The Potential of Arachis hypogaea as Natural Coagulant in Lake Water Treatment

Access to safe water remains a global concern, particularly in developing countries facing issues of fecal contamination in drinking water supplies. This research investigates the potential of Arachis hypogaea (peanut seeds) as a natural coagulant for treating water in the Tasik Titiwangsa recreational lake. The study aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on SDG 6 to ensure safe and affordable drinking water for all. By addressing the limitations of chemical coagulants like aluminium and ferric chloride, the research aims to contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly water treatment methods. The main objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of peanut seeds in improving water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), and colour. However, challenges such as seed quality and the study’s timeframe limit the scope of experimentation. The study successfully characterized raw lake water, established the optimum dosage of 0.75 mL of Arachis hypogaea, and found it effective in reducing turbidity by 74.7%, though slightly less effective than alum, which achieved 89.8% removal at 4 mL. Both coagulants maintained stable pH levels post-treatment. In conclusion, while alum is more effective, Arachis hypogaea is a promising natural alternative for sustainable water treatment, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals.