International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Eco-Friendly Treatment for the Removal of Fluoride, Chloride, and Hardness Using Neem and Tamarind as Bio-Adsorbents Shahina K H1, Fathimathul Afsila C2, Bharath Krishnan K M3 , Sreya V4 1Student, Department of Civil Engineering, JCET, Palakkad, Kerala, India
2 Student, Department of Civil Engineering, JCET, Palakkad, Kerala, India 3 Student, Department of Civil Engineering, JCET, Palakkad, Kerala, India
4Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, JCET, Palakkad , Kerala , India
----------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract – Water contamination due to high levels of chloride, fluoride, and hardness poses a significant threat to public health and the environment. This study explores an eco-friendly treatment method using tamarind and neem as bioadsorbents for the removal of these contaminants. Water samples were collected from Chittur, Kozhinjampara, Kollengode, and Pallassena in Palakkad, Kerala, India. The treatment process involved using neem and tamarind individually at varying concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/L for neem; 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 mg/L for tamarind) and in combination at different ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1). Experimental results indicated that neem at 10 mg/L, tamarind at 12 mg/L, and the combination of both in a 1:1 ratio achieved the highest removal efficiency for chloride, fluoride, and hardness. This study highlights the potential of tamarind and neem as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives for water treatment, offering an environmentally friendly solution for mitigating water contamination.
Key Words: Water treatment, bio-adsorbents, neem, tamarind, chloride removal, fluoride removal, hardness reduction, eco-friendly approach.
1.INTRODUCTION Water contamination occurs when harmful pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, fluoride, chloride, and minerals causing hardness, enter water sources. These contaminants originate from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and improper chemical disposal, affecting both human health and ecosystems. Polluted water can lead to severe health issues, including gastrointestinal infections, neurological disorders, and chronic illnesses, making effective treatment essential. Clean drinking water is crucial for preventing diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, ensuring proper hygiene, and supporting cognitive development in children. Contaminated water can cause malnutrition, stunted growth, and developmental delays, while safe water access enhances vels of fluoride, chloride, and hardness in drinking water can have serious health and environmental consequences. High fluoride levels may lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, causing discoloration and damage to teeth and bones, and in severe cases, bone deformities. Long-term exposure to fluoride can also affect cognitive development in children. Elevated chloride levels can contribute to high blood pressure and gastrointestinal issues, with environmental impacts that disrupt aquatic ecosystems due to increased salinity, which affects the biodiversity of freshwater habitats. Water hardness, caused by high concentrations of calcium and magnesium, can lead to health issues like kidney stones and digestive disturbances. The permissible limit for fluoride In drinking water, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is 1.0 mg/L. Fluoride levels above this limit can cause health issues, such as dental and skeletal fluorosis. In areas where finding alternative water sources is challenging, levels up to 1.5 mg/L may be acceptable. However, exceeding the recommended limit increases the risk of fluoride-related health issues, especially affecting teeth and bones over long-term exposure. For chloride, the acceptable Concentration in drinking water is 250 mg/L. Chloride levels above this limit may start to affect the taste of water, making it salty or unpleasant. In cases where it’s difficult to obtain water with lower chloride levels, concentrations up to 1,000 mg/L are allowed, though they may contribute to health issues like high blood pressure and stomach irritation. High chloride concentrations can also corrode pipes and appliances, impacting water infrastructure. Water hardness, measured as the concentration of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), has an ideal limit of 150 mg/L. Hardness beyond this level can contribute to problems such as scaling in pipes and household appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Higher hardness levels may also increase the likelihood of kidney stones and digestive issues. An eco-friendly approach using natural bio-adsorbents like tamarind and neem offers an effective, cost-efficient solution. Tamarind pulp and seeds, rich in hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, efficiently adsorb fluoride, while neem leaves
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