Desempeño de humedales artificiales estructurados en invernadero para el tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticas en la parroquia Baños

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance of structured horizontal flow constructed wetlands in a greenhouse for the treatment of domestic wastewater in the Baños parish, city of Cuenca. A greenhouse was implemented over an artificial wetland, and the efficiency of contaminant removal was compared between the system with a greenhouse and one without it. Additionally, the effect of anthuriums on contaminant removal under both conditions was analyzed.The results showed that the wetland without a greenhouse achieved a removal of suspended solids of 49.89% and BOD5 of 72.96%, although it presented limitations in the removal of COD and phosphates. In contrast, the wetland with a greenhouse reached high efficiency in the elimination of BOD5 (86.63%), but showed weaknesses in the removal of suspended solids and ammoniacal nitrogen. The use of anthuriums improved the removal of suspended solids (69.98%) and nitrates (89.5%), although low removal of BOD5 and issues with nitrification were evident. Statistical tests indicated that for most parameters, there were no significant differences when comparing the treatment stages. Despite the challenges faced by the anthuriums, the controlled environment of the greenhouse favored their adaptation, ensuring adequate development. Overall, the effluents from the wetland met the permissible limits established by the TULSMA regulations, suggesting that structured greenhouse constructed wetlands can be a viable solution for wastewater treatment in the region.