Evaluación de especies vegetales nativas implementadas en un sistema de humedales artificiales de flujo vertical para el tratamiento aguas residuales domésticas

Abstract

In this study, the ability of native plant species to treat wastewater in vertical flow artificial wetlands was assessed, with a focus on determining their feasibility for phytoremediation and their agronomic potential. Amaranthus spp., Chenopodium quinoa, and Canna indica were planted in pilot wetlands located at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Ucubamba, Cuenca, Ecuador. Employing a randomized block design, parameters such as height, diameter, leaf area, biomass, and root length were analyzed, along with nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn) in plant tissue. Additionally, characteristics of treated wastewater, including pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, nitrites, nitrates, ammoniacal nitrogen, free phosphorus, total phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), were evaluated. Statistical tests were conducted to analyze differences between species cultivated in wastewater-fed wetlands and those fed with potable water. The results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) between species in wastewater and potable water wetlands. Variations in contaminant removal and nutrient absorption were also observed during the two phenological phases. Chenopodium quinoa and Canna indica demonstrated superior performance in removing contaminants from wastewater and exhibited greater adaptability in the studied wetlands compared to Amaranthus spp. Consequently, these species were identified as highly efficient candidates for implementation in wastewater treatment systems and agricultural utilization.