Role of natural coagulant and solar energy in treating turbid water

Present study deals with use of indigenous or natural treatment methods using plant material and solar radiation as alternatives to conventional treatment method. The coagulation ability of Zeemays (Maize) extract was assessed by the use of standard jar test measurements in water with various turbidities. Investigation of Zeemays as natural coagulant was confirmed by its positive effective coagulation activity. An optimum dose of 200 mg/l, 220 mg/l and 300 mg/l of this coagulant resulted in 75 %, 65% and 70% coagulation activity for clarification of 20 NTU, 40 NTU and 80 NTU water along with inactivation of bacteria in 60 minutes. Further clarified water with natural coagulant was exposed to sunlight which showed 100 % inactivation of both E. coli and Coliforms counts within 2 hr, with no subsequent reactivation of growth after 24 hr.