Abstract
This study evaluated the use of Moringa oleifera (MO) seed as a natural coagulant for the removal of turbidity and apparent color in the water treatment with low initial turbidity through the in-line filtration technique. The morphology and surface charge were investigated by characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, laser particle size, and zeta potential. The cationic proteins of the MO seed were extracted in aqueous solution. The jar test showed the potability standards for turbidity and apparent color were reached in the pH range from 4.0 to 8.5 and dosages ≥ 5 mg L-1 of MO. The dominant coagulation mechanism is adsorption and charge neutralization. This study showed that treating low-turbidity water with MO seed by the in-line filtration technique is possible.
Highlights
Water treatment usually uses chemical coagulants and, in general, these reagents are aluminum and iron salts, with low cost and high efficiency (Amagloh and Benang, 2009)
Access to treated water or high costs of imported chemicals and low availability of chemical coagulants can be a problem in some developing countries (Paterniani et al, 2009)
The performance of the seeds as a coagulant is due to the fact that they are composed of several cationic proteins, which makes their zeta potential positive, allowing the destabilization of particles that cause water turbidity (Baptista et al, 2017)
Summary
Water treatment usually uses chemical coagulants and, in general, these reagents are aluminum and iron salts, with low cost and high efficiency (Amagloh and Benang, 2009). Access to treated water or high costs of imported chemicals and low availability of chemical coagulants can be a problem in some developing countries (Paterniani et al, 2009). Used for various purposes, its seeds can be used for water clarification and treatment, being an alternative to the conventional coagulants. The performance of the seeds as a coagulant is due to the fact that they are composed of several cationic proteins, which makes their zeta potential positive, allowing the destabilization of particles that cause water turbidity (Baptista et al, 2017). Regarding the toxicity of MO, the analyses performed so far point to a low toxicity of the material and have shown that it is not harmful to human health (Grabow et al, 1985; Kavitha et al, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
