International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 12 | Dec 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Experimental Assessment of Bio-Based Materials for Borewell Water Purification Anup N. Folane1, Prajwal S. Chirde2, Prajyot D. Harshe3, Manav N. Mahajan4, Pooja S. Mankar5 1,2,3,4, Under Graduate Student, Jawaharlal Darda Institute of Engineering and Technology, Yavatmal, 5Assist. Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Jawaharlal Darda Institute of Engineering and Technology Yavatmal,
Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract
–The growing concern over declining
groundwater quality in India has increased the demand for sustainable and low-cost water purification techniques. Borewell water, which serves as a primary source of domestic water in rural and semi-urban regions, often contains contaminates such as fluoride, heavy metals, hardness ions, and microbial impurities due to both natural and anthropogenic activities. The present research focuses on the experimental assessment of bio-based materials such as Moringa seed, Coconut shell, Banana peel, and Rice husk ash for borewell water purification. These materials, abundant in nature and biodegradable, act as bio-absorbents capable of removing diverse pollutants through adsorption and coagulation processes. This paper consolidates findings from previous studies and elaborates on adsorption mechanisms, preparation methods, and removal efficiencies. Each material’s physicochemical properties and its interaction with contaminants are analyzed in detail. The methodology involves systematic sampling, adsorbent preparation, and laboratory testing using standard protocols. The results confirm that these bio-materials can remove contaminants with efficiencies ranging from 85–95%, depending on dosage and contact time. The proposed approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6)—Clean Water and Sanitation—by offering a green, low-cost solution suitable for decentralized household water treatment systems, especially in rural areas of India. Key Words: Bio-adsorbents, Borewell water, Fluoride removal, Heavy metals, Sustainable purification, Moringa seed, Coconut shell, Banana peel, Rice husk ash.
1. INTRODUCTION Water is an indispensable resource for life and sustainable development. In India, groundwater serves as the backbone of the water supply system, catering to nearly 80% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population. Borewell water is considered a reliable source due to its perennial availability; however, it is not always safe for direct consumption. Over the past few decades, excessive extraction of groundwater, coupled with industrial
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expansion and agricultural intensification, has resulted in deterioration of its quality. The contamination arises from both geogenic (natural rock-water interaction) and anthropogenic (human-induced) sources. Borewell water in many Indian regions exhibits elevated concentrations of fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrates, chlorides, arsenic, and hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium. High fluoride content, particularly in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh, has led to widespread dental and skeletal fluorosis. Similarly, excessive hardness and heavy metal contamination make the water unfit for domestic use. The severity of this problem has drawn attention toward developing efficient, low-cost, and environmentally compatible water treatment methods. Conventional purification methods such as reverse osmosis (RO), ion exchange, and chemical precipitation are highly effective but not economically feasible for rural and semiurban areas. They demand high capital cost, energy input, and maintenance while producing concentrated chemical waste that poses disposal challenges. Moreover, these methods often remove essential minerals, altering the natural taste and balance of water. Hence, there is a pressing need to identify eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives that can provide acceptable purification levels at minimal cost. Bio-based adsorbents have emerged as an innovative and green solution for water treatment. These materials are derived from agricultural by-products and plant residues, such as coconut shells, banana peels, rice husk, and moringa seeds. Their natural composition includes cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, proteins, and silica, which provide active binding sites like carboxyl (-COOH), hydroxyl (-OH), and amino (-NH₂) groups capable of adsorbing contaminants through surface complexation, ion exchange, and electrostatic attraction. Moreover, these bio-adsorbents convert waste materials into useful filtration media, promoting the concept of waste-to-resource utilization. The present study evaluates the adsorption potential of four selected bio-materials—Moringa seed, Coconut shell, Banana peel, and Rice husk ash—for borewell water purification. Each material was chosen for its unique properties: Moringa
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