Rediseño del sistema de tratamiento de la planta de agua potable El Tambo del cantón Pelileo, para mejorar la remoción de fluoruros.

Abstract

The objective of the present investigative project was to redesign a water treatment plant for the Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado de San Pedro in Pelileo, with the purpose of diminishing the concentration of fluoride contaminant yet meeting the permissible quantities according to regulation, NTE INEN 1180-2020. Four highly efficient proposed methods were put into effect and compared in the laboratory for the removal according to the preliminary bibliographical revision; water softening with lime, inverse osmosis, ionic interchange, and activated alumina. The samples were collected on sunny as well as rainy days to guarantee the homogeneity of the samples for analysis. The standard method, HACH 8029, was applied according to the standard method 4500F-B, D in the tests of each process. The results of the efficiency in the removal were: 63.27% water softening with lime – calcium oxide (CaO), 38.14% softening with lime – dolomite, (CaOMgO), 58.03% activated alumina (AlO3 ), 100% inverse osmosis and 81.02% ionic interchange. After having identified the method with which to apply the redesign of the removal process with higher efficiency, rentability, and easy availability in the national market; a final characterization was carried out to guarantee that the obtained test results meet the terms in the regulation INEN1108. To guarantee long lifetime for the treatment plant; annual maintenance should be planned along with the changing of used resin every 6 months.