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Quality of health services

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2026)

Characterization of influent and effluent at a wastewater treatment plant with trickling filters in the high Andean region of PeruCharacterization of influent and effluent at a wastewater treatment plant with trickling filters in the high Andean region of Peru

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22267/rus.262802.9491
Submitted
May 13, 2025
Published
2026-05-01

Abstract

Introduction: The Yauli wastewater treatment plant, located in the high Andean region of Huancavelica, Peru (~3,383 m), faces environmental conditions that limit the efficiency of biological processes.

Objective: To determine the concentrations of key parameters in the influent and effluent of the Yauli WWTP, including oils and fats (O&F), thermotolerant coliforms (TC), BOD₅, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), pH, and temperature.

Materials and methods: Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, 8 sampling campaigns were conducted for influent and effluent between October 2019 and February 2020. O&F, TT, BOD₅, COD, TSS, pH, and temperature were analyzed. The results were compared with the Maximum Permissible Limits (MPLs) established by Peruvian regulations. Normality tests and Student’s t-tests (p < 0.05) were applied, with 95% confidence intervals and effect size (Cohen’s d).

Results: The effluent complied with the MPLs for BOD₅, COD, TSS, pH, and temperature. However, BOD₅ exceeded the limit (732.9 mg/L vs. 100 mg/L). Higher removal efficiency was observed for SST (73.15%), and lower for BOD₅ (3.95%). Organic overload was also evident, which affected the system’s efficiency.

Conclusion: The study highlights the limitations of biological treatment in high-Andean conditions. It is necessary to adapt technologies to local environmental and operational conditions to protect water resources and ensure effluent quality.

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