Removal of Turbidity from Muar River Water Sample using Roselle Seeds and Aloe Vera Gel as Biocoagulant

Abstract

Water pollution has become a global concern to be taken serious action, including Malaysia. In Malaysia, Muar river is considered important water sources as one of the longest rivers, that supply to communities and use in various applications, including fisheries, irrigation, recreational activities, household, agricultural and industrial areas, which currently are slightly polluted due to rapid industrialization and improper waste management. Current treatment of chemical coagulants removes contaminants, yet it has cause toxic sludge which required for a transition to biocoagulant. This study aims to analyse the turbidity concentration in Muar river, the effectiveness of Roselle seeds as plant-based biocoagulant, the feasibility of Roselle seeds with and without the help of coagulant aid, Aloe vera gel, together with the optimal condition of coagulant dosage and pH using jar test optimization. Turbidity removal is achieved 95.30% without coagulant aid while 95.58% with Aloe vera gel. The results shows that plant-based biocoagulant is effective and feasible to be applied in water treatment which encourage sustainable alternative to be utilized worldwide.