Valorization of the aqueous extract of Arbutus unedo L. leaves as a novel environmentally friendly scale inhibitor

• Published in: Journal of water process engineering Vol. 65; p. 105846
• Main Authors: Nassiri, Mustapha, Karmal, Ilham, Darbal, Sara, El housse, Mohamed, Ben-aazza, Said, Belattar, M’Barek, Driouiche, Ali
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024
• Subjects: AULE extract; Calcium carbonate; Green inhibitor; Scaling; Scaling; Green inhibitor; AULE extract; Calcium carbonate
• ISSN: 2214-7144; 2214-7144
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2024.105846

Exploring plant extracts as novel ecological inhibitors represents one of the most innovative advancements in combating calcium carbonate precipitation. This work aims to evaluate the inhibitory effectiveness of an aqueous extract of the plant Arbutus unedo L. (AULE) against calcium carbonate deposition. The total quantities of polyphenols and flavonoids in this extract are measured using colorimetric techniques and the Folin-Ciocalteau method. To identify the functional groups present in the leaf extract of Arbutus unedo L., a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was conducted. Subsequently, the anti-scale efficiency of the studied extract is assessed through conductivity testing and the Laboratory of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering (LCGE) method. This study was conducted on a pure calco‑carbonic solution at 40 °F and a temperature of 25 °C. In the absence of the inhibitor, the precipitate obtained, analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), consists of CaCO3 of calcite variety. For concentrations of AULE extract lower than the effective concentration, XRD and SEM analysis of the formed scale show a significant modification in the morphology of calcite variety CaCO3. Total inhibition, under the experimental conditions, of CaCO3 precipitation is achieved for an AULE extract concentration of 80 mg/L. Therefore, AULE can be considered as an effective, innovative, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective inhibitor against calcium carbonate deposition. •Arbutus unedo L. leaves extract can be used as an Eco-friendly and Efficient inhibitor of scaling.•The extract's polyphenol and flavonoid concentration is related to its anti-scaling efficacy.•The effectiveness of the green inhibitor is evaluated in real-word conditions to prevent pipe blockages.•The morphology of CaCO3 was significantly changed by the tested extract's presence.