Abstract:
The quality of water is of vital concern for mankind since it is directly linked with
human welfare. But majority of people are still not aware of it. People use surface
water for various domestic purposes. Surface water is often physically and
bacteriologically contaminated due to unhygienic practices. During floods the water
quality deteriorates and treatment is required to make water potable.
The study was devoted to acquire a better understanding of the effectiveness of
alum for removal of faecal coliform as well as kaolin particles. Different parameters
affecting removal of faecal coliform and kaolin particles were investigated in this
study such as alum dosage, pH. sedimentation time and mixing. Filtration with filter
paper was performed after coagulation. Removal of faecal coliform was observed
at different pH and sedimentation time.
Alum dosage was found effective for reduction of faecal coliform and kaolin
particles. With increasing alum dosage faecal coliform and turbidity removal rate
were found increasing. pH and sedimentation time also significantly affected the
removal of faecal coliform and turbidity. Most of the experiments were performed at
pH 4.5 and 6.0. It was observed that the removal efficiency at pH 6.0 was higher
than that of pH 4.5.
At any alum .dosage. removal of faecal coliform was found to increase with
increasing sedimentation time. Moreover for the same removal of microorganism
less sedimentation time was required for increased alum dosage. With increasing
sedimentation time settlement rate was found to decrease. It was found that with
increasing alum dosage potable water could be obtained within a short period of
sedimentation.
