Impact of Moringa oleifera Seed-Derived Coagulants Processing Steps on Physicochemical, Residual Organic, and Cytotoxicity Properties of Treated Water

Abstract

This study explored the application of whole and defatted Moringa oleifera seed-derived coagulants in powder (P-MOS and DP-MOS), aqueous extraction (AEP-MOS and AEDP-MOS), and saline extraction (SEP-MOS and SEDP-MOS) in the treatment of a synthetic turbid water by coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation in a jar test apparatus. The performance of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants was quantified and compared with alum in terms of the ability to neutralize and restabilize the suspension charge, turbidity removal, effect on pH and electrical conductivity, residual organic matter, as well as cytotoxicity in the treated water. All evaluated forms of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants were able to neutralize and restabilize (in overdose) the particles charges in the suspension. Saline extractions obtained the best turbidity removal results (90%) between the M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants, while alum removed 98% of turbidity. Differently from alum, increased dosage of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants did not change pH value. Saline extractions and, to a lesser extent, alum increased the electrical conductivity with increasing coagulant dosage. M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants increased residual organic matter (DOC), unlike alum, which did not change this property with increasing dosage. Saline extractions at high dosages enhanced the cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. On the other hand, defatted seeds reduced water cytotoxicity when compared to whole seeds. Despite not being able to reduce the residual organic matter, the previous oil extraction proved to be an important step in the processing of M. oleifera seed-derived coagulants, not changing the turbidity removal capacity and reducing the cytotoxicity of the treated water in addition to generating a significant by-product (Ben oil). Although saline extractions have shown the best turbidity removal results, they should be used with caution due to increased electrical conductivity and cytotoxicity of the treated water at high dosages.

Moringa oleifera leaf as a natural water purifier and causes decontamination of fecal-coliform bacteria

“…As a result, the M. oleifera leaf powder greatly lowers and/or elevates the pH of water depending on the used concentration. In agreement with the current findings, Moulin et al, (2019); Chales et al, (2022); Semanka et al, (2022) reported that the Moringa powder had decreased the pH of raw water. On contrary to the current results, previous studies conducted by Pritchard et al, (2009); Delelegn et al, (2018) highlighted the MOL powder did cause any detectable pH alterations in the treated raw water.…”

“…Moreover, the decrease in pH of water observed with increasing the concentration of Moringa powder could also be attributed to the possible addition of excess positively charged protons (H + ) into water from the Moringa powder. When crushed Moringa seed powder was mixed with water, it yielded water-soluble proteins that possess a net positive charge (Chales et al, 2022). As a result, the M. oleifera leaf powder greatly lowers and/or elevates the pH of water depending on the used concentration.…”

“…Humans use water for several purposes, but the cleanliness of water they drink is crucial since it directly affects their health. According to Rodrigues and Plotkin, (2020); Chales et al, (2022), microbes that enter the human body through contaminated water and food account for most of the death counts in the undeveloped countries, especially in Africa.…”

“…Several benefits have been scientifically proven and evaluated for Moringa extracts properties, including antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-mutagenic, cytotoxic, neuroprotective, herbicidal, antihypertensive, cardioprotective, anti-cancer, and hormone modulation (Ajuogu et al, 2019;Semanka et al, 2022). Furthermore, Moringa extracts are known to contain rich secondary metabolites of chemotaxonomic importance's, such as phenolics, flavonoids, and glucosinolate (Cirmi et al, 2019;Chales et al, 2022). The plant's leaves have also been discovered to be rich sources of bioactive small proteins and peptides, some of which have anti-toxic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities (Villase˜nor-Basulto et al, 2018;Shi et al, 2019).…”

Simultaneous Mitigation of Wastewater Pollutants Utilizing Greener Process

“…MO seeds appear to be among the most effective primary water treatments [8,9]. MO has no significant side effects when used in wastewater treatment because it is non-toxic and biodegradable [10][11][12][13][14]. MO, also called as the miracle tree, is a medium or small-sized tree.…”