Application of Chitosan as a Coagulant- A Preliminary Review

Abstract

One of the best water treatment methods is to use coagulant. Coagulation with metal salts like aluminium or iron salt are commercially use in the treatment of turbid sea water today. However, this type of coagulant might leave toxic residue in the treated water since it is made up from metal or inorganic material. Thus it might affect the health if the water is use for drinking and such else. Several studies on synthetic and organic polymer has been carried out in order to identify which polymer can works as a coagulant to replace the use of metal salts. Chitosan is natural polymer that can be used as a coagulant in the treatment of turbid sea water. Chitosan has been used at water purification system for detoxifying water. This might be due to its ability to form bond or coagulate with other particles.  It is able to absorbs greases, oil, and other potential toxins and also have relatively lowest toxicity or risk for human since it is an organic. The contamination of water can affect both physical and chemical properties of water. Thus it is essential for the sea water to be treated to remove the turbidity so that the water can be used safely. There are many methods that can be used in the water treatment but may produce different properties of treated water. Some treated water may have poor microbiological quality which is unsafe to be use or consumed by human.