Disinfection ability of hibiscus seeds in water treatment

The disinfecting ability of hibiscus seed proteins against Escherichia coli, total coliforms and faecal coliforms in water treatment was investigated. Hibiscus seeds are widely available as a primary source of protein in tropical countries. Using varying doses of extracts, partial inactivation of faecal coliforms and E. coli was achieved. Hibiscus sabdariffa crude extract (SCE) achieved 67% faecal coliform inactivation whereas Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) crude extract (KCE) achieved 57% using dosages of 200 mg/l. Additionally, E. coli were observed to be more sensitive to KCE than SCE, with maximum inactivations of 65% and 60%, respectively. Furthermore, complete bacterial regrowth was witnessed with the extracts after 72 h storage time. However, purified sabdariffa protein (PSP) and purified kenaf protein (PKP) showed complete (100%) bacterial inactivation post-treatment, using a dose of 1·48 mg/l. Additionally, PSP and PKP achieved 92% and 90% turbidity removal, respectively, from a value of 11·9 NTU. Therefore, the use of PSP and PKP in water treatment could improve access to clean water in developing countries.