REMOVAL CAPACITY OF CHLOROPHYTE ALGAE UNDER CRITICAL NUTRIENT CONDITIONS IN WASTEWATER FROM PERCOLATING FILTERS

Abstract

The present article shows the levels of removal of nitrites, nitrates, phosphate and ammonium that can be achieved by means of the use of seaweed clorofitas (Microsistis Sp, Chlorella Sp, Closteriopsis and Sphaerocystis) when the levels of initial nutrients are in critical conditions (maximum and minimal values), in waste water originated from the exit of the filter percolador of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. In the experimental phase alterations realized to maxima and minimums of nutrients produced by the plant then monitorear the efficiency of removal the same to 12 days of natural growth of the seaweed in the samples to the being these exposed to the solar radiation. The ammonium removal was given in 25. 55 %, that is to say of 17.50 mg/l to 13. 03 mg/l have maximum level. In case of the phosphate the decrease was 19.00 mg/l to 8. 53 mg/l or 55. 1 % in minimal levels whiles the samples at maximum levels the reduction was 204.00 mg/l to 155. 89 mg/l, that is to say a reduction of 23.58 %. In the same way a reduction is achieved in both limits for the case of the Nitrate, the values come down of 116.00 mg/l to 53.64 mg/l equivalently to 53.76 % of removal when the concentration is maximum while when it presents the alone low concentration limit it removes 44. 78% decrease 76.00% to 41.97%. The Nitrites present a reduction of 56.78 % that is to say of 1.55 mg/l to 0.67 mg/l when this nutrient presents concentration levels maximum. This article is an investigation realized with demonstrative purpose of a system of treatment of wastes water using seaweed clorofitas with growth of natural form may viable option to avoid the eutrofización of the receiving bodies of water.