A study on de-contamination of dairy wastewater using natural coagulants.

Dairy wastewater is a major environmental challenge owing to its high organic load, which poses risks to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. This study investigated the use of sustainable natural coagulants, specifically Carica papaya seeds, Citrus limetta peels, and Moringa oleifera, for treating dairy wastewater. These coagulants offer eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical methods. The Jar test method was applied to determine the maximum removal efficiencies for biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, and turbidity in dairy wastewater. Key parameters, including coagulant dosage (0.05-0.5 g), contact time (10-30 min), and pH (5-7), were optimized and statistically analyzed using Behnken design. The results demonstrated that Citrus limetta peels achieved 93.8% removal of biochemical oxygen demand, whereas Carica papaya seeds and Moringa oleifera showed 74% efficiency in reducing turbidity and total dissolved solids. This research supports sustainable wastewater management by promoting the use of agricultural waste materials for pollutant removal, thereby advancing circular economic practices within the dairy industry. The use of natural coagulants not only reduces the environmental impact of dairy wastewater, but also provides an accessible and cost-effective treatment option, recommending their broader application in wastewater treatment facilities.