Comparative Analysis of Plant-Based Natural Coagulants for Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater containing elevated turbidity levels can pose a significant risk if discharged directly into the environment. Conventional treatment involves chemical coagulants, presenting drawbacks like high cost, excessive sludge generation, and health risks To enhance sustainability in the treatment, it is essential to explore alternative methods that minimize environmental impact. Implementing natural coagulants, such as plant-based materials, can reduce reliance on costly inorganic salts and decrease sludge production. To reduce these drawbacks, alternative coagulants derived from natural sources are being explored for their potential to enhance sustainability while minimizing environmental impact. This research evaluates sustainable alternatives using natural coagulants—papaya seed powder, tamarind seeds, orange peels, and neem leaves—to treat municipal wastewater with an initial turbidity of 364 NTU. The effectiveness of these coagulants at different dosages was evaluated by jar tests, and the ideal dosage for each was identified. Along with turbidity reduction, the study also looked at the elimination of chemical and biochemical oxygen demands (BOD and COD). According to the findings, papaya seeds were able to remove up to 91.7% of the turbidity, 52% of the BOD, and 68% of the COD. 89.1% turbidity, 67% BOD, and 78% COD were eliminated by tamarind seeds. Neem leaves performed the best, removing 99.89% of the turbidity, 75% of the BOD, and 82% of the COD. Orange peels showed 66.89% turbidity reduction, 79% BOD removal, and 80% COD removal. The FTIR analysis showed functional group presence such as tannins and flavonoids in neem leaves, which likely contributed to their superior coagulation performance. Orange peels, being abundant and cost-effective, also demonstrated significant practical utility. These findings highlight the potential of natural coagulants as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical treatments. The implications of this study suggest that plant-based coagulants, especially neem leaves and tamarind seeds, offer a viable, cost-effective solution for improving wastewater treatment while reducing environmental impact.