Efficient Removal of Cyanobacteria Using Integrated Electrocoagulation-Flotation and Moringa Seed Coagulant: Optimization via Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

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This study investigates the synergistic potential of combining electrocoagulation-flotation (ECF) with moringa (Moringa olifera) seed coagulants. The experiments focused on the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa, a predominant cyanobacterial species in water bodies worldwide. The integration of moringa seed coagulants extracted with 1 M NaCl into ECF with an aluminum anode was explored to assess its impact on energy consumption of the ECF treatment and reduction of moringa seed coagulant dosages during cyanobacteria removal. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken Design (BBD) demonstrated that the combined approach achieved a substantial 68% reduction in energy consumption compared to using ECF alone, highlighting the enhanced energy efficiency achieved through the synergy of ECF and moringa seed coagulants. The model predicted optimal conditions for achieving maximum performance were 39 mg/L coagulant dosage and 2.26 mA/cm2 current density, with a model desirability of 0.77. The predicted cyanobacteria removal efficiency was 85%, aligning well with the actual experimental results. Furthermore, the combined treatment reduced the moringa seed coagulant dosage by 51%, which is important for maintaining lower coagulant dosages to avoid the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) when in contact with chlorine. Overall, this research highlights the importance of this innovative and eco-friendly treatment approach for effectively and safely removing cyanobacteria in drinking water treatment.