Análisis de los principales sistemas biológicos de tratamiento de aguas residuales domésticas en Colombia

Abstract

Some developing countries do not have efficient wastewater treatment systems, either because of economic problems or limited knowledge of viable low-cost alternatives despite it is an option to improve water quality. This document presents a review, which analyzes different wastewater treatment plants in Colombia. The aim is to identify the evolution of these technologies and possible alternatives, processes of removal, costs, and feasibility regarding the operation. The analysis shows that in Colombia, the common treatments are activated sludge, stabilization ponds, and artificial wetlands. Most of these treatments achieve 80% removal of Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, and Suspended Solids. If these procedures are used together, the percentage of efficiencies will be higher than 90%, highlighting the economic viability of biological processes. Additionally, the study evidences the relevance of improving wastewater treatment systems to minimize pollution in surface and groundwater, considering that only about 30% of the total wastewater generated or received by the sewage systems is being intervened.