Evaluation of the Increase in Initial Biodegradability of Domestic Wastewater with Industrial Pollutant Loads for its Treatability in Conventional Treatment Plants (Phase 1)

This project addresses the challenge of increasing wastewater contamination in Ecuador, characterized by the presence of priority and refractory compounds exhibiting high toxicity and poor treatability in conventional systems. The main objective is to enhance the biodegradability of these effluents, specifically by increasing the BOD5/COD ratio and reducing the Total Organic Carbon (TOC). The proposed solution focuses on implementing Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), utilizing the Fenton method. The initial experimental methodology involves physicochemical characterization of the wastewater (BOD5, COD, TOC, pH, turbidity). The Fenton process requires medium acidification, recommending the use of sulfuric acid to maintain the pH within an optimal range (2, 3, or 4) to prevent reagent precipitation. The reaction will be optimized by controlled mixing of ferrous sulfate and hydrogen peroxide, monitoring soluble COD and TOC at regular intervals to determine the appropriate reaction time. Additionally, a preliminary coagulation step using ferric chloride is included to evaluate its performance in contaminant removal.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To improve the biodegradability conditions of wastewater by increasing the BOD5/COD ratio and decreasing the TOC, enabling the effluent to be treated in a conventional infrastructure system.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Solid waste and optimization of renewable energies