Design of an Artificial Wetland for the Water Quality Improvement of the Chiquito River of Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico

Located in Morelia city, the Chiquito River was a natural resource well appreciated by society and an important recreational space. However, during the 1930’s, the river’s course was modified, and the authorities redirected the wastewater to it. Since then, the water quality has dramatically decrease over time, becoming a pollution source for the entire city. This issue has regained importance once again due to the construction of the Chiquito’s River linear Park, whose purpose was to turn the riverbanks into a space for public and recreational use. However, the river’s environmental conditions are not optimal to meet this objective.

As a result, the quest for a solution was initiated, and one viable option is the implementation of artificial wetlands, since wetlands are a versatile aquatic purification system capable of adapting to different conditions. In order to function, the wetland design needs to be optimal, by choosing a variety of plant specimens whose characteristics will allow them to adjust to the possible changes in the river course.

Therefore, the objective of this investigation is to design an artificial wetland that will be able to adjust to the river, starting with the system dimensions, the biotic species, a proposal of the treated effluent and the efficiency of the process.

It is important to highlight that the plant species have put into practice the pH levels, the temperature and the resistance to the highest levels of contaminants. These species have not generated a negative impact on the ecosystem.

Perennial plants that reach or exceed two meters in height, are also able to withstand a pH, resist toxins, not make you sick and neutralize much of the pollutants characterize these characteristics.

In addition, a selection of bed materials and a liner for the aquifer mantle protection must be considered. Also, the purification system must be planned, considering three basic stages and a previous phase. The system achieve a 98% reduction in total contaminants with an effective time of 7 days.Finally, an inspection must be performed in order to locate the perfect sites across the river course for the wetlands.