THE EFFICACY OF OKRO (ABELMOSCHUS ESCULENTUS) SEED AS A NATURAL COAGULANT FOR WATER TREATMENT IN DUTSE METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT Coagulation flocculation treatment of water using Okro seeds have been shown to be suitable for removing the turbidity and colour of water when the operating parameters are optimized. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and potential of Okro seed as a coagulant for water treatment. Fresh Okro were obtained from Yalwawa market, Dutse, oil from the Okro seeds was removed via soxhlet extraction, the cake obtained was then washed with distilled water to remove residual of N-hexane and then dried in an oven and sieved, the finer particles were then used as coagulant. The phytochemical screening of water Okro seeds extracts was carried out. Borehole water from the study site was assessed for water quality parameters. Four containers were filled with the water sample then the coagulant was added into each container at four different concentrations (0.2g, 0.4 g, 0.6 g, 0.8g), stirred and left to sit for 45 minutes, the water was then filtered and left for complete settling for 24hrs after which the water quality analysis was then carried out. The result of phytochemical screening showed the absence of phenol, tannin and flavonoid. The presence of saponin, alkaloid, glycoside and steroid were observed in the Okro seed extract. The pH of borehole water after treatment were all in accordance with WHO standard. Temperature at all concentration was within the recommended standard. All other parameters were within the recommended range. The result inferred that Okro seeds can be used for coagulation processes due to its potential as natural coagulant and eco-friendly.