Evaluation of physicochemical properties of Nopal (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) as bio coagulant-flocculant for water treatment

Due to population growth, together with anthropogenic activities have polluted and depleted drinking water worldwide. Therefore, efforts been made develop physico-chemical operations for its reuse. However, the traditional implementation of inorganic compounds has generated collateral effects on human health environment. Consequently, plant species used remove pollutants from asan economical efficient alternative. For above, present research carried out a characterization Nopal (Opuntia Ficus-Indica) as potential biocoagulant-flocculant. To evaluate these properties, taxonomic evaluation was determine type evaluated, followed by bromatological thermogravimetric analyses identify physicochemical properties related their adsorption capacities. Subsequently, mucilage extracted pulverized heating techniques chemical through functional groups vibrational spectroscopy energy dispersive X-ray scanning electron microscopy, morphology. The results it possible use nopal biocoagulant-flocculant, due phenomena molecular content up polysaccharides, proteins other that allow minerals heavy metals elimination in water.