WETLANDS

Constructed wetlands are engineered systems which mimic our natural wetland ecosystems, the kidneys and cleansers of our planet’s waters.
These living filters are used to provide advanced treatment, particularly in sensitive areas like the Yucatan, with its poor soil and high groundwater. In municipal treatment, they may be used for both blackwater and greywater, which passes first through a septic tank, where the solids are retained and decomposed. The wastewater then passes to the wetland, a sealed tank filled with porous media and plants, which retain and uptake nutrients. The root zone also allows microorganisms to thrive which also break down compounds in our waste.

Constructed wetlands were first brought to Akumal in 1996 by CEA when we built a prototype for our dormitories. Now there are 6 systems on CEA property, more than 25 in Akumal, and many more along the coast in restaurants, homes and hotels. They fit very well into the landscape, providing habitat and beauty, as well as a high-quality water for irrigation. Constructed wetlands consistently remove suspended solids, BOD, and fecal coliforms, moderate levels of nitrogen, and lower levels of phosphorous.

COMPOSTING TOILETS

Composting or dry toilets are the most ideal system for the treatment of excrement and urine, because they require zero or little water. Composting is the controlled aerobic biological decomposition of moist organic solid matter to produce a soil conditioner.

There are two main types: continuous and multi-chamber batch.

Continuous systems consist of a single chamber, where both excrement and urine enter from the top and are removed from the bottom. This creates constant moisture and microbial activity, with the drawback of having to empty the composter often.

The multichamber process utilizes two or more reactors – one is active and the other is in rest. This method usually provides more space, requires less maintenance, and makes more efficient use of our waste by separating the urine and feces. By not filtering the liquid through solid matter, which contains the majority of pathogens, a safer fertilizer is produced. Some odor causing compounds are avoided by this separation.