Turbidity Removal from Sullage Wastewater Using Musa paradisiaca Peels as a Natural Coagulant
Elisha Kanyimbo
Department of Education Science, Faculty of Education, University of Livingstonia, P.O. Box 19, Rumphi, Malawi.
Joel B. Njewa *
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, School of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Malawi, P.O. Box 280, Zomba, Malawi.
Emmanuel Goomzy Mwase
Department of Education Science, Faculty of Education, University of Livingstonia, P.O. Box 19, Rumphi, Malawi.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The use of inorganic commercial coagulants for water and wastewater clarification has been linked to the prevalence of human health and environmental issues. Natural coagulants are currently being explored as an alternative option for replacing synthetic coagulants. This present study, examines the use of Musa paradisiaca peels as a natural based coagulant for turbidity reduction in sullage wastewater. Musa paradisiaca peels, alum and blended were used in the study as coagulants for sullage wastewater clarification. The blended coagulant was prepared by combining the Alum and Musa paradisiaca peel powder in a ratio of 1:1. The sullage wastewater used in the study had an initial concentration of 151.8 NTU and was sourced within the University premises. The batch experimental procedure to examine the effectiveness of the natural coagulant was used. The study results show that the highest turbidity removal was for alum, blended, and coagulant, from 151.8 to 1.1 NTU, 151.8 to 14.43 NTU, and 151.8 to 29.32 NTU respectively. The maximum results for the effect of contact time on the rate of turbidity removal were attained at 6 h for all coagulants. The effect of natural coagulant performance on pH medium has indicated that it favours the acidic solution. The results obtained in this study recommend the efficiency and value of Musa paradisiaca peels as coagulant. The use of Musa paradisiaca peels as a natural coagulant offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the treatment of sullage wastewater. The use of Musa paradisiaca as a natural coagulant provides an alternative solution for replacing synthetic coagulants and overcomes health challenges associated with its usage, offers water treatment at low cost and reduces environmental issues associated with agri-food waste disposal, thereby promoting sustainable waste management.
Keywords: Sullage, wastewater, turbidity, natural coagulant, clarification