Wastewater Treatment in the Peruvian Highlands Using Indigenous Consortia with Bacillus sp. and Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract

The treatment of wastewater in Lucanas, Ayacucho, employed indigenous consortia of Chlorella vulgaris and Bacillus sp. Initial analyses showed thermotolerant coliform levels exceeding established limits. After 4 days, the treatment achieved a 73% reduction compared to 62.8% without treatment. Samples from nearby water bodies were collected to isolate and characterize indigenous microorganisms, which were applied in a laboratory-scale experimental system with hydraulic retention times of 24 and 48 hours. The results showed an average coliform reduction of 65.56% at 24 hours and 71.77% at 48 hours, with statistically significant differences compared to untreated controls. The combined use of Chlorella vulgaris (3,820,000 cells/mL) and Bacillus sp. proved to be an effective, economical, and adaptable solution for contexts in the Peruvian highlands.