Use of natural mucilage extracted from the Stenocereus griseus (Cardón Guajiro) plant as a coagulant in the treatment of domestic wastewater

Abstract

     Coagulants can be extracted from vegetal material and applied in the treatment of wastewater. These coagulants are derived from seeds, leaves, bark, roots and fruits. This study focuses on the use of the mucilaginous extract of Stenocereus griseus (known as Cardón Guajiro) for removal of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids, turbidity and color in domestic wastewater from a pumping station in the city of Cartagena (Colombia). The optimal dose of S. griseus extract was determined by a pitcher test employing an E&Q F6-300 digital flocculator. All physicochemical tests were carried out following the specifications of the standard methods for wastewater (APHA). When 1400 mgL^-1 of natural coagulants were used in the sewage treatment, the turbidity obtained was 29.57 TNU, representing removal of 67.24%, considering the initial turbidity. This parameter decreases until 68.61 PCU, for a 72.12% removal at the same coagulant dosage regarding the color. It must be noted that significant statistical differences were found between all tested doses of the coagulant. The mucilaginous extract of S. griseus exhibited useful properties in the primary treatment of domestic wastewater.