Turbidity Parameters Research Articles

Scleral lens wear and fluid reservoir turbidity in eyes with ocular surface disorders.

To investigate changes in fluid reservoir turbidity parameters over time and its influence on visual performance in eyes with ocular surface disorders (OSD) wearing scleral contact lenses (SL). Thirteen eyes with OSD were assessed for corrected distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS) and fluid reservoir turbidity using anterior segment optical coherence tomography at baseline, after 5 min and 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h of SL wear on day 1 and after 1 month. A significant reduction in CS was noted at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h of SL wear compared to 5 min (p < 0.001) and a similar trend was noted after 1 month (p < 0.001). The average number of particles on day 1 showed a significant increase over 4 h of SL wear (p < 0.001), with a same trend noted at 1 month (p = 0.001). However, the percentage of particles decreased from 88% ± 4% to 75% ± 12% (p = 0.004) after 1 month of SL wear. Average particle size showed a significant increase at all time points over 4 h compared with 5 min of SL wear (p < 0.003) and after 1 month (p < 0.001). The percentage of average particle size decreased from 73% ± 9% to 67% ± 8% after 1 month of lens wear (p = 0.003). The mean percentage turbid area increased from 0.6% ± 0.5% to 24% ± 16% over 4 h of lens wear on day 1 (p < 0.006) and from 0.7% ± 0.5% to 11% ± 8% at 1 month (p = 0.001). The mean difference in percentage turbid area at the first and follow-up visits decreased from 96% ± 3% to 89% ± 9% (p = 0.01). A gradual increase in fluid reservoir turbidity parameters was noted with the reduction in CS; however, all these parameters improved after 1 month of SL wear.

Coastal eutrophication transforms shallow micro-benthic reef communities.

Coral reefs are impacted worldwide by coastal eutrophication, which is often translated by a decrease in coral cover and an increase in potentially harmful invertebrates and algal blooms. Additionally to corals and other macro-benthos, micro-benthic communities are affected tremendously, however few studies reported the specific effect of eutrophication on those communities. This study addresses how micro-benthic communities are impacted by turbidity and associated eutrophication. To answer this question, we compared three groups that have been previously suggested as bioindicators of reef environmental conditions: foraminifera, diatoms and bacteria, from 12 islands (and 600 samples) in the Spermonde Archipelago (Indonesia) along a near- to offshore turbidity gradient. Insights from environmental DNA metabarcoding and satellite images highlighted differences between the reef slope (deep) and the reef flat (shallow) communities, a distinction that has been omitted in most previous studies. The reef flat communities were 1.5- to 2-fold more affected by turbidity parameters compared to the reef slope, which we argue is related to eutrophication. Based on previous work, we expected that prokaryotes would be the most impacted group by water quality. However, we found that large benthic foraminifera and diatom communities were highly impacted by turbidity, whereas the reef flat prokaryotic communities were primarily shaped by the substrate type. Additionally, a total of 112 exact sequence variants (ESVs) were identified as indicators of different turbidity levels, of which 87 foraminifera and diatom ESVs were associated with high-moderate turbid waters. Our study revealed fundamental knowledge and provides key information of the specific effect of turbidity and associated eutrophication and habitat variables (substrate type and reef area) on foraminifera, diatoms and prokaryotic communities. We argue that local and regional eutrophication participates in shaping reef flat micro-benthic communities, which may therefore play an important role as early warning signals for local degradation in coral reefs.

KAJIAN PARAMETER KIMIA, FISIK DAN MIKROBIOLOGI SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU AIR MINUM DALAM KEMASAN (AMDK) DI BALAI PENGELOLA AIR MINUM BANJARBAKULA

This study aims to evaluate the quality of drinking water in terms of chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters at Balai Pengeloaan Air Minum (BPAM) Banjarbakula” as raw material for Bottled Drinking Water (AMDK). Water samples were taken from two points, namely the Clearwell and reservoir, and tested to determine whether they meet the quality standards set out in the Minister of Health Regulation No. 2 Year 2023. The results showed that physical parameters, such as temperature and TDS, and chemical parameters, such as pH and heavy metals, were within the permissible quality standard limits. However, problems were found in the water turbidity parameter in the Clearwell, which exceeded the limit of 3 NTU, and the residual chlorine concentration in the reservoir, which exceeded the standard of 0.9 mg/L. For microbiological parameters, Escherichia coli contamination of 15 CFU/100ml and Total Coliform &gt; 200 CFU/100ml were found in the Clearwell. Recommendations include upgrading the filtration system and disinfection control to ensure water quality remains within applicable standards or using Reverse Osmosis technology, the most modern water purification technology.

The effect of fenton oxidation on the quality of pharmaceutical industry wastewater: a case study of bod, cod, toc, and turbidity parameters

Abstract Chemical residues from pharmaceutical manufacturing processes possess the potential to pollute the environment, particularly the aquatic ecosystem. Environmental indicators include COD, BOD, TOC, and turbidity levels that exceed limits set by regulations. This research is focused on investigating fluctuations in the quantities of wastewater contaminant parameters from pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities before and after treatment with the fenton oxidation method, as well as examining the effectiveness of the fenton oxidation process on water quality using predetermined parameters. This study involves independent variables that included various dosages of Fe2+ and H2O2. Adjusting the pH of the water after stirring to 7 stimulates the flocculation process, which effectively eliminates contaminants, specifically variant 15g FeSO4 and 100 ml H2O2 which successfully lowers turbidity by 99.55%, reduces BOD by 60%, COD removal by 98.69%, and reduces TOC by 92.94%. Control variables include initial contaminant amount, pH, temperature and pressure, fenton oxidation process duration, and instrument conditions.

Effects of Liquid Vermicompost Utilization on Water Quality Parameters in Aquaponic Systems

In this study, it was aimed to supplement the insufficient plant nutrients in the system water and to develop healthier plants in the aquaponic system. For this purpose, liquid vermicompost, which is identical to nature and whose nutritional value has been proven in many studies, was used. In the experimental designed as Indoor, the effects of liquid vermicompost sprayed on the leaf (VL) and directly added to the water (VW) on fish/plant/water quality were examined. Liquid vermicompost was not added to the control group (C). A total of 225 juvenile Cyprinus carpio were placed in 9 experimental systems with 25 fish in each tank, in this experiment. As the fish species, juvenile carp individuals were used with an average total length of 11.67±1.07 cm and an average weight of 22.82±7.97 g. A total of 11 plant seedlings were planted in each system, consisting of 5 peppers, 2 lettuce and 4 beans. The each system was illuminated with a light intensity of 171.25 µmol/m2/s for activate plants growth. The 1 ml/L of liquid vermicompost was sprayed to water and leaves for the VW and VL groups, respectively. No additional supply was provided to the C groups. System water quality parameters of oxygen saturation, temperature, pH, conductivity were measured daily, and parameters of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and turbidity were measured in 15-day periods for 90 days duration. The results showed that concentration of liquid VC selected as sufficient amount for plants sprayed either on leaves or in water did not adversely affect water quality in aquaponic systems. Therefore, the use of vermicompost by adding VC to aquaponic system water has been supported to compensate essential plant nutrients.

Application of Time Series in the Analysis of Physical-Chemical Data to Support the Management of Water Clarification Efficiency in a Water Treatment Plant

Abstract. Water is a natural and essential resource for life and must be preserved. Its potability is also vital for human survival. In this context, the turbidity parameter is a factor preponderant, as its presence can “protect” harmful microorganisms during the disinfection. Considering the extensive volume of data collected by Pelotas Autonomous Service of Sanitation at the Santa Bárbara Water Treatment Plant over the years, it was proposed to develop a methodology to support decision-making by managers, through data processing using statistical methods, machine learning and time series. Studies have shown that turbidity is an essential parameter in quality monitoring of the water andcan be inferred before the filtration stage from data collected throughout time. Furthermore, using data from the treatment plant itself offers the advantage of taking its peculiarities into account in the analysis.

Environmental Impact of River Bank Erosion on Stream Morphology: A Study of the Mini Piti Stream, Obio-Akpor, Nigeria

This study was designed to assess the impact of river bank erosion on the environment and the channel morphology for the Mini-Piti stream in Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria. This study determined the depth variations from width measurements due to bank erosion activities and the impact of indiscriminate waste dumps on the river channel. Physical water quality parameters of temperature, turbidity, transparency and TSS were determined using standard methods. The stream was divided into three stations; upstream 2.5km, midstream 2.5km, and downstream with intervals of 1km measured to differentiate each station as 5 samples were obtained per station at intervals of 0.5km apart. The flow velocity and discharge were estimated as the average depth recorded upstream being DS 0.9m, WS 1.4m, Midstream DS 1.3m, WS 1.7m, and Downstream = DS 1.5m WS 1.7m. The maximum width of 11m and minimum of 0.1m were recorded though natives confirmed that the stream is closing up unless maintenance dredging to expand the depth and width, the loss of this channel cannot exceed 20 years. The field observation and the impacts of precipitation and storm water from the built area of midstream were very intensive whose action increased the water level above its channel capacity and eroded the bank. From t-test analysis, there were significant seasonal variations in the depth for the measured widths for the upstream T (8) =2.1, p= 0.036 and the midstream, T (8) =2.36, p=0.023. Similarly using the one-ANOVA, a significant variation in the depths of five locations during the dry season downstream F (4, 60) = 2.79, p= .03 was recorded. The Tukey’s HSD post hoc test showed the locations have no significantly high depths for the studied widths sizes (p&lt;0.01 and p&lt;0.05). A one-way ANOVA revealed a significant variation in the depths of five locations during the wet season upstream F (4, 60) = 5.966, p= .000. The Tukey’s HSD post hoc test showed the locations have significantly high depths for the studied widths sizes (p&lt;0.01 and p&lt;0.05) at locations L2:L4 at Q=5.53 (p=0.00216, L2:L5 at Q= 4.72 (p=0.1214), L3:L4 at Q=4.90 (p=0.00841) and L3:L5 at Q=4.10 (p=0.0403). The studied physical parameters were all above WHO permissible standards and there were no significant variations between dry and wet seasons (38% turbidity midstream, TSS-33%, 31% and 30.6% variation upstream, midstream and downstream respectively) as well as spatial changes. The collapsed sediments and waste dumped at the bank of the stream were transported downstream due to reduced velocity and coarser sediments trapped at the stream bed causing shallow depth while the suspended fine sediment on the water column reduced the clarity of the stream resulting in adverse flooding over 20 years now. The research revealed that bank erosion has significant impact on water quality due to poor transparency and geometry of stream by the alterations of the channel depth and width, flow rate, scouring and deposition of sediments in the stream. The need for regulatory agencies to control anthropogenic inputs and enhance bank erosion prevention programmes cannot be over-emphasized. The monitoring of indiscriminate urbanization programmes to limit excess scouring activities by National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is very essential to reduce excessive sand mining.

Interpretation of subsurface layers using the Wenner configuration geoelectric method and geochemical tests: Case study at Muara Fajar landfill – Rumbai, Pekanbaru

The need for water daily is a big problem for people living around Muara Fajar landfill – Rumbai, Pekanbaru. This study aims to identify the depth of subsurface structures around the Muara Fajar landfill area using the Wenner configuration dielectric method and determine the water quality in the community wells around the landfill site. The data obtained in the acquisition process are used to calculate the apparent resistivity value at each measurement point and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Then proceed with the inversion process using the progress program so that obtained resistivity value and layer thickness at each point of measurement. The results of measurement in track-1 get a range of resistivity values ranging from 62.9 – 171 ohm-meters and track-2 from 32.4 – 70.6 ohm-meters. Underground water taken is residents' well water in the research area as many as 5 sample points using GPS. This underground water sample will be tested with parameters such as pH, TDS, BOD, COD, NH3, and turbidity. Underground water cannot be consumed from the results of the water quality test with the parameters mentioned at the beginning if referring to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia because the pH obtained in all underground water samples is &lt; 6.5 or acidic, the value of the BOD, COD, NH3, and turbidity parameters, the values are by the quality standard.

Classification of water quality based on dissolved solids and turbidity parameters with the utilization of total dissolved solids sensor and turbidity sensor

Clean water quality is essential for public health, but its scarcity is increasing amid population growth and industrialization. Monitoring turbidity and total dissolved solids (TDS) is essential to determine the quality of clean water. This study addresses the urgent need for accurate and reliable water quality monitoring to test the applicability of TDS and turbidity sensors in taking measurements, aiming to develop efficient monitoring solutions for public health and sustainable water management. The TDS sensor operates according to the principle of electrical conductivity, with a range of 0 to 1000 ppm and an accuracy of ±10%. The turbidity sensor detects water turbidity by determining the level of turbidity particles. The ESP32 microcontroller integrates Wi-Fi and USB capabilities. The hardware and software design ensures accurate sensor readings, which are critical to successful water quality measurement and monitoring. The test results show satisfactory accuracy of the TDS sensor with an average error of 0.09% and good accuracy of the turbidity sensor with an average error of about 1.536%. Concerning the above two parameters, in this study, among 15 water samples, seven were clean, meeting the standard, while eight water samples were dirty, exceeding the limit, making them unsafe for human consumption.

EVALUATION OF ENHANCED SOLAR DESALINATION SYSTEM PROTOTYPE

Solar desalination technology has been one of the effective solutions to tackle the problem of water scarcity. A number of studies have been conducted at our water research group to determine which variable influences the quantity of distilled water produced by an independent solar desalination unit. Aims: This study was aimed to design and optimize a novel solar desalination unit and field-tested using the best variable from the previous studies. Methodology and results: Variables used from the previous studies were evaluated to obtain the best values for each parameter, those are: glass cover inclination, gap distance between water and glass cover, insulation thickness, water depth, and water mass flow rate. Those best values were then implemented in the optimized basin design, delivery mechanisms, evaporation techniques, and heat isolation methods. The optimized design can generate up to 2,778.2 mL/m2/8hrs of distilled water with an efficiency of 23.35% in preliminary test, and was field tested at Batukaras Beach, where it produced up to 902 mL/m2/8hrs with an efficiency of 13.56%. Conclusion, significance and impact study: Meteorological parameters and environmental conditions are important factors that greatly affect the performance and productivity of the desalination unit. The relative humidity is inversely proportional to the volume of distillate water, where the smaller the value, the greater the amount of distillate water that can be produced, and it has significant impact on the productivity of the prototype. The quality of the distillate water produced still needs improvement on the parameters of pH, turbidity, and total coliform.

UAV-based LiDAR Bathymetry at an Alpine Mountain Lake

Abstract. LiDAR bathymetry provides an efficient and comprehensive way to capture the topography of water bodies in shallow water areas. However, the penetration depth of this measurement method into the water column is limited by the medium water and water turbidity, resulting in a limited detectability of the bottom topography in deeper waters. An increase of the analyzable water depth is possible by the use of extended evaluation methods, in detail full-waveform stacking methods. So far, however, this has only been investigated for water depths of up to 3.50 m due to water turbidity. In this article, the potential of these extended data processing methods is investigated on an alpine mountain lake with low water turbidity and thus high analyzable water depth. Compared to the standard data processing, the penetration depth could be significantly increased by 58%. In addition, methods for depth-resolved water turbidity parameter determination on the basis of LiDAR bathymetry data were successfully tested.

Altered reproductive behaviour in siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) after exposure to different level of turbidity derived from palm oil mill effluent

Increased turbidity due to Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) contamination has been reported in several water bodies. However, the impact of POME-derived turbidity on the reproductive behaviour of fish is still unexplored. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate the alteration in reproductive behavior of siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) after exposure to different levels of turbidity derived from POME. In total, 12 sexually mature pairs of siamese fighting fish were exposed to the different levels of turbidity, namely <1 NTU (control), 20 NTU (Treatment A), 40 NTU (Treatment B), and 60 NTU (Treatment C) with three replicates. Reproductive performance (total released egg, relative weight of released eggs, and nest area) and behaviour parameters (fin spreads, tail beats, chasing, leads, circling, and copulation) were measured. Results showed that an increase in turbidity (>40 NTU) due to POME contamination significantly decreased total released egg but did not have significant impact on relative weight of released eggs and nest area. Decreased total released eggs was occurred due to several alterations in the reproductive behaviour of siamese fighting fish during both the premating and mating stages. Duration of premating and mating stage was significantly decreased at turbidity level of 60 NTU. During premating stage, the number and average time of fin spreads behaviour at turbidity level of 60 NTU were significantly increased. In addition to, the number of chasing behaviour was significantly decreased with increasing turbidity levels. Furthermore, several alterations in reproductive behavior was also observed in mating stage, including increasing number and average time of lead, copulation interval, number of tail beat, average time of lead, and average time of circlings, followed by decreasing number of leads and number of circlings. In addition to, number of copulation and eggs per copulation showed an increasing and decreasing pattern at turbidity level of 40 and 60 NTU, respectively. The study suggests that reproductive behavior of fish might consider as alternative approach to support POME remediation management, mainly for turbidity parameters.

Kombinasi Aerasi-Filtrasi dalam Pengolahan Air Sumur Gali Menjadi Air Bersih

The increasing population growth will lead to an increased demand for clean water. Homewer, in some areas, people still use raw water from dug wells without any prior treatment. This research aims to develop well water treatment technology using a combination of aeration and filtration systems and to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing iron and turbidity levels in well water. The combination of aeration-filtration technology can achieve a 95% reduction in iron content, with the iron parameter value before treatment being 0,791 mg/L and after treatment being 0,062 mg/L. As for turbidity parameter, it has an effectiveness of 97% with an initial value before treatment of 16 NTU and after treatment becoming 0,355 NTU. This combination technology offers an effective solution to improve water quality with a significant reduction in iron and turbidity parameters.

Application of Moringa Seeds Coagulant to Treat Wastewater from Chicken Slaughterhouse Industry

Liquid waste generated by the chicken slaughterhouse industry results in an increased concentration of organic matter decomposes in the environment. High organic matter content can be achieved by the coagulation-flocculation method. This study aims to determine the removal efficiency of turbidity, BOD, COD, and TSS in the reactor. A dose of 250 mL with a coagulation speed of 100 rpm 1 minute and a flocculation speed of 25 rpm 10 minutes with a variation of settling time of 1.5 hours, 2 hours, and 2.5 hours of moringa seeds were investigated to find reduction levels of turbidity, BOD, COD, and TSS. This study showed that moringa seed coagulants were able to reduce the BOD concentration by 87.74% with an initial level of 662 mg/L to 101.01 mg/L in 2.5 hours, a COD concentration of 61.43% with an initial level of 2240 mg/L to 864 mg/L at 2.5 hours, the TSS concentration was 77.78% with an initial level of 360 mg/L to 80 mg/L at 2.5 hours while the turbidity value was 87.73% with an initial level of 441 NTU to 54.1 NTU. Moringa seeds could be effectively used to reduce the parameters of turbidity, TSS, BOD, and COD.

Pemetaan Distribusi Sumber Air di Jalur Pendakian Gunung Tandikek via Nagari Singgalang

This research was carried out on Mount Tandikek with the aim of mapping the distribution of water sources along the Mount Tandikek climbing route via the Singgalang village and determining the quality of the water. The method used is the spring coordinate plotting method, for water quality using quality standards PERMENKES no. 492 of 2010. The results of the research found 4 springs along the route. Spring 1is at the start of the climb, spring 2 is located near shelter 3, spring 3 is not far from spring 2, and spring 4 is around the peak of Mount Tandikek. Water quality is based on the parameters tested, water color parameters 1, 2, and 3 are suitable, while spring 4 is not suitable. The odor parameters of springs 1, 2, and 3 are suitable, while spring 4 is no suitable. The turbidity parameters are suitable for all spring sources. The taste parameters of springs 1, 2, and 3 are suitable, while spring 4 is not suitable. The pH parameters of springs 1, 2, and 3 are suitablem while spring 4 is not suitable. And sulfate parameters for all springs.

Baku mutu kualitas air muara sungai di kawasan Pura Petitenget dan upaya pengendaliannya

The main objective of this research is to analyze the quality standards for the quality of flowing water and river estuaries in the Petitenget Temple Area and efforts to control pollution or reduce the quality standards for flowing and river estuary water in the Petitenget Temple Area. The research was conducted from December 2018 to April 2019 in the river that flows into Petitenget Beach by taking four sampling points. The quality of water quality standards is measured using the water quality standards of Bali Governor Regulation No. 16 of 2016 concerning Environmental Quality Standards and Standard Criteria for Environmental Damage. The results of the research found that the quality of the water quality standards in the Petitenget Temple area had experienced pollution, namely the parameters of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), phosphate (PO4-P), total ammonia (NH3-N), fecal coliform, and total coliform. Efforts that can be made to overcome pollution in Loloan waters and river estuaries in Petitenget are the creation of Waste Management Regulations through the 4R (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Replace) pattern, limiting the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, creating waste storage and processing (septic tanks), and involving traditional villages (based on traditional villages) as well as environmental law enforcement.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Coagulation–Flocculation Treatment Using Aluminum Sulfate on a Polluted Surface Water Source: A Year-Long Study

Safeguarding drinking water is a major public health and environmental concern because it is essential to human life but may contain pollutants that can cause illness or harm the environment. Therefore, continuous research is necessary to improve water treatment methods and guarantee its quality. As part of this study, the effectiveness of coagulation–flocculation treatment using aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) was evaluated on a very polluted site. Samplings were taken almost every day for a month from the polluted site, and the samples were characterized by several physicochemical properties, such as hydrogen potential (pH), electrical conductivity, turbidity, organic matter, ammonium (NH+4), phosphate (PO43−), nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), total hardness (TH), chloride (Cl−), bicarbonate (HCO3−), sulfate (SO42−), iron (Fe3+), manganese (Mn2+), aluminum (Al3+), potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), complete alkalimetric titration (TAC), and dry residue (DR). Then, these samples were treated with Al2(SO4)3 using the jar test method, which is a common method to determine the optimal amount of coagulant to add to the water based on its physicochemical characteristics. A mathematical model had been previously created using the support vector machine method to predict the dose of coagulant according to the parameters of temperature, pH, TAC, conductivity, and turbidity. This Al2(SO4)3 treatment step was repeated at the end of each month for a year, and a second characterization of the physicochemical parameters was carried out in order to compare them with those of the raw water. The results showed a very effective elimination of the various pollutions, with a very high rate, thus demonstrating the effectiveness of the Al2(SO4)3. The physicochemical parameters measured after the treatment showed a significant reduction in the majority of the physicochemical parameters. These results demonstrated that the coagulation–flocculation treatment with Al2(SO4)3 was very effective in eliminating the various pollutions present in the raw water. They also stress the importance of continued research in the field of water treatment to improve the quality of drinking water and protect public health and the environment.

The correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters in marine pollution: A case study of the Persian Gulf coastline

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters in the Persian Gulf coastline in Bushehr province in 4 seasons from March to December 2017. The physicochemical parameters including water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, pH and turbidity were measured at each sampling location. The results showed a significant correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters. The correlation coefficient of the Astropecten polyacanthus species with the parameters of temperature, DO, EC, salinity and turbidity was reported as -0.41, 0.64, -0.25, -0.44 and 0.60 respectively. This coefficient for the Ophiothrix fragilis species was reported as -0.68, 0.70, -0.21, -0.36 and -0.55 respectively. The results demonstrated that the most sensitive species were Astropecten polyacanthus and Ophiothrix fragilis respectively. The different species of echinoderms can be used as biological indicators of pollution in evaluating the physicochemical quality of marine environments.

USO DE COAGULANTES NO TRATAMENTO DE EFLUENTE DE LAVANDERIA HOSPITALAR: A BUSCA POR PROCESSOS FÍSICO-QUÍMICOS SUSTENTÁVEIS VISANDO REMOÇÃO DE POLUENTES E MICRORGANISMOS PATOGÊNICOS

USE OF COAGULANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF HOSPITAL LAUNDRY EFFLUENT: THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PROCESSES TO REMOVAL POLLUTANTS AND PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS. Hospital laundry is an important source of environmental pollution because its effluent contains high loads of organic matter and microorganisms. Conventionally, the treatment is carried out using aluminum sulfate, a low-cost and highly efficient coagulant that is related to secondary contamination due to the generation of non-biodegradable sludge, its ability to accumulate metals and toxicity. Aiming for sustainable alternatives, the efficiency of tannin from the natural coagulant and Moringa oleifera seed was evaluated in relation to aluminum sulfate, seeking to adapt the color and turbidity parameters and determine the antimicrobial activity of the seed. Using a concentration of 100 mg L-1 of aluminum sulfate, 97.4 and 93.95% of color and turbidity removals in the effluent were obtained, respectively. With 50 mg L-1 tannin showed an efficiency of 84.96% for color removal and 89.75% for turbidity. Tests were also carried out with Moringa oleifera seeds using saline seed extract, crushed seeds and aqueous seed extract, with a reduction in conductivity by more than 99%, removing pollutant ions for the saline extract. Of the methodologies used, the best result was obtained with the aqueous extract, achieving removals of 89.63% of color, 78.33% of turbidity, and inhibition of more than 98.1% of microorganism growth.

Aquaculture wastewater treatment using plant-based coagulants: Evaluating removal efficiency through the coagulation-flocculation process

The ability of mixed neem, cassava, and wild betel plant leaves to act as plant-based coagulants was tested in real aquaculture wastewater through the coagulation-flocculation process. The performance of plant-based coagulant (PBC) was compared with that of chemical coagulant (alum) to observe the removal efficiency of turbidity, TSS, color, and COD. Ratio, as a new approach, was used by selecting TSS as an indicator or index to substitute for the dosage term and calculated based on a simplified equation. The extracted medium for these coagulants was prepared by using water extraction. Initial characterizations showed that the PBC had some carbon and amine groups (as also confirmed by LC-MS) with an average zeta potential of –22.83 ± 0.62 mV. Results indicated both coagulants (plant-based and chemical coagulants) successfully removed the measured polluted parameters of turbidity (85.17 %), TSS (80.28 %), color (59.42 %), and COD (54.63 %) for PBC with dosage of 0.79 mg/L and coagulant mass of 3.94 mg, while alum gained a higher removal with turbidity (99.08 %), TSS (98.71 %), color (97.29 %), and COD (75.31 %) with dosage and coagulant mass of 698.4 mg/L and 349.2 mg, respectively. This signaled that alum still acted as the best coagulant, but PBC showed a promising opportunity as a potential substitute for chemical coagulant.