Removalof turbidity in raw water by cactus (Opuntia Ellisana)

Abstract

Coagulation is an important process in water treatment to reduce the turbidity of water. In this study, Opuntia ellisiana or more commonly known as cactus has been used to evaluate its effectiveness in removing water turbidity by using jar test. The cactus is used to study its potential in turbidity removal. Active component were extracted from the cactus by using three different type of extraction solution namely distilled water, Potassium Chloride (KCl) 1.0M and Sodium Chloride (NaCl) 1.0M. Initial synthetic turbidity of 55 NTU was used for the study purpose. Other parameter such as pH has also been studied. Cactus that is extracted by using Potassium Chloride (KCl) 1.0M shows the highest efficiency in turbidity removal. Besides that, lower pH does help in coagulation process.