Efficiency evaluation of Luffa cylindrica and Mucuna sloanei seeds in dye removal: A news approach

The use of Luffa cylindrica (LC) and Mucuna sloanei (MS) seeds as coagulants in the removal of dye by coag-flocculation was evaluated using a new approach. The approach uses the coag-flocculation rate constant K11, calculated using experimental data obtained while using LC and MS as coagulants in coag-flocculation process as a valid indicator to determine the optimum condition. The research also applied criterion for critical coag-flocculation rate constant Kc to satisfy World Health Organization’s minimum allowable level of suspended substance for wastewater discharge. In the criterion K11 ≥ Kc indicates better performance. The results indicated that K11 of 0.00214 L/mg·min for LC and 0.00208 L/mg·min for MS surpassed 0.00016 L/mg·min Kc value. This was observed for LC and MS at pH 2, but 1400 mg/L and 1200 mg/L, respectively. From the above, in accordance with the WHO guideline, the dosage of both coagulants meets the requirement. The solution pH could not meet the standard. Nonetheless, MS satisfied the requirement at pH 6, for dosage and pH. These results correspond to what was obtained experimentally. Therefore, in coag-flocculation kinetic modeling, this novel approach can be considered to track the efficiency of these sensitive factors in water treatment plants to meet the effluent quality requirements.