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Wastewater Discharge through a Stream into a Mediterranean Ramsar Wetland: Evaluation and Proposal of a Nature-Based Treatment System

Author

Listed:
  • Jesús de-los-Ríos-Mérida

    (Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • Francisco Guerrero

    (Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus de Las Lagunillas, s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
    Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Ciencias de la Tierra, Energía y Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Jaén, Campus de Las Lagunillas, s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain)

  • Salvador Arijo

    (Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
    Instituto de Biotecnología y Desarrollo Azul (IBYDA), Loma de San Julián, n°2, Barriada de San Julián, 29004 Málaga, Spain)

  • María Muñoz

    (Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
    Instituto de Biotecnología y Desarrollo Azul (IBYDA), Loma de San Julián, n°2, Barriada de San Julián, 29004 Málaga, Spain
    Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Puerto Pesquero, s/n, 29640 Fuengirola, Spain)

  • Inmaculada Álvarez-Manzaneda

    (Departamento de Ecología, Universidad de Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Jorge García-Márquez

    (Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain)

  • Begoña Bautista

    (Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
    Instituto de Biotecnología y Desarrollo Azul (IBYDA), Loma de San Julián, n°2, Barriada de San Julián, 29004 Málaga, Spain)

  • Manuel Rendón-Martos

    (Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Junta de Andalucía, Reserva Natural Laguna Fuente de Piedra, 29520 Fuente de Piedra, Spain)

  • Andreas Reul

    (Departamento de Ecología y Geología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
    Instituto de Biotecnología y Desarrollo Azul (IBYDA), Loma de San Julián, n°2, Barriada de San Julián, 29004 Málaga, Spain)

Abstract

Impacts on wetlands are becoming more pressing every day. Among them, habitat loss, overexploitation of aquifers and changes in land use are considered the most important. However, the impacts linked to wastewater discharges are increasing worldwide. In this context, this study analyses the impacts of input of wastewater to a Mediterranean Ramsar temporary wetland (Fuente de Piedra, south of Spain). To this end, systematic sampling was carried out in the Charcón stream which receives water from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and discharges it into the wetland. The results showed a slight decrease in the nutrient concentrations, particularly for nitrogen compounds. Heterotrophic and fecal bacteria concentration, as well as phytoplankton and zooplankton abundance and biomass, all significantly decreased from the treatment plant to the wetland. When comparing the effect of this discharge with other similar occurring to the same wetland, it was evident that the Charcón stream was responsible for a greater impact. At this point, it is relevant to note that the main difference among both treated wastewater discharges lies in the different water retention time once the wastewater was released from the WWTP. In fact, we recommend an increase in the water retention time by building seminatural ponds, together with the use of biofilters, which will notably contribute to improve the processes of assimilation of nutrients and to decrease the impact generated in the wetland by this spill.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesús de-los-Ríos-Mérida & Francisco Guerrero & Salvador Arijo & María Muñoz & Inmaculada Álvarez-Manzaneda & Jorge García-Márquez & Begoña Bautista & Manuel Rendón-Martos & Andreas Reul, 2021. "Wastewater Discharge through a Stream into a Mediterranean Ramsar Wetland: Evaluation and Proposal of a Nature-Based Treatment System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:3540-:d:522249
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blal Adem Esmail & Lina Suleiman, 2020. "Analyzing Evidence of Sustainable Urban Water Management Systems: A Review through the Lenses of Sociotechnical Transitions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-45, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Claudia Bita-Nicolae, 2022. "Distribution and Conservation Status of the Mountain Wetlands in the Romanian Carpathians," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-10, December.

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