Abstract

The use of natural coagulants for water clarification has ecological and environmental importance, being a simple technology to apply in third world regions. This research investigated the effect of natural coagulant obtained from the seeds of Moringa oleifera for clarification and disinfection of domestic wastewater treated in wetlands system. The coagulant was used in a multistage filtration unit, which consists by dynamic pre-filter, gravel pre-filter and slow sand filters. The results indicated a removal efficiency of 70.9 and 85.1% for apparent color and turbidity, respectively, and a removal efficiency of 96.1 and 82.8% for total coliform and Escherichia coli, respectively, indicating the potential use of Moringa coagulant to aid in wastewater treatment systems.

Key words: Natural coagulant, Moringa Oleifera, multistage filtration, wastewater treatment.