Volume 2 - Issue 3, May - June 2026

The discharge of untreated Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) poses a serious environmental threat due to its high turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). Conventional chemical coagulants used in wastewater treatment are often costly, non-biodegradable, and associated with secondary pollution and health risks. This study evaluates the comparative efficacy of seed extracts from Vitex doniana and Gmelina arborea as eco-friendly bio-coagulants for the purification of POME. The investigation builds on the rich phytochemical composition of G. arborea, which contains substantial concentrations of tannins (230.00 ± 13.23 mg/100 g) and saponins (151.67 ± 7.64 mg/100 g), compounds known for their strong coagulation and adsorption capabilities. Standard coagulation–flocculation tests were conducted to assess reductions in turbidity, COD, and TSS under controlled conditions. Results revealed that both seed extracts significantly improved POME quality, demonstrating high removal efficiencies for suspended and organic pollutants. However, G. arborea consistently outperformed V. doniana, particularly in COD and TSS reduction, attributable to its higher tannin content and enhanced organic matter interaction. The findings indicate that these plant-based coagulants represent environmentally benign, sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives to conventional synthetic coagulants for industrial wastewater treatment.

Abu Malik, Al-Hasan, Abubakar Zakariyya, Shaib Ismail Omade,"Comparative Analysis of Vitex Doniana and Gmelina Arborea Seed Efficacy in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Purification" International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Educational Development, V2(3): Page(1279-1281) May-June 2026. ISSN: 3107-6513. www.ijamred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.