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*Corresponding author: Dr. Maya Raman, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Ocean Science and Technology, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Kochi. E-mail address: [email protected] (M. Raman)

In the wake of industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, the scarcity of readily available freshwater resources has become a great concern and there is an urgent need for energy-efficient, cost-effective, and chemical-free water purification systems. The central treatment plants are considerably expensive and inefficient in certain cases; therefore, low-income countries prefer onsite filtration systems. Chemocoagulants such as aluminium sulphate and ferric chloride work well in water treatment, but they usually require long mining and processing of raw materials and expensive disposal of sludge; further, these may be toxic and could be associated with various health issues, and, thus, cannot be used indefinitely. Coagulation with natural coagulants is a sustainable alternative, which is readily available, economical, convenient, atoxic, less sludge generation, eco-friendly, and effective. In addition to removing contaminants, natural materials can also add nutrients to the water. Hence, these could be used as an alternative for water treatment assuring health security and sustainability. However, natural coagulants are still inadequately accepted; are not commercialized, and are widely applied throughout the world, despite their known benefits. In order to promote a circular economy, more intensive research is needed on natural coagulants to determine their mechanism of action, how they are adopted, and how they can be commercialized.

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