Continuous-Flow Grafting of LENFLOC™ Coagulant for Water Treatment toward Circular Economy

This study investigated the efficiency of LENFLOC™ production using a microwave-assisted continuous-flow grafting process. The study discussed the contribution of plant-based coagulants for water and wastewater treatment toward the circular economy in water treatment. Lentil waste extract was used to produce LENFLOC™ using (2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride with 75 wt.% on H2O as a chain monomer and cerium ammonium nitrate (≥98%) as an initiator. The continuous flow grafting process was conducted at a constant flowrate of 60 mL/min and reaction time of 30 s. The process was optimised using RSM to obtain optimum conditions of process factors. Characterisation studies were conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray. A comparison study was performed using a Jar test with LENFLOC™, lentil waste extract, and a polymer as coagulants. The results obtained show that the continuous-flow grafting process was efficient with an optimum grafting percentage of 330%. The characterisation studies confirmed the grafting process. A 99% turbidity removal rate was achieved with LENFLOC™ as a coagulant with a lower dosage compared to the lentil waste extract. Furthermore, microscope imaging showed improved floc compaction when using LENFLOC™ as a coagulant. The continuous-flow grafting process has been shown to be effective; therefore, its potential for upscaling the process is possible.