Abstract:
Moringa oleifera (MO) is a pan-tropical, multipurpose tree whose seeds contain high quality vegetable oil (oil content up to 40% by weight). It contains water-soluble proteins that act as effective coagulants for water and wastewater treatment. The aim of the present study were to determine the physicochemical characteristics, phytochemical screening and the concentrations of elements in Moringa oleifera seeds. Laboratory jar test procedures was used for coagulation studies on experimental runs using actual high and low turbidity water from Blue Nile in Khartoum. The water extracts fibers part of Moringa oleifera seeds and aluminum chloro-hydrate (ACH) were applied to a sequential water treatment comprising coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation.
To optimize the efficiency of the seeds, the oil was removed by extraction with n-hexane. The analysis showed that the oil, protein, moisture, fiber and ash contents were 40.39%, 37.06%, 2.24%, 8.24% and 3.68%, respectively. The elements in mg/kg dry matter were analyzed by inductive coupled plasma and optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) spectrometer. The seeds contained major elements P, K, Mg and Ca (8561, 5903, 4203 and 1240 mg/kg respectively) and minor elements (Fe, Zn, Na, Mn, Al, Cu, Ba, Ni, Cd and Pb). The photochemical analyses by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) showed presence of alkaloids, phenolic and antioxidants compounds.
Microbiological and physicochemical analyses were carried before and after treatment for low and high turbidity. The results showed that Moringa Oleifera has the ability to reduce turbidity up to 4.95 NTU below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and The Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) guideline value of 5 NTU for
IV
drinking water. It reduced the total coliform by 85% after 24 hours. The studies showed also the conformity of pH, alkalinity, electric conductivity and total dissolved solids with WHO and SSMO standards for drinking water. There was a decrease in the concentration of nitrate and phosphate, with increase in phosphate, but within permissible values. Moringa Oleifera showed remarkable ability to remove high turbidity and reduce total coliform with recommended for cost effective, eco-friendly, nontoxic, simple water treatment method for rural people.
The studies showed that no changes appeared on physicochemical parameters when the raw water of high and low turbidity were treated by aluminum chloro-hydrate sulfate, and below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) and The Sudanese Standards and Metrology Organization (SSMO) recommended guidelines.
