Citrus fruit peel waste as a source of natural coagulant for water turbidity removal

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the suitability of citrus fruit peel waste namely as Citrus Aurantiifolia (key lime) and Citrus Microcarpa (kasturi lime) to act as a natural coagulant for water turbidity removal. The performance of these two coagulants was assessed in terms of turbidity removal using jar test experiments for synthetic low turbid water. The results indicated that the optimum dosage and turbidity removal for Citrus Microcarpa and Citrus Aurantiifolia was found at 30 mg/l with 75.6% turbidity removal and 60 mg/l with 74 % turbidity removal, respectively. Citrus Aurantiifolia showed higher removal efficiency as compared to Citrus Microcarpa. The study demonstrated that both citrus fruit peel waste has the potential to be use as a substitute for chemical based coagulant for a future alternative in water treatment.