Efeito da concentração de potássio na eficiência do extrato de sementes de moringa como agente coagulante

Abstract

Studies indicate that salt solutions potentiate the coagulant power of the moringa (Moringa oleifera) seed extract and satisfactory results have been obtained when prepared in solutions of sodium chloride and calcium hydroxide. However, the presence of monovalent ions in wastewater may favor the dispersion of solids, preventing the formation of flocs and sedimentation of solids, reducing the efficiency of reduction in turbidity. It is known that the effluent from organic filters, for example generated when using sawdust as filtering material, and wastewaters such as that from the processing of the coffee fruit and vinasse, have high monovalent potassium ion concentrations. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of moringa seed extract as coagulant, in the removal of turbidity from water (turbidity 106 NTU) with potassium concentrations from 0 to 320 mg L-1. It was found that potassium, when present in concentrations of up to 2 mg L-1, resulted in dispersive effects, but in higher concentrations greater coagulation efficiency of solids present, and consequently reduced water turbidity.