Wastewater Treatment Using Green Filters Systems in a Small Urban Area for a Reforestation Pilot Plan

Wastewater treatment is a responsible practice in administrating and managing water resources in populated areas. In Libertador Bolivar (Ecuador), due to the overload of the water treatment system, the wastewater disposal capacity constitutes a threat to both soils and water bodies in the surroundings, as well as the use of unconventional treatment systems (e.g. green filters), based on solutions inspired by nature constitutes a valuable resource to avoid environmental degradation in the area. This study aims to reuse wastewater from stabilization ponds, using green filters to use their nutrients, promoting reforestation in a circular economy. The results showed an average elimination of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) of 87.11%, while the removal of coliforms does so at 87.23%, at a depth of 90 cm. Based on these results, the system complies with Ecuadorian environmental regulations regarding the quality of water resources. Additionally, from an economic standpoint, the system is feasible for the community with a significantly low annual cost per inhabitant (8 US Dollars). Finally, the pilot system of green filters substantially reduced the pathogenic microorganisms of the stabilization ponds, considering a usable resource for reforestation with endemic species of the area and promoting the circular economy.