Análisis comparativo de sistemas de tratamiento de agua para la remoción de 17αmetiltestosterona (17-MT) en efluentes piscícolas en cultivo de tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), bajo criterios de sostenibilidad

Abstract

Aquaculture is an effective way to produce high-quality food, where the interaction between water and sediments plays a crucial role. Following a sustainability approach, we conducted a comparative study of water treatment systems in aquaculture for the removal of 17αmethyltestosterone (17-MT) using a multi-criteria matrix framework. This framework was based on environmental, economic, and social criteria, as well as the evaluation of five technologies (40%, 30%, and 30%): activated sludge, oxidation ponds, membrane bioreactors (MBRs), constructed wetlands, and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The evaluation was performed using a 1-to-5 scale, with responses that were normalized and weighted. These results demonstrate that constructed wetlands offer the best performance within the aquaculture industry, based on their low energy consumption, reduced reliance on chemical inputs, high social acceptance, long lifespan, and low costs. In contrast, hormone and antibiotic extraction using MBR and RAS systems emerged as highly efficient, albeit more expensive and energy-intensive. Applying a multicriteria matrix based on an integrated approach ensured the identification of a sustainable alternative through a holistic approach, helping to find efficient water treatment options for aquaculture systems.