Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Climate Action (SDG 13)
Optimizing water treatment: astudy on polyaluminium chloride dosage and mixing speed in Owabi, Ghana
Janet Atebiya 1,2 , Richard Buamah 3 1 Ghana Water Limited, Sunyani – Ghana. 2 Ghana Chemical Society – Ghana. 3 Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Knust) – Ghana. E-mail: janet.atebiya@gwcl.com.gh
The study investigated the use of polyaluminium chloride as a coagulant for water treatment at the Owabi drinking water treatment plant in Ghana. The plant struggles with high turbidity levels due to artisanal mining pollution. The research aimed to determine the optimal mixing speed and dosage of polyaluminium chloride for effective suspended solid removal. The study found that a mixing speed of 100/25rpm performed better than 160/25rpm. The optimal dosage was 10ppm, and the coagulant performed best at pH levels between 6.5-9.0. Turbidity levels were reduced to below 5NTU, and color levels met the required standards. The results suggest that polyaluminium chloride is a viable alternative to Aluminium Sulphate (Alum) for water treatment in Ghana. The study’s findings can inform the development of effective water treatment strategies for communities affected by mining pollution. Key words: Polyaluminium Chloride, Coagulant, mixing speed, dosage and turbidity References 1. Akoto O, Bruce TN, and Darko G. (2010) Chemical and biological characteristics of streams in the Owabi watershed. Environ Monit Assess 161:413–422. 2. Akoto O., Gyamfi O., Darko G., and Barnes V.R. (2017) Changes in water quality in the Owabi water treatment plant in Ghana. Appl Water Sci 7:175–186 DOI 10.1007/s13201-014-0232-4. 3. Akoto, O., and Abankwa, E. (2014) Evaluation of Owabi reservoir (Ghana) water quality using factor analysis. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management, 19 (3), 174–182. doi:10.1111/lre.12066. 4. AWWA (American Water Works Association). (2011). Operational Control of Coagulation and Filtration Processes. Manual of Water Supply Practices — M37, Third Edition. AWWA manual; M37
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