Implementation of a mechatronic system for the hydraulic automation of artificial wetlands

This paper presents the design and construction of a mechatronic system for the hydraulic automation of portable artificial wetlands. For the control system, on-off solenoid valves were used for hydraulic distribution, which were controlled by proportional-type sensors that provide a voltage level in relation to the moisture of the container. The system is based on three stages, composed of seven layers of filtering materials that retain solid sediments; simultaneously, the use of plants enabled the execution of the phytoremediation process, which integrally contributed not only to absorbing heavy metals and other water contaminants but also those present in the soil. The analysis conducted allowed for the evaluation of the performance of each plant within the artificial wetlands system. Additionally, the artificial wetlands were designed and conditioned with the intention of returning these treated waters to the environment. The water recovered from the treatment was evaluated based on the NOM-001-SEMARNAT standards, and the quality of the recovered water was determined according to various parameters and pH strips.