Cucumeropsis mannii and Luffa acutangula Seed Proteins Analysis as a Novel Plant-Based Bio-coagulant: Fecal Sludge Treatment and Dewatering

Developing a novel bio-coagulant based on plant seeds using effective and affordable technique is an innovative way to advance bio-coagulant research in both developed and developing countries. This study investigates the potentiality and capacity of new bio-coagulants from Cucumeropsis mannii and Luffa acutangula seed proteins extract and purify for fecal sludge dewatering. A factorial design was made to obtain the best overall process optimization and improve the reaction between the coagulation/flocculation factors to provide suitable conditions for fecal sludge dewatering and concentrate a maximum of organic matter for biogas production. The experimental method identifies the potential parameters and the plant seed components that could interact based on different dosages used to optimize the treatment. To enhance the treatment, 10 mg/l of protein solution with a concentration of 10 g/l at pH 7.25 is considered a low-level dosage, and 20 mg/l of protein solution with a concentration of 20 g/l at pH 7.25 is considered a high-level dosage. The results have shown that the dosage of 20 mg/l of protein solution with a concentration of 20 g/l at pH 7.25 is optimal, with 99.17% turbidity, 99.58% COD and 99.13% ammonia nitrogen removal for C. mannii while L. acutangula seed proteins remove 97.67% turbidity, 98.49% COD and 98.7% ammonia nitrogen and recover 80% of water during fecal sludge dewatering.