Biorremediación de aguas contaminadas del Río Tarqui a través del consorcio de microorganismos en humedales artificiales

Abstract

Artificial wetlands are systems capable of removing pollutants through biological and physicochemical processes. This project aims to determine the potential of microorganisms in bioremediation, characterize their growth in the proposed system, and assess the feasibility of using free-flowing wetlands as a bioremediation technique. It was carried out at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Cuenca, using water directly from the Tarqui River. Bioremediation is enhanced by the selection and manipulation of microalgae such as Chlorella sp. Factors such as light, temperature, pH, and nutrients influence the growth of microorganisms. Sunlight is essential for microalgae, while optimal temperature and pH are necessary for their proper growth. The results of the treated water were evaluated through physicochemical parameters such as turbidity, electrical conductivity, OD, TDS, COD, BOD, NT, and PT concentrations, which determine if the water is treated. Biomass growth was assessed using the turbidity method of treated water compared to inlet water to the wetland. The results demonstrated high nitrogen removal and a significant difference in biomass growth at the end of the experiment. This underscores the importance of monitoring and managing nitrogen levels in bodies of water to ensure their quality. Overall, the results indicate that artificial wetlands, especially with the use of microalgae, have the capacity to effectively treat contaminated waters