Collaborative International Research: Technology Transfer Efficiency of Wastewater Treatment Systems in Rural Communities of Bolivia

摘要

There has been increased recognition that the world faces serious challenges in terms oflong-term economic growth, societal prosperity, and environmental protection. Inparticular, health problems resulting from environmental risks and a lack of economicresources in the developing world pose daunting challenges to the global scientific andengineering communities. Addressing these challenges through international researchexperiences integrated with sustainability and appropriate technology principlesrepresents a significant and critical contribution to a more sustainable future.This paper describes a National Science Foundation-supported international researchpartnership that helps address sustainable development through increasing global accessto adequate water and sanitation. The partnership consisted of seven undergraduate andgraduate students from Michigan Technological University, six undergraduateenvironmental engineering students from Bolivian Technological University (UTB), andtechnical staff affiliated with a non-governmental organization, ACDI-VOCA(Agricultural Cooperative Development International and Volunteers in OverseasCooperative Assistance). The Michigan Tech students were studying environmentalengineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and environmental policy.Wastewater treatment systems located in three small rural communities (Palos Blancos,Sapecho, and San Antonio) were studied. These three systems include: 1) a septic tankwith anaerobic filter, 2) an Upflow Sludge Blanket Reactor with stabilizing lagoons, and3) a stabilization-lagoon system respectively. Detailed water quality analyses wereperformed at each plant and performance was compared with the projected performancefrom the original design. System efficiency was evaluated in terms of cost, treatmenteffectiveness, and maintenance. Additionally, interviews with water committees werecompleted to determine what understanding of the system was conveyed when thetechnology was transferred from the design and construction stage to the community.Results showed that only two of three systems were functioning due to failure inoperation, low capacity, insufficient funds for maintenance, system over-design, and thelack of knowledge base about the system from the community. Plant performanceappears to be strongly influenced by the knowledge base and lack of funds for each water