Rapid evaluation of proteins by turbidimetry: Application to some agroalimentary effluents treated by electrocoagulation

Soraya Boumaza, Sabir Hazourli

Abstract

This study provides a turbidimetric method, recognized for its rapid and precise evaluation, of flow dispersion of proteins contained in agro-alimentary effluents, before and after clarification treatment by continuous electrocoagulation (EC). Different wastewater effluents were studied such as those of dairy, abattoir and cereals. The principal aims of this study are: the existence and the variability of the correlation between turbidity and proteins; in order to implement the measure in continuous and in situ of turbidity to estimate, by extrapolation, proteins concentrations. The results obtained were able to highlight possible extrapolation between these two parameters but within the tested limits of concentrations; the correlation coefficients obtained are 0.96, 0.94 and 0.74 for the dairy, the slaughterhouse and the cereal effluents, successively. Extrapolation has been validated with satisfaction on effluents treated by EC. It is therefore possible to monitor the effectiveness of this technique via protein parameter and optionally perform turbidity sensor automation; thus reducing time and cost related to the analysis of proteins.