The synthesis and use of bio-based flocculant from Boehmeria nivea in coagulation-flocculation and direct flocculation of kaolin suspension

The synthesis and modification of cellulose from Boehmeria nivea into a cationic bio-based flocculant was performed. In the first stage of research, cellulose was isolated from the bast fiber of Boehmeria nivea . Second, the modification of cellulose into cationic cellulose was carried out by reaction using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl-trimethylammonium chloride (CHPTAC). Cellulose and cationic cellulose were tested as bio-based flocculants for their flocculation ability with synthetic water samples using 5 g/L of kaolin suspension with turbidity as the test parameter. Data analysis was performed by statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test. Studies showed that the use of Cellulose as a bio-based flocculant in the coagulation-flocculation process with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) as a coagulant statistically increased the efficiency of turbidity removal, up to 99.17%, whereas the direct flocculation process, i.e., without the use of coagulant, had a turbidity removal efficiency of 98.91% with 60 minutes of sedimentation time. The use of cationic cellulose showed promising results as a bio-based flocculant in the direct flocculation process compared to PAC, with a shorter sedimentation time.