Small Wastewater Treatment Plant Using Activated Sludge Technology in SBR Configuration for Small Populations (Phase 2)

This project addresses the sanitation crisis in rural Ecuadorian communities, where the lack of centralized infrastructure and the high costs of conventional systems hinder proper wastewater treatment. The research proposes the design and construction of a pilot micro-plant based on activated sludge technology in an SBR (Sequencing Batch Reactor) configuration, which stands out for its efficiency, low operating costs, and ease of implementation in low-flow areas. The transdisciplinary approach integrates a statistical survey of pollutant loads in the Cayambe-Ayora region with the technical design of a prototype installed at the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) laboratories. The system utilizes a 1 m³ IBC tank to optimize space and economic resources. Expected outcomes include the technical validation of the prototype, the generation of scientific knowledge regarding domestic wastewater treatment, and the creation of a pre-professional practice space for Environmental Engineering students. The project's impact focuses on providing a dignified and sustainable solution for rural sanitation, directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6) and reducing direct pollution of local water bodies.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>Develop a low-cost wastewater treatment plant prototype using activated sludge technology in an SBR configuration for rural communities. The project aims to facilitate efficient and accessible sanitation in areas with limited infrastructure.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and biological interrelationships