Phytochemical and physicochemical screening of plant-based materials as coagulants for turbidity removal – An unprecedented approach

•A first-ever study was reported relating plants-based materials' phytochemical and physicochemical parameters.•A new approach for selecting plant-based materials as coagulants for turbidity removal.•A total of 22 materials were studied to treat the turbid waters (70 and 150 NTU) with low dosages.•Screening of plant-based coagulants is analyzed and compared to the inorganic and animal-based coagulants.•FTIR, XRD and SEM characterization was done for the highly efficient coagulants.