POTENTIAL OF Calotropis procera LEAVES FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Abstract

Waste water samples from cassava, domestic and textile effluent were treated with leaves of Calotropis procera using percolation and dropping methods. Treatment did not significantly reduce colour and taste of
treated water, but significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed in turbidity. Treatment also significantly reduced total viable count of waste water by between 31.25 and 100% depending on the method of treatment.
Population of coliforms and non-coliforms present in treated water samples also dropped significantly. Although both methods of treatment were effective for treatment of waste water with Calotropis procera, the dropping
method was more effective in reducing microbial population in waste water.