Turbidity removal from surface water using Cactus opuntia

Coagulation and flocculation are critical processes in water treatment facilities and typically precede the more intricate secondary and tertiary treatment stages. Currently, the most commonly used coagulants in water treatment are aluminum sulfate (alum) and ferric chloride. In developing countries, synthetic coagulants can be neither economical nor health-friendly. Consequently, natural coagulants have garnered significant research attention over the past decade. This study explored the use of cactus as a natural coagulant to decrease turbidity in surface water from the Sekak dam in Tlemcen, Algeria. Various jar tests were performed to optimize parameters such as coagulant and flocculant dosages, mixing speed, rapid mixing duration, and the pH of the water. The initial turbidity level of 5.45 NTU was reduced by up to 84.03%. The turbidity removal capacity observed in this study suggests that Opuntia cactus has considerable potential for application in surface water treatment.