Evaluation of technology potential of Aloe arborescens biopolymer in galvanic effluent treatment

Biopolymers have the ability to form gels that can be used in coagulation/flocculation processes. For this reason, the present work evaluated the application of the Aloe arborescens gel as a biopolymer in the treatment of the effluent generated in galvanic processes. The centesimal, thermogravimetric and texture profiles, as well as the functional groups and the biopolymer's performance in the treatment was analyzed. The performance results were evaluated by central composite rotational design 2³. The variables biopolymer concentration, aluminum sulphate and initial pH of the effluent were significant at the confidence level of 95%. The Cr(VI) removal efficiency ranged from 6.37% to 37.74%; significant reductions in dissolved solids (89.80% to 94.13%) and suspended solids (71.06% to 90.00%) were also observed. The treated effluent still presents parameters above the regulatory limits stated by the legislation, therefore, the biopolymer could be used as initial treatment for solids removal.