International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
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Low-Cost Innovative Water Treatment Using Binary Bio-Coagulants: A Sustainable Approach for Turbidity and Hardness Removal in Synthetic Turbid Water Venkatesh K.R 1,*, Jeevasri A2, Priyadharshini K3, Roopalakshmi A4 and Sakthivel R5 1-Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering-Tindivanam, Tamilnadu,
India-604307
2,3, 4 & 5 - Final year U.G. Students, Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering-Tindivanam,
Tamilnadu, India-604307 * Corresponding Author: e-mail- kayarvee@gmail.com. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------and appliances, reduces soap efficiency, and impairs taste Abstract -This study investigates a novel, low-cost approach [1].
for treating synthetic turbid water using binary blends of plant-based bio-coagulants, through a comparative assessment against conventional alum. Four plant-derived coagulants were blended in seed ratios of 25:75, 40:60, 50:50, 60:40, and 75:25, and applied at dosages ranging from 50 to 85 mg/L. These blends were tested on synthetic turbid water samples with turbidity levels of 20, 40, 50, and 80 NTU using standard jar test procedures. The study assessed variations in water quality parameters, including turbidity, pH, chloride, and total hardness. Results showed that specific binary combinations achieved turbidity removal efficiencies of up to 90%, matching or exceeding alum performance. Additionally, bio-coagulant treatments maintained pH within the acceptable range of 6.5–8.5, whereas alum led to significant pH reductions necessitating chemical correction. Select combinations also showed notable hardness reduction, offering advantages over conventional coagulants. Unlike alum-based sludge, the sludge generated from bio-coagulants was biodegradable and potentially reusable as organic manure, reducing environmental impact. Among all combinations tested, the Phyllanthus emblica / Cicer arietinum blend exhibited the highest turbidity removal efficiency (up to 90%) while maintaining optimal pH and hardness levels. These findings indicate that binary biocoagulants, when applied at suitable ratios and dosages, provide a sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to chemical coagulants, especially suitable for decentralised water treatment applications.
Conventional treatment methods rely on chemical coagulants like aluminium sulphate (alum) to remove turbidity through coagulation–flocculation processes. While effective, alum has several limitations: it significantly lowers water pH, contributes to increased residual aluminium content, and generates large volumes of non-biodegradable sludge that complicate disposal [2-3]. Post-treatment pH correction using lime is often necessary, which raises operational costs and chemical load. Furthermore, concerns regarding long-term health effects of aluminium exposure have driven the search for safer, sustainable alternatives [4]. In recent years, plant-based bio-coagulants have emerged as promising eco-friendly substitutes. Derived from seeds, peels, or pods of various plants, bio-coagulants are biodegradable, non-toxic, locally available, and cost-effective [5-6]. They minimize alteration in pH, produce less sludge, and are especially suitable for decentralized water treatment systems. Various studies have reported the successful application of plant-based bio-coagulants such as Moringa oleifera, banana peel powder, and okra mucilage in reducing turbidity and other water contaminants [7]. Recent studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of plant-based biocoagulant extracts in treating surface water with comparable performance to conventional coagulants [8]. Despite growing interest, most previous studies have focused on individual plant-based coagulants. However, recent research suggests that binary or hybrid combinations of coagulants can exhibit synergistic effects, potentially improving coagulation performance, reducing required dosage, and broadening the pH range of effectiveness [9-4]. Of particular interest is Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), which not only aids in turbidity removal but has also demonstrated hardness reduction capability due to its calcium-binding polyphenols [10-11].
Keywords: Alum,Jar test,; Turbidity, Hardness, Seed ratio, Binary bio-coagulants.
1. INTRODUCTION Access to safe drinking water is a critical public health requirement. Turbidity and hardness are among the major concerns in surface and groundwater sources, especially in developing regions. Turbidity, caused by suspended solids such as clay, silt, and organic matter, reduces water clarity and hampers disinfection efficiency. Hardness, primarily due to calcium and magnesium ions, leads to scaling in pipelines
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To address this gap, the present study evaluates the effectiveness of binary plant-based bio-coagulant blends—
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