International Journal of Environmental Sciences

This study investigated the enhancement of disinfection by using natural herbs other than chemical methods in rural/tribal area of India, where peoples are reluctant to use chemical as a disinfectant. The antimicrobial activity of Anjan (Hardwickia Binata), Mutha (Cyperus Rotundus), Ushir (Andropogon Muricatus) and Rajkashtaka (Luffa Cyllindrica) were tested by Disc Diffusion Method (Kirby–Bauer Method) after extracting the dried material powder of natural herbs in 50% alcohol (ethanol). An antibacterial activity was observed in all herbs used. Most effective an antibacterial activity was observed in Anjan. In all herbs maximum removal of E.coli was found at 30 minutes optimum contact time onwards and at 1% optimum concentration of different herbs extract used in study. As the disinfection kinetic models are the basis for assessing the disinfectants performance, the experimental results were used to derive suitable kinetic model. Chick Watson model obtained for Anjan: Log (N/No) = 0.17Ct was found very close to chlorine which is widely use as a disinfectant.