ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIALS OF A PLANT-BASED COAGULANT (CYPERUS ESCULENTUS PULP) AS SUBSTITUTE FOR ALUM IN CONVENTIONAL WATER TREATMENT PROCESS

Abstract

In a bid to providing potable water, chemical coagulants are employed in water treatment for the purpose of coagulation and flocculation. This process have an effect on human health. This research was carried out to assess the potentials of a plant-based coagulant (cyperus esculentus Pulp) as substitute for alum, coagulation aids or sources of dilution. The water sample from river Gorao along Minna-Bida Road in Niger State were in line with the standard laboratory procedures of the American Public Health Association (APHA) for the evaluation of the efficacy of the two coagulants (Plant-based Coagulant – PBC) and Aluminium Suphate (Alum). Jar Test was done for some turbidity range. The results showed Turbidity and Colour removal efficiencies of 80.47% and 55.37% respectively. The Water Quality Index (WQI) shows that cyperus esculentus produces good quality water (grade B) with WQI of 44.5.