Abstract

MoringaOleifera - A natural bioflocculant in water treatment

Author(s): Anchana devi, Jennifer adline

TheMoringa tree (MoringaOleifera) has been dubbed “TheMiracle Tree” by many. This is because every part of the Moringa tree, from the roots to the leaves has beneficial properties that can serve humanity. One of the big problems in developing countries is the availability of clean drinkingwater. The seeds of Moringa tree can be used as an effective water clarifier and home water purification system. In order to make an effective water purification system, the Moringa seeds are dried and then ground into a powder. Unlike other particles in the water such as clay, bacteria, and other toxic materials which are negatively charged, the protein in the Moringa seed powder is positively charged, thereby attracting the negatively charged particles like a magnet. The flocs formed by the floculation process can then be easily removed by allowing the water to settle, or removed by filtration. This process is said not only to clarify turbid water significantly, but also to remove 90-99% of bacteria contained in water. In the present study, the water sample was assessed for its purification characteristics before and after treatment and recorded the efficiency of water purification by MoringaOleifera.