Management of Wastewater Reuse for Sustainable Building in Rural Areas

Abstract

This study analyzes a proposed solution to sanitation challenges in rural areas through the design and implementation of a low-cost Wastewater Treatment System (STAR), adapted to the socio-environmental conditions of Manglaralto parish, Santa Elena Province, Ecuador. The need for sustainable alternatives is justified by the deficit in sanitation infrastructure, the semi-arid climate, and the scarcity of water resources in the area. The main objective was to design a functional, replicable, and economically viable system capable of enabling the safe treatment and reuse of domestic wastewater. The methodology included the technical design of the system, composed of a tubular biodigester, grease trap, infiltration trench, and a phytoremediation area using guadua bamboo. A SWOT analysis, a technical-environmental assessment, and a projected financial analysis were conducted. The sample considered corresponds to a rural household equivalent to a population of five people. The results indicate that the system would allow the reuse of 104 L/day of treated water over a 20.8 m2 irrigation area, supporting small-scale agricultural use. Annual savings are estimated at USD 246.10, reaching a profitability of 20.17% by the third year. It is concluded that the STAR represents a viable alternative for rural sanitation, generating stabilized effluents suitable for fertigation, with scalability potential, simple annual maintenance, and alignment with circular economy principles and integrated water resource management.