Biocoagulants for Water and Waste Water Purification: a Review

Abstract

A survey and inventory of indigenous knowledge and plants used by rural Africans to purify water was carned out vis-a-vis the inherent local water crisis cum challenges in the existing water purification technologies. The findings indicated that from time immemorial indigenous people have had to use rich knowledge base to treat their water. Plants identified were Moringa oleifera, Jatropha curcas, Pleurotus tuberregium, Citruss aurontifolia, Strynos potatorium.A review of the of the potentials of these plants coagulants with respect to turbidity removal and disinfection of water borne diseases vis-a vis the pitfalls of chemical coagulants and disinfectants such as Alum and Chlorine have been presented.Studies conclusively demonstrates that biocoagulants especially Moringa oleifera seeds are as efficient as Alum is purifying water and wastewater at low cost.The need to further develop biocoagulants as green treatment alternative for global water management admist growing global water crises is emphasized. Copyright © 2010 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l. - All rights reserved.