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Membrane Water Treatment Volume 17, Number 1, January 2026 , pages 57-82 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/mwt.2026.17.1.057 |
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Enhancement of coagulation-flocculation using Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage for turbidity removal: Ain Zada dam (Algeria) |
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Mohammed Tiaiba, Belkacem Merzouk
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| Abstract | ||
| Surface water quality deterioration presents critical challenges for drinking water production in arid regions, where sustainable treatment solutions are essential. This study investigates Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) mucilage as a natural coagulant aid for turbidity removal from Ain Zada dam water in northeastern Algeria. We systematically evaluated coagulation-flocculation parameters including pH (4-10), four coagulants (aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, ferric sulfate, ferric chloride) at 100-500 mg L-1, mixing conditions, settling time, pre-chlorination, and OFI mucilage (10-150 mL). Jar tests on water with 74-201 NTU turbidity revealed mixed organic-inorganic composition (60-70% organic colloids). A key finding is coagulant-specific compatibility with OFI mucilage: aluminum-based coagulants showed significant enhancement (aluminum sulfate improved from 57.69% to 75.77%; aluminum chloride from 68.61% to 81.85% with 10 mL mucilage per liter), while iron-based coagulants exhibited reduced efficiency (ferric sulfate decreased from 76.19% to 70.59%; ferric chloride from 79.62% to 74.43%), indicating fundamentally distinct chemical interactions between metal hydroxide surface chemistry and anionic mucilage polysaccharides. Pre-chlorination enhanced treatment to 82.85% removal while enabling 75% coagulant dose reduction. This work provides mechanistic insights into cactus-derived biopolymer integration in conventional water treatment, establishing design guidelines for sustainable implementation in arid regions where Opuntia ficus-indica is abundant. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| coagulant aid; coagulation-flocculation; mucilage; Opuntia ficus indica; surface water treatment; turbidity removal | ||
| Address | ||
| Mohammed Tiaiba: Environment and Health Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth and Universe Sciences, Dept. of Agricultural Sciences, Mohamed El-Bachir El-Ibrahimi University, Bordj Bou Arreridj, 34000, Algeria Belkacem Merzouk: Laboratory of Water, Environment and Renewable Energies, Faculty of Technology, University of M'sila, Dept. of Hydraulics, University Pole, Road Bordj Bou Arreridj, M'sila 28000, Algeria | ||
