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A review on Natural Coagulants in Wastewater Treatment

Conference Paper · October 2023

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 Proceedings of International Conference on Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, 12 - 14 October 2023,
Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Paper ID: CE 0134

A review on Natural Coagulants in Wastewater Treatment

M .S. Islam 1, M.A.Sojib2, T. Islam3 ,S. M. Shuvo 4, J. Nesa 5

1Product Engineer, BSRM ([email protected])
2Assistant Product Engineer, BSRM ([email protected] )
3Senior Manager, BSRM ([email protected])
4Assistant Product Engineer, BSRM ([email protected] )
5Lecturer, PCIU, Chattogram( [email protected] )

Abstract
Particularly in a nation like Bangladesh, excessive storm runoff during the rainy seasons and land development
are to blame for the unpredictable quality of river water and growing costs of water treatment. The seas are
merging with the mountain's natural waterfalls. This water has been preserved by humans; after several uses, it
degrades into sewage and completes the hydrological cycle. Industrialization, urbanization, population growth,
and other factors that reduce their quality, such as sewage from houses, towns, institutions, hospitals, and
enterprises, among others, lead natural streams to become polluted. Contaminated streams pose a number of
concerns to the environment and public health. The coagulation-flocculation process requires the use of natural
materials as often as is practical. Coagulation is one of the efficient fundamental chemical treatment methods
that might be used to remove such contaminants. Natural coagulants have gained popularity in the water and
wastewater treatment industry due to their benefits over chemical coagulants. Natural coagulants can be found
in plants, animals, or microbes. Natural coagulants are the sole therapy, however this is insufficient because to
the increased restrictions on their action. In reality, technological advancements and in-depth research are
helping to grow them as successfully as chemical coagulants under these restricted settings. This study looks at
the many coagulants that are used in the coagulation-flocculation of wastewater treatment, especially those
having a natural foundation. The potential of natural materials as sustainable composite coagulants and their
potential as aids are also covered in this review research.

Keywords: Water treatment; Coagulation-flocculation process; Natural coagulants

1 Introduction

Water is such the greatest gift of nature for the sustainability of ecological system and human beings. The cycle
of water happens on Earth ensure the continuous supply for all forms of living organisms, from the
mountaintops down into the oceans and to the smallest rivers. It is generally known that 71% of the Earth’s
surface is covered by water, but only 2.5% of the Earth’s water is fresh water(Mohd-Salleh, Mohd-Zin, &
Othman, 2019). The used fresh water is returned into the environment as wastewater, which not in the same sort
of conditions when it was withdrawn anymore. Humans utilize and divert fresh waters a lot in many ways to
drive significant economic, agricultural and support countless livelihood activities, thus unfortunately give tense
pressure to the natural water bodies. Immense urbanization will lead to the raising of global populations and is
expected to surpass nine billion by 2050, with 1 to 1.4 billion escalations in just a decade come from people
living in slums alone(Nimesha et al., 2022). The growing population will cause more consumption of water thus
generate larger volume of wastewater. The deteriorate quality of water resources cause more duty and pressure
to the self-purification of streams and river bodies itself as well. The global coagulant and flocculants market are
estimated to reach USD 6.01 billion by 2022 (USD 4.35 billion in 2016), observing a compound annual growth
rate of 5.9% between 2017 and 2022(Alazaiza et al., 2022). Water is an important natural resource for human
life. Increased population, economic development, and industrialization have resulted in not only increased fresh
water consumption but also significant mismanagement of this natural resource. The researchers show that
progress in the population's way of life in terms of production and consumption has resulted in an exponential
increase in household waste(J, D, A, G, & K, 2017). The widely used coagulation and flocculation process is an
important step in the treatment of water and wastewater because of how easy and inexpensive it is. Physical-
chemical processes like flocculation and coagulation have been shown to reduce pollution and provide clean
water that may be reused. Depending on the nature of the sample being treated (for example, different types of

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water or wastewater), and the overall treatment plan being employed, coagulation-flocculation is frequently
incorporated either as a pretreatment phase or as a post-treatment step. It is possible to divide the full
coagulation-flocculation treatment cycle into two distinct treatments that should be carried out one after the
other(Alazaiza et al., 2022). The first method is known as coagulation, and it is used to destabilize a colloidal
suspension or solution. The inclusion of destabilizing particles to come together, establish contact, and
subsequently form big agglomerates, which can typically be more easily separated by settling gravity, is referred
to as the second sub-process, or flocculation. In order for the contaminants to settle down at the bottom of the
beaker and be separated from the water suspension, the individual colloids must aggregate and grow larger once
the coagulant is added to the water(BINAYKE & Jadhav, 2013). Most industries frequently utilize coagulants
made of aluminum and iron. Aluminum can, however, have a number of negative consequences on human
health when employed as a coagulant in waste water treatment, including intestinal constipation, memory loss,
convulsions, stomach colic, a lack of energy, and learning difficulties(J et al., 2017). Therefore, the development
and application of natural coagulants in wastewater treatment are currently receiving a lot of attention. These
organic coagulants can be created by or derived from plants, animals, and microbes. Acceptance of effluents
released as a result of proper wastewater treatment. When effluents enter an ecosystem like a river, they may
cause health effects like eye infections, skin disorders, and worm infections. However, by practicing good
hygiene, these effects can be significantly reduced. When utilizing coagulation-flocculation, the wastewater's
suspended particles and turbidity may be the cause of this impact. Chemical precipitation, lime coagulation, ion
exchange, reverse osmosis, and solvent extraction are common methods for treating wastewater(Note,
Naganathan, Musazay, & Nasional, 2014). The forces that stabilize colloidal particles and cause them to
suspend in the water are removed using coagulants, which are added to the water. The benefits of using natural
coagulants for developing nations are their affordability, ease of use, and environmental friendliness. The
performance is unaffected by the pH of raw water, which is safe for human health, and by the effects of
antibiotics on different bacteria and fungus(Desta & Bote, 2021). Compared to chemical coagulants, the
alkalinity of wastewater can be greatly reduced. The use of natural coagulants is economical. The extensive use
of chemical coagulants made of aluminum results in a number of neurological issues, whereas bio-coagulants
have inherent qualities that make them harmful to aquatic life(Ang & Mohammad, 2020). Numerous studies
investigated natural coagulants, including chitosan, gelatin, cellulose-based materials, microbial
polysaccharides, Moringa oleifera, and Moringa oil. Natural coagulants are frequently employed as a point-of-
use product in less developed populations since they are relatively more affordable than chemical
coagulants(Mohd-Salleh et al., 2019). The strong demand and interest in the coagulation process has boosted the
exploration of new generation of coagulants with better coagulation performance and efficiency(Note et al.,
2014). This includes the search for natural coagulant as alternative option over chemical-based coagulants in the
wake of sustainable development.
2. Methodology:
Based on a review of the literature, the scope of water treatment according to the mixing process was carried
out, and properties of both natural and chemically based coagulants were examined. Treatment procedure
evaluated dosage setting, molecular weight-based coagulant type, zeta potential, pH value to determine if
coagulant is acidic or basic, temperature before and after dosage implementation, the amount of contaminants,
and particle concentration etc. The coagulation and flocculation processes are coupled in either slow or rapid
mixing when characterizing the mixing process. Finally drawing a conclusion from the data.
-Type
Characteristics of water to -Molecular weight
be treated -Functional groups
-Dosage

-Zeta potential
Characteristics of - pH
Literature Review
Coagulant -Impurities
-Suspended particle Concentration
-Temperature

Characteristics of mixing -Mixing Type (Slow/Rapid)

process -Mixing Time

Figure 1. Road Map of the study

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3 Waste water and its impact

Any liquid waste or sewage that is produced by homes, hospitals, factories, and other buildings that use water in
their operations is referred to as wastewater. It is an unwanted consequence of using water. Therefore, if using a
faucet or flush a toilet, the water that is consumed will eventually reach the ocean and other vast bodies of
water(Nimesha et al., 2022). When individuals have to deal with sanitary issues and health concerns from
drinking contaminated water, underdeveloped nations suffer the most(J et al., 2017). Wastewater can be
redefined as useful sources thanks to modern evolving technologies and good management. Reusing wastewater
in agriculture benefits farmers in a variety of ways, including by preserving fresh water resources and balancing
economic effectiveness. The consequences of incorrect wastewater management can be rather severe. The
current global crisis may have an impact on future water extraction needs unless wastewater management is
rebuilt with advanced objectives. When it comes to mortality, human beings must contend with risks to their
existence in order to survive. The fundamental factor preventing the global synergy between water and people is
still water-borne diseases. Lack of resources and knowledge to build and maintain an effective sanitation system
results in waterborne infections that propagate parasitic and ill bacteria into water bodies (BINAYKE & Jadhav,
2013). The increased rate of malarial cases is one example of how wastewater is continuing to have a negative
impact. WHO (2017) estimates that malaria causes 429,000 deaths globally(Ang & Mohammad, 2020). It has
been noted that the largest chunk of it is in Africa. In 2015, it was thought that 70% of fatalities involved
youngsters under the age of five(Desta & Bote, 2021). Inadequate sanitation practices also contribute to the
spread of bacterial diseases like cholera. This gets worse, especially after a civil unrest or a natural disaster,
when community services and facilities fail and the clean water supply declines. There is a cholera outbreak in
Haiti(Muyibi, Salleh, Salleh, & Gombak, 2009).

4. Coagulation and Flocculation Method

In wastewater treatment, coagulation has been practiced since earliest times and the main objective is to remove
colloidal impurities hence also removing turbidity from the water. Coagulant is a chemical used that is added to
the water to withdraw the forces that stabilizes the colloidal particles and causing the particles to suspend in the
water(Alazaiza et al., 2022).
Chemicals for flocculation and coagulation are used in effluent wastewater water treatment procedures for solids
removal, water clarifying, lime softening, sludge thickening, and solids dewatering(J et al., 2017). The negative
electrical charge on particles is neutralized during coagulation, which weakens the forces holding colloids
together. Positively charged molecules make up water treatment coagulants, which when added to the water and
blended, achieve this charge neutralization(Do, Chemicals, & Coagulants, n.d.). For the purpose of removing
suspended particulates from water, coagulant types that are either organic, inorganic, or combined are frequently
used. An inorganic coagulant's cationic metal ion neutralizes the negatively charged electric double layer of the
colloidal suspension when it is applied to water containing a colloidal suspension(Nimesha et al., 2022). Similar
circumstances arise with an organic coagulant, except the positive charge most commonly comes from an amine
(NH) group attached to the molecule. ChemTreat has both NSF-approved and GRAS-applicable coagulation
products(Muyibi et al., 2009). Examples of ChemTreat coagulation products include aluminum salts, iron salts,
and polyelectrolytes.

4.1 Perspective on Using Coagulant in Wastewater treatment throughout the years

Without the addition of coagulant agents, it is nearly impossible to eliminate the specific pollutants in
wastewater. Colloidal or suspended particles are negative loads that need to be destabilized in order to collect in
a bunch because stability prevents them from sinking to the bottom. Since the 19th century, coagulation has
been a simple method for water filtration due to its comprehensible principles(Desta & Bote, 2021). Researchers
have long engaged in heated discussions over the mechanisms, putting out theories about what it takes for them
to function optimally. The Schulze-Hardy rule is known to have been the first mechanism to explain
coagulation, and the particle collision function theory was created in the early months of 1917(Muyibi et al.,
2009).The usage of coagulants in wastewater’s physical-chemical treatment has even been recorded since the
earliest times, but using natural-based as the prime material. It was way foretime the natural-based coagulants
especially the one that extracted from plants were used as coagulant for water clarification(Desta & Bote, 2021).
The globalization era starts to take over the consumption of old and aged treatment methods as sign of
urbanization world, with massive technology and advancing knowledge, left the traditional ways behind. Over
the years, obvious gaps are growing that differentiate the employment of natural and chemical coagulants. Both
chemical and natural-based coagulants have been effectively acknowledged in various ancient records and past
studies(J et al., 2017). However, it is sadly to be accepted that natural-based coagulants are no longer the main
priority with the invasion growth of more advanced synthetic material, except the poor countries that have
limitation in purchasing these goods(Mohd-Salleh et al., 2019). Nonetheless, there is arising concerns regarding
chemical coagulants thus make researchers nowadays start to develop a more environmentally friendly water
and wastewater clarification agent, likely from non-chemical based. Chemical coagulant agents such as

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polyaluminium chloride and aluminum sulphate are among the most well-known and used in wastewater
treatment.

4.2 Types of natural coagulants

Natural coagulants contain properties that make them harmless to aquatic life. It contains gelatin, cellulose-
based substances, microbial polysaccharides, bio-, alginate, and chitosan. Since polysaccharides make up the
majority of natural coagulants, they are also known as polymeric coagulants(Alazaiza et al., 2022). Natural
coagulants can be categorized into three groups based on their origin.

Natural Coagulants

Plant based Animal Based Microorganism-based

Moringa Oleifera, Cactus, Chitosan, Alginate, Xanthan gum

Nirmali,seeds,Tannin,Pota Chitin Aspergillus sp.
to,starch,Bananapeel,Com Enterobacter
monbeans,Tamarind seeds Streptomonas

Figure 2. Classification of natural coagulants with example

4.3 Characteristics of natural coagulants

The characteristics of natural coagulants are given in table-1

Table-1 The characteristics of natural coagulants

Parameters Characteristics

Carbon footprint Environmentally friendly

Toxicity Less toxic

Heavy Metals Settling will occur along with the coagulation process

Sludge volume/amount reduction, Low,

Sludge
sludge handling cost, and treatment, cost with good biodegradability.

5. Natural coagulants - barriers for the commercialization

Most natural extracts have proven their coagulation capabilities in removing COD, BOD, TSS, turbidity, etc.;
not many have accepted and reached commercialization(Desta & Bote, 2021). The main barrier for the
commercialization of natural coagulants is difficulty in bulk production of raw materials; plant species. Raw
materials used to produce chemical coagulants such as aluminum, iron are abundant in nature. For a successful
and realistic application, raw materials required to produce natural coagulant should be available in large
scale(Alazaiza et al., 2022). Technical support, expert support and technologically advanced new equipment are
necessary in sustainable implementation of natural coagulants so that production cost will ultimately
increase(Desta & Bote, 2021). In short run this is not very economical so that market acceptance will be less.
Hence the absence of mass plantation of recourses hiders steady supply of raw materials and the long-term
applications.

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Table-2 Barriers in the commercialization of natural coagulants

Environmental and Technical Constraints Economic and Social Constraints

1.Complex extraction process 1. Lack of money and time to invest in research and
development.
2.Absence of mass plantation for bulk processing 2. Lack of maintaining a steady supply of raw
materials.
3. Due to the organic properties of natural 3. Lack of meeting the minimum quality
coagulants, COD levels requirement.
4. .Lack of research regarding the practical usage and 4. Lack of knowledge on health improvements.
issues occurring during the operations within the
plant.
5. Lack of proper arrangements for storage of the 5. Well established, competitive market & High
natural coagulants in stock initial establishment cost.

5.1 Mechanism of coagulation by natural coagulants

The hypothesis that there can be contact between the polymer and the dissolved particles in a solution was
developed by the mechanism of coagulation because natural polymers have several charged functional groups
that are located in their polysaccharide chains, such as -OH, -COOH, and -NH. In general, there are four
processes involved in the processing of coagulant, including bridging mechanisms, charge neutralization, double
layer compression, and sweep-floc mechanism(Muyibi et al., 2009). Natural coagulants are frequently made up
of a combination of multiple macromolecules, including lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Amino acids and
polymers of polysaccharides are frequently the main constituents. Numerous investigations utilizing different
coagulants, such as cassia seed gum, sago starch, and moringa oleifera extract, have identified the bridging
process(Alazaiza et al., 2022). Long chain polymers that are absorbed on particles might have heads and tails
that enter the solution by different methods(Mohd-Salleh et al., 2019). A bridging mechanism needs a lot of area
where polymer chain divisions can be attached and wrapped around other particles. Therefore, the significance
of the most advantageous sum for the bridging mechanism is appropriate. Previous research has shown that the
microbe extract from Nirmali contains lipids, alkaloids with -COOH and -OH groups, and carbohydrates that
increase its coagulating activity(Do et al., n.d.). Galactomannan and galactan, which are capable of removing up
to 80% of the turbidity in kaolin solution, were found in polysaccharide particle extracts from Nirmali seeds.
Inter-particle bridging occurs as a result of the abundance of -OH adsorption sites next to the galactomannan and
galactan chains seen in nirmali seed extracts(Nimesha et al., 2022).

5.2 Future Potential and Constraint of Natural Materials as Commercial Coagulant

The environment and society stand to gain from effective wastewater management, but finding environmentally
benign and economically viable steps toward effective water treatment presents a genuine challenge. In addition
to removing dangerous materials, giving nutritional value is another bonus in controlling wastewater through
various studies that may be useful in the future. In contrast to chemical-based materials that endanger human
health and harm the environment, naturally occurring materials are also extremely biodegradable, non-
hazardous, and toxic free(BINAYKE & Jadhav, 2013). Coagulants made of natural materials are also widely
available, especially when they are made of plant-based and agricultural waste. In areas with a lot of local
resources, plants like Moringa oleifera and rice starch can be grown. Therefore, in an effort to replace the risks
associated with utilizing inorganic metal salts, cheaper coagulating agents may be found in the future(Nimesha
et al., 2022). There are several limitations in the commercialization of the coagulants made from these bio-
based, though. In essence, the limited financial supply is caused by the reservations that potential investors have
about investing in innovative products. The key to continuing research development is the in-depth analysis of
new knowledge, which allows for the identification of its strengths and weaknesses. In order to find demands for
substituting synthetic-inorganic coagulants, awareness of natural materials must also advance at the same
time(Alazaiza et al., 2022). In addition, the conditions under which it works to attain its best results may be
called into doubt. The precise target market must then be aimed at.

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Conclusion:
Coagulants obtained from many natural sources have found their place in the water and wastewater industry
world and are widely being used as primary coagulants or coagulant aids. Natural coagulants are
environmentally friendly, inexpensive, less hazardous to human beings, and viable alternatives to chemical
coagulants. The utilization of natural coagulants can be further commercialized by tackling its limitation factors
via progressing them as aids or composite ones Despite the disadvantages of sole chemical coagulants and the
limited ability of natural materials to work at their finest, the formation of coagulants from both materials might
be the next big-key solution. Further, from a sustainability perspective, the demand for natural coagulants is
destined to increase. This review highlighted that many potential advantages in using natural coagulants from
various sources of plants, animal.

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