The removal of suspended matter by natural coagulants for low brackish water

Natural coagulants have been the focus of research of many investigators through the last decade. In general, these coagulants are used as a point-of-use technology in less-developed communities as they are relatively cost-effective, compared to chemical coagulants; they can easily be processed in usable form and are biodegradable. Chitosan and Cactus were used as natural coagulants in this study to reduce the turbidity in brackish water. Some jar tests were conducted in order to optimize the coagulant dose, speed, rapid mixing time, and pH of the medium. The initial turbidity values, measured at 53.5 NTU, were reduced by as much as 97.08% (chitosan) and 93.35% (cactus). The turbidity removal capacity determined in this study indicated that chitosan and cactus Opuntia have the potential to be used in brackish water treatment applications.