Effect of Natural Coagulants from Opuntia ficus-indica and Moringa oleifera on Turbidity Reduction in Surface Waters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51252/reacae.v5i1.1294Keywords:
biocoagulants, water quality, water clarification, water treatment, turbidityAbstract
Currently, the availability of high-quality water was recognized as an essential requirement for human health and well-being; however, in several localities in southern Peru, water resources exhibited elevated turbidity levels, which affected their acceptability and hindered treatment due to limited access to chemical coagulants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cactus pads of Opuntia ficus-indica and seeds of Moringa oleifera as natural coagulants to reduce the turbidity of water from the Caplina River, Tacna. A TurbiQuant 1100 T turbidimeter and a jar-test method were used to apply variable concentrations of both biocoagulants individually and in combination. The results showed a significant reduction in turbidity across all treatments, with Moringa oleifera demonstrating the highest efficiency at low doses, whereas Opuntia ficus-indica exhibited better performance at higher concentrations. In conclusion, the natural coagulants evaluated proved to be sustainable and low-cost alternatives for the clarification of surface waters, providing scientific evidence of their potential applicability in regions with limited resources.
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