Design and characterization of a prototype anaerobic reactor for domestic wastewater treatment using fixed biomass

In developing countries, the RAFA (Anaerobic Upflow Reactor) reactor stands out as a viable alternative in wastewater treatment. In addition, biofilters are used in the biological reactors that have the objective of biofilm formation, by means of which effluents of better quality are obtained. An anaerobic reactor of 140 Liters was evaluated for the treatment of domestic wastewater. Granular activated carbon and cellulose fiber filters were placed outside. After the stabilization of the reactor (3-6 months), different volumes corresponding to 3, 5 and 7 liters / day of residual water were evaluated, with hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 47, 28 and 20 days, respectively. Percentages of reduction of BOD5, COD, SST and fecal coliforms were obtained for the 3 effluents. It was obtained for 3 liters / day: 90%, 66%, 90% and 99.9%. For 5 liters / day: 93%, 71%, 90% and 99.9%. For 7 liters / day: 80%, 65%, 91% and 99.9%. With these results and comparing them with the NOM-003-Ecol-1997. It is concluded that the treated wastewater can be reused to be reused in public services.