DETERMINATION OF CARBON FOOTPRINT TREATMENT

PROCESSES PLANTS EL PORTICO AND CARMEN DE TONCHALA

IN THE COMPANY AGUAS KPITAL CÚCUTA SA ESP.

German Andres Diaz Gelves 1*, Hector Rivera Alarcón Uriel 2*,
Julio Isaac Maldonado Maldonado 3*
1
Pamplona University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Pamplona, Norte de Santander,
Colombia
2
Pamplona University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Pamplona, Norte de Santander,
Colombia
3
Pamplona University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Pamplona, Norte de Santander,
Colombia

Abstract

The carbon footprint is useful to estimate the environmental impact of any production system on
climate change, specifically in the emission fixing net greenhouse gas (GHG) medium. This study
aimed to quantify the carbon footprint for production processes in drinking water treatment plants
Water (DWTP) El Portico and Carmen de Tonchala for the years 2016 and 2017 through the ISO
14064 methodologies and GHG Protocol. This was required for the rates of the different inputs, flows
and machinery used in the process. Using the methodology of life-cycle assessment (LCA) the
amount of CO2 eq / m3 / year produced by each plant SMCs methodologies 2001, IPCC 2007, IPCC
2013 and was estimated RECIPE Midpoint. Starting from this, observed that the units are more impact
Coagulation and rapid mixing, desanders, flocculation-sedimentation and filtration give similar
values of CO2 eq kg / m3 in both PTAP for year study (2016-2017), the water flow which gives more
contribution to this impact because it is used for cleaning the same units. Mitigation lies in the sludge
treatment can be performed on each floor, so look clarify the water and separating the solid material.
Keywords: Carbon footprint, life-cycle assessment, environmental impact, Drinking Water Treatment
Plant.

1. Introduction "Measuring carbon footprint" to characterize

Greenhouse Gases (GHG) are a
problem which completely covers the
environmental context, which are generated by
anthropogenic activities and commercial and
industrial development. Over recent years,
concern for these gases and their effect on the
planet, it has encouraged seeking alternative
control and mitigation to help solve the
consequences that have arisen as a result of
emissions. For this, the method called
emission sources that are generated, whether
in a home, community or company where
subsequently the amount of GHGs are
measured in units of CO2 equivalent.
Measuring carbon footprint in
companies and communities is more complex
because of the number of processes and
variables to consider when compared to that of
a home. One way that facilitates the way to
approach this is by using the "life-cycle
assessment" (LCA), to identify the processes
involved in each of the necessary stages in the
development of a product. There are several
methods currently used, according to the
purpose of the problem in question, the most
consistent with the purposes of the carbon
footprint is the IPCC (Intergovernmental
Panel Climate Change), focusing on the status
of climate change impacts.
The methodology proposed by the
ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocol for
measuring carbon footprint in the process of
purification of Drinking Water Treatment
Plants (DWTP) "El Pórtico" and "Carmen de
Tonchala" was used in this research the
company Aguas Kpital in Cúcuta SA ESP;
where to determine the quantity of CO2
equivalent generated by these systems.
2. Methodology
2.1. Characterization Process
Characterizing DWTP El Pórtico and Carmen
de Tonchala was carried out by collecting
information provided by the company, where
inputs, flows, machinery and phases present in
plants, necessary to perform the purification
detailed raw water. After gathering all the
information described in the documents were
confirmed by technical visits to the DWTP,
confirming the consistency between the
records and the reality of the systems under
study. From this information into two
components which are were synthesized:
Component Pamplonita River
 Source Pamplonita River
 Uptake, Bocatoma
 Adduction (Bocatoma- Desanders)
 Desanders.
 Driving (Desanders-presettler)
 presettler
 Treatment plant "El Portico"
Component Zulia River
 Source Zulia River
 Uptake Termotasajero- seal pool,
Bocatoma
 Uptake, Bocatoma
 raw water pump station Termotasajero
 Break camera
 Driving (House Break-treatment plant)
 Treatment plant "Carmen de Tonchala"
2.2. Life cycle analysis
The life cycle analysis (LCA) Environmental
management is a methodology that evaluates
the environmental impacts of a product or
service (-R Ortiz et al., 2009). The research
was based on the International Standards ISO
14040, which consists of four main phases:
definition of objectives and scope, inventory
analysis, impact assessment and interpretation.
2.2.1. Definition of objectives and scope
Objective: Develop the life-cycle assessment
(LCA) Drinking Water Treatment Plants
(DWTP) "El Pórtico" and "Carmen de
Tonchala" using the LCA-manager software to
determine the amount of carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2 eq).
Scope: Then the studio system, the limits you
have and elements that comprise, for stroke is
specified.
 Studied system function: Change the
physical chemical properties of water
(pH, turbidity, color, smell and taste)
that reach the DWTP, in order to obtain
water suitable for human consumption.
 Functional unit (FU): a unit volume that
relates the final goal with a physical
quantity, following this the FU is based
on the "cubic meter of water (m3)" was
used
 Systems studied: It consists of 2 DWTP
for facilities "El Pórtico" and 1 DWTP
for installations in "Carmen de
Tonchala" which give treatment to water
collected from "Pamplonita River" and
"Zulia River".
  Geographical boundaries: Drinking (Materials, resources and energy). This
Water Treatment Plants (DWTP) "El required two types of sources:
Pórtico" and "Carmen de Tonchala" are
 Primary sources: Information provided
located in the city of Cucuta, Colombia.
directly by the company Aguas Kpital
 Temporary limits: As time horizon data
Cúcuta SA ESP
reported by the DWTP from January
 secondary sources: Corresponds to
2016 to December 2017 where 2016 will
databases, in this case the employee is
be taken as the base year and 2017 will
Ecoinvent version 3.1.
be the year under review they were
considered. Tables 1 and 2, inventories of primary and
 System limits secondary sources for water treatment process
plant “El Pórtico” and “Carmen de Tonchala”
2.2.2. Inventory analysis for years 2016 and 2017 are found.
Inventory analysis involves collecting and
calculating data to quantify the inputs and
outputs of a product or service. In each of these
stages, the inputs were calculated
Table 1 Table 1 Inventory primary and secondary sources for DWTP El Pórtico

2016 2017
materials Unity Value based on Value based on ecoinvent
UF UF
Power Kwh /
0.007203493 0.005563266 Electricty Mix // [BR]
consumption m3
Aluminum
kg / m3 0.002106122 - Aluminum hydroxide // [GLO]
chlorohydrate
AK-23 kg / m3 0.014077994 0.006139172 Aluminum hydroxide // [GLO]
Gaseous chlorine kg / m3 0.001921479 0.001656483 Chlor-alkali Electrolysis [ROW]
Aluminum Sulfate Aluminum sulfate mix
kg / m3 0.002005805 0.000104951
Type B (production market +) [ROW]
Polifloc Q-2000 kg / m3 0.000059519 0.000063557 Paraffin [GLO]
Superfloc C-576 kg / m3 0.000111343 0.000014281 Polyacrylamide // [GLO]
Activated carbon kg / m3 0.000053201 0.000024748 Activated carbon [GLO]
Floquat FL-2665 kg / m3 0.000032246 0.000032246 Polyacrylamide // [GLO]

Table 2 Inventory primary and secondary sources for DWTP Carmen de Tonchala

2016 2017
materials unity Value based on Value based on Ecoinvent name
UF UF
Power
Kwh / m3 0.044102861 0.081918574 Electricty Mix // [BR]
consumption
Aluminum
kg / m3 0.001017892 0.012189391 aluminum hydroxide // [GLO]
chlorohydrate
Gaseous chlorine kg / m3 0.001499895 0.001214565 Chlor-alkali Electrolysis [ROW]
Aluminum Sulfate aluminum sulfate mix (production
kg / m3 0.004824277 0.009554252
Type B market +) [ROW]
Polifloc kg / m3 0.000023006 0.00005727 Paraffin [GLO]
Superfloc C-576 kg / m3 0.000073671 0.000028581 polyacrylamide // [GLO]
Floquat FL-2665 kg / m3 - 0.000051325 polyacrylamide // [GLO]
2.2.3. Impact Assessment b. Operational control: When the company
For impact assessment "Global Warming (kg has full authority to include and
CO2 eq.)" Indicator was used with CML2001 incorporate its operational policies in the
methodologies, IPCC 2007, IPCC 2013 and
operation.
ReCiPe Midpoint (H) considering the database
Ecoinvent version 3.1 for inventory data of the
The criteria used has been "Operational
processes involved in the study. Finally, the
Control", since the organization has full
last phase of LCA is the interpretation, for the
authority to introduce and implement its
analysis of results and discussion.
operating policies at the operation.
2.3. Carbon footprint
2.3.1.2. Operational limits
The carbon footprint can be determined using  Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions
different methodologies, but for this case
study, is calculated by "Guide to the In the first range direct emissions from
calculation and reporting Corporate Carbon
footprint" developed by the District sources that are owned or controlled by the
Department of Environment (DDE), the which company are included. In this sense, it
it is based on the GHG Protocol (greenhouse
defined as follows:
gas Protocol), or GHG Protocol, the NTC ISO
14064-1: 2006 and the matrix defined under
o Inputs and flows
the project " Emission Factors considered in
the calculation tool of corporate carbon  Scope 2: Indirect emissions associated
footprint" of Environmental Business with electricity
Corporation (ENBC) and Foundation Natura
Colombia, with support from other agencies. In the second range indirect emissions
2.3.1. Defining Bounds related to electricity that is consumed by
There are two types of limits defined in the company are included.
determining the carbon footprint, which are:
o Electricity
2.3.1.1. Organizational limits
2.3.2. Choice of base year
In this first part can use 2 different approaches
in order to consolidate GHG emissions which A significant and consistent comparison of
are: emissions over time requires setting a
performance basis for comparing current
 Shareholding approach: Emissions are emissions; This is called base year emissions.
registered in the proportion that the
company has on different ownership For the choice of base year should consider the
structures. following:
 Approach Control: This control can be:  The information required for the
a. Financial control: When the company measurement of GHG that year must be
has power to govern its financial and complete.
operatic policies in order to monetize their
activities.
  It must be reliable without any alteration 6. Graphics: Definition graphics
display.
that may cause discrepancies with
reality. Using LCA-Manager software analyzed the
following results were obtained for each plant
The selected base year was 2016, since it is the in the respective year
most complete information on previous years
and the most reliable and accurate information Figure 1 Results environmental impact DWTP El
that could be obtained. Pórtico 2016 (Kg CO2-eq)
2.3.3. Identification and Quantification of
Emissions
Results environmental impact DWTP El
This step was previously developed in the life-
Portico 2016 (Kg CO2-eq)
cycle assessment, therefore, once all emission
sources in each scope, emissions in the same 1,60E-01
1,40E-01
category to know what the scope with joined
1,20E-01
were ranked the highest source of 1,00E-01
contamination. 8,00E-02
6,00E-02
4,00E-02
2,00E-02
3. Results and Discussion
0,00E+00

Filtration
Sedimentation
Catchment

Desander

Coagulation and

To obtain results in the LCA were supported
software that facilitates this process of
quantification. The tool used in the
environmental assessment is the LCA-
Manager version 1.7, software that allows
environmental assessment methodology based
on life-cycle assessment for industrial
products and processes. (Simpple, 2010)
Disinfection
Flocculation-
Rapid mix
CML 2001 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2007 -Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2013 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
ReCiPe Midpoint (H) - Climate change (kg CO2 eq.)

To use the tool must be defined aspects such

as scenario (scope and objectives), functional
unit (kg of material, energy MJ, m3 of treated
water, among others.), categories of damage
(on the environment in which takes effect, in
some cases it may be: human health,
ecosystems and natural resources). (García,
Herrera, & Rodriguez, 2011)
The software is divided into the following 6
stages of calculation described below:
1. Characterization: Data Entry.
2. Inventory: Inventory Collection.
3. Indicators: Selection.
4. Impacts: Getting impact matrices.
5. Results: Getting results.
Figure 2 Results environmental impact DWTP El Figure 4 Results environmental impact DWTP
Pórtico 2017 (Kg CO2-eq) Carmen de Tonchala 2017 (Kg CO2-eq)

Environmental impact results DWTP Results environmental impact DWTP

Carmen de Tonchala 2017 (Kg CO2- El Pórtico 2017 (Kg CO2-eq)
eq)
1,60E-01
4,50E-01 1,40E-01
4,00E-01 1,20E-01
3,50E-01 1,00E-01
3,00E-01
2,50E-01 8,00E-02
2,00E-01 6,00E-02
1,50E-01 4,00E-02
1,00E-01 2,00E-02
5,00E-02 0,00E+00
0,00E+00

Catchment

Filtration
Desander

Sedimentation
Coagulation and

Disinfection
Flocculation-
Filtration
Pumping Station

Break Camera

Sedimentation
Coagulation and

Disinfection
Flocculation-

Rapid mix
Rapid mix

CML 2001 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)

CML 2001 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.) IPCC 2007 -Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2007 -Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2013 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2013 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
ReCiPe Midpoint (H) - Climate change (kg CO2 eq.) ReCiPe Midpoint (H) - Climate change (kg CO2
eq.)
Figure 3 Results environmental impact DWTP As seen in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 is achieved
Carmen de Tonchala 2017 (Kg CO2-eq) view that there is a pattern of behavior in each
of the phases for the two plants in the years
Environmental impact results DWTP 2016 and 2017 phase being greater impact
Carmen de Tonchala 2016 (Kg CO2- according to indicator Climate change for
eq) CML-2001, IPCC 2007, IPCC 2013 and
ReCiPe Midpoint methodologies is the
4,50E-01
4,00E-01 "Coagulation and Quick Mix"; continuing
3,50E-01 with "Grit chambers", "Flocculation-
3,00E-01
2,50E-01 Sedimentation" and "filtration" with values
2,00E-01 very similar to each other. The large amount of
1,50E-01
1,00E-01 CO2 eq / m3 generated in these processes
5,00E-02 should be mentioned for the use of water for
0,00E+00
washing filters, clarifiers, flocculants and
Filtration
Pumping Station

Break Camera

Sedimentation
Coagulation and

Disinfection
Flocculation-

sludge; in the case of coagulation and rapid

Rapid mix

mixing, it is added the additive consumption

as coagulants and adding the environmental
impact coayudantes leaving this stage the
overall process.
CML 2001 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2007 -Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.) Finally, there are the units of "Collection" and
IPCC 2013 - Global Warming (kg CO2 eq.) "Disinfection", which have the least influence
ReCiPe Midpoint (H) - Climate change (kg CO2 eq.)
on the total impact generated in the
purification of water because the only inputs
they have are electricity and chlorine gas for
disinfection.

Figure 5 Comparison between inputs and flows DWTP El Portico 2016 vs 2017

COMPARISON BETWEEN INPUTS AND FLOWS DWTP EL PORTICO

2016 VS 2017
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20 2016
10
0 2017

Polifloc Q-2000
AK-23
electricity
water

Floquat FL-2565
Sulfloc NR-13

SuperFloc C-576

Activated carbon

Gaseous chlorine
Liquid Aluminum

Aluminum Sulfate
Hydrochloride

Type B

In Figure 5 the percentage of influence that contribution in the process of contamination

each input and / or flow within the water with 3.13% 2016, decreasing in 2017 due to
purification process in the plant “El Pórtico” the implementation of a new coagulant called
for the study period from January 1, 2016 to Sulfloc NR-13, therefore the amount used of
December 31, 2017 is detailed in this AK-23 was reduced, the percentage by
representation graph shown clearly and distributing 1.44% for former coagulant, and
unequivocally that the element with the largest 1.56 % to Sulfloc NR-13. Other inputs and
contribution is the water used for washing
flows as electricity, PAC, aluminum sulfate
units desanders, flocculation-sedimentation,
type B, Superfloc C-576, Q-2000 Polifloc,
coagulation and rapid filtration and mixing,
Floquat FL-2565, activated carbon and
contributing to environmental impact by
chlorine gas with a contribution of 1.88% by
94.99% for 2016 and 96.3% for the year 2017;
2016 and 0.70% for 2017.
coagulant AK-23 used as an additive in the
coagulation step and rapid mixing is the
second member having a significant
Figure 6 Comparison between inputs and flows POWPA Carmen de Tonchala 2016 vs 2017

COMPARISON BETWEEN INPUTS AND FLOWS DWTP CARMEN DE

TONCHALA 2016 VS 2017
100,00
90,00
80,00
70,00
60,00
50,00
40,00
30,00
20,00
10,00 2016
0,00 2017
water

electricity

SuperFloc C-576

FLoquat FL-2565

Gaseous chlorine
Polifloc Q-2000
Liquid Aluminum

Aluminum Sulfate Type B

Hydrochloride

Figure 6 shows the contribution of each input camera units breaking, coagulation and rapid
and flow generated in the DWTP of Carmen mixing, flocculation-sedimentation and
de Tonchala for the years 2016 and 2017 is filtration, other inputs provide 1.88% 2016
displayed; in said graph it is seen that the 3.20% and 2017, among which electricity
element with the highest percentage of hydroxychloride liquid aluminum, type B,
contribution is the water flow with 98.12% for Superfloc C-576, Q-2000 Polifloc, Floquat
2016 and 96.80% in 2017. The high impact by FL-2565 aluminum sulfate and chlorine gas.
this element is that is used for washing and
cleaning
Figure 8 Comparison between DWTP by applied methodologies

COMPARISON BETWEEN DWTP BY APPLIED METHODOLOGIES

31500000
27000000
22500000
18000000
13500000
9000000
4500000
0
CML2001 IPCC 2007 IPCC 2013 ReCiPe Midpoint

PTAP EL PORTICO 2016 PTAP EL PORTICO 2017

PTAP CARMEN DE TONCHALA 2016 PTAP CARMEN DE TONCHALA 2017

A graphic comparison was made between of CO2 eq / year also demarcates the
DWTP “El Pórtico” and “Carmen de methodology with the lowest values is the
Tonchala” for year study (2016-2017) was IPCC 2013, being for the 2 plants in the lower
performed, considering the four years of study.
methodologies used to quantify kg CO2 eq;
Globally, the methodologies IPCC 2007 and
reflecting the overall performance indicator
2013 gave results CML in which their values
global warming in Figure 8. In each of the
are minutely different in some inputs or flows
methodologies shows that plant Carmen de
at different stages; RECIPE Midpoint
Tonchala in the year 2016 is the one with the
methodology is slightly lower than the
pinnacle of contamination values above 29
previous two, but still within the range of the
million kg of CO2 eq / yr in 2007 IPCC,
same, giving a symmetry in the results of these
Midpoint CML RECIPE 2001 m, this
methodologies have already named.
methodology because of the large volumes of
water used in washing units over 24 million kg
Figure 9 Scope for DWTP

CONSOLIDATED SCOPE BY DWTP FOR THE YEARS 2016-2017 (KG

CO2 EQ / YEAR)
30000000
25000000
20000000
15000000
10000000
5000000
0
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 1 Scope 2
2016 2017 2016 2017
EL PORTICO CARMEN DE TONCHALA
CML 2001 - Calentamiento global (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2007 - Calentamiento global (kg CO2 eq.)
IPCC 2013 - Calentamiento global (kg CO2 eq.)
ReCiPe Midpoint (H) - Climate change (kg CO2 eq.)

As seen in Figure 9, the environmental impact
is generated from the Scope 1 where inputs
and flows used in the purification process is;
much of this impact is due to the use of water
for cleaning and washing units; Scope 2 only
is the flow of electric power company
consumed for operating machines (pumps,
electric motors, metering, among others.) that
facilitate processes in the DWTP and this
reaches less relevant due to poor impact
generated over the first Scope.
According to the above, it should be noted that
companies are able to offset emissions
generated by projects that promote emission
reductions; but as such compensation does not
reduce the carbon footprint if denotes the
individual commitment that the company has
with the impact on society and the
environment seeking to contribute to the
global commitment to combat climate change.
(Spanish Office of Climate Change, Ministry
of Agriculture, Food and Environment., 2015)

4. Compensation and mitigation Then alternatives for greater impact elements

strategies
Once obtained the results of quantification of
the carbon footprint, the next step essentially
is to find alternatives to help offset or mitigate
the impact generated in the processes and / or
activities that occur in the case study; this time
in particular purification process that takes
place in the DWTP “El Pórtico” and “Carmen
de Tonchala”.
are described:
4.1. Reduction in consumption and input
substitution
This alternative is generally to reduce the
amount of input flows used or through process
optimization or changing the chemical used by
another environmentally friendly. This
strategy has several limitations, the main one
is the dependence on the quality of inputs and
technologies that are available in the local
market; as the process efficiency, the price of
inputs and technologies that apply to the
process.
Analysis for DWTP El Pórtico, was obtained
the AK-23 and Sulfloc NR-13 and the DWTP
Carmen de Tonchala additives dosed with
greater impact coagulants are aluminum
chlorohydrate Liquid (PAC) and Aluminum
Sulfate type B (STB) for two years of study;
these inputs are used in order to settle fine
particles present in the raw water are the two
elements with a considerable contribution
compared to other inputs. Following this, they
may suggest alternative reduction amount
applied through the implementation of a pre-
treatment to help improve the
physicochemical conditions of the raw water
that enters the plant, and thus reduce the
amount of coagulant consumed the process.
Although the Sulfloc NR-13 was implemented
by 2017 by reducing consumption of AK-23
and sludge generation, thus reducing same
impact generated by this 2017 compared to
2016, and the plant Carmen de Tonchala for
the same year the coayudante Floquat FL -
2565, helping to improve the formation of
flocs in turbidities which exceeded the
parameters with which operates regularly
added.
Another method of achieving a reduction in
the dosage of these coagulants and other inputs
as coayudantes (PAC, Superfloc C-576,
Polifloc Q-2000 Aluminum Sulfate type B)
may be performed by developing a guide Dose
optimal for these additives, improving the
response of the operators of the DWTP and
reducing spending these chemicals reducing
costs to the company. For this use of the jar
test is seeking dose best current response
according to the physicochemical
characteristics introduce fluid testing different
turbidities to have a document as gamma
potential opportunities presented before
multiple scenarios that may arise.
4.2. Sludge Treatment
This strategy involves deployment units that
can remove the solid matter to obtain effluents
without sludge pourable or reenter the channel
to the water system.
There are different types of treatment sludge,
shown below:
 Thickening: can be given by gravity or
flotation, in the first is performed by
means of circular or rectangular static
decanters provided with scrapers trailing
mud bands collection, the clarified water
is removed by weirs located at the top.
(Quiros Ramirez)
 Band filters: based on a continuous wire
belt passing through a rotating rolls. The
conditioned sludge with a flocculation
assistant, is poured continuously over the
band. Subsequently, it is compressed and
a plate separating the dewatered sludge
band. With this filter concentrations of
dry matter of about 20% are obtained.
(Quiros Ramirez)
 Press filters: The preconditioned sludge,
usually with lime, is introduced into the
chambers forming each two adjacent
plates, subjecting it to a pressure which
is in the range of 300 kg / cm2 by means
of a hydraulic device. (Quiros Ramirez)
 Drying beds: They are used usually for
dewatering digested sludge. Once dry,
the mud is removed and evacuated
landfills or used as a soil conditioner.
(Drying beds, sf)
4..3. CO2 sinks compensation
A sink is "any process, activity or mechanism
which absorbs or eliminates the atmosphere
gas greenhouse, an aerosol or a precursor of a
greenhouse gas" according to the Framework
Convention of the United Nations on Climate
Change (UNFCCC) 1992. oceans and
terrestrial are responsible for about 50% of
greenhouse gases and absorbed CO2 annually.
Forests, contribute to mitigating climate
change by storing carbon in vegetation and soil
through plant respiration and microbial
activity constantly exchange with the
atmosphere, but become sources of carbon
when are troubled. Trees absorb CO2 leaving
only the carbon molecule for use in the form
of carbohydrates for your metabolic processes
of growth, clinging to the branches, roots and
trunk wood. This carbon sequestration is only
as long as the tree is developing to maturity,
once the tree dies emits the same amount of
carbon captured.
The acquisition of strategic areas by Aguas
Kpital Cúcuta is a key to carry out this process.
This will create carbon sinks that help
compensate and retain the amount of CO2
emitted by business processes, as well as
conservation of water sources such as
Pamplonita and Zulia Rivers, which has
deposits that allow carry out treatment
processes that supply the cucuteña population.
For this it is necessary to do a study to
determine possible areas that can be acquired
by the company, like forest species more
carbon sequestration that are native to the
region for their growth naturally; thus
avoiding cost overruns by the adaptation of
species from other regions.
5. Conclusions
In the purification process the amount of
carbon ("C") generated the city of Cucuta,
calculated through indicators of global
warming by the CML 2001 methodology,
IPCC 2007, IPCC 2013 and RECIPE Midpoint
show that during 2017 they issued
27'040.192,45 kg CO2 eq, 27'040.511,45 kg
CO2 eq, 21'700.124,59 kg CO2 and
26'994.746,8 kg CO2 eq respectively for each
methodology in DWTP El Pórtico. In the plant
Carmen de Tonchala carbon ("C") were
26'957.539,11 kg CO2 eq, 26'957.851,73 kg
CO2 eq, 21'639.801,08 kg CO2 eq and
26'907.954,92 kg CO2 eq for each
methodology named above; It is the "Water"
element responsible for over 90% of emissions
for 2 floors.
Flow more contaminant load is water, because
it is used for washing and cleaning grit
chambers, rapid mixing and coagulation,
flocculation-sedimentation and filtration; this
generates said fluid is mixed with fine particles
and sludges, changing its physicochemical
characteristics (turbidity, color, odor, flavor
and pH). To mitigate this, the implementation
of strategies as "Sludge treatment" allowing
clarify the water of this compound is
necessary.
In plants water treatment El Pórtico and
Carmen de Tonchala are evident that the
process of greatest contribution to the carbon
footprint is "Coagulation and rapid mixing",
due to consumption of additives such as
coagulants and coayudantes which speed up
the process sedimentation of fine particles and
formation of flocs; besides the use of water for
washing the unit because of the formation of
sludge generated in the process.
References
Araque L, RA (2015). Assessment of the
environmental impact of global warming
on public services of water, sewer and
toilet by applying life cycle analysis of
Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia
study. University of Pamplona. Pamplona,
Norte de Santander, Colombia.
Article: The concept of ecological footprint -
Environment Portal. (2018).
Retrieved from
http://movil.asturias.es/portal/site/medioa
mbiente/menuitem.1340904a2df84e62fe4
7421ca6108a0c/?vgnextoid=dffed676ea0
61310VgnVCM10000098030a0aRCRD&
i18n.http.lang=es
PROcarbono forests - carbon economy.
(2018). Retrieved from
https://www.uach.cl/procarbono/huella_d
e_carbono.html
Carbon Trust. (2007). "Carbon footprints in
the supply chain: the next step for
 business". Number CTC616 Report,
November 2006, The Carbon Trust,
London, UK. London.
Environmental Management Center What is
the ecological footprint? - Technological
University of Pereira (2011). Retrieved
from https://www.utp.edu.co/centro-
gestion-ambiental/informacion-de-
interes/que-es-la-huella-ecologica
Environmental Business Corporation (ENBC)
& Foundation Natura Colombia (2014).
Emission Factors considered in the
calculation tool of corporate carbon
footprint
United Nations Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean
(ECLAC). (2011). Methodologies for
calculating the carbon footprint and its
potential implications for Latin America.
French Republic: ECLAC.
Espindo, C., & Valderrama, J. (2018). Carbon
footprint. Part 1: Concepts,
SPANISH FEDERATION OF
MUNICIPALITIES AND PROVINCES.
(2011). Carbon sinks locally. SPAIN:
SPANISH NETWORK OF CITIES FOR
THE CLIMATE.
Greenhouse Gases | Ministry of Environment,
Housing and Territorial Development.
(2018). Retrieved from
http://www.minambiente.gov.co/index.ph
p/mitigacion/gases-efecto-invernadero
Garcia, J., Herrera, I., & Rodriguez, A. (2011).
Life-cycle assessment of Treatment Plant
Municipal Wastewater. Mexico.
Gonzalez, R. (November 17, 2014). WHAT IS
AIR POLLUTION? Retrieved from
Twenergy: https://twenergy.com/a/que-
es-la-contaminacion-atmosferica-1523
PRTOCOL GHGs. (2003). Corporate
Accounting and Reporting Standard,
World Business Council for Sustainable.
IDEAM, & Ministry of Environment. (1999).
National Resource Inventory sinks
Greenhouse Gases. Republic of Colombia
Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. (2008). Climate Change
2007 Synthesis Report. Synthesis Report
IPCC (WMO, UNEP).
Bolanos Jurado, C., & Lizcano Sandoval, Y.
(2015). Determining the carbon footprint
in the El Dorado International Airport in
light of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol
(GHG) (Specialization in Environmental
Management). Free University.
Drying beds. (Sf). Retrieved from
Aguamarket:
https://www.aguamarket.com/diccionario/
terminos.asp?Id=1137
Leiva, EH (2016). Life Cycle Analysis. School
of Industrial Organization.
M. d. (2015). Guide to calculate the carbon
footprint and develop a plan to improve an
organization. Madrid: Spanish
ChangeMitigation Office.
Estimation methods and methodological
complexities. In Information Technology
(2nd ed.). Spain.
Ministry of Environment, V. and. (13
December 2004). Resolution 1433.
Retrieved from
http://www.alcaldiabogota.gov.co/sisjur/n
ormas/Norma1.jsp?i=15603.
Ministry of Environment, Housing and
Territorial Development (2015).
Atmospheric pollution. Retrieved from
http://www.minambiente.gov.co/index.ph
p/asuntos-ambientales-sectorial-y-
urbana/gestion-del-aire/contaminacion-
atmosferica
Colombian Technical Standard NTC-ISO
14040 (2007). Life cycle analysis.
Principles and frame of reference. Second
update. Bogota DC, Colombia.
Spanish Climate Change Office. Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Environment.
(2015). Guide to calculate the carbon
footprint and develop a plan to improve an
organization. Madrid: Ministry of
Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Global warming potential. - Portal
Environment. (2016). Government of the
Principality of Asturias.
Quiros Ramirez, F. (sf). Sludge produced in
the treatment of drinking water.
District Department of Environment (2015).
Guide to the calculation and reporting
Corporate Carbon Footprint.
Simpple. (2010). Retrieved from Simpple
Efficiente Solutions:
https://www.simpple.com/wp-
 content/uploads/2013/12/Manual_LCAm.
pdf
Torrado, RJ (2018). Evaluation of the carbon
dioxide by applying the life cycle analysis
(LCA) Regional Landfill Cortada,
Pamplona Methodology. Pamplona.
WRI, WBCSD &. (2005). Protocol
Greenhouse Gases.
WWF. (2006). Living Planet Report.
Switzerland: Worl Wild Fund