Assessment of Greywater Reuse in a University Building in a Hyper-Arid Region: Quantity, Quality, and Social Acceptance

Teresa Lanchipa-Ale, Ana Cruz-Baltuano, Nahuel Molero-Yañez, Samuel Chucuya, Bertha Vera-Barrios and Edwin Pino-Vargas ()
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Teresa Lanchipa-Ale: Faculty of Engineering, Tacna’s Private University, Tacna 23000, Peru
Ana Cruz-Baltuano: School of Civil Engineering, Tacna’s Private University, Tacna 23000, Peru
Nahuel Molero-Yañez: Department of Civil Engineering, Jorge Basadre Grohmann National University, Tacna 23000, Peru
Samuel Chucuya: Department of Civil Engineering, Jorge Basadre Grohmann National University, Tacna 23000, Peru
Bertha Vera-Barrios: Faculty of Mining Engineering, Moquegua National University, Moquegua 18000, Peru
Edwin Pino-Vargas: Department of Civil Engineering, Jorge Basadre Grohmann National University, Tacna 23000, Peru

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-25

Abstract: Since Tacna is a hyper-arid region, greywater is a potential alternative water source. This study aimed to quantify and characterize greywater in a university building with 732 students, as well as assess their perception of greywater reuse. Water meters were used to calculate greywater quantity. To assess untreated greywater quality, physical–chemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. Questionnaires were used to measure students’ acceptance regarding greywater reuse using a Likert scale. The greywater quantity recorded in this study was 426.85 L/d, which is less than reported in previous global research. The greywater quality showed relatively low values regarding physical–chemical parameters; however, microbial contamination was higher compared to international permissible limits for wastewater reuse. Furthermore, it was found that the generated greywater has little biodegradability (0.38). Students disclosed a lower acceptance of reusing untreated greywater compared to a 77.05% acceptance of reusing treated greywater for green areas. According to the greywater characterization, biological treatment will not be enough to ensure environmental protection and user health; thus, physical–chemical treatment will also be needed. The produced greywater quantities would generate a 12.67% water saving if used for toilet flushing. The greywater volume fulfills the whole demand for watering green areas or green roofs. Students would assent to the reuse of treated greywater.

Keywords: greywater; university; hand basins; reuse perception (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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