Peruvian researcher proposes sustainable alternative to treat arsenic-contaminated water

In the Lambayeque region, arsenic contamination in drinking water is a critical public health issue, as it can cause everything from gastrointestinal ailments to chronic diseases. In response to this situation, Manuel Hoyos, a Research Professor at the Chiclayo Campus of the Technological University of Peru (UTP), proposes the use of agro-industrial waste as an alternative solution. His study focused on the district of Mórrope in Lambayeque, where arsenic levels in water sources have been reported to exceed the limit allowed by the World Health Organization (0.010 mg/L). Therefore, the professor compared flours made from lemon peel (Citrus aurantifolia) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) as bioadsorbent agents to remove the heavy metal from water intended for consumption. "We opted for these inputs because they have solid antecedents in the literature as effective lignocellulosic matrices for metal adsorption. Moreover, they are residues widely available in our region ...