Performance analysis and spatial modeling for the use of Eichhornia crassipes in tertiary phosphorus removal from swine slaughterhouse effluents

Resumen

Eutrophication caused by phosphorus-rich agro-industrial effluents poses a major environmental and regulatory challenge, particularly in areas with limited wastewater treatment infrastructure. This study provides one of the first technical and environmental feasibility assessments of using Eichhornia crassipes as a complementary tertiary stage in swine slaughterhouse wastewater treatment plants. Based on operational data from a functioning treatment plant and an estimated phosphorus uptake rate of 0.000374 kg TP m⁻² d⁻¹, a performance analysis was conducted to evaluate phosphorus removal efficiency and compliance with discharge standards. Spatial modeling projected the surface area required to remove up to 7.08 kg TP d⁻¹, identifying an operational equilibrium at 6.02 kg d⁻¹. At this point, a biomass density of 10 kg m⁻² would ensure compliance with commonly referenced discharge standards (5 mg L⁻¹), requiring approximately 16,000 m². Scenarios involving spatial constraints and biomass reduction were assessed, along with potential mitigation strategies. A SWOT analysis was also conducted, addressing operational, environmental, and governance-related factors. The findings suggest that E. crassipes may serve as a viable complementary option with potential for cost efficiency in agro-industrial settings with available space, provided that appropriate harvesting, oxygenation, and monitoring practices are implemented, and pending confirmation through pilot‑scale validation under site‑specific conditions.

Keywords: Eichhornia crassipes, performance analysis, phosphorus removal, phytoremediation, swine slaughterhouse effluents.