Evaluación de las propiedades antimicrobianas de hidrolatos de urtica dioica y eucalyptus globulus para la desinfección de aguas residuales provenientes de un vermifiltro

Abstract

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.