Abstract
In developing countries like India, the deciding factors for the selection of the specific water purification system are the flow rate, cost of implementation and maintenance, availability of materials for fabrication or assembling, technical manpower, energy requirement and reliability. But most of them are energy and cost intensive which necessitate the development of cost-effective water purification system. In this study, the feasibility of development of an efficient and cost-effective water purifier using Moringa oleifera cationic protein coated sand column to treat drinking water is presented. Moringa oleifera seeds contain cationic antimicrobial protein which acts as biocoagulant in the removal of turbidity and also aids in water softening. The main disadvantage of using Moringa seeds in water purification is that the dissolved organic matter (DOM) which is left over in the water contributes to growth of any pathogens that come into contact with the stored water. To overcome this limitation, the Moringa oleifera cationic protein coated sand (MOCP c-sand) is prepared in which the flocculant and antimicrobial properties of the MOCP are maintained and the DOM to be rinsed away. The efficiency of MOCP c-sand in removing suspended particles and reducing total hardness (TH), chloride, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) was also studied. Also, it is shown that the functionalized sand showed the same treatment efficiency even after being stored dry and in dehydrated condition for 3 months. This confirms MOCP c-sand’s potential as a locally sustainable water treatment option for developing countries since other chemicals used in water purification are expensive.
Highlights
Existing methods of water purification are very diverse and are based on processes such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, adsorption, ultra-filtration, distillation and photo-oxidation
The main disadvantage of using Moringa seeds in water purification is that the dissolved organic matter (DOM) which is left over in the water contributes to growth of any pathogens that come into contact with the stored water
Research on natural coagulants has shown that Moringa oleifera seed is a natural coagulant aids in hardness, turbidity (50–90%) and bacteria removal (Vijay et al 2012; Yarahmadi et al 2009; Sotheeswaran et al 2011; Nwaiwu and Moses 2010; Mustapha 2013; Eman et al 2010; Egbuikwem and Sangodoyin 2013; Mangale et al 2012; Olayemi 1994; Dalen et al 2009)
Summary
Existing methods of water purification are very diverse and are based on processes such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, adsorption, ultra-filtration, distillation and photo-oxidation. In most of the conventional water treatment methods, alum and polyaluminum chloride are used for turbidity removal. The ion exchange is widely used for the removal of permanent hardness of water. These methods are not cost-effective, and in addition to that, the usage of aluminum in treatment units induces Alzheimer’s disease (Ndabigengesere et al 1995; Muyibi 1998; Crapper et al 1973; Suet and Wing 1992).
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