Studies and technological advances in the treatment of contaminated wáter

Abstract

The research addressed the environmental problems arising from the generation of leachates in landfills and municipal solid waste dumps, recognising them as highly polluting effluents due to their content of organic and inorganic compounds and heavy metals. National and international background information was reviewed, highlighting studies that applied advanced oxidation processes, such as the Fenton method, and phytoremediation techniques with plant species adapted to different environments. Research by Pellón, López and Espinoza characterised leachates based on climatic factors and waste composition, while Medina et al. optimised the Fenton process, finding differences between rainy and dry seasons. Alcalde et al. evaluated bioremediation as a viable alternative, and Jerez verified the ability of plants to accumulate heavy metals in roots and leaves. Sari et al. and Fasani et al. measured the effectiveness of species such as Echinodorus palaefolius and Chrysopogon zizanioides in reducing pollutants and evapotranspiration. Key parameters such as pH, total suspended solids, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, and total petroleum hydrocarbons, as defined by the APHA and EPA, were highlighted. Phytoremediation, using species such as Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes, proved to be a low-cost, highly efficient alternative capable of removing organic compounds, metals and microorganisms through processes such as phytoextraction, phytodegradation and rhizofiltration. It was concluded that the combination of these techniques with continuous monitoring and proper biomass management constituted a sustainable, technically and economically viable strategy for leachate management, contributing to the protection of water resources and the achievement of environmental objectives.