Cactus Cladode Juice as Bioflocculant in the Flocculation-Thickening Process for Phosphate Washing Plant: A Comparative Study with Anionic Polyacrylamide

In the phosphate industry, thickening process is vital to increasing solid slurry concentration and recovering water that as clear possible. The performance of depends mainly on coagulation–flocculation effect. based flocculant agents concentrate particles: flotation washing plant rejects large flocs, which accelerate their sedimentation velocity. industry worldwide uses synthetical flocculants such polyacrylamides. These are non-biodegradable, limiting efficiency regarding cost harmful effects environment. This study proposes cactus cladodes juice an eco-friendly alternative industrial flocculants. particle size samples ranges from 0 ?m 160 ?m, with a 8%. bioflocculant allowed for increase in velocity 95% compared case without flocculant. optimal amount decanting 1 tonne pulp at pH 7–8 1.12 kg. Special attention paid understanding flocculation mechanism. results physicochemical characterization show biopolymers have similar characteristics anionic polyacrylamide. work indicates promising application plants.