Evaluation of mucilage and powder of Okra as bio-flocculant in water treatment

Abstract

Mucilage and powder of okra were evaluated as bio-flocculant in water treatment using jar test. The agitations sets, okra preparation methods and the amount of coagulant/bio-flocculant were evaluated in the turbidity removal. The results showed that agitations set of 150 rpm and then 40 rpm were more effective for reducing turbidity. Turbidity reduction was 39% using inorganic coagulant (FeSO4) alone, but reduction came to 76% and 88% by adding okra mucilage and powder, respectively. All results showed that okra powder present better turbidity removal in water treatment. It can be prepared by simple methodology, and also allow the inorganic coagulant reduction in approximately 64 %. In okra powder were identified hydroxyl groups that serve as active sites for colloidal particles removal.