Active agents and mechanism of coagulation of turbid waters using Moringa oleifera

doi:10.1016/0043-1354(94)00161-Y

Water Research

Volume 29, Issue 2, February 1995, Pages 703-710

https://doi.org/10.1016/0043-1354(94)00161-Y Get rights and content

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a tropical plant whose seeds contain an edible oil and water soluble substance which has excellent coagulation properties for treating water and wastewater. The efficiency and properties of Moringa oleifera as a natural coagulant in water treatment were studied and compared with alum, which is presently the most widely used industrial coagulant. It is show that the active agents in aqueous Moringa extracts are dimeric cationic proteins, having molecular weight of 13 kDa and isoelectric points between 10 and 11. The mechanism of coagulation with Moringa oleifera appears to consist of adsorption and neutralization of the colloidal charges. Compared to alum, the optimal dosage of shelled Moringa oleifera seeds was almost the same (50 mg/l). In case of the non-shelled seeds, the dosage is greater (500 mg/l) for low initial turbidity waters. The purified proteins are more effective coagulants than alum. As a coagulant, Moringa is non-toxic and biodegradable. It is environmentally friendly, and unlike alum, does not significantly affect the pH and conductivity of the water after the treatment. Sludge produced by coagulation with Moringa is not only innocuous but also four to five times less in volume than the chemical sludge produced by alum coagulation. So, as a coagulant, Moringa oleifera may be a potentially viable substitute to alum.

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View full text

Active agents and mechanism of coagulation of turbid waters using Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Problems with introducing synthetic polyelectrolytes coagulants into the water purification

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater

Flocculation in biotechnology and separation systems

Trinkwasseraufbereitung mit sames von Moringa oleifera

Chem. z.

Process Chemistry for Water and Wastewater Treatment

Performances studies of a few natural coagulants

J. Ind. Wat. Wks Assoc.

Coagulation and Flocculation, With an Emphasis on Water and Wastewater Treatment

Memento technique de l'eau

Mechanisms of coagulation with aluminium salts

J. Am. Wat. Wks Assoc.

Committee report: coagulation as an integrated water treatment process, AWWA Research Div

J. Am. Wat. Wks Assoc.

Identifizierung, Reindarstellung und strukturaufklärung flockungsaktiver wirkstoffe aus höheren planzen zur wasserreinigung

Characterisation of Proteins

Modern methods in protein and nucleic acid analysis

Biol. Chem. Hoppe-Seyler

Chemical properties of flocculating active proteins from Moringa oleifera

Biol. Chem. Hoppe-Seyler

Polyelectrolytes persistence in municipal water supply

J. Am. Wat. Wks Assoc.

Toxicity and mutagenicity evaluation of water coagulated with Moringa oleifera seed preparations using fish, protozoan, bacterial, coliphage, enzyme, and Ames Salmonella assays

Wat. S.A.

The role of polyelectrolytes in flocculation kinetics

Water Clarification Processes: Practical Design and Evaluation

Traditional Water Purification in Tropical Developing Countries: Existing Methods and Potential Application

Proper use of African Natural Coagulants for Rural Water Supplies: Research in the Sudan and a Guide for New Projects

Using Moringa seeds as coagulants in developing countries

J. Am. Wat. Wks Assoc.

The traditional domestication of a multipurpose tree Moringa Stenopetala in Ethiopian Rift Valley

Ambio