Production of a PET filter column for wastewater pretreatment, Samán 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62059/LatArXiv.preprints.431Keywords:
Filtration, Recycled PET, Sustainability, Turbidity, Low-cost technologiesAbstract
The growing water pollution caused by domestic discharges in rural areas—where most wastewater goes untreated—demands accessible and sustainable solutions. In response, a low-cost filtration system was developed using recyclable materials, particularly PET bottles, combined with activated carbon, stone, and cotton, to improve water quality. A vertical filtration column was built using PET bottles arranged within a metal frame, each filled with layered filtering materials that gradually retain impurities. When tested, the system showed significant improvements in key water quality indicators: turbidity was reduced by 83%, pH was stabilized from 9.2 to 7.8, and electrical conductivity decreased from 4000 to 3590 µS/cm. These findings highlight the potential of this simple technology to address local water challenges. Beyond its effectiveness, the solution also contributes to plastic waste reuse, proving that wastewater treatment can align with environmentally responsible practices and meet the needs of vulnerable communities.
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Copyright (c) 2025 NICSON GERARD QUISPE HANCCO, Jael Calla Calla, Karen Elian Mollisaca Calsina (Autor/a)
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