Wastewater Treatment with Simulated Reverse Osmosis Brine for Reuse in Brackish Wetlands

Fiestas O.; Espinosa E.; Neptaliale; Quispe L.; Huaricallo Y. · Environment and Ecology Research (2025) · DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130501

Resumen

Freshwater scarcity and insufficient sanitation infrastructure remain pressing global challenges, particularly in coastal regions. Desalination through reverse osmosis has become a widely used solution to increase water availability, but it generates concentrated brine that can seriously harm marine ecosystems if discharged untreated. This study proposes an innovative approach that uses concentrated seawater, obtained through controlled evaporation, as a pretreatment agent for domestic wastewater. The mixtures were prepared at different ratios (1:1, 3:1, 7:1) and analyzed for physical characteristics, concentrations of heavy metals using mass spectrometry, and microbiological content including coliforms and Escherichia coli. Results demonstrated a reduction of more than seventy-five percent in lead, cadmium, and zinc, with mercury becoming undetectable. Microbiological analysis confirmed the total elimination of fecal coliforms, while visual and organoleptic qualities such as odor, turbidity, and color improved without precipitate formation. All mixtures complied with Peruvian environmental quality standards for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems. The findings highlight the potential of concentrated seawater to transform from an environmental problem into a resource for low-cost and decentralized pretreatment of wastewater. This strategy aligns with circular economy principles, supports the development of brackish wetlands, and offers social benefits by improving health and environmental quality in vulnerable coastal communities.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos