Evaluation of Banana Leaf Powder (BLP) and Sudfloc Combinations as Coagulants for Medium Turbidity Surface Water Treatment

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance of banana leaf powder (BLP) in combination with Sudfloc as coagulants for the treatment of medium turbidity surface water. The research investigated the efficiency of BLP-Sudfloc blends in reducing turbidity, colour, and total dissolved solids (TDS) while maintaining pH stability. Jar tests were conducted with varying ratios of BLP and Sudfloc. The results revealed superior water quality improvements, particularly at a 25%-75% blend which achieved turbidity reductions to 0.49 NTU and colour reductions to 5 TCU. Advanced analytical techniques (SEM-EDS and XRD) revealed the porous structure and favorable elemental composition of BLP, alongside its crystalline characteristics, which contribute to its high adsorption and coagulation efficiency. The findings of this study established the synergistic potential of combining natural and chemical coagulants for sustainable water treatment.