Evaluación de la eficacia combinada de Eichhornia crassipes y Salvinia natans para descontaminar el agua de descarga de la PTAR Artezón-Píllaro mediante fitorremediación

Abstract

Wastewater from the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) contains organic compounds, salts, and heavy metals that pose an environmental threat when released without complying with the TULSMA regulations. This affects water quality and aquatic life, necessitating an efficient phytoremediation system for its decontamination. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytoremediation system using combinations of E. crassipes and S. natans to decontaminate wastewater. The methodology included an experimental phase with different proportions of E. crassipes and S. natans in 25 liters of water. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters were characterized at 0, 7, 15, 30, and 45 days using oxitop methods, gravimetry, and adapted Hanna protocols based on the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The results demonstrated that combinations of E. crassipes and S. natans achieved high contaminant removal rates, including percentages of 97.5 COD, 97.88 BOD, 99.47 ammoniacal nitrogen, 98.82 total phosphorus, 93.99 surfactants, 82.68-93.85 total solids, 64.19 color, 64.76 conductivity, 98.68 turbidity, 99.60 copper, 92.30 aluminum, 79.67 chromium, 99.57 total nitrogen, 80 oils and greases, and 95.24 fecal coliforms. The application of the wastewater treatment system will enable the WWTP waters to comply with regulations. This work demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a natural and sustainable approach to wastewater decontamination, contributing to improved water quality and ecosystem protection.