Environmental Nanotechnology: Carbon Nanotubes as an Alternative to Reduce Organic Matter in Wetlands

Abstract

Wetlands are a crucial means of life and balance for flora and fauna as they provide a refuge and habitat for many species. However, anthropogenic activities aimed at taking advantage of these wetlands also contribute to their deterioration, with one of the most significant factors being the dumping of wastewater that results in an increase in organic matter in these bodies of water. This research presents an alternative solution to this problem by testing the use of carbon nanotubes with diameters of 20-40 nm and lengths of 10-30 µm to remove organic load from the wetlands located in Ventanilla, Callao – Peru. Using doses of 50, 100, and 150 g of carbon nanotubes, the study evaluated the decrease in the indicator parameters of organic load. The dose of 150 g was found to achieve the most significant reduction, decreasing BOD5 by 84%, COD by 79%, and nitrogen by 93%. The research demonstrates that carbon nanotubes are efficient in removing organic load from wetland water, and this method can be replicated in other locations to aid in the conservation of these essential ecosystem services.