Effect of storage and preparation methods of Moringa oleifera seeds during the coagulation process

Abstract

Many developing countries around the world are now facing a water deficit crisis that worsens with climate change variations. In the particular case of Colombia, water deficit is a major concern in the whole territory, but it gets worse in rural areas. Since 70s, water purification in Colombia is based on conventional physicochemical processes, in which the most common coagulant used is aluminum sulfate (Alum). This study focuses on the behavior of color and turbidity removal of different extraction methodologies of a natural coagulant, Moringa oleifera. Results showed that turbidity removal efficiency was not affected by oil extraction. However, oil extraction increases the complexity of the process. Salt addition during coagulant solution preparation increases turbidity and color efficiency removal. No significant difference (p < 0.05) on turbidity and color removal was found between coagulant solution storage at 24°C (room temperature) and 4°C. Coagulant solution of M. oleifera was found to be very efficient on polluted waters with high concentration of color.

Keywords:

• Water treatment
• Natural coagulants
• Moringa oleifera
• Extraction methodology
• Color
• Turbidity

Acknowledgment

This research was supported by the University of Medellin. We would greatly like to thank GEMA laboratory for providing us their facilities. Finally, we would like to thank Juan David Cortez for their support during this research study.