Plant Extracts as Scale Inhibitors

Abstract

Mineral deposits on the surface of water systems, known as "scaling," have serious technical, environmental, and economic consequences. Considerable research has been focused on the advancement of scale inhibitor technology. One of the most advanced lines is the development of eco-friendly scale inhibitors. Recently, plant extracts have also been used as new eco-friendly scaling inhibitors, thanks to their respect for environment, their biodegradability, and their richness in organic compounds, which offer high scaling inhibition potential. Furthermore, these resources are renewable and can be extracted through straightforward, cost-effective methods, making them an attractive alternative source to conventional inhibitors. In this chapter, our objective is to offer a comprehensive overview of plant extract preparation process and its application as inhibitors of carbonates and sulfate scales. The mechanism of action is also discussed in the chapter.