IJEP 45(10): 939-947 : Vol. 45 Issue. 10 (October 2025)
1. Presidency University, Department of Civil Engineering, Yelahanka, Bengaluru – 560 064, Karnataka, India
2. Presidency College, Department of Life Sciences, Hebbal, Bangalure – 560 024, Karnataka, India
Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of plant-based coagulants, such as Capsicum annum, Zingiber officinale, Psidium guajava, Citrus limon and Carica papaya in treating greywater. The water samples were tested for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids. Results showed that C. limon was the most effective, reducing TDS by 42%, turbidity by 50%, alkalinity by 30%, hardness by 38%, COD by 45%, BOD by 48% and suspended solids by 35%. C. annum increased the pH from 6.4 to 7.1, indicating it could naturally help neutralize acidity. Z. officinale showed minimal improvement in turbidity removal, only reducing it by 10% and also increased EC from 450 to 525 µS/cm. C. limon proved to be superior in detoxifying organic matter-rich water. C. annum further raised the pH and has bactericidal properties; thus, it can be effectively used in greywater decontamination to prevent bacterial growth. These plant-based treatments could serve as economical and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional water purification methods, which are often costly and energy-intensive. Therefore, further research into plant-based water treatment methods could enhance the efficiency of sustainable water purification.
Keywords
Greywater treatment, Plant-based coagulants, Citrus limon, Water quality parameters, Sustainability
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