Evaluación y propuesta de rediseño de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales El Chorro de la parroquia de Santa Ana, Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

The proper management of wastewater is crucial to prevent environmental pollution and the spread of infectious diseases. In this regard, wastewater treatment plants are essential for treating wastewater before returning it to the environment. In the specific case of the rural community of Santa Ana in Cuenca, Ecuador, El Chorro wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is responsible for treating the wastewater generated by the rural community. Despite the work carried out by the public sanitation company, ETAPA EP, there has been a deterioration in the operation and management of decentralized systems over time. This thesis presents an assessment and redesign proposal for the El Chorro WWTP. The results of the thesis work indicated that the El Chorro WWTP does not meet the maximum allowable limits for certain contaminants, mainly due to the absence of a preliminary and tertiary treatment system, as well as significant inflow of illicit water and infiltration into the sewerage network. Therefore, redesign alternatives for the treatment train were proposed, focusing on environmental and economic sustainability, with the aim of improving contaminant removal efficiency, as well as the overall configuration and operation of the plant.