An approach to improve sustainability: performance of Strychnos potatorum seed as a natural coagulant in water treatment at tourist sites

Water is obviously an essential need for all living beings. The most important aspect is water quality for drinking purposes. In January 2024, water samples from Courtallam and Karaiyar were collected in order to test the water quality. In the current work, an attempt has been made to study the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of collected water. The obtained data were analysed with BIS. Additionally, an approach has been made to study the efficacy of Strychnos potatorum seed (SPS), a natural coagulant, for purpose of treating water. According to BIS, before treatment with SPS, both the collected water samples have shown the physical and chemical qualities as potable, but not biologically which shows the Fecal coliform is uncountable in both samples. After treating with SPS, as a remedial measure, the Fecal coliform is countable (decreases) and physically potable but chemically not potable as the value of pH is below the minimum permissible limit and the value of NH3 exceeds the maximum permissible limit. The study strongly recommends to constantly monitor the quality of drinking water in the region and also suggest the natural coagulant, for removal of bacteria and turbidity from water to protect the health of the people.