Evaluation of Flocculation Perfotmance of Aloe Vera With Clay Suspension

Abstract

Flocculation is one of the commonly used processes in the treatment of wastewater. It aims to eliminate colloidal particles that cannot be removed by other methods. Traditionally, aluminum or iron salts and synthetic polymer have been utilized. Remaining traces of these chemicals in water is a source of pollution hazards. Besides, it generates slowly biodegradable sludge. Thus, the recent trend is towards using biomaterials. Moreover biopolymers, have coagulation and flocculation properties, which can remove over 80-90% of water turbidity at almost no cost. Additionally, the use of natural polymers produces sludge-increased biodegradability. In the present study, Aloe Vera Gel (AVG) is used for enhancing turbidity removal of clay suspension of different concentrations. AVG is used in dosages of 2, 4, 6, and 8 ml/l of clay suspensions with concentrations 10 and 50 gm clay/l. Different particle sizes of clay are tested. Results indicated that increased particle size enhances turbidity removal. Higher values for percentage reduction in turbidity are satisfied by increasing AVG dose up to 6 ml/l. The lowest value for residual turbidity (40 NTU) and the highest percentage in turbidity reduction (89%) are satisfied when using a clay suspension 10 g/l, with particle size 600 µm, using AVG dose 6 ml/l. Best performance is obtained from AVG when using a ratio 6/100 for AVG dose/solid particles (for clay suspension 10 g/l). This ratio was 12/100 for clay suspension 50 g/l. Thus, AVG could be considered an environmentallyfriendly option for treatment of turbid water with feasible results.