Removal of Metals in Wastewater by Applying Efficient Mountain Microorganisms and Sodium Hydroxide

Abstract

Wastewater is often a major problem for the environment due to its difficult treatment process and the damage it causes by contaminating the soil and water bodies where it is discharged. The objective was to remove metals in wastewater by applying mountain microorganisms and sodium hydroxide. The study site was in the district of Tarapoto, Province of San Martin. A total of 180 L of wastewater was used (9 samples), each sample contained 20 liters of water and was kept in a cold chain at an average temperature of 4 to 8°C for a period of 4 hours. The mountain microorganisms were reactivated and 20% sodium hydroxide was prepared. Three treatments were used (T1: MM 300 mL, T2: MM 400 mL, and T3: NaOH 20%). Analyses of 8 parameters were carried out and compared with the environmental quality standards category 3, showing that it exceeds the permitted values. The evaluation was carried out after 3 and 7 days and the results show that treatment 2, after 7 days of evaluation, reduces the values of the wastewater parameters and eliminates metals, complying with the environmental quality standards category 3 of the Peruvian Standard.