DETAILED ANALYSIS OF A CONSTRUCTED WETLAND IN AKUMAL, MEXICO

The lack of sewage treatment in Akumal , Quintana Roo, Mexico coupled with the karst geology of the area has led to the degradation of the nearby coral reef. The most stable and economical means of wastewater treatment is the implementation of small constructed wetlands that serve to reduce the nutrients released to the ocean. There are 25 known constructed wetlands in the area that are engineered systems based on geologic and ecologic principles. Detailed analysis was conducted on a 7 year old constructed wetland in Akumal. The particular wetland studied is subject to various loads depending on fluctuations in tourism, which has at least doubled the amount of wastewater the wetland was originally designed for. 15 microwells were installed in each 30 by 15 foot wetland cell. Data was collected over a 2 week time span. Thermal spatial data was collected at a 5 minute resolution, capturing the ebb and flow of sewage flowing throughout the two stage system. Characteristics of the wastewater effluent were quantified on a daily basis using fecal coliform, dissolved oxygen and nitrate analysis. Water depth was also monitored at each microwell, showing evidence of preferential flow and water mounding. Constant forced aeration of the second cell was attempted to increase aerobic activity and the overall efficiency of the system. Results of this study indicate that more efficient systems can be engineered in the future.