Design of an Artificial Wetland for the Treatment of Wastewater Generated in the Lower Zone of Belen in Iquitos-Peru

Abstract

The purpose of this research is the design of an artificial wetland to treat wastewater generated in the lower Belen area, city of Iquitos. The purpose of this research is applied, non-experimental. Eight water sampling points of the Itaya river section in the lower Belen area were considered, and an artificial wetland of subsurface flow type with vertical orientation was selected as the best option for a population equivalent to 0.9 inhabitants and a surface area of 2.25 m2 divided into two cells of equal size. The performance of the designed wetland was estimated to be able to control thermotolerant coliforms in a range of 33 to 790 NMP/100 ml, placing the result below the legal limit (2000 NMP/100 ml). It was observed that the water consumed by the communities located in this sector is affected by the accumulation of solid waste, abandoned boats, and mainly by the untreated discharge of wastewater from domestic, municipal, and even industrial sources. Among the main results, it was determined that the physical and chemical parameters were within the limits established by MINAM and the biological variable thermotolerant coliforms exceeded the permissible limit from a minimum of 3300 NMP/100 ml up to 79000 NMP/ml 100. The value lies in guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of the system through awareness talks, a wetland operation and maintenance guide, making known the importance and benefit of the system and offering tools to guarantee its operation.

Keywords: Artificial wetland, water treatment, wastewater, vertical flow