Affiliation:
1. a Centro de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Civil y Ambiental, Universidad Privada Boliviana, Juan Pablo II Av. and Víctor Ustariz Av., Cochabamba 3967, Bolivia
2. b Fundación Aguatuya, Nicolás Ortiz No. 33 St., Cochabamba, Bolivia
3. c Centro de Investigaciones en Procesos Industriales, Universidad Privada Boliviana, Juan Pablo II Av. and Víctor Ustariz Av., Cochabamba 3967, Bolivia
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study comprehensively evaluates four wastewater treatment plants intended for agricultural reuse in a semi-arid low-moderate temperature region. It considers environmental, technical, economic, and social perspectives. Anaerobic baffled reactors with hybrid gravel filters (ABR + HGF + VGF) proved the most efficient, with moderate requirements in space, O&M, and energy, albeit the highest treatment cost. Up-flow sludge blanket reactor with activated sludge (UASB + AS) demonstrated high efficiency and compactness, with moderate treatment costs. However, it incurred high energy demands, complex O&M, and more sludge generation. UASB with horizontal gravel filter (UASB + HGF) was among the most land-intensive systems, with moderate costs and O&M requirements, and low energy consumption. However, it fell short of meeting certain environmental criteria. ABR with stabilization ponds (ABR + PONDS) emerged as the most economical, with low energy consumption, but was also among the most land-intensive and failed to achieve adequate effluent quality. Socially, all WWTPs were well accepted for agricultural reuse benefits. In terms of odor perception, UASB + AS and ABR + HGF + VGF exhibit the lowest impact. The Most Appropriate Treatment Technology Index ranked ABR + HGF + VGF and UASB + AS as adequate technologies, while UASB + HGF and ABR + PONDS were poorly adequate. The study recommends a four-dimensional assessment for selecting the most suitable technology, considering the specific context.
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