Utilization of Banana Peel Biopolymer as a Natural Coagulant for Wastewater Treatment: A Sustainable Approach to Bio-Composite Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 05 | Page : 106 115
    By

    Vignesh M,

  • Dhamothiran N,

  • Bhuvaneshwaran E,

  • Srinivasan A,

  • Parameshwaran P,

  • Dinesh S,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dhanalakshmi College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

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This study explores an eco-innovative approach to wastewater treatment by utilizing banana peel powder (BPP) as a sustainable, low-cost bio-coagulant. Although effective, conventional chemical coagulants like aluminum sulfate and synthetic polymers are often non-biodegradable, toxic, and economically burdensome, particularly in decentralized or low-resource settings. In contrast, BPP—an agro-waste material rich in bioactive functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and phenolic compounds—provides a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative. To enhance its surface area and reactivity, banana peels were processed through washing, shade drying, grinding, and sieving to achieve a particle size below 150 µm. Wastewater samples were collected from domestic drainage systems and analyzed for parameters such as pH, turbidity, TSS, TDS, COD, BOD, chlorides, sulfates, and oil and grease. A standard jar test protocol was employed to assess the coagulation performance of BPP at varying dosages (50–150 mg/L). The optimal dosage resulted in significant reductions in turbidity (by 84.6%), TSS (59.8%), COD (73.4%), and BOD (79.4%), with minimal changes to pH, indicating its suitability for maintaining water chemistry stability. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated a highly porous and irregular surface morphology of BPP, which facilitates strong adsorptive interactions with suspended pollutants. The treatment efficiency exhibited by BPP is comparable to that of conventional coagulants, validating its technical feasibility. Additionally, the valorization of banana peels into functional coagulants aligns with circular economy principles and promotes waste-to-resource strategies for environmental sustainability. This research reinforces the potential of banana peel powder as a green alternative for wastewater treatment, especially in rural or decentralized systems. It also contributes to the development of sustainable water purification technologies in support of global water security and SDG goals

Keywords: Banana peel powder, natural coagulation, turbidity reduction, flocculation, cost-effectiveness

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Vignesh M, Dhamothiran N, Bhuvaneshwaran E, Srinivasan A, Parameshwaran P, Dinesh S. Utilization of Banana Peel Biopolymer as a Natural Coagulant for Wastewater Treatment: A Sustainable Approach to Bio-Composite Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):106-115.
How to cite this URL:
Vignesh M, Dhamothiran N, Bhuvaneshwaran E, Srinivasan A, Parameshwaran P, Dinesh S. Utilization of Banana Peel Biopolymer as a Natural Coagulant for Wastewater Treatment: A Sustainable Approach to Bio-Composite Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(05):106-115. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=0


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Issue 05
Received 12/05/2025
Accepted 04/06/2025
Published 16/06/2025
Publication Time 35 Days
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