Evaluación del comportamiento del biorreactor de la Ptar Quitumbe, en función del fraccionamiento de Dqo y material nitrogenado, considerando como variable controlada la edad del lodo

Abstract

The rapid demographic expansion in the southern region of Quito, driven by the pursuit of material prosperity, has resulted in increased production of wastewater, which is often discharged into water bodies, leading to a significant deterioration in water quality. Currently, Quito has only one wastewater treatment plant located in Quitumbe. In this context, the characterization of wastewater is widely accepted as a crucial step that provides the necessary data for obtaining reliable information and making appropriate operational decisions. In light of this problem, the current study seeks to examine the performance of the bioreactor in the Quitumbe WWTP in relation to the fractionation of COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and nitrogenous material, taking into account the sludge age as a controlled variable. To carry out this research, wastewater Samples were gathered throughout the month of March, on Fridays at 12:00 p.m., both at the influent and effluent points of the bioreactor. The results revealed that the dominant fraction was the slowly biodegradable COD (XS), and removal efficiencies of biodegradable COD and ammonia nitrogen of 95% and 93% were achieved, respectively, demonstrating the wastewater's biodegradation capacity. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the nitrification process was incomplete, and a sludge retention time of 20 days was observed. This study provides a solid foundation for improving the operational management of the Quitumbe WWTP.