Abstract
Contaminated water consumption is one of the greatest risks to human health, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Water is a universal right, but millions of people worldwide consume untreated surface water. The objective in this study is to evaluate water purification with Nopalea cochenillifera var. Miúda biomass. Fragments (1, 2, and 3 g) of N. cochenillifera were added to the aqueous solution containing red-yellow Chromic and Podzolic Luvisol simulating turbid water sources in Northeastern Brazil. The total, non-structural (i.e., reducing and non-reducing sugars, alcohol insoluble solids), and structural (i.e., pectin) carbohydrates, adsorption kinetics, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH, zeta potential, and total coliforms presence were evaluated. Findings show that the Nopalea cochenillifera biomass adsorbed the suspended particles in the aqueous solution, making it more translucent due to the complex and heterogeneous adsorbents’ ion exchange matrix, but the biomass addition did not eliminate total coliforms from the aqueous solution. We concluded that the Nopalea cochenillifera biomass water treatment reduces suspended dissolved particles and turbidity, but it needs to be associated with other treatments to eliminate total coliforms and ensure water safety for human consumption.
Highlights
Surface horizon samples of Chromic Luvisol [25] were collected from Pombal, Paraíba, Brazil (Sertão) and from red yellow podzolic (MA/EPE—SUDENE/DRN, 1972) in Lagoa
Fifty grams of sieved soil was added to 500 mL of distilled water
The supernatant was used as a stock aqueous solution for simulating the water used for human and other animal watering in Northeastern Brazil
Summary
Safe and readily available water is important for public health, home use, food production, and recreational purposes [1]. In 2010, the UN General Assembly recognized the human right to water and sanitation [2]. It is agreed that all individuals have the right to sufficient, continuous, safe, acceptable, and physically accessible water for personal and domestic use [3]. Water must be available in the environment in adequate quantity and quality. Water must be odorless, colorless, and tasteless, without harmful chemicals and microorganisms [4]
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