The synthesis and use of bio-based flocculant from Boehmeria nivea in coagulation-flocculation and direct flocculation of kaolin suspension

Abstract

The synthesis and modification of cellulose from Boehmeria nivea into a cationic bio-based flocculant was performed. In the first stage of research, cellulose was isolated from the bast fiber of Boehmeria nivea. Second, the modification of cellulose into cationic cellulose was carried out by reaction using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC). Cellulose and cationic cellulose were tested as bio-based flocculants for their flocculation ability with synthetic water samples using 5 g/L of kaolin suspension with turbidity as the test parameter. Data analysis was performed by statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test. Studies showed that the use of Cellulose as a bio-based flocculant in the coagulation-flocculation process with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) as a coagulant statistically increased the efficiency of turbidity removal, up to 99.17%, whereas the direct flocculation process, i.e., without the use of coagulant, had a turbidity removal efficiency of 98.91% with 60 minutes of sedimentation time. The use of cationic cellulose showed promising results as a bio-based flocculant in the direct flocculation process compared to PAC, with a shorter sedimentation time.