Bioflocculants extraction from Cactaceae and their application in treatment of water and wastewater

Effect of extraction conditions, including solvent types and extraction temperatures on the power flocculant of the mucilage (MP), and water (WP), acid (AP), chelating (CP) and alkali-pectin (PHEX) extracted from the cladodes of Opuntia Ficus Indica (OFI) was evaluated. Two protocols (protocol 1 at 90 °C and protocol 2 at ambient temperature) were used with different combination and temperature for the extraction of the foregoing. It was found that AP, PHEX and CP extracted by high temperature showed higher yield than those extracted at room temperature except water extract. Flocculant power was evaluated for sets of products on the elimination of materials in suspension for three different pH values. The PHEX extracted at ambient temperature can act as a coagulant and flocculant together for turbid water.