Chapter: 1

INTRODUCTION
 1. INTRODUCTION

Access to clean and safe drinking water is a crucial issue in many parts of the world,
particularly in developing countries. One of the common problems in water quality is
turbidity, which is caused by suspended particles like clay, silt, and organic matter. High
turbidity not only affects the appearance of water but also poses health risks by harboring
pathogens and reducing the effectiveness of disinfection processes.

Removing small particles and suspending matter from water is very important because it
helps solve many issues related to turbidity. Dirty water affects aquatic life and reduces
their ability to reproduce [1]. To improve the lives of people, especially in remote areas
where proper infrastructure is lacking, controlling water sources and treating drinking
water is crucial. However, in many places, proper water clarification hasn’t been
achieved due to a lack of understanding of how natural coagulant can be used to purify
water. By studying this natural coagulant scientifically, we can gain knowledge that not
only benefits rural populations but also helps urban water utilities that often don’t treat
water effectively.

Different methods are used to make water safe and appealing for consumption, depending
on the quality of the raw water. One challenge in water treatment is the large seasonal
variation in turbidity. Traditional chemicals are often used at various stages of water
treatment [2]. These chemicals, whether synthetic organic or inorganic, are usually
expensive because they need to be used in large amounts and aren’t very cost-effective.

Traditional water treatment methods use chemicals like aluminum sulfate (alum) to
remove turbidity. These chemicals work well but can be expensive and leave behind
harmful residues, like aluminum, linked to health problems such as Alzheimer's disease.
Also, depending on imported chemicals makes water treatment too costly for many
developing countries.

The use of natural coagulants has a long history, especially in India, Africa, and China,
where they have been used for over 2000 years to treat highly turbid water. Research by
many scientists has confirmed that natural coagulants are both economical and efficient
[3]. These coagulants can be made from plant seeds, leaves, and roots. They are safer for
human health compared to synthetic coagulants containing harmful monomers and are
also cheaper since they are locally available in most rural parts of India.
Turbidity refers to the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by tiny particles that are too
small to be seen with the naked eye. Measuring turbidity is an important way to check the
quality of water. Suspended solid matter in the water includes particles of different sizes.
Some of these particles are heavy enough to settle at the bottom if the water is left
undisturbed. However, very small particles, especially if they are colloidal or if the water
is frequently stirred, will either settle very slowly or not at all. These tiny particles make
the water look cloudy or turbid.

Turbidity is measured using a device called a "Nephelometer," which detects how much
light is scattered by the particles in the water. The smaller particles there are, the more
light is scattered, and this is measured in units called "Nephelometric Turbidity Units"
(NTU). The amount of light that reflects can vary based on the particles' shape, color, and
reflectivity.

Governments have set standards for allowable turbidity in drinking water. The World
Health Organization (WHO) recommends that drinking water should not exceed 5 NTU
and ideally be below 1 NTU. According to Indian standards (IS 10500:2012), the
permissible limit for turbidity in drinking water is 5 NTU.

Many scientific studies have been conducted on treating polluted water using various
methods like chemical precipitation, lime coagulation, ion exchange, reverse osmosis,
and solvent extraction. Although chemical methods are the most effective and widely
used, there has been a shift towards using natural coagulants due to the limitations of
chemical-based coagulants. Natural coagulants come from plants, animals, or microbes.
These include substances like starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, galactomannans,
chitosan, alginate, glues, and microbial polysaccharides, which are all non-toxic.
The treatment process using natural coagulants involves stages like molecule bridging,
adsorption, and charge neutralization. The main advantages of natural coagulants in
wastewater purification are that they are renewable, non-toxic, biodegradable, cost-
effective, and can efficiently remove turbidity. The benefits of natural coagulants are
presented in Figure 1.
Because of these benefits, natural coagulants, especially those of plant origin, have
gained the attention of scientists in recent years.
 Cost lower sludge handling and
treatment cost
Sustainability more environmental friendly

Health concern
Benefits Sludge generation biodegradable
of natural
coagulant Nature of coagulant noncorrosive

Figure 1. Benefits of natural coagulants

In this thesis, the focus is on the evaluation of four natural coagulants: banana peel,
Moringa oleifera leaf, jamun leaf, and mahua fruit, for their effectiveness in turbidity
removal from water. These natural materials were selected based on their availability,
cost-effectiveness, and potential coagulating properties.

1. Banana Peel: Banana peels, which are often discarded as waste, have shown
potential as an effective natural coagulant. The peels contain various compounds,
including pectin and cellulose, which have coagulating properties. Studies have
demonstrated that banana peel powder can significantly reduce turbidity in water
by binding with suspended particles and aiding in their removal. Additionally,
banana peels are abundantly available and inexpensive, making them a
sustainable choice for water treatment in developing regions.

2. Moringa oleifera Leaf: Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick

tree or the miracle tree, has gained attention for its wide range of medicinal and
nutritional benefits. In recent years, it has also been recognized for its potential in
water purification. The seeds of Moringa oleifera contain cationic proteins that act
as natural coagulants. These proteins can effectively neutralize the negative
charges on suspended particles, causing them to aggregate and settle out of the
 water. Research has shown that Moringa oleifera seeds can reduce turbidity by up
to 99%, making them one of the most effective natural coagulants available.
Moreover, Moringa oleifera is widely cultivated in many tropical and subtropical
regions, making it a readily accessible and affordable option for water treatment.

3. Jamun Leaf: Jamun (Syzygium cumini) is a tropical fruit tree native to India and
other parts of Asia. The leaves of the jamun tree have been traditionally used in
Ayurvedic medicine for their various health benefits. Recent studies have
explored the use of jamun leaf extract as a natural coagulant for turbidity removal.
The polyphenolic compounds present in jamun leaves have shown potential in
coagulating suspended particles in water, leading to a significant reduction in
turbidity. The use of jamun leaves as a coagulant not only offers an effective
solution for water purification but also adds value to this readily available natural
resource.

4. Mahua Fruit: Mahua (Madhuca indica) is a large deciduous tree native to the
Indian subcontinent. The fruit of the mahua tree has been traditionally used for
various purposes, including the production of oil and liquor. However, its
potential as a natural coagulant has only recently been recognized. The mucilage
extracted from mahua fruit has been found to possess coagulating properties,
making it effective in reducing turbidity in water. Mahua fruit is widely available
in rural areas, and its use as a coagulant can provide an affordable and sustainable
solution for water treatment in these regions.

This thesis aims to examine how effectively natural coagulants like banana peel, Moringa
oleifera leaf, jamun leaf, and mahua fruit can reduce turbidity in water. Turbidity occurs
when tiny particles like clay, silt, and organic matter are suspended in water, making it
look cloudy and unsafe to drink. Typically, chemicals are used to remove turbidity, but
these methods can be costly and harmful to the environment.

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate how well these natural coagulants work
in reducing turbidity and to compare their effectiveness with chemical coagulants. The
study will also assess whether these natural options are more affordable and
environmentally friendly. By exploring alternatives to chemical treatments, this research
aims to develop better and more sustainable methods for water purification, especially in
areas where clean water is scarce, and resources are limited.

To achieve this, laboratory experiments will be conducted to test the effectiveness of

banana peel, Moringa oleifera leaf, jamun leaf, and mahua fruit in removing turbidity
from water. The results will be analyzed to determine which natural coagulant performs
best and under what conditions. The findings from this study could provide valuable
solutions for communities in developing regions, helping them use natural resources to
improve water quality in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
 Chapter: 2

LITERATURE REVIEW