Macrófitas flotantes en el tratamiento de aguas residuales: una revisión del estado del arte

The wastewater treatments with floating macrophytes have proven effective in the remediation of waters with nutrient content, organic matter and toxic substances such as arsenic, zinc, cadmium, copper, lead, chromium, and mercury. Its importance lies in its ability to be used in rural communities due to their low consumption of conventional energy and practicality in the assembly and operation of treatment systems. Still, it has not been clarified thoroughly the processes taking place in the purification of wastewater with floating macrophytes. This article attempts to review the existing literature on floating macrophytes, thus identifying the general aspects, advantages and disadvantages of using these plants for treating wastewater. Similarly, identify the most important background since the beginning of this application. There will be described models and design criteria mostly employed, rigorously reviewing removal efficiencies of different species of floating macrophytes. Finally it will be addressed as discussed current perspectives and future challenges for the development of this technique.