Comparing cactus (Opuntia spp.) and alum as coagulants for water treatment at Al-Mashroo Canal: a case study

摘要

A comparative study was performed between cactus (Opuntia spp.) and alum as coagulants. Monthly samples of raw water, delivered from (Al-Mashroo Canal), were studied and analyzed for turbidity removal during the period from August 29, 2014, to July 23, 2015. The analysis was conducted to decide the optimum dose, optimum velocity gradient, and optimum flocculation time for both coagulants. The results of the study indicate the efficiency of alum over cactus and that the optimum dose of alum was larger than that of cactus. The pH level of raw water was in the range of 7.734-8.203, while the temperature of raw water was in the range of 13-35 A degrees C during the period of the study. The reliable velocity gradient for both coagulants was 25 1/s, and the reliable flocculation time for both coagulants was 20 min. The residual turbidity for cactus was in the range of 0.0-296 NTU, while that of alum was in the range of 0.0-5.81 NTU.