SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF VINASSE USING HORIZONTAL AND / OR VERTICAL FLOW SUBSURFACE WETLANDS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for the treatment of vinasse, comprising: a retention tank that stores raw vinasse; a sedimentation unit in which suspended solids are settled and removed; a neutralization tank in which the pH level of the settled vinasse is neutralized; a storage tank that accumulates domestic wastewater; a feed container; a horizontal flow subsurface wetland that removes contaminants from the vinasse, comprising a horizontal cell that houses substrate, inert filter material, emergent vegetation planted on the inert filter substrate, and microbial consortia; and a collection tank that stores the treated vinasse.In one embodiment, the system employs an upflow vertical subsurface wetland comprising a vertical cell containing an inert filter substrate, emergent vegetation planted on the inert filter substrate, and microbial consortia. In yet another embodiment, the system employs a horizontal flow subsurface wetland connected in series with an upflow vertical subsurface wetland for contaminant removal from vinasse. A method for treating vinasse using the system in its various embodiments is also described.