Water clarification using Moringa oleifera seed coagulant

Abstract

The present study deals with the suitability of the coagulation-flocculation process using Moringa oleifera seed as an environment-friendly natural coagulant and antimicrobial agent for clarification of turbid water. It has higher efficiency up to 99.99% for higher turbid water. But for low turbid water the removal efficiency is comparatively less. Almost all the industrial effluents are of high turbidity and the drinking water sources are of low or medium turbidity levels. The available literature recommended extraction of active components of MO seed powder by oil extraction, salt extraction, micro filtration and ultra filtration techniques for improving the removal efficiency in low turbid water. The performance of crude extract prepared by salt extraction of MO powder after oil extraction improves the removal efficiency due to the isolation of active components. The crude extract of MO treated water after coagulation and flocculation directly passed through rapid sand filters without sedimentation results greater turbidity removal efficiency up to 99% for low turbid water. In the case of medium or high turbid water necessary sedimentation/floatation steps will reduce the filter clogging. This technology is helpful for treating contaminated turbid water with low cost, lesser time and easiness. Also unskilled persons can operate this system effectively.