Innovative use of pomegranate peels and chitosan as a bio-flocculant for heavy metal removal from wastewater

Abstract

This research explores the potential of using pomegranate peels and chitosan as a natural flocculant for pre-treating wastewater to enhance sand filtration and remove heavy metals (Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+) effectively. Active compounds like tannin are extracted and purified from the pomegranate peels, then chitosan and tannin are modified to create a novel flocculant. The synthesized flocculant is characterized and its performance is evaluated through laboratory experiments, analyzing factors such as dosage, pH, and heavy metal concentration. The results of this work can provide a safe, easy, eco-friendly and cheap method of wastewater treatment.