Abstract:
Ability of seed extracts of Moringa oleifera to clarify turbid waters
and wastewaters was investigated. Mature seed extracts of Moringa were
comparatively more effective than immature seed extracts. Mature seed
powder at 50 mg/20 ml reduced the turbidity (NTU) by 95% within 2h. It
was the aqueous extract of Moringa seeds that was really effective in clarifying
turbid waters, not the insoluble fraction. A positive relationship between
the protein content and purifying ability of seed extract was observed.
It was also found that extracts of mature Moringa seeds have an ability to
clarify textile dye solutions. All four solutions of textile dyes namely Terasil
Blue 3RL-02, Terasil Navy ORL-C, Terasil Red Rand Terasil yellow 40
were clarified by Moringa seed extracts. Studies on pH and the conductivity
showed that pH is slightly reduced and conductivity is rapidly increased
when they were treated with Moringa seeds whilst conductivity was found
to be dependent on treatment time and temperature. The clarifying ability
of Moringa seed was also investigated against paper factory effluent but 'no
significant effect was observed.
Mature seed extracts of Moringa significantly reduced the bacterial
growth of polluted waters. The effectiveness was directly proportional to
the amount of seeds used. An antimicrobial activity was found in crude
aqueous extracts of Moringa seeds.
