TESTING OF CONVENTIONAL AND NATURAL COAGULANTS IN SINGLE AND BINARY SYSTEMS TO TREAT TURBID WATER

Abstract

In this research the impact of utilizing coagulants from natural sources, Aloe Vera, Arabic Gum, Calcium gene and orange peel and compared with alum Al2 (SO4)3.18H2O conventional coagulant was studied. The research was conducted through a series of jar experiments with initial turbidity of 150 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). This value was chosen to simulate the Tigris River maximum turbidity in Baghdad. 10 mg /L of natural coagulants and alum were utilized. The results show that the utilization of Aloe Vera as coagulant aid with alum were better compared with the utilization of alum alone and that utilizing of 80% alum + 20% Aloe Vera gave greatest removal efficiency of 99% for initial turbidity of 150 NTU and that utilizing of 50% Alum + 50% Aloe Vera gave removal efficiency of 98%. This decreased the alum dosage from 10 to 5 mg/L and thus decreased the cost and negative health and environmental effects of utilizing alum.