Abstract

The use of Moringa oleifera seed extract as a primary coagulant for a local river water source was studied with respect to turbidity removal and total coliform reduction. Aqueous solutions of powdered M. oleifera seeds and conventional aluminium sulfate (alum) were evaluated. The quality of the treated water was analyzed using a standard jar test procedure and compared with that achieved using alum. Based on these exploratory experiments, an equivalency dose (mg_{Moringa oleifera}/mg_{aluminum sulfate}) was established and tested. At the estimated equivalency dose turbidity removal was virtually the same between the two coagulants; however, the M. oleifera extract was not as efficient as alum for Total Coliform reduction. The use of this natural coagulant did not affect the pH and conductivity of the treated water at the dosage used. Aqueous sodium chloride solutions of powdered M. oleifera seeds showed a marked improvement in coagulation efficiency; however, salt extraction at the levels explored would increase the salinity of the source water considerably.

Key words: oleifera, coagulation, alum, total coliform, turbidity.