Evaluation of Purification and Disinfection Potentials of Plant-Based Biomass from Wild Sesame Plant

Abstract

The limitations reported for conventional approaches in the treatment and disinfection of water have led to a recent exploration in the use of plant-based water treatment solutions. This technique leverages natural, renewable, and often locally available resources with appreciable environmentally friendly features, cost-effectiveness, and a sustainable nature compared to chemical and energy-intensive conventional methods. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the water purification and disinfection potential of Sesame plant biomass. The experimental process entails the use of plant fibre, leaf dry matter, and ash for the treatment of sampled water from the river and spring source at concentrations of 1–5 g/L. The physicochemical and microbial properties of river and spring water were evaluated after 30 min and 24 h of treatment. Raw river water showed higher pH, conductivity, salinity, total dissolved solids, and turbidity than spring water. Treatment increased pH in both sources (river 6.86–7.94; spring 6.46–8.28), remaining within regulatory limits. The greatest salinity reduction (79.03 mg/L) occurred with dry leaf matter in river water. Sesame ash showed the strongest antimicrobial effect, inhibiting E. coli by 99% in river water and completely in spring water. The reduction in total coliforms by 98% also highlights its potential for sustainable water purification.