Autonomous Wastewater Treatment System for Rural Communities in the Province of Manabí, Ecuador

This study aimed to develop and pilot an autonomous, decentralized wastewater treatment system to improve access to safe sanitation in rural communities lacking conventional infrastructure. An applied approach was adopted, focusing on system design, prototype development, pilot implementation, and IoT-based monitoring. The results indicate that the system is technically feasible, operationally reliable, and adaptable to local conditions, supported by automation and renewable energy integration. Overall, the proposed solution represents a sustainable and scalable alternative to centralized sanitation systems, contributing to public health protection, environmental conservation, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6.