Evaluación de la eficiencia de un sistema de electrocoagulación en los vertimientos de curtiembres en el sector de Villapinzón (Cundinamarca)

Abstract

This article presents the analysis of the shedding of tanneries in Villapinzón (Cundinamarca, Colombia) and proposes an electrocoagulation system for the minimization of pollutants (mainly heavy metals) discharged directly to the bodies of water. Direct discharges to the Bogotá River (Villapinzón-Chocontá section) without prior treatment generate effects on the quality of water bodies, in addition to affecting the health of the population. Therefore, for this study, the current state of the discharges in the Bogotá River was diagnosed. Additionally, an information search was conducted on the electrocoagulation process. This search served as the basis for the design and implementation of the laboratory-scale electrocoagulator model with the samples of the shedding of a tannery in the sector to be analyzed. After the implementation of the system, the following removal percentages are obtained: Cr (52.8%), cod (36%), nitrites (99.6%), nitrates (99.4%), sulfates (92.9%) and phosphates (99.1%). These parameters were evaluated in accordance with current regulations (Resolution 0631 of 2015 of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development) and agreement 08 of 2004 by the car, where 6 out of 10 parameters were adjusted to the regulations. Thus, it is concluded that the electrocoagulation system is a viable alternative as an unconventional treatment for the treatment of tannery industrial wastewater, thus contributing to the reduction of the impacts generated to the upper Bogotá River basin.