Journal of Environmental Biology

Boron removal from aqueous solution using coagulation- flocculation with curcumin : A response surface methodology

A.A. Halim¹*, M.M. Hanafiah^1,2, M. Asmi¹ and Z. Daud³ 

¹Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia

²Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia

³Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author Email : azharhalim@ukm.edu.my

Received: 14.11.2020                                                                   Revised: 17.03.2021                                                         Accepted: 26.03.2021

Abstract

Aim: Application of response surface methodology (RSM) to determine optimum parameters in the coagulation-flocculation process aided by curcumin for boron removal from aqueous solution was investigated.

Methodology: Different parameters such as pH, coagulant dosage, and curcumin dosage that effect boron removal were tested. Application of central composite design in RSM was used to design the coagulation-flocculation experiment.

Results: The results showed 75% of boron removal, while the optimum parameters for boron removal were observed at pH 2.8, 132.05 ppm poly aluminum chloride dose and 1161.4 ppm curcumin dose, respectively.      

Interpretation: Quadratic regression showed that the model was significant and lack of fit P value was 0.107 (p > 0.05), implying a significant model correlation between the variables and responses. The experimental data and predicted model proved that RSM is an appropriate approach for optimising the coagulation–flocculation process in removing boron from aqueous solution.      

Key words: Boron, Coagulation, Curcumin, Flocculation, Response surface methodology

Copyright © 2021 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).