Seasonal evaluation of total organic carbon removal from river samples using scrap metal-based coagulant and local salt modified-biomaterials for point-of-use water treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the potentials of activated carbon prepared from coconut shell (CS) (Cocos nucifera), counter wood (CW) (Afzelia africana) and iron (III) sulphate coagulant (ISC) prepared from scrap iron, in removing total organic carbons (TOCs) from contaminated Ebonyi river (EBRW) and Ezeiyiaku river samples (ERWA) at point – of – use (POU). A 250 ml of the river samples at ambient pH were mechanically (hands) batch – agitated with optimised doses of 0.5, 1.5, and 0.025 g of granulated activated coconut shell carbon (GACSC), granulated activated counter wood carbon (GACWC), and ISC at the two seasons. The results showed a 90 and 100% reduction in the TOCs of the treated ERWA and EBRW samples during the rainy season, while and at dry season, 88% reduction in TOCs was observed in both treated river samples.