Efficiency of activated carbon filter system for the removal of organic matter from domestic wastewater in the Centro Poblado Punchauca

Abstract

The discharge of untreated wastewater generates environmental pollution and poses health risks; therefore, wastewater must undergo treatment to reduce organic matter contamination. A quantitative methodology with an experimental design was applied. Twenty effluent flows were taken, with 2 liters of water sampled from each flow. Initial physicochemical conditions were determined, yielding the following results: 371.2 mg/L of oils and greases, 2046 mg/L of BOD, 3988 mg O2/L of COD, 1.57 mg/L of DO, 5.51 pH, 5725 mg/L of TSS, and 360 NTU of turbidity. Subsequently, a filtration system was designed, using 40 liters of domestic wastewater, achieving organic matter removal with an average efficiency of 99.1%, 99.3%, 99%, 81.8%, 21%, 90.1%, and 96.4%, respectively. It is concluded that the activated carbon filtration system influences the removal of organic matter.