Investigating the antimicrobial and coagulation properties of Chrysophyllum albidum seeds

Abstract

In the present study, plant-based coagulant namely the seed of the Chrysophyllum albidum was investigated for its coagulation and antimicrobial efficacy. The coagulation study was conducted on a turbid surface water sample obtained at the Ezu River in Anambra State, Nigeria. The highest coag-flocculation activity was recorded at dosage of 0.4 g/400 mL, pH of 3, coagulation rate constant K = 7.4733 × 10−4m3/kg.s, and coagulation period τ = 2.29 secs. The observed turbidity removal efficiency of over 75% proved that the natural coagulant improved the quality of the water sample. On disinfection, the results indicated that the C. albidum seed extracts showed varying degrees of growth inhibitions on both gram positive and gram negative organisms. The antimicrobial activity observed ranged from 0 to 10 mm at different concentrations. The study shows that the C. albidum seed extracts are therefore a potential bio-coagulant and disinfectant that requires further studies and development.