Evaluation of the performance of the wastewater treatment plant in a community in the province of Cotopaxi

Abstract

The objective of this experimental study was to analyze the performance of the wastewater treatment plant located on the bank of a river in the province of Cotopaxi, Ecuador. To begin the evaluation, essential information was collected such as the socioeconomic activity of the community, the location and size of the plant, the population served, and the available treatment units, among other data. Field work was then carried out, which included measuring the treatment units and the inflow and outflow using the volumetric method to identify the time of highest demand. Samples were taken, whose laboratory analysis revealed that some physicochemical parameters did not comply with the standards established by TULSMA (Unified Text of Secondary Environmental Legislation) for discharges into freshwater bodies, especially in the levels of surfactants and actual color. With all the information gathered and the theoretical calculations for sizing the treatment units performed, it was concluded that the FAFA (Ascending Flow Anaerobic Filter) system was not working properly and that there were cracks in the septic tank.