Metodologia para seleção de macrófitas enraizadas para uso em estação de tratamento de esgoto por zona de raízes e guia ilustrado para reconhecimento das espécies

Abstract

Basic sanitation represents a daily challenge for most of the population. According to data from the Trata Brasil Sanitation Panel (2022), approximately 44.20% of the population lacks access to sewage collection. This situation contributed to around 130,000 hospitalizations due to diseases associated with inadequate sanitation in 2021. In response to this reality, the search for sustainable alternatives, such as root zone sewage treatment systems (RZST), has gained prominence. The primary mechanism of root zones is the use of emergent macrophytes, which, with the help of biofilms generated on their roots, can remove impurities from the water. To promote a didactic and engaging approach, this work proposes a methodology for selecting rooted macrophytes for use in RZST and an illustrated guide for recognizing the species. The selection of these rooted macrophytes was based on a literature review that identified 17 species. This number was later reduced to 11 species based on the following criteria developed throughout the study: ornamental and aromatic qualities, botanical aspects, and phytogeographic domains. A guide was created for these 11 species, including images, botanical information, and ecological data, providing an easy-to-use and informative resource. The work also includes the proposal of a methodology for constructing educational modules, developed based on examples from the literature. These educational modules help visualize the operation of a root zone treatment system.