Removal of Nitrate Ions from Aqueous Media by Filtration and Coagulation Techniques Using Mangosteen Powder as a Bioabsorbent

Water contamination by nitrates is a significant environmental and health issue. With the aim of developing sustainable and economical treatment methods, this study explores the use of mango kernel powder as a natural biosorbent for the removal of nitratesin aqueous solution. Filtration technique was used to evaluate the physical and chemical retention capacity of nitrates by the powder, while coagulation process promoted particle aggregation and separation from the medium by sedimentation. These methods exploit the adsorbent properties of the powder which is rich in active functional groups capable of interacting with nitrate ions. The effectiveness of the treatment was monitored using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer, by measuring the absorbance at wavelengths characteristic of nitrate ions (272 to 300 nm). The decrease in absorbance after treatment indicates an almost total reduction in nitrate concentration. The results showed that several parameters influence the effectiveness of the process, including the pH of the solution, the dose of biosorbent, the contact time, and the initial nitrate concentration. The best performance was observed at a slightly acidic pH and for an optimal dose of powder (40mg). This approach recycles agri-food waste while offering an environmentally friendly solution for the treatment of nitrate-contaminated water.