Application of Okra Seed Extract as Natural Coagulant for Clay Suspension Treatment in Alluvial Mining Wastewater

Abstract

Smaller-scale alluvial mining is a big source of water pollution in developing nations specifically Ghana, whereby the suspension clay minerals contribute in adding a lot of turbidity to water bodies. This work examines how the okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) seed extract is useful in the settlement of clay-filled mining wastewater by use of the raw extract as a natural coagulant. Three samples of clay (A, B and C) were made to 45 percent pulp density performance, and then natural settling and okra aided coagulation were performed under conditions pH-adjusted. The findings indicate that okra seed extract enhanced the settling rates by approximately three times in that the settling rates rose to 0.056 -0.102 m/s compared to initial rates of 0.019-0.036 m / s. The turbidity was reduced significantly, and it was found that it was reduced to 8.67-16.07NTU compared to 78.83221.17NTU. Altogether, the results prove the fact that okra seed extract is a promising treatment method of alluvial mining wastewater, a powerful, ecologically friendly, and inexpensive alternative to commercial chemical coagulants, and it can have a significant impact in terms of its use in resource-restrained settings.