Exploring the Potential of Natural Materials in Water Treatment

Abstract

The impending water scarcity crisis due to the growing population, industrialization, and climate change has prompted the need for sustainable and cost-effective water purification methods. Traditional coagulants such as aluminium sulphate and ferric chloride involve unsustainable mining practices and costly sludge disposal. This has led to the exploration of natural coagulants as a more environmentally friendly alternative. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, compiling information from 57 articles on the use of natural coagulants in water treatment. Natural coagulants are seen as advantageous due to their ready availability, affordability, and minimal pollution risks. These materials, which include plant-based materials, minerals, and microorganisms, have shown promising results in water purification processes. Natural coagulants function through an adsorption process involving polymeric bridging or charge neutralization. They have been found to be highly effective in removing pollutants from water. For example, certain fungi species like Aspergillus and Trametes have demonstrated removal efficiencies exceeding 80%, while zeolites have shown impressive removal capacities within a range of 10 to 5000 mg/L concentration. Overall, natural coagulants offer a sustainable and efficient solution for water treatment processes. They are biodegradable, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and generate lower sludge volumes compared to chemical coagulants. By utilizing natural materials for water purification, we can mitigate the environmental impact of conventional coagulants and ensure the availability of clean water for future generations.