Ph stabilization of potable water using selected plant metabolites

An attempt has been carried out to access the changes in pH of water samples brought about by selected plant materials from 24 species belonging to 17 families. Batch treatment was carried out with varying dosages of plant materials (0.5g, 1g, 2g, and 4g) and retention time (1.5HAT, 3HAT, 6HAT, 12HAT and 24HAT). Of 24 plants / parts selected, dried fruits of Phyllanthus emblica were able to neutralize both acidic (46% at 24HAT) and alkaline (55% at 6HAT) range of pH. Likewise, neutralization of acidic pH was observed with dry fruits of Terminalia chebula (42.62% at 24 HAT) and seed kernels of Mangifera indica (35.47% at 12 HAT). Dried fruits of Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula were able to neutralize the alkaline pH with a removal percentage of 46.15% and 44.09% at 12 HAT respectively. On correlation (p<0.01) and regression analysis, pH neutralization capacity was found to have link with dosage and retention time. The plants screened in the present study can be utilized for pH stabilization in household water treatment systems.