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Performance of a Full-Scale Vermifilter for Sewage Treatment in Removing Organic Matter, Nutrients, and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Author

Listed:
  • Victor Gutiérrez

    (Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile)

  • Naomi Monsalves

    (Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
    Water Research Center for Agriculture and Mining (CRHIAM), ANID Fondap Center, Victoria 1295, Concepción 4030000, Chile)

  • Gloria Gómez

    (Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
    Water Research Center for Agriculture and Mining (CRHIAM), ANID Fondap Center, Victoria 1295, Concepción 4030000, Chile)

  • Gladys Vidal

    (Environmental Engineering & Biotechnology Group (GIBA-UDEC), Environmental Science Faculty, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
    Water Research Center for Agriculture and Mining (CRHIAM), ANID Fondap Center, Victoria 1295, Concepción 4030000, Chile)

Abstract

The vermifilter (VF) is regarded as a sustainable solution for treating rural sewage. However, few studies have investigated the performance of a full-scale vermifilter. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of a full-scale vermifilter in reducing organic matter, nutrients, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria contained in sewage. Influent and effluents were obtained from a rural sewage treatment plant using a VF and UV disinfection system. The results show a significant removal ( p < 0.05) of chemical organic demand (COD) (77%), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ) (84%), total nitrogen (TN) (53%), and total phosphorus (36%). Seasonality is an influential variable for COD, BOD 5 , and TN removal. In addition, the molecular weight distribution shows that the VF does not generate a considerable change in the distribution of organic matter (COD and total organic carbon (TOC)) and NH 4 + -N. The UV disinfection system eliminated 99% of coliform bacteria; however, they are not eliminated to safe concentrations. Therefore, it is possible to detect bacteria resistant to the antibiotics ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, and ceftriaxone at 63.5%, 87.3%, and 63.5%, respectively, which were detected in the effluents. This study shows the potential of a system for the removal of pollution and the need to optimize the VF to be a safe treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Gutiérrez & Naomi Monsalves & Gloria Gómez & Gladys Vidal, 2023. "Performance of a Full-Scale Vermifilter for Sewage Treatment in Removing Organic Matter, Nutrients, and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:8:p:6842-:d:1126707
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Naomi Monsalves & Ana María Leiva & Gloria Gómez & Gladys Vidal, 2022. "Antibiotic-Resistant Gene Behavior in Constructed Wetlands Treating Sewage: A Critical Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Naomi Monsalves & Ana María Leiva & Gloria Gómez & Gladys Vidal, 2023. "Organic Compounds and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Behavior in Greywater Treated by a Constructed Wetland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, January.
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