Enhancement of water quality using natural coagulant in Shah Alam Lakes, Malaysia

• Published in: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
• Main Author: Hassan R.A.; Kasmuri N.; Ahmad R.; Santiagoo R.; Ramasamy S.
• Format: Conference paper
• Language: English
• Published: IOP Publishing Ltd 2021
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85102181235&doi=10.1088%2f1755-1315%2f646%2f1%2f012051&partnerID=40&md5=c7f6d5cbac3bf79a05b1162782009906

Drinking water shortage has become a significant problem in urban areas due to the growth of population and high economic activities. It is known that Shah Alam is the city and the state of Selangor, Malaysia. This city has the most manufacturing sector and services with a huge number of inhabitants. Thus, this urban area needs to have sufficient clean water supply. However, the raw water needs to undergo several water treatments processes before it can safely distribute to the residents. This untreated water from incoming surface waters contains suspended particles that need to go through the water treatment process, and most importantly, the coagulation and flocculation process. Normally, aluminum sulfate (alum) or polymer were added as the coagulant for the treatment of untreated water. However, due to health concerns, natural coagulants have been preferred to replace the conventional method. This natural coagulant is environmentally friendly and has no side effects if being consumed. This research aims to investigate the optimum condition of natural coagulant (Moringa oleifera) for the treatment of surface water from Shah Alam Lakes in Selangor Region, Malaysia. These lakes can be a potential source of water if water shortage occurs. At first, the characteristics of the water samples were determined. Later, the sample of surface water from the lakes was examined with the jar test for the coagulation-flocculation process using Moringa oleifera with different concentrations. The water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, suspended solids, phosphorus and chemical oxygen demand were evaluated. From the results obtained, Moringa oleifera can be considered as suitable alternatives to replace chemical coagulants for a sustainable water treatment system. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.