Utilização da casca do fruto da Oiticica (Licania rígida Benth) no tratamento de amostras de águas de poços de São José do Seridó - RN.

Abstract

The problem of water is a factor that effects much of Brazil, and especially the northeastern region, which has long periods of drought, which wakes water an asset that is difficult for the population to access. Taking this context into account, the use of groundwater has established itself as being the most accessible way that the population has to meet their basic consumption needs. However, the indiscriminate use of these sources becomes a vehicle liable to chemical contamination and this, therefore, way cause damage to human health such as the appearance of pathologies, in this way, the use of water treatments with natural adsorbents is a resource of low cost, easy access and no risk of chemical contamination. In this perspective, as the northeast already had the extraction of oil from Oiticica (Licania Rigida) as a source of income, the use of the peel of the fruit of Oiticica is a possible source of use as a natural adsorbent for water treatment. This work aimed to demonstrate the efficiency of the natural adsorbent from the Oiticica fruit as a viable and low-cost medium for treating the reducion of electrical conductivity and total hardness of water. This work aimed to demonstrate the efficiency of the natural adsorbent from the Oiticica fruit as a viable and low cost means for treating the removal of electrical conductivity and total water hardness. For this, it was necessary to carry out determinations of pH, turbidity and electrical conductivity. For this, it was necessary to carry out determinations of pH, turbidity and electrical conductivity. As well as, the chloride content, alkalinity, total hardness, STD and the sodium and potassium concentrations by the flame photometer technique. Then, the chemical composition of the skin of the fruit of the Oiticica in natura was analyzed in the X – ray fluorescence spectrometer Dispersive Energy – EDX and after the treatment of the samples. After conducting the study, it was possible to verify the efficiency of cork as a natural adsorbent for the treatment of water samples. With this adsorbent, it was possible to verify the reduction of electrical conductivity and total hardness and also the concentrations of STD. The natural adsorbent used from Oiticica is promising because it is an economically viable material, does not pose risks to human health and does not pollute the environment after use.