A review of plant-based coagulants for turbidity and cyanobacteria blooms removal

In recent years, the proliferation of Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (CyanoHABs) has increased with water eutrophication and climate change, impairing human health and the environment in relation to water supply. In drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs), the bio-coagulation based on natural coagulants has been studied as an eco-friendly alternative technology to conventional coagulants for both turbidity and CyanoHABs removal. Plant-based coagulants have demonstrated their coagulation efficiency in turbidity removal, as reported in several papers but its ability in cyanobacterial removal is still limited. This paper mainly reviewed the application of plant-based coagulants in DWTPs, with focus on turbidity removal, including cyanobacterial cells. The future potential uses of these green coagulants to reduce noxious effects of cyanobacterial proliferation are presented. Green coagulants advantages and limitations in DWTPs are reviewed and discussed summarizing more than 10 years of knowledge.

Automated summary

In recent years, the proliferation of Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (CyanoHABs) caused by water eutrophication and climate change has had a significant impact on human health and the environment in relation to water supply. Plant-based coagulants have been studied as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional coagulants in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) for the removal of both turbidity and CyanoHABs. While plant-based coagulants have shown efficiency in turbidity removal, their ability to remove cyanobacterial cells is still limited. This paper reviews the application of plant-based coagulants in DWTPs, focusing on turbidity removal, including cyanobacterial cells, and presents their potential use in reducing the harmful effects of cyanobacterial proliferation. The advantages and limitations of green coagulants in DWTPs are discussed, summarizing over 10 years of knowledge.