Optimization of Coagulation-Flocculation Process for the Treatment of Wastewater Using Inorganic and Three Natural Coagulants

• A. S. Adewuyi

  Department of Civil Engineering; Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

• J. R. Adewumi

  Department of Civil Engineering; Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

This paper presents the coagulant activity of three organic coagulants namely; Abelmoschus esculentus (okra mucilage), Bridelia ferruginea (tree bark extract) and Ficus exasperata (sand-paper ï¬g-tree) bark extract was investigated and their efficiency in treating both industrial and domestic wastewater was compared to inorganic chemical coagulant (Aluminum sulphate). The tests were conducted using the jar test apparatus where 250 ml of wastewater was initially coagulated with 100 ml of Al2(SO4)3 as control. Thereafter, varying percentages of the three organic coagulants were used as partial replacement for Al2(SO4)3 in the mixture at intervals of 10% (from 0% -100%). For the cassava wastewater (industrial) with an initial turbidity of 168 NTU, results show that the lowest turbidity attained upon application of the three organic coagulants was 6 NTU at a pH of 2.50. This was achieved when 40% of Bridelia ferrugineae extract was used as partial replacement for Al2(SO4)3. For the domestic wastewater with an initial turbidity of 125 NTU, results show that the lowest turbidity attained upon application of the three organic coagulants was 8 NTU at a pH of 3.04. This was achieved when 90% of Bridelia ferrugineae extract was used as partial replacement for Al2(SO4)3. The results have shown that the organic coagulants employed in this study can be used as partial replacement for inorganic coagulant. This will help mitigate the negative effects associated with the use of inorganic coagulant in the treatment of wastewater.

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