摘要：In rural areas, most people rely on private water supplies such as wells and dugouts. Quality water is vital tothe social, health, and economic well-being of people. It sustains ecological processes that support nativefish population, vegetation, wetlands and bird life. Water quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical,biological and aesthetic characteristics. Presently, there are no appropriate low-cost technologies availablefor removal of several contaminants present in groundwater. Microbial degradation, chemical oxidation,photolysis and adsorption are used for the treatment of wastewater. Although aluminium is the most commonlyused coagulant in the developing countries, studies have linked it to the development of neurological diseases.There are several methods used for the purification of water. Activated carbons are the most commonadsorbent, and they are made from different plants, animal residues and bituminous coal. Moringa oleiferaseeds are also used as a primary coagulant in drinking water clarification and wastewater treatment due tothe presence of a water-soluble cationic coagulant protein, which is able to reduce turbidity of the treatedwater. There are many other species like Vigna unguiculata, Voandzeia subterranea, Arachis hypogaea,Vicia faba and Parkinsonia aculeata, which are also used for purification of water for drinking and cookingpurposes while wood ashes are mainly used for clarifying water for activities such as laundry, bathing,washing utensils but very rarely for drinking. Hence, there is an urgent need for development of alternative,cost effective and also environmental friendly coagulants to address the issue.
