The Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Baghdad hosted a public defense for Master’s student Mohammed Abdul Hadi Mustafa in Sanitary Engineering for his thesis titled:
“Optimal Performance and Processing Efficiency of Pomegranate Seed and Peel Powders as Natural Coagulant-Flocculants for Raw Water Treatment: Comparison and Combination with Alum.”
The defense took place on March 3, 2025, in Prof. Dr. Khaled Shaker Hall, in the presence of faculty members from the department.
Research Overview
The study explored the potential use of pomegranate seeds and peels as natural coagulants in water treatment. The bioactive substances of each type were extracted using four different methods (water, salt, acid, and base extraction). These natural coagulants were tested both independently and in combination with alum as a coagulant aid.
Key Objectives
The research aimed to:
- Develop sustainable and natural alternatives to chemical coagulants, which can have adverse effects on human health and the environment.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of pomegranate-derived coagulants in removing contaminants such as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), color, and chemical oxygen demand (COD).
- Reduce reliance on chemical coagulants by incorporating natural materials, which are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Key Findings
- The high fiber, sugar, and protein content of pomegranate-based coagulants enhanced their coagulation efficiency.
- The results demonstrated high removal efficiency of contaminants from raw water, supporting the feasibility of natural coagulants as substitutes or coagulant aids.
- When used in combination with alum, the natural coagulants exhibited improved performance in water purification.
Recommendations for Future Research
- Examine additional influencing factors, such as mixing speed, settling time, and temperature, to optimize removal efficiency.
- Investigate the potential of pomegranate seed and peel powders as adsorbents or convert them into activated carbon for water treatment.
- Conduct an economic feasibility study on the large-scale application of pomegranate-based coagulants in water treatment plants.
Defense Outcome
The discussion committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Mohammed Sadeq Salman, with members Prof. Dr. Suad Mahdi Al-Fatlawi, Prof. Dr. Ghayda Yaseen Rasheed, and supervisor Asst. Prof. Dr. Nawar Omran Al-Mousawi, thoroughly evaluated the thesis.
Following the scientific discussion and assessment by the esteemed committee, Mohammed Abdul Hadi Mustafa was awarded the Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering (Sanitary Engineering).
