Diseño de un sistema de tratamiento de aguas para uso agropecuario de las fincas que forman parte del proyecto agrosilvopastoril localizadas en la parroquia La Belleza, provincia de Orellana

Abstract

The central problem addressed was water pollution in Ecuador and elsewhere, with direct repercussions on the quality of agricultural products and public health. Dumping of agrochemicals, sediments, and pathogens in agricultural water impacts food safety, generating outbreaks of food- and waterborne diseases. To counteract this problem, this study proposed the design of a water treatment system for agrosilvopastoral production at the La Belleza Experimental Station and its surrounding area, in the canton of Francisco de Orellana. The research began with the characterization of the quantity and quality of water in the project, measuring flow rates and establishing sampling points at strategic sources in the four farms. The analyses showed fluctuating average flows and concentrations of copper, iron, pH, and fecal coliforms that exceeded the limits allowed by environmental regulations. The design flow rate was determined considering the maximum consumption per crop type and stage, plus livestock use, with a maximization factor of 25 percent, resulting in 0.003 m3/s and a diameter of 8.3 m for the circular reservoir. With these considerations, the type of treatment necessary to obtain water in accordance with the quality standards for agrosilvopastoral use was defined. The dimensions of the treatment system, including channel, screens, triangular weir, horizontal flow flocculator, slow sand filter settler and reservoirs, were calculated and modeled. The careful choice of a conventional treatment system was based on rigorous criteria, marking a significant step towards water quality assurance and laying the foundation for the successful implementation of water management practices in the study areas.