PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TAMARIND SEED (TAMARINDUS INDICA) POWDER AS A NATURAL COAGULANT FOR WATER PURIFICATION

Abstract

This study evaluates tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seed powder as an affordable and eco-friendly natural coagulant for improving drinking water quality. Physico-chemical parameters—including moisture, ash content, pH, colour, conductivity, and bulk density—were analysed using standard methods. Elemental composition was determined using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Coagulation efficiency was assessed through jar tests on raw well water samples. Tamarind seed powder exhibited low moisture (9.29%) and ash (4.46%) contents, a slightly acidic pH (5.35), and a mineral profile dominated by potassium, calcium, sulphur, and iron. Turbidity removal increased with coagulant dosage, reducing turbidity to below 5 NTU, meeting WHO recommendations for potable water. These findings demonstrate the potential of tamarind seed powder as an effective natural coagulant suitable for decentralized water purification in low-income communities.