Effects of Ceramic Membrane Composed of Clay and a Mixture of Rice Husks, Sawdust, Coconut Shell Charcoal, and Coffee Grounds on Reducing Total Coliforms in Well Water

Aim: The study was conducted to determine the effects of a ceramic membrane composed of clay and a mixture of rice husks, sawdust, coconut shell charcoal, and coffee grounds on reducing total coliforms in well water. Methods: The materials used were clay and a mixture of materials including rice husks, sawdust, coconut shell charcoal, and coffee grounds. These materials were mixed, molded, dried, and burnt. Total coliforms in well water were measured as the observed parameter, and the different material compositions were compared. Coliforms were assessed with the membrane filter method, while data were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance. Results: The results showed that the greatest reduction in total coliforms was found on the ceramic membrane of clay and coffee grounds with a value of 105.8 CFU, while the lowest was observed in a mixture of clay and coconut shell charcoal at 92.8 CFU. The percentage decline rate in total coliforms caused by ceramic membrane with a mixture of land clay and coffee grounds reached 91.3%. Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference in the reduction of total coliforms among the various membrane compositions, the combination of clay and coffee grounds caused a reduction reaching >90%.