Wastewater treatment potential of Moringa stenopetala over Moringa olifera as a natural coagulant, antimicrobial agent and heavy metal removals

Abstract

Moringa is a multipurpose tree with considerable economic and social potential and its cultivation is currently being actively promoted in many developing countries. Seeds of this tropical tree contain water-soluble, positively charged proteins that act as an effective coagulant for water and wastewater treatment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Moringa oleifera and Moringa stenopetala seed powder in water purification as a replacement coagulant. Water treatment with M. stenopetala was found to be more effective for water purification than treatment with M. oleifera seed. Indeed, it has been given little research and development attention. Unlike M. oleifera, little scientific research has been conducted on the properties and potential uses of M. stenopetala in general and its seeds in particular. However, the method should be encouraged in communities without safe water supply.

Keywords:

• Moringa
• Moringa oleifera
• Moringa stenopetala
• coagulant
• purification water

Public Interest Statement

Moringa stenopetala is one of the facultative deciduous trees having multipurpose use. M. stenopetala has potential benefits for many purposes such as ecological, nutritional, medical, and industrial. It is also a good source of generating income to the rural poor. Various findings on the medicinal use of M. stenopetala support the traditional claim of the plant particularly its indigenous use for chronic diseases. The leaves are nutritious due to the presence of important micronutrients.

This review has focuses to address wastewater treatment potential of M. Stenopetala over Moringa oleifera as a natural coagulant, antimicrobial agent and heavy metal removals. Besides this review evaluates the effectiveness of M. oleifera and M. stenopetala seed powder in water purification as a potential replacement of coagulants. Water treatment with M. stenopetala is found to be more effective and efficient for water purification than M. oleifera seed powder.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interest

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Asaminew Abiyu

Asaminew Abiyu is a Moringa Program Coordinator in the Hunger project Ethiopia International based NGO for the last 2 years. Asaminew received the Mission for change and development association in Ethiopia (MCDAE) award for his contribution and successful completion of the management and leadership courses in the year 2015. Asaminew holds an MSc degree in Environmental Science form Addis Abeba University Ethiopia, in the year 2013 and a BSc degree in Production Forestry form Hawassa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, 2006 and BTH in Theology from Holy Trinity Theological University College, 2013 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Asaminew’s objective is to seamlessly merge different projects with applied research in the service of communities. His research interest focuses on the complex connectivity of human and environmental relations, addressing indigenous ways of knowing, Green Energy, waste treatment, climate change and Hydrology. And now he is a PhD student at Donghua University, School of Environmental Science and engineering.