Comparison of Aerobic and Anaerobic Technologies for Domestic Wastewater Treatment Based on Case Studies in Latin America

Different from Europe, where continuous flow activated sludge plants are the first choice for domestic wastewater treatment, specific Latin American conditions promote alternative technical solutions. In many locations wastewater temperatures are relatively high, land is available and areas pestered with energy shortages abound. Moreover, there is little specialised mechanical equipment for wastewater treatment produced locally. Hence a drive towards technology with simple, low-cost and low-energy operation can be observed. This leads towards the application of UASB, waste stabilization ponds and trickling filters, whereas the number of activated sludge systems is restricted. This presentation intends to present general differences between these systems, taking reference to a series of different case studies in terms of site inherent conditions, performance and costs.