110. Innovative Nature-Based technologies for sustainable wastewater treatment in Senegal
Tipo de comunicación
Comunicación. Tecnologías para el desarrollo, la sostenibilidad y la cooperación
Palabras clave (keywords)
sanitation, ecological technologies, wastewater reuse, research and innovation, Senegal
Abstract
According to the United Nations’ 2017 World Water Development Report close to 80 % of wastewater generated by anthropogenic activities return into nature without being treated or reused. This is not only a problem for the environment but also a major health threat. Senegal has one the most developed water supply sectors in sub-Saharan Africa, but still faces important challenges for sanitation, with particular concerns in periurban and rural areas. Over the past years, numerous technologies have been developed to treat wastewater, but they often are very expensive and high tech. In this context, the research and implementation of affordable and sustainable wastewater management solutions is needed.
The solidarity Foundation of the University of Barcelona has an active role in the research and implementation of innovative nature based technologies for wastewater treatment at international level.
This presentation will show the results of the project “Natural technologies for wastewater treatment and reuse in peri-urban and rural areas of Senegal” developed in Saint Louis with the support of the spanish agency of cooperation for development (AECID) and the Barcelona city hall. The main goal is the promotion of innovative ecological low-cost solutions for wastewater management. The main output is the implementation of a constructed wetland pilot plant in the Campus of the University Gaston Berger of Saint Louis. The prototype (built with different local materials: gravels, sand and plants) treat raw wastewater and the treated wastewater is reused for agriculture. The pilot has been monitored since January 2019, with periodical water quality analysis.
The results demonstrate that constructed wetlands can provide robust, cost-effective treatment as well as allowing for safe water re-use which is very is important in areas with severe water scarcity. The experience has shown that nature based solutions can help to ensure universal access to safe and affordable sanitation (SDG 6).
The solidarity Foundation of the University of Barcelona has an active role in the research and implementation of innovative nature based technologies for wastewater treatment at international level.
This presentation will show the results of the project “Natural technologies for wastewater treatment and reuse in peri-urban and rural areas of Senegal” developed in Saint Louis with the support of the spanish agency of cooperation for development (AECID) and the Barcelona city hall. The main goal is the promotion of innovative ecological low-cost solutions for wastewater management. The main output is the implementation of a constructed wetland pilot plant in the Campus of the University Gaston Berger of Saint Louis. The prototype (built with different local materials: gravels, sand and plants) treat raw wastewater and the treated wastewater is reused for agriculture. The pilot has been monitored since January 2019, with periodical water quality analysis.
The results demonstrate that constructed wetlands can provide robust, cost-effective treatment as well as allowing for safe water re-use which is very is important in areas with severe water scarcity. The experience has shown that nature based solutions can help to ensure universal access to safe and affordable sanitation (SDG 6).
Autores
- Torrens, Antonina
Fundació Solidaritat Universitat de Barcelona, ES - de la Varga, David
SEDAQUA (Spin-off de la Universidad de A Coruña,); GLAÜCOR Ingeniería, ES - Coly, Adrien
Université Gaston Berger, Saint Louis, SN - Kanouté, Abdou
Université Gaston Berger, Saint Louis, SN - Menjíbar, Matías
Depur GM Deseño e obra, SL, ES - López, Xavier
Fundació Solidaritat Universitat de Barcelona, ES