Dosage-based application versus ratio-based approach for metal- and plant-based coagulants in wastewater treatment: Merits, limitations, and applicability

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2022-02, Vol.334, p.130245, Article 130245
• Main Authors: Ahmad, Azmi, Kurniawan, Setyo Budi, Ahmad, Jamilah, Alias, Jahira, Marsidi, Nuratiqah, Said, Nor Sakinah Mohd, Yusof, Aiman Syafiqah Mohd, Buhari, Junaidah, Ramli, Nur Nadhirah, Rahim, Nurul Farhana Mohd, Abdullah, Siti Rozaimah Sheikh, Othman, Ahmad Razi, Hasan, Hassimi Abu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative technology; Alum; Coagulation; Pollution; Sludge
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.130245

The crisis on water resource and environmental pollution are forcing to upgrade conventional technology of wastewater treatment for water recycle and reuse. Coagulation–flocculation is the common wastewater treatment that has shown efficient removal performance based on various coagulants from metal-to plant-based compounds. Dosage application is the widely used method to apply coagulant in coagulation–flocculation treatment. This study introduces a new ratio-based approach using theoretical calculation for coagulant dosing in wastewater treatment. A comparative study of total suspended solid removal performance by dosage-based application versus ratio-based approach is performed by evaluating the R2 value. A demonstration on the dosage-based application versus ratio-based approach efficiencies is presented through a simulation of sludge production. Comparative analysis and simulation indicate that ratio-based approach has higher R2 value and lower sludge production with low coagulant usage compared with dosage-based application for the same influent characteristic. Merits, limitations, applicability, and future approaches for ratio-based approach are detailed for upcoming research directions and technological development. [Display omitted] •Performance of metal- & plant-based coagulants in wastewater treatment is elaborated.•Ratio-based approach is proposed to substitute the dosage-based coagulant dosing.•Interrelation analysis is presented by comparing the R2 value.•Coagulant saving and reduction of sludge are obtained through simulation.•Wastewater characteristics and database are obstacles for ratio-based application.