Time Course Changes in pH, Electrical Conductivity and Heavy Metals (Pb, Cr) of Wastewater Using Moringa oleifera Lam. Seed and Alum, a Comparative Evaluation

Abstract

This study investigated the coagulation potential of Moringa oleifera seed powder (SP) or its seed aqueous extract(SAE) on pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and heavy metals of sewage water after 1, 3 and 6 h contact time. Afteroptimizing, 2 g L-1 moringa SP, 40 mL L-1 SAE and 20 mg L-1 of alum alone or in combination were evaluated. MoringaSP was more effective than SAE and its combination to decrease EC and maintenance of pH of treated or untreatedsewage water. Moringa SAE was more effective than SP or their combination to decrease Lead (Pb) and Chromium(Cr) load from sewage water. Naturally occurring amino acids in moringa seeds might increased the metal binding anddecreased heavy metals load with maximum desorption on SP. Nonetheless, use of Moringa oleifera SP or its SAEcan be inexpensive and alternative coagulant of sewage water treatment.