Biocoagulation Efficiency of Corchorus olitorius L. (Jute) Seed Powder in Water Purification

The research is aimed at exploring the potential of using Corchorus olitorius (Jute) seed extracts as natural coagulant for turbidity removal from water. Laboratory scale studies using jar test experiments were performed on medium turbid water to study the influence of various process parameters such as Coagulant dosage, p H, Turbidity, Colour, Hardness, Alkalinity and Bacterial count and the optimum condition for maximum Turbidity removal was identified. Results obtained showed that at 75mg/L optimal removal of turbidity was achieved. Jute seed extract was also able to maintain the p H of treated water at 7.02 with the 75mg/L dosage. However, the reduction in turbidity was below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended value of 5NTU. The best colour removal was also not up to the WHO’s recommended value of 40TCU. The chemical analysis result showed that Jute seed powder contained 20.90% protein. When jute was used in combination with Moringa oleifera there was significant reduction in turbidity and bacterial count. At 20% jute and 80% Moringa oleifera, best colour removal, turbidity and bacterial count were obtained. Key words-Biocoagulation, Corchorus olitorius, Bacterial count, Jar test