COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE FLOCCULANT ACTION OF Opuntia ficus indica MUCILAGE BY TWO METHODS: COAGULATION AND ELECTROCOAGULATION IN THE LEACHATES OF PIRGUA LANDFILL IN TUNJA

Abstract

The flocculant effect of the cactus nopal (Opuntia ficus indica) aqueous extract mucilage on the suspended solids that cause turbidity and pollutants load the leachates produced in the Pirgua landfill of Tunja city (Colombia) was studied. Two comparative methods were applied: the coagulation - flocculation and the electrocoagulation in three mediums: acid (pH 4), neutral (pH 7) and basic (pH10). The best results in the removal of suspended solids and subsequent correction of physicochemical parameters of leachate reached 67%, which were obtained with the method of electrocoagulation at a concentration of mucilage / leaching of 30/70 and a pH of 7.

Key words: Coagulation, Electrocoagulation, Floculation, Leachate treatment, Turbidity removal.