Efficiency of Ananas Comosus and Solanum Tuberosum in the Removal of Heavy Metals from an Environmental Liability, Peru

The increase in water pollution levels is a global concern that requires sustainable solutions. This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of potato and pineapple peels as natural coagulants for the removal of contaminants from the water of an environmental liability. Tests were conducted with concentrations of 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, and 100 ppm of potato and pineapple peels, measuring the initial and final concentrations of the contaminants. The experimental methodology included statistical analyses, such as the Kruskal-Wallis test, to determine the significance of the results. The main findings indicated that potato peel had a removal efficiency of 87% for turbidity, 76.11% for lead, 54.78% for cadmium, 66.74% for zinc, and 99.63% for chromium. In comparison, pineapple peel showed an efficiency of 80.45% for turbidity, 68.93% for lead, 50.94% for cadmium, 58% for zinc, and 99.21% for chromium. These results suggest that both natural coagulants are effective, with a slight advantage for potato peel in most of the evaluated parameters. The conclusions highlight the viability of using potato and pineapple peels as sustainable alternatives for the treatment of contaminated water. This study contributes to the field by providing an ecological and low-cost solution for water resource management. The limitations include the need for larger-scale studies and in different environmental conditions. The practical implications are significant for rural communities with limited access to advanced water treatment technologies. Socially, the use of organic waste for water purification can promote sustainable practices and increase awareness about the importance of recycling and environmental protection.