DESC:DESCRIPTION:
Field of the invention:
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the technical field of water treatment using natural organic coagulants and, in particular relates to a method of removing turbidity from water using a natural organic coagulant, specifically Kappa Carrageenan, which is a polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweed.
Background of the invention:
[0002] Raw water sourced from natural sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater often contains various impurities, including colloidal solids. These colloidal solids pose a significant health risk if consumed in drinking water, as they can introduce harmful contaminants into the human body. Additionally, they can disrupt industrial processes that rely on clean water by interfering with sensitive equipment or clogging filtration systems. These minute suspended particles cannot be removed by gravity settling alone and require specialized treatment processes to eliminate them.

[0003] Water treatment is a crucial process that involves various steps to ensure the water is fit for human consumption or other purposes. One of the vital steps in water treatment is the elimination of colloidal solids. These impurities can cause turbidity in the water, making it unappealing and potentially harmful to human health if consumed. To achieve clean and safe water, coagulation serves as a critical step in the treatment process.

[0004] Coagulation involves adding coagulants to destabilize and induce the aggregation of the minute suspended particles. The addition of coagulants disrupts the electrical charges surrounding the colloidal particles, thereby neutralizing their natural repulsion toward one another. This destabilization allows the particles to collide and clump together, forming larger flocs. These flocs are significantly heavier than individual colloidal particles, causing them to settle out of the water column more rapidly during sedimentation. Alternatively, the larger flocs can be easily captured by filtration membranes or screens, effectively removing them from the treated water.

[0005] For centuries, conventional coagulants like Aluminum Sulfate and polyaluminum chloride have been the strength of water treatment. Their effectiveness in removing impurities and ensuring clean water is undeniable. These well-established methods are widespread due to their proven track record and relative ease of use. Furthermore, their established presence translates to readily available infrastructure and a skilled workforce familiar with their application. This ensures consistent and reliable access to clean water treatment for countless communities around the world.

[0006] However, traditional coagulants like aluminum sulfate and polyaluminum chloride have drawbacks. While effective at removing impurities, aluminum sulfate can leave residual aluminum in the treated water. Research has linked the presence of residual aluminum to potential health concerns, such as Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, the cost and environmental impact of producing and transporting these conventional coagulants can be significant. For instance, the large-scale production of aluminum sulfate requires significant energy consumption and can generate air and water pollution. Furthermore, the transportation of these chemicals can pose safety hazards in the event of spills or accidents.

[0007] In recent years, growing awareness of these limitations has fueled the search for alternative, more sustainable water treatment solutions. Natural coagulants derived from plant or animal sources have emerged as a promising alternative. These natural coagulants offer several advantages over traditional methods. They are typically biodegradable, reducing the environmental impact of water treatment processes. Additionally, they are often derived from readily available and renewable resources, making them a more sustainable option in the long term. Moreover, some natural coagulants exhibit comparable or even superior performance to traditional coagulants in terms of turbidity removal, particularly at lower doses. This makes them a viable option for a wider range of water treatment applications.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an alternative coagulant to replace the chemical ones for the removal of turbidity from water. There is also a need for a natural organic coagulant that offers a secure and sustainable solution to eliminate colloidal solids from untreated water without leaving any residual aluminum in the treated water. Further, there is also a need for an eco-friendly natural organic coagulant that is suitable for all water treatment applications. The natural organic coagulant, specifically Kappa Carrageenan, which is a polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweed is a promising alternative.
Objectives of the invention:
[0009] The primary objective of the invention is to provide a natural organic coagulant, specifically Kappa Carrageenan, which is a polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweed for removing turbidity from water.

[0010] Another objective of the invention is to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly water treatment solution that eliminates the use of conventional coagulants and their potential health and environmental concerns.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide a natural organic coagulant that removes turbidity from water, particularly at neutral pH levels, without leaving any residual aluminum in the treated water.

[0012] Yet another objective of the invention is to use a natural organic coagulant that is biodegradable and non-toxic for water treatment.

[0013] Further objective of the invention is to use a natural organic coagulant that improves the quality of drinking water, reduce the cost of wastewater treatment, and protect the environment.
Summary of the invention:
[0014] The present disclosure proposes a method for removal of turbidity and suspended solids from water using a natural organic coagulant. The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0015] In order to overcome the above deficiencies of the prior art, the present disclosure is to solve the technical problem to provide a method of removing turbidity from water using a natural organic coagulant, specifically Kappa Carrageenan, which is a polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweed.

[0016] According to an aspect, the invention proposes a method for removing turbidity from water using a natural organic coagulant. The method offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical coagulants. The method begins with a preparation of a coagulant solution. In one embodiment herein, 1 gm of Kappa Carrageenan powder is dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water to obtain a coagulant solution. The Kappa Carrageenan is a polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweeds.

[0017] Later, the obtained coagulant solution is added to turbid water in at least one beaker, thereby obtaining a coagulant-water mixture. In one embodiment herein, the turbid water is prepared by adding 1 gm of bentonite powder to 1 L of distilled water to obtain a bentonite suspension. Then, the obtained bentonite suspension is stirred slowly at a speed of around 20 rpm for a time period of at least 1hr to achieve uniform dispersion of bentonite particle. The obtained bentonite suspension is then allowed to settle for a time period of at least 24 hr for complete hydration of the bentonite particles.

[0018] Later, the coagulant-water mixture undergoes a high-speed stirring of 100 rpm for a time duration of 2 min to facilitate initial contact and dispersion of the natural organic coagulant throughout the water.

[0019] Later, the stirring speed is reduced significantly to a low pace of 20 to 30 rpm for a duration of 25 min. This promotes coagulation and flocculation, where suspended particles clump together into larger flocs.

[0020] Later, the suspended particles are allowed to settle for a time period of at least 25 min, thereby enabling the larger flocs to separate from the water by gravity. Finally, a separation process, such as sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation, is used to remove the settled flocs from the water. This results in clarified water with reduced turbidity.

[0021] In one embodiment herein, the clarified water is measured for turbidity using a turbidimeter. The Kappa Carrageenan exhibits an enhanced turbidity removal efficiency ranging from 72% to 78% when compared to conventional coagulants.

[0022] Further, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a study of the following portion of the specification, the claims, and the attached drawings.
Detailed description of drawings:
[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention, and, together with the description, explain the principles of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical representation depicting maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the coagulants at pH 6, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical representation depicting maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the coagulants at pH value of 7, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical representation depicting maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the coagulants at pH 8, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of removing turbidity from water using natural organic coagulant, in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Detailed invention disclosure:
[0028] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

[0029] The present disclosure has been made with a view towards solving the problem with the prior art described above, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a natural organic coagulant, specifically Kappa Carrageenan, derived from red edible seaweed for effectively removing colloidal solids from raw water.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the effectiveness of Kappa-Carrageenan and other coagulants (Sago and Alum) for water treatment are evaluated. The method proposes Kappa Carrageenan, a natural organic coagulant derived from red seaweed, as a substitute for traditional chemical coagulants used in water treatment. While chemical coagulants can be effective in removing impurities and improving water quality, their use can raise environmental concerns. Chemical coagulants may leave residues in treated water, thereby potentially impacting its quality and safety for consumption. Additionally, improper disposal of spent chemical coagulants can harm the environment. Kappa Carrageenan offers a more sustainable alternative because it is a naturally occurring material. It is also biodegradable and can decompose naturally by microorganisms, thereby reducing waste management issues. By utilizing Kappa Carrageenan, this method promotes a more environmentally friendly approach to water treatment.

[0031] In one embodiment herein, 1 ml of Kappa Carrageenan powder is added in 100 ml of distilled water. The distilled water is used as a solvent to dissolve the Kappa Carrageenan powder. The distilled water is preferred because it minimizes interference from any minerals or impurities that might be present in water, thereby ensuring a consistent and homogenous solution. The Kappa Carrageenan powder is mixed with the distilled water until the powder completely dissolves to obtain the Kappa Carrageenan coagulant solution. In one embodiment herein, the mixing can be done using a magnetic stirrer to achieve a uniform solution. The Kappa Carrageenan coagulant solution can then be used in subsequent water treatment processes to remove impurities and improve water quality. The coagulant solution is then diluted in small amounts to obtain the required dosage just before conducting the experiments to ensure freshness of the coagulant solution.

[0032] In one embodiment herein, sago and alum are evaluated alongside kappa-carrageenan for their ability to remove colloidal particles from water. Stock solutions are prepared for each coagulant type (sago and alum) following a consistent approach. 1 gm of the respective coagulant powder (sago and alum) is dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water to ensure consistency and minimize interference from impurities. Thorough mixing ensures complete dissolution of each powder. These stock solutions are then diluted with fresh distilled water just before the experiments to obtain the desired dosages, thereby maintaining solution freshness for optimal performance during testing.

[0033] In one embodiment herein, synthetic turbid water is used for conducting the experiment with the obtained coagulant solutions. Bentonite powder is commonly used to simulate turbidity in water treatment experiments because its dispersed particles effectively mimic natural turbidity caused by suspended solids. The synthetic turbid water is prepared by adding 1 gm of bentonite powder to 1 L of distilled water. The distilled water is preferred to avoid any interference from minerals present in tap water, which could affect the behavior of the coagulant solution. The mixture is stirred slowly at a speed of around 20 rpm for at least 1 hr. The slow speed allows the bentonite particles to be evenly distributed throughout the water, thereby creating a uniform suspension with consistent turbidity throughout the water sample. Gentle stirring minimizes the breaking of larger bentonite particles into smaller ones, thereby maintaining a consistent size distribution of suspended particles in the turbid water.

[0034] After stirring for 1 hr, the bentonite suspension is allowed to settle for at least 24 hr. This extended settling time allows the bentonite particles to fully hydrate. Complete hydration ensures the bentonite particles reach their maximum size and contribute most effectively to the turbidity of the water. The resulting suspension acts as a stock solution of synthetic turbid water. This concentrated suspension can be diluted with additional distilled water to create samples with varying turbidity levels for testing the effectiveness of the coagulant solutions at different severities of turbidity. Potassium phosphate buffer might be used to maintain a specific pH level in the water samples, thereby controlling the behavior of the coagulant, as pH can affect its performance.

[0035] In one embodiment herein, a jar test is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Kappa-Carrageenan and other coagulants (Sago and Alum) for water treatment. The jar test utilizes a jar test apparatus for simulating coagulation processes in water treatment at a laboratory scale. It involves adding water samples, coagulant solutions at various dosages, and mixing them under controlled conditions to observe floc formation and settling. The primary purpose of the jar test is to identify the optimal dosage of each coagulant (Kappa-Carrageenan, Sago, and Alum) required for effectively removing turbidity from the water. By testing different dosages, the most efficient amount of coagulant needed for optimal performance is determined.

[0036] The jar test is most widely used experimental method for coagulation-flocculation processes in water treatment. A conventional jar test apparatus is used to coagulate sample of synthetic turbid water using the coagulants. This method allows adjustment with pH, variations in coagulant or polymer dose, alternating mixing speeds or testing of different coagulant or polymer types, on a small scale in order to predict the functioning of a large-scale treatment operation.

[0037] In one embodiment herein, a nephelometric turbidity meter is used to measure the turbidity of the water samples after the jar test. Turbidity refers to the cloudiness of water caused by suspended particles and lower turbidity indicates clearer water. By measuring the turbidity before and after treatment with different coagulant dosages, the effectiveness of each coagulant in removing suspended particles and reducing turbidity is assessed. The optimal dosage might be the one that results in the most significant reduction in turbidity.

[0038] The experiments are conducted at ambient temperature, ranging from 26° C to 32° C. This reflects realistic conditions for water treatment plants that might not have extensive temperature control measures. The synthetic turbid water samples used in the experiment have varying turbidity levels ranges of 250 NTU, 200 NTU, 150 NTU, 70 NTU, and 40 NTU. Where NTU stands for Nephelometric Turbidity Unit. The synthetic turbid water samples are tested across these ranges to provide insights into how each coagulant performs at different severities of turbidity.

[0039] In one embodiment herein, the jar testing apparatus typically consists of multiple beakers with mixing paddles. At first, the beakers are filled with the prepared synthetic turbid water to test different coagulant dosages simultaneously for comparison. Each beaker receives a different dosage of the coagulant solution (Kappa-Carrageenan, Sago, or Alum) for testing, thereby identifying the optimal dosage for each coagulant. Later, the each coagulant-water mixture is stirred at a high-speed of around 100 rpm for a time period of 1 to 2 min. This initial rapid mixing ensures thorough dispersion of the coagulant throughout the turbid water, thereby facilitating good contact between the coagulant molecules and the suspended particles causing turbidity.

[0040] After the initial high-speed mixing, the speed is reduced significantly to a low pace of 20-30 rpm for a time period of 25 min. This slower mixing allows the dispersed coagulant molecules to collide with and attach to the suspended particles, thereby promoting the formation of larger flocs. Following the slow-speed mixing, the mixture in each beaker is left undisturbed for a time period of 30 min, thereby forming flocs to settle due to gravity.

[0041] After the sedimentation period, a water sample is collected from each beaker. These samples are then analyzed using a nephelometer (also called a turbidimeter) to measure their final turbidity levels. By comparing the initial turbidity of the synthetic water with the final turbidity measured after treatment with different coagulant dosages, the effectiveness of each coagulant in removing turbidity is assessed. The optimal dosage might be the one that results in the most significant reduction in turbidity.

[0042] In one embodiment herein, an analysis is conducted for comparing the performance of the coagulants (Kappa-Carrageenan, Sago, and Alum) under specific conditions. The analysis concentrates on identifying the highest percentage of turbidity removal achieved by each coagulant at a specific pH level, thereby indicating the most effective coagulant within the tested conditions. The analysis considers three different pH values of 6, 7, and 8 to investigate how the effectiveness of the coagulants might be influenced by the acidity or alkalinity of the water.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 refers to a graphical representation 100 depicting maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the coagulants at a pH value of 6. The maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the three coagulants such as Alum, Sago and Kappa Carrageenan at a pH value of 6 are presented in Table 1.

[0044] Table 1:
Turbidity (NTU) Alum
TA:90-160 mg/l Sago
TA:90-160 mg/l Kappa Carrageenan
TA:100-160 mg/l
% Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l) % Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l) % Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l)
40 51.25 % 0.15 69.25 % 0.10 62.5 % 0.15
70 41.85 % 0.10 54.14 % 0.10 55.7 % 0.15
150 87.53 % 0.10 82.06 % 0.10 80.66 % 0.10
200 60.95 % 0.10 83.95 % 0.10 66.5 % 0.15
250 89.84 % 0.20 86.76 % 0.15 75.2 % 0.15

[0045] Table 1 and graph 100 represents the maximum percentage turbidity removal for each individual coagulants for the turbidity range investigated at pH of 6 and at an alkalinity range of 90-160 mg/L as CaCO3. The analysis of the observations and results made for water with initial turbidity of 40 NTU range made clear that the maximum removal of 69.25 % is attained with Sago coagulant for water with an initial turbidity of 40 NTU. It is observed that Kappa Carrageenan showed a better turbidity removal than Alum coagulant at this turbidity range. In case of the experiments with water having an initial turbidity of 70 NTU, the performance of both Sago and Kappa Carrageenan is almost similar, with a turbidity removal of around 54% to 55%. Both Sago and Kappa Carrageenan displayed a better reduction of turbidity than Alum in this case.

[0046] In case of the experiments conducted for water with an initial turbidity of 150 NTU, the highest turbidity removal of 87.53% is achieved with Alum, whereas for the other two coagulants, the turbidity removal efficiency is nearing it ranging from 81% to 82%. The experiments conducted for water with 200 NTU initial turbidity showed that Sago exhibited a significant removal of turbidity than the other coagulants with a removal percentage of nearly 84%. The results for the experiments on water with initial turbidity of 250 NTU showed that both Sago and Alum exhibited a remarkable turbidity removal percentage of 86.76% and 89.84% respectively. Based on the study and analysis, it may be concluded that coagulant, Kappa Carrageenan, gave better turbidity removal efficiencies ranging from 56% to 81% at pH 6 for low to medium turbidity range in water.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 refers to a graphical representation 200 depicting maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the coagulants at pH 7. The maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the three coagulants such as Alum, Sago and Kappa Carrageenan at a pH value of 7 are presented in Table 2.

[0048] Table 2:
Turbidity (NTU) Alum
TA: 180 - 230 mg/l Sago
TA: 180 - 230 mg/l Kappa Carrageenan TA: 150 - 200 mg/l
% Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l) % Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l) % Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l)
40 54.75% 0.10 81.75% 0.15 72.5% 0.10
70 90.14% 0.10 57.4% 0.10 87.1% 0.10
150 94.1% 0.15 85.2% 0.10 78% 0.10
200 80.45% 0.10 86.05% 0.10 77.5% 0.10
250 89.08% 0.20 88.88% 0.10 76.4% 0.1

[0049] Table 2 and graph 200 represents the maximum turbidity removal efficiencies for each of the individual coagulants at a pH value of 7 for the alkalinity range of 150-230 mg/L as CaCO3. The experiments conducted for water with 40 NTU initial turbidity showed the maximum removal of 81.75% is observed with Sago coagulant. At this initial turbidity range, it was observed that Kappa Carrageenan showed a better removal of turbidity than Alum coagulant. In case of the experiments with water having an initial turbidity of 70 NTU, a maximum turbidity removal of 90.14% is observed with Alum coagulant whereas Kappa Carrageenan also displayed an equivalent turbidity removal of 87.1%. At 150 NTU initial turbidity, the experimental results showed that Alum coagulant exhibited the best removal of 94%.

[0050] On the other hand, the other two coagulants also displayed satisfactory turbidity removal ranging from 78% to 85%. In case of experiments conducted on water with initial turbidity of 200 NTU, Sago provided a better turbidity removal of 86% while Alum and Kappa Carrageenan displayed a decent removal of turbidity ranging from 78% to 81%. At the initial turbidity of 250 NTU, the experimental results showed that both Sago and Alum gave equal turbidity removal at 89%. Based on the study and analysis, it may be concluded that coagulant, Kappa Carrageenan, gave better turbidity removal efficiencies ranging from 72% to 87% at a pH value of 7 and also displayed a uniform trend in removal of turbidity at higher turbidities.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 refers to a graphical representation 300 depicting maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the coagulants at a pH value of 8. The maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of the three coagulants such as Alum, Sago and Kappa Carrageenan at the pH value of 8 are presented in Table 3.

[0052] Table 3:
Turbidity (NTU) Alum
TA:220-260 mg/l Sago
TA:220-260 mg/l Kappa Carrageenan TA:250-300 mg/l
% Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l) % Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l) % Turbidity Removal Dosage (mg/l)
40 58.25% 0.10 41% 0.10 40% 0.05
70 58.8% 0.15 41.28% 0.15 67.14% 0.15
150 87.1% 0.15 61.53% 0.15 64% 0.15
200 74.8% 0.20 58.75% 0.10 74.5% 0.10
250 44.48% 0.20 66.92% 0.10 62% 0.10

[0053] Table 3 and graph 300 represents the maximum turbidity removal efficiencies of each of the individual coagulants at the pH value of 8 for the alkalinity range of 220-300 mg/L as CaCO3. The maximum turbidity removal of 58% is achieved using Alum coagulant for water with an initial turbidity of 40 NTU. Whereas, the experimental results for water having an initial turbidity of 70 NTU displayed that Kappa Carrageenan showed a better turbidity removal of 67.14% than the other coagulants. At 150 NTU range, the experimental results showed the maximum turbidity removal is 87% with Alum coagulant. In case of the experiments with water having an initial turbidity of 200 NTU, the turbidity removal efficiency is the same with both the coagulants, Alum and Kappa Carrageenan at 74%. The experimental results for 250 NTU range showed that Sago eliminated turbidity better than the other two coagulants with a maximum turbidity removal of 67%. Based on the study and analysis, it may be concluded that coagulant, Kappa Carrageenan, is less efficient than Alum coagulant at pH 8.

[0054] Based on the experiments and analysis of the results obtained in the investigation of the coagulation activity of the coagulants, it may be concluded that Kappa Carrageenan gave an improved removal efficiency than Alum at the pH values of 6 and 7 for the lower turbidity range (40 NTU-70 NTU). It is observed that Sago has almost uniform turbidity removal of 82% to 86% at 150 NTU, 200 NTU and 250 NTU samples at a pH value of 6. Also, at the pH value of 8, Kappa Carrageenan exhibited a uniform trend in turbidity removal efficiency ranging from 72% to 78% across all the turbidity ranges.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, organic 4 refers to a flowchart 400 of a method of removing turbidity from water using the natural organic coagulant. First, at step 402, 1 gm of Kappa Carrageenan powder is dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water to obtain the coagulant solution. At step 404, the obtained coagulant solution is added to the turbid water in at least one beaker to obtain the coagulant-water mixture. At step 406, the coagulant-water mixture is stirred at a speed of around 100 rpm for a time period of 1 to 2 min, thereby promoting initial contact and dispersion of the Kappa Carrageenan throughout the turbid water.

[0056] At step 408, the stirring speed is reduced to 20 to 30 rpm for a time period of at least 25 min, thereby facilitating coagulation and flocculation of the suspended particles. At step 410, the suspended particles are allowed to settle for a time period of at least 25 min. Further, at step 412, the supernatant is separated from the settled suspended particles using the separation process, thereby removing the turbidity from the water. In one embodiment herein, the separation process includes at least one of sedimentation, filtration, and centrifugation.

[0057] Numerous advantages of the present disclosure may be apparent from the discussion above. In accordance with the present disclosure, the natural organic coagulant, specifically Kappa Carrageenan, which is a polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweed for removing turbidity from water. The sustainable and eco-friendly water treatment solution eliminates the use of conventional coagulants and their potential health and environmental concerns. The natural organic coagulant removes turbidity from water, particularly at neutral pH levels, without leaving any residual aluminum in the treated water. The natural organic coagulant is biodegradable and non-toxic for water treatment. The natural organic coagulant improves the quality of drinking water, reduce the cost of wastewater treatment, and protect the environment.

[0058] It will readily be apparent that numerous modifications and alterations can be made to the processes described in the foregoing examples without departing from the principles underlying the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be embraced by this application.
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS:
I/We Claim:
1. A method for removal of turbidity and suspended solids from water using a natural organic coagulant, comprising:
dissolving 1 gm of Kappa Carrageenan powder in 100 ml of distilled water to obtain a coagulant solution, wherein the Kappa Carrageenan is a natural organic coagulant;
adding the obtained coagulant solution to turbid water in at least one beaker to obtain a coagulant-water mixture;
stirring the coagulant-water mixture at a speed of around 100 rpm for a time period of 1 to 2 min, thereby promoting initial contact and dispersion of the Kappa Carrageenan throughout the turbid water;
reducing the stirring speed at 20 to 30 rpm for a time period of at least 25 min, thereby facilitating coagulation and flocculation of suspended particles;
allowing the suspended particles to settle for a time period of at least 25 min; and
separating supernatant from the settled suspended particles using a separation process, thereby removing the turbidity from the water.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Kappa Carrageenan is a polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweeds.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separation process includes at least one of sedimentation, filtration, and centrifugation.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separated supernatant is measured for turbidity using a turbidimeter.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Kappa Carrageenan exhibited an enhanced turbidity removal efficiency ranging from 72% to 78% when compared to conventional coagulants.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turbid water is prepared by:
adding 1 gm of bentonite powder to 1 L of distilled water to obtain a bentonite suspension;
stirring the bentonite suspension slowly at a speed of around 20 rpm for a time period of at least 1hr to achieve uniform dispersion of bentonite particles; and
allowing the bentonite suspension to settle for a time period of at least 24 hr for complete hydration of the bentonite particles.