Evaluation Performance of Natural Strychnos Potatorum over the Synthetic Coagulant Alum, for the Treatment of Turbid Water

The polysaccharides and proteins of various seeds have bioflocculant properties. The performance of naturally occurring Strychnos potatorum was evaluated against the chemical coagulant alum. The study involved extensive jar test experiments using Strychnos potatorum suspension and alum solution either independently or in combination with spiked turbid water prepared in the laboratory. It was observed that reduction in turbidity level depend on the raw water turbidity. Strychnos potatorum was found effective when used in low dosages 0.25 to 3.5 mg/L. It acts as good coagulant and coagulant aid at higher turbidity 1000-3000 NTU. The prepared solution of Strychnos potatorum was kept for 4 days in refrigerator. It was used for removal of turbidity at nearly same raw water turbidity with identical dose to evaluate the effect of aging. The removal efficiency of Strychnos potatorum solution was observed better on second day as compare to first, second and third day.