Conference Agenda

In this study, two methodologies were compared for the regionalization of precipitation data in the provinces of Esmeraldas and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. 40 meteorological stations were initially selected, but 32 were used due to data availability. The main objective was to determine which methodology offered greater precision in the evaluated models.

Process 1, based on the methodology of Nuñez Neira and Corapi, was compared with process 2, developed according to Velasco Ramos and Garaicoa Velásquez. The latter stood out for its comprehensive approach, which included the identification and correction of atypical data using the Hydrognomon program, as well as the adjustment of distributions for different return periods. Although the interpolation methods applied in process 2, such as Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) and Ordinary Kriging (KO), presented a greater relative error than in process 1, the robustness of process 2 in data management and correction of anomalous values ​​turned out to be a decisive factor for their choice.

Another advantage of process 2 was the implementation of the US method for estimating missing data, which added reliability to the results obtained. In conclusion, despite the error limitations in the interpolation methods, process 2 was considered more suitable due to its comprehensive approach and its ability to handle data accurately, detecting and correcting irregularities. These results provide a more reliable tool for the regionalization of precipitation in the study area, thus improving the basis for future hydrological research.

The El Azúcar dam, built in the 1960s and managed by SENAGUA, supplies drinking water and irrigation to the provinces of Guayas and Santa Elena, including areas such as Playas de Villamil, Zapotal, and Chanduy. However, the region faces a historical water deficit, with the reservoir filling only twice in 60 years, mainly due to events like El Niño. The operator reduces the flow approximately 265 days a year, keeping the reservoir at minimum levels and requiring transfers from the Chongón dam. Additionally, cracks have been detected, allowing the infiltration of brackish water with a salinity of 90-110 ppm (within the standard <500 ppm). The reservoir operates at 50% of its capacity and could receive more water from Chongón.

The research analyzed: (i) volume, area, and height of the dam, (ii) supply-demand, (iii) reservoir operation curve, and (iv) flood control through spillways. It is recommended to raise the emergency spillway level to 46.75 meters above sea level (masl) and install gates in the service spillway to increase the useful volume up to 46.20 masl (maximum historical flood level), minimizing downstream impacts. These measures would optimize the use of the reservoir, improve water management, and reduce vulnerability to extreme events, ensuring a stable water supply. Monitoring salinity and infiltrations is crucial to maintaining water quality.

The considerable wind resource present in Costa Rica is exploited on a large scale by the various electricity companies in the country for power generation. However, the use of smaller-scale turbines for the supply of energy to homes or small industries is rarely observed. There is limited information available to conduct feasibility studies for the installation of small-scale wind turbines, despite the existence of multiple commercial turbine models on the market. This study presents a comparison of electricity generation projections for different small-scale commercial turbines. To calculate generation projections, wind speed data from 36 meteorological stations distributed across Costa Rica were used, along with wind speed projections at different heights. Using the power curves of various commercial turbines available on the market, their projected Annual Energy Production (AEP) at different heights was obtained. The results obtained can be used to conduct feasibility studies for the installation of small-scale turbines. This information is highly valuable for decision-making in small-scale wind energy utilization projects.

The analysis of the water quality index of the Guacerique River in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, aims to identify pollution sources and evaluate water quality through physicochemical and microbiological analyses. Key aspects include sampling procedures, differences between stations, and method validity. Statistical techniques, such as ANOVA, and tools like Microsoft Excel were used for data analysis. The methodology involved a pilot phase and expert triangulation to ensure result accuracy and validity. Sampling procedures were reviewed and validated for effectiveness. Ongoing results will focus on parameters such as pH, temperature, total coliforms, turbidity, nutrients, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), and total solids. This research will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Guacerique River's water quality and valuable insights for environmental management and public health.

This work includes the design, management and execution of a photovoltaic picogeneration system using renewable solar energy for home self-consumption under the PMI approach, supported by the VDI 2221 standard, which allowed guaranteeing the technical-economic viability of the system, based on the average consumption. of electrical energy of homes and the solar energy potential of sector #4 of the district of Chimbote, Peru. The engineering design methodology with application of the German standard VDI 2221 and under the validated approach of the PMI, ensured the technical characteristics of assembly, operation and maintenance of the photovoltaic system, satisfying the demand of 2.65 kWh/day by 100%, reducing consumption costs, as well as harmful environmental emissions of 0.016 Ton CO2 annually, having a total budget of S/ 10,466.04 and a cost generation unit of 0.4279 S/ kWh, in addition, a NPV of S/ 2,499.63, an IRR of 8.87%, B/C of 1.239 and a PRI of 12.4 were obtained, so the project is profitable, but in the long term , due to the high initial investment cost, also in the event of possible financing, the project would not be as profitable due to the high interest rates of financial entities.

Abstract – Effective wastewater treatment is essential to meet environmental and public health standards. This study evaluates the performance of two wastewater treatment schemes using Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands (SFCWs) for contaminant removal under varying hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days. The analyzed parameters include total coliforms, fecal coliforms, dissolved oxygen (DO), suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammonium nitrogen, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total phosphorus, and orthophosphates. The influent wastewater exhibited high levels of organic matter, nutrients, and microbial contamination. Both schemes achieved significant reductions in all evaluated parameters, with varying efficiencies depending on the HRT and treatment scheme. The results underscore the effectiveness of both treatment schemes in achieving substantial contaminant removal, meeting water quality standards, and providing valuable insights for optimizing HRTs and improving treatment outcomes. This study contributes to the development of sustainable wastewater management strategies, particularly valuable for regions with limited resources or high environmental vulnerability.

Keywords – subsurface flow constructed wetlands, wastewater treatment, hydraulic retention time, contaminant removal, water quality management.