Comparative Studies of Alum, Maerua Subcordata Root Tuber Powder and Juice Extract as Coagulation/Flocculation Agents

Abstract

Turbidity is a great problem in water treatment. Comparative study was done on alum a commercial coagulant; Maerua subcordata root powder and juice extract a locally available natural coagulant to reduce turbidity and other water parameters. The tests were carried out using turbid river water with conventional jar test apparatus. After dosing, Maerua subcordata root powder and juice extract reduced turbidity 3.73±0.09 NTU, 0.02±0.03 NTU and 0.12±0.02 NTU for alum, from 86.77±0.52 NTU. Total coliforms and feacal coliforms were reduced to 15 MPN and 4 MPN by alum, to 14 MPN and 7 MPN by Maerua subcordata root powder and to 15 MPN and 4 MPN by juice extract. The study observed that both Maerua subcordata root powder juice extract showed a good alternative coagulant reducing water parameters to values below maximum permissible limits by WHO. Using Maerua subcordata, suitable, easier and environment friendly options for water treatment was observed.