HERBAL DEFLUORIDATION OF WATER USING TRIDEX PROCUMBENS

Background: Fluoride in drinking water can be quite detrimental or beneficial depending on its concentration and total amount metabolized. The activated biocarbon prepared from Tridaxprocumbens, a medicinal herb, is proved to be efficient in removal of heavy metals from water. Hence, it can be used as a bio-carbon filter in defluoridation of drinking water. Methods: A synthetic water solution of 10 ppm fluoride was prepared from analytical reagent grade sodium fluoride. Plant leaves were air dried for 48 hours, ground in a ball mill and the screened homogeneous powder was used for the preparation of activated biocarbon by treating it with concentrated sulphuric acid (Sp. gr.1.84) in a weight ratio of 1:1.8. The resultant black product was kept in an air-free oven at 160 +/- 5 degrees C for 6 hrs followed by washing with distilled water until excess acid was removed, which was then dried at 105 +/- 5 degrees C for 20 minutes Aluminium Metal Embedded Bio-Carbon (AMEBC) was prepared by using analytical grade aluminium metal powder and activated biocarbon in a weight ratio of 0.5:5 using concentrated HCl for precipitation. Final product was washed in double distilled water, air-dried for 1 hour and stored in air tight containers. Column studies were carried out in a Pyrex glass column. The column was packed with 10 g of AMEBC. The influent aqueous fluoride solution (500 ml) of known concentration (10 ppm) was filled in the reservoir and was allowed to pass through the bed at constant flow rate of 2 mL/min. The effluent solution was collected at different time intervals and the concentration of the fluoride was monitored by ion selective electrode using Orion Ion 4 Star Series Meter. Results: 10 g of AMEBC resulted in successful removal of fluoride of concentration from 10 ppm to 2.72 ppm from the synthetic water sample of volume 500 ml. Conclusion: Biocarbon generated from Tridaxprocumbensis an efficient defluoridating agent, for application in domestic and macro level treatment systems especially in rural areas.