Studies on the Efficacy of Bridelia Ferruginea Benth. Bark Extract in Reducing the Coliform Load and BOD of Domestic Wastewater

The efficacy of Bridelia ferruginea bark extract in reducing the coliform load and BOD of Wastewater was investigated. Phytochemical screening and chromatographic techniques revealed the bark to contain five major compounds; polyphenols, steroids, Saponins, Tannins terpenoids and alkaloids. Comparative studies in the reduction of coliform load using varying concentrations (0.5 % w/v, 1.0 % w/v, 2.5 % w/v, and 5.0 % w/v) with Alum and Ferric chloride showed that the bark extract was effective. The optimum dose achieved was 2.5 % w/v with a minimum of 24 hours contact time. The coliform loads were reduced by 63 % after 24 hours when the extract was used whereas Ferric chloride achieved 64 % reductions and Alum achieved 68% reduction under similar conditions. Comparative studies of Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) removal from the wastewater using varying concentrations (1%w/v, 5 % w/v) with Alum and Ferric chloride showed that the bark extract achieved 100%. The feasibility of using the bark extract as an additional coagulant is therefore discussed