Person:
García Ávila, Fausto Fernando

Birth Date

1978-07-10

ORCID

0000-0002-9274-9769

Scopus Author ID

57708500100

Afiliación

Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
Universidad de Cuenca, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, 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

García Ávila

First Name

Fausto Fernando

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 23

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.
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.
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.
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
Modeling of residual chlorine in a drinking water network in times of pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
(2021) García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; Ordoñez Jara, Juan Andres; Guanuchi Quezada, Christian Marcelo; Flores del Pino, Lisveth; Ramos Fernández, Lía
Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease there is a need for public water supply of the highest quality. Adequate levels of chlorine allow immediate elimination of harmful bacteria and viruses and provide a protective residual throughout the drinking water distribution network (DWDN). Therefore, a residual chlorine decay model was developed to predict chlorine levels in a real drinking water distribution network. The model allowed determining human exposure to drinking water with a deficit of residual chlorine, considering that it is currently necessary for the population to have clean water to combat coronavirus Covid 19. The chlorine bulk decay rates (kb) and the reaction constant of chlorine with the pipe wall (kw) were experimentally determined. Average kb and kw values of 3.7 d− 1 and 0.066m d− 1 were obtained, respectively. The values of kb and kw were used in EPANET to simulate the chlorine concentrations in a DWDN. The residual chlorine concentrations simulated by the properly calibrated and validated model were notably close to the actual concentrations measured at different points of the DWDN. The results showed that maintaining a chlorine concentration of 0.87 mg L− 1 in the distribution tank, the residual chlorine values in the nodes complied with the cuadorian standard (0.3 mg L− 1); meanwhile, about 45% of the nodes did not comply with what is recommended by the WHO as a mechanism to combat the current pandemic (0.5 mg L− 1). This study demonstrated that residual chlorine modeling is a valuable tool for monitoring water quality in the distribution network, allowing to control residual chlorine levels in this pandemic season.
Performance of Phragmites Australis and Cyperus Papyrus in the treatment of municipal wastewater by vertical flow subsurface constructed wetlands
(2019) Avilés Añazco, Alex Manuel; García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Zhinin Chimbo, Fanny Lucia; Donoso Moscoso, Silvana Patricia; Flores del Pino, Lisveth; Patiño Chavez, Jhanina Fabiola
The use of constructed wetlands to treat municipal wastewater reduces energy consumption and therefore economic costs, as well as reduces environmental pollution. The purpose of this study was to compare the purification capacity of domestic wastewater using two species of plants sown in subsurface constructed wetlands with vertical flow built on a small scale that received municipal wastewater with primary treatment. The species used were Phragmites Australis and Cyperus Papyrus. For this purpose, a constant flow of 0.6 m3 day−1 was fed from the primary lagoon to each of the two wetlands built on a pilot scale with continuous flow. Each unit was filled with granite gravel in the lower part and with silicic sand in the upper part of different granulometry, the porosity of the medium was 0.34, with a retention time of 1.12 days and a hydraulic load rate of 0.2 m day−1. To analyze the purification capacity of wastewater, physical, chemical and biological parameters were monitored during three months. Samples were taken at the entrance and exit in each experimental unit. The results obtained in the experimental tests for the two species of plants, indicated that the Cyperus Papyrus presented a greater capacity of pollutants removal as biochemical oxygen demand (80.69%), chemical oxygen demand (69.87%), ammoniacal nitrogen (69.69%), total phosphorus (50%), total coliforms (98.08%) and fecal coliforms (95.61%). In the case of Phragmites Australis retains more solids. The species with greater efficiency in the treatment of municipal wastewater for this study was Cyperus Papyrus. Keywords: Constructed wetland, Fitorremediacion, Macrophytes, Nutrients, Wastewater treatment
Effect of residual chlorine on copper pipes in drinking water systems
(2019) Flores del Pino, Lisveth; Vazquez Garcia, Sandra Elizabeth; Sánchez Alvarracín, Carlos Mauricio; García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Garcia Altamirano, Diana Catalina; Zhindón Arévalo, César; Bonifaz Barba, Gabriel Alejandro; Ramos Fernández, Lia
© 2019 Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology. Copper pipes corrosion that transport potable water can deteriorate water quality within a distribution system, releasing high copper amounts, exceeding the maximum concentration copper for potable water standards. This study examines the influence of free chlorine on the leaching of copper in the pipes used for the distribution of drinking water. A series of tests was carried out using corrosion test coupons extractable constructed of copper material. The coupons were installed in units containing filtered water (without chlorine, 0 mg/L) and water treated with an average residual chlorine concentration of 0.85 mg/L in the water treatment plant in Azogues city, Ecuador. A corrosion test rack was also installed in a house with an average residual chlorine concentration of 0.37 mg/L. Coupons in these sites were exposed in duplicate for one, two, three and six months. The corrosion coupons were then extracted and weighed to establish the corrosion rate by gravimetric technique. Additional tests were performed in static immersion laboratory tests using drinking water with chlorine concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 5 mg/L for one month. The weight loss tests indicated that an increase in free chlorine concentration, the greater release of copper and therefore a higher corrosion rate.
Evaluation of water quality and stability in the drinking water distribution network in the Azogues city, Ecuador
(2018) García Ávila, Fausto Fernando; Ramos Fernández, Lía; Pauta Novillo, Alex Damian; Quezada Sisalima, Diego Armando
This document presents the physical-chemical parameters with the objective of evaluating and analyzing the drinking water quality in the Azogues city applying the water quality index (WQI) and to research the water stability in the distribution network using corrosion indexes. Thirty samples were collected monthly for six months throughout the drinking water distribution network; turbidity, temperature, electric conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, alkalinity, chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and phosphates were determined; the physical-chemical parameters were measured using standard methods. The processed data revealed that the average values of LSI, RSI and PSI were 0.5 (± 0.34), 6.76 (± 0.6), 6.50 (± 0.99) respectively. The WQI calculation indicated that 100% of the samples are considered excellent quality water. According to the Langelier, Ryznar and Pukorius indexes showed that drinking water in Azogues is corrosive. The quality of drinking water according to the WQI is in a good and excellent category.