Efficacy of the use of Opuntia ficus-indica and Caesalpinia spinosa in the reduction of turbidity in wastewaters

Nayeli Mariana C.-S.; Rosmery M.-H.; Magda Mtr V.-M. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1043

Resumen

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the use of Opuntia ficus-indica and Caesalpinia spinosa in the partial elimination of turbidity in wastewater. To this end, tests were carried out with different doses of both natural coagulants in wastewater. An experimental design was used with five treatments for each coagulant, evaluating parameters such as turbidity, pH, conductivity and temperature before and after treatment. The values obtained were compiled in a previously validated record card, which allowed the measurements of each parameter evaluated to be recorded systematically and reliably. The results showed that the treatment with Caesalpinia spinosa was the most effective, achieving a turbidity removal of 99.34%, with final turbidity values between 4.29 UNT and 5.09 UNT, complying with the limits established by the Environmental Quality Standards (ECA) of Supreme Decree 004-2017-MINAM. On the other hand, the treatment with Opuntia ficus-indica showed a turbidity removal of 92.2%, but the final values remained above the limit of 5 UNT, placing it in subcategory A2. In addition, pH, conductivity and temperature remained within the allowable limits, suggesting that both coagulants are suitable for wastewater processing in the context of potabilization. In conclusion, Caesalpinia spinosa showed superior efficiency in turbidity reduction, being more suitable for this purpose.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte