STUDIES ON THE USE OF NEEM PRODUCTS FOR REMOVAL OF AMMONIA FROM BRACKISHWATER

ABSTRACT

Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the ammonia removal from brackishwater (Salinity 16 ± 1 ppt) using natural plant products such as seed powder and seed oil from neem (Azadirachta indica) and commercially available neem products—neemazal and neemgold. The experimental results showed that ammonia removal was effective with 90 mg/l of neem oil, whereas, neem seed powder at 90 mg/l registered an increase in ammonia levels throughout the course of the experiment. Neem oil, neemazal, and neemgold at 90 mg/l were effective in decreasing the total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) level of 0.40–0.45 mg/l in 96 h. The effect of initial ammonia concentrations on the ammonia removal using neem oil revealed that percentage ammonia removal decreased with an increase in initial ammonia concentration.

Keywords:

• Neem products
• Total ammonia nitrogen
• Brackishwater

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors are grateful to Dr. G. R. M. Rao, Director, Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, for his encouragement to carry out this work.