Aplicación de un humedal artificial a escala piloto para el tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticas en una planta de beneficio minera

Abstract

The principal objective of the research is to implement an artificial wetland system for the treatment of domestic wastewater at a mining processing plant. The plant species Phragmites australis was selected. The wetland design is based on mathematical equations that take into account variables such as flow rate, contaminant concentration, reaction constant, and granular medium porosity. To evaluate the efficiency of the system, the wastewater was characterized before treatment, obtaining values of 1550 mg/l of COD, 408 mg/l of BOD5, and 1,600,000 NMP/100 ml of fecal coliforms, exceeding the maximum permissible limits. The results of the experiment showed removal efficiencies of 96%, 97%, and 98% for BOD5, Fecal coliforms and COD, respectively. The percentages indicate acceptable purification capacity; however, the final fecal coliform value (46,000 MPN/100 ml) is not within the range permitted by regulations. Therefore, it is necessary to apply an adequate primary treatment to reduce the concentration of contaminants and ensure the proper functioning of the wetland.