Removal of Heavy Metals and Purification of Surface Waters

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In many parts of the world, the removal of heavy metals and turbidity in surface waters for potabilization is a focus of study, as it has become a public health problem. Many researchers develop methodologies for the removal of heavy metals; however, these are generally difficult to implement in rural areas due to the danger associated with the use of chemical reagents by individuals with little or no education. That is why this chapter aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review, including an original research project developed by our working group, to identify affordable methods for the potabilization of surface waters in small communities with minimal technology. Additionally, it aims to provide data for better understanding. These economical, sustainable, and efficient methods will help improve the treatment of surface waters for human consumption, using plants and their extracts for the removal of turbidity and various heavy metals. The methods proposed in this chapter for the potabilization of natural water are a contribution to green analytical chemistry. The objective of this chapter is to present metals, removal techniques, and evaluate the efficiency of removing Fe and Mn during phytoremediation processes. To carry out this work, three stages were considered. In the first stage, the quantity of plant material required for the process is selected. In the second stage, the metal removal capacity is determined with the selected mass, and in the third stage, the aim is to understand the removal levels of extracts from Opuntia ficus-indica and Hylocereus triangularis to compare it with Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle. The determination of metals was performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy with a previously validated method. The Hydrilla exhibited a 100% removal of Fe and Mn, as well as a reduction in turbidity and color of 92% and 94%, respectively. The Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle and Opuntia ficus-indica are plants that can be used for the removal of Fe, Mn, turbidity, and color in natural waters. The Hylocereus triangularis did not show efficient results in removing these metals in natural waters. Similar to Hylocereus and Hydrilla, Opuntia can be used for the removal of turbidity from natural waters, which is useful for rural communities.