The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed as a source of natural coagulant for water and wastewater treatment

Abstract

© 2018 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Rich in seed protein (~25% DM), starch (>40% DM) and minerals, the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is grown worldwide for human nutrition. However, besides their nutritive value, proteins from the common bean seed have shown great potential as natural coagulants in turbidity removal in water and wastewater treatment. The idea of natural coagulants is to enable sustainable and environmental-friendly technologies in water treatment based on inexpensive, renewable, indigenous plant sources. In addition, use of plant-based coagulants forms biodegradable sludges and contributes to the decreased consumption of chemicals and their corrosive impact on equipment. In this regard, the common bean seed, considering its food grade nature, represents an excellent source of protein coagulant. Moreover, the low lipid content eliminates the need for delipidation of material before protein extraction which is both environmentally and economically beneficial. The possible disadvantage - an increase in organic matter in treated water as a consequence of using crude seed extract, can be diminished by purifying the active coagulant compounds. This chapter aims to review promising production and use of natural coagulant from the common bean (P. vulgaris) seed in environmental-friendly water treatment technologies.