Utilização de extrato de cacto Cereus jamacaru como coagulantes auxiliares para a diminuição de turbidez da água de turbidez sintética

Abstract

This study addresses the topic of water treatment using natural polymers due to the reduction of the use of metal coagulants. The research objective was to extract acidic, basic and saline solutions a viscous complex (natural polymer) cactus Cereus jamacaru, applying them as helpers and improved flocculation coagulants, usi ng as primary coagulant aluminum sulfate, to determine the efficiency of the auxiliary turbidity reduction of water turbidity synthetic. The tests were performed with static reactor Jar Test with starting turbidity of 50 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). The parameters measured before, during and after the tests were turbidity, total alkalinity and pH. From the results we evaluated the feasibility of insertion of auxiliary in Water Treatment Stations (WTSs). Extracts acidic, basic and saline obtained turbidity reduction in the order of 2.27; 2.01 and 1.6 times more compared to the blank test (without added extract, with only metallic coagulant), respectively. The increased settling speed in all the tests due to the formation of larger and heavier flocs, which reduces the permanence of water coagulated in water treatment plants by increasing the volume of treated water and useful life of filters. Regarding the physical-chemical characteristics there was little effect of the extracts on the parameters pH andalkalinity. However, the study revealed that the extracts are eficases coagulant aids, having abundant raw materials, low cost, and sludge generated with less environmental impact, since there is a reduction of aluminum.