of BOD5, COD, total suspended solids (TSS), nitrates, and phosphates were determined according to Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. A BOD5 removal of 31.28±8.69%, COD removal of 30.52±7.89%, TSS removal of 39.39±11.90% was obtained, while there was an increase in nitrates of 41.41±3.85% and an increase in phosphates of 46.89± 36.77%. The removal values were affected by the retention time and the initial concentration of the parameters. The data could be useful in designing and operating on-site septic tanks, characterizing strictly domestic contamination, as well as incorporating them into future research or innovations related to single-family homes. Likewise, these data could be entered into the databases used for the evaluation of septic tanks with baffles.
Support vector regression to downscaling climate big data: an application for precipitation and temperature future projection assessment
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020, 2020) Jimenez Yucta, Stalin Daniel; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; Galan Montero, Luciano Agustin; Flores Maza, Washington Andrés; Matovelle Bustos, Carlos Marcelo; Vintimilla Ulloa, Cristian Arturo
The techniques for downscaling climatic variables are essential to support tools for water resources planning and management in a climate change context in the entire world. Support vector machines (SVM) through regression approach (SVR), constitute an artificial intelligence method to downscaling climatic variables. Since that statistical downscaling based on regression methodologies is susceptible to the predictor variables, the aim of this study was exploring a big database of predictor variables to achieve the best performance of a statistical downscaling model using SVR to predict precipitation and temperature future projections. Data from regional climate models of Ecuador and information of three meteorological stations was used to apply this approach in the Tomebamba river sub-basin, located in southern Ecuadorian Andean region. The results show that the downscaling model has a better performance with the climatic averages. The precipitation extremes do not estimate in a good manner, but the model achieves an effective behavior with the temperature extremes values. These results could serve to improve water balance projections in the future for formulating suitable measures for climate change decision-making.
Vertical tubular flocculator: alternative technology for the improvement of drinking water treatment processes in rural areas
(2023) Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Tenesaca Pintado, Darwin Adrian; Guanuchi Quito, Alexandra Elizabeth; Tonon Ordoñez, Maria Dolores; Novoa Zamora, Carlos Francisco
The guarantee of access to safe drinking water for rural communities is a great challenge due to the increase in contamination and deterioration of water sources. Rural areas face technological, financial, and operational limitations, having poor water quality, generally. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a vertical tubular flocculator (VTF) to be used as part of the purification process in rural areas where small flows are used. An experimental treatment system (ETS) implemented in the field was used. The VTF was implemented using PVC pipes and fittings. Tests were carried out with the same raw water used from a conventional treatment plant with aluminum sulfate as a coagulant. The optimal coagulant dose applied in the ETS was determined by the jar test. In the VTF, the length, turbidity, and flow of the raw water were varied. The hydraulic behaviour of the VTF was evaluated with the analysis of the time distribution curve of concentration of a tracer applying the Wolf-Resnick model. A low residence time VTF was obtained, representing a new efficient flocculation model for the reduction of turbidity and colour. The results showed that the turbidity of the raw water, the residence time, and the degree of agitation are important parameters in the operation and efficiency of a VTF. There was a predominance of plug flow in the reactor. The obtained results were compared with the efficiency of a conventional water treatment plant used in the study site. The results obtained indicated that this ETS that integrates a VTF with settling and filtration can be a useful tool for rural areas. It was recommended to replicate this study with wastewater, other dimensions of the VTF, to establish a specific methodology for the design of the VTF, to evaluate the dosage with dose bombs for improving the results of VTF, and to elaborate a hydraulic model for VTF