Evaluation of exudated gum produced by Acacia siamea as coagulant in the clarification of the waters for human consumption

Abstract

Utilization of the natural origin substances as coagulant in the water clarification process have been increased in Latin American countries, due to present innocuous character for the human health. The present investigation evaluated the application of the exudates gum derived from the tree Acacia siamea (A. siamea), as coagulant with the purpose to determinate the optimal dosage for the clarification of natural waters and to achieve the potential of the reduction for not desirable microorganisms in treated water. The application of 50 mg/L of exudates gum of A. siamea, as optimal dosage, was reached to reduction the turbidity (NTU) level between 80 to 95%. The total alkalinity and pH did not presented significant Magaly Chávez2variations, thus did not add chemical substances for the regulation of the physical-chemistry charapter of the treated water. The results obtained with the microbiological tests indicate the potential of the exudates gum to use in this treatment plant to remove 98% for pathogenic microorganisms. One concludes that the gummed exudates of A. siamea can be used as natural coagulant for drinking water.

Keywords

• naturals coagulants
• exudates gum
• acacia
• clarification