Moringa oleifera seed as a natural coagulant to treat low-turbidity water by in-line filtration

Semente de Moringa oleifera como coagulante natural para tratar águas de baixa turbidez via filtração direta em linha

Abstract

This study evaluated the use of Moringa oleifera (MO) seed as a natural coagulant for the removal of turbidity and apparent color in the water treatment with low initial turbidity through the in-line filtration technique. The morphology and surface charge were investigated by characterization techniques such as optical microscopy, laser particle size, and zeta potential. The cationic proteins of the MO seed were extracted in aqueous solution. The jar test showed the potability standards for turbidity and apparent color were reached in the pH range from 4.0 to 8.5 and dosages ≥ 5 mg L^-1 of MO. The dominant coagulation mechanism is adsorption and charge neutralization. This study showed that treating low-turbidity water with MO seed by the in-line filtration technique is possible.

Keywords:
adsorption and charge neutralization; coagulation; water treatment