Resumen

This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a zeolite filter in removing lead, zinc, and copper from the water of the Carraízo Reservoir in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. Heavy metal contamination, particularly from industrial and mineral sources, poses significant risks to public health, affecting both children and adults. Lead originates from natural sources and human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and paint manufacturing. The study focused on testing the zeolite's adsorption capacity through various experiments, including filtration of standard solutions with known metal concentrations. Initial tests showed that zeolite alone was not highly effective in removing lead; however, combining it with fiberglass improved results. Despite some reduction in lead concentrations, the filter showed minimal impact on zinc and copper levels, indicating the need for further optimization.

The filter was constructed using PVC pipes, waterproof adhesive, and a fiber mesh to ensure proper positioning of the zeolite stones. Water samples were collected and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results demonstrated that while lead levels were reduced by up to 9.7%, the filter had little effect on copper and zinc. Future work will focus on optimizing the exposure time between water and zeolite to enhance lead removal efficiency. This study highlights the potential of zeolite as a cost-effective solution for lead contamination in water, though further research is required to improve its performance and expand its applicability to other heavy metals.

Palabras claves: Carraízo, Plomo, Zinc, Cobre, Zeolita 

Resumen

Los embalses de Puerto Rico, como el Lago Carraízo, enfrentan desafíos ecológicos por las plantas invasoras y la acumulación de sedimentos. Este estudio evalúa la eficiencia del vermicompostaje como un método sostenible para procesar estos materiales, con el enfoque en mejorar el contenido de nutrientes como nitrógeno, fósforo y potasio. Se recolectaron sedimentos y plantas invasoras de dos puntos del embalse y se realizaron procesos de vermicompostaje y compostaje tradicional en contenedores de 1.75 litros conteniendo proporciones iguales de sedimento y plantas. Se introdujeron lombrices (Eisenia fetida) en los grupos de vermicompostaje y, después de dos meses, se analizaron los niveles de nutrientes.

Los resultados indicaron que no hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las concentraciones de nutrientes, sin embargo, el vermicompostaje mostró ventajas en la mejora de la textura, uniformidad y contenido de nitrógeno del compost. Estos resultados resaltan el potencial del vermicompostaje para la agricultura y destacan su rol en la gestión ecológica de los embalses y el reciclaje de nutrientes, ofreciendo una guía replicable para prácticas sostenibles.

Palabras claves: Vermicompostaje con Eisenia fetida, Compostaje de sedimentos y plantas invasoras, Embalse Carraízo