Document Type
Patent
Publication Date
May 2011
Patent Number
7943049
Abstract
Arsenic is a poisonous metalloid which, because of its hydroscopic nature, is primarily transported through water. Most plant species, including the nopal cactus, produce a sticky substance called mucilage. Mucilage swells in water but is insoluble and can precipitate ions, bacteria and particles from aqueous solutions. The invention includes a method of separating particulates and heavy metals such as arsenic (As) from drinking water using natural flocculants obtained from cactus mucilage. The extraction techniques and the methodology for using the cactus mucilage obtain higher As removal than conventional methods, like aluminum sulfate precipitation.
Application Number
11/934,932
Recommended Citation
Alcantar, Norma A.; Joseph, Babu; and Young, Kevin, "Water purification method using plant molecules" (2011). USF Patents. 394.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/usf_patents/394
Assignees
University of South Florida
Filing Date
11/05/2007
Primary/U.S. Class
210/728
