ESTUDIO COMPARATIVO DE UNA MEZCLA DE SULFATO DE ALUMINIO Y COAGULANTES NATURALES Y SU IMPACTO EN EL TAMAÑO DE LOS FLOCS

Abstract

The comparative study of a mixture of aluminum sulfate and natural coagulants, such as fava bean, focuses on water treatment and the enhancement of the water’s physical-chemical conditions. With the comparative study presented below, we aimed to propose an alternative that could improve water quality for the inhabitants of the ‘La Toma’ district in the municipality of Sotaquirá. This alternative would be environmentally friendly and cost-effective, considering the project’s environmental context. In the first phase, we identified problems and explored potential solutions. We consulted documents related to water treatment and studied the characteristics of various natural components that could effectively eliminate or reduce negative parameters. Once we had gathered information on possible coagulants, we created a guide outlining the plan of action for coagulant application and the methods to be employed in the process. During the second phase, we conducted laboratory experiments based on the plan developed in the previous step. This allowed us to evaluate and compare the results obtained. Some adjustments were made during this phase, including the use of nopal as a secondary coagulating agent and the exploration of different stages in the bean mixture. Our goal was to gain a comprehensive understanding of which method was more effective and applicable to the project. Finally, in the third and last phase of the project, we analyzed the results obtained in the laboratory and synthesized the concepts learned during the research phase. These findings informed the conclusion of our degree work