Performance Evaluation and Optimization of Moringa Oleifera Seed Powder as Bio-Coagulant for Water Purification in Jos Mining Pond

Abstract

Mining in Jos Plateau has flourished for decades but left behind post mining environment scarred by numerous abandon mining ponds and dams surrounded by heaps of mine dumps and devastated landscape. Coagulants play a vital role in water treatment for both human and animal consumption. Aluminium sulphate is the most common and effective chemical coagulant for water treatment but are cost-ineffective, toxic and they are not eco-friendly. Its continuous usage in water purification may cause severe health issues like cancers and neurologic disorders. Therefore, natural and greener methods of water purification are crucial for safe and effective water treatment. This study evaluates and optimize Moringa oleifera seeds powder (MOSP) as bio-coagulant to remove turbidity in water at abandoned mining pond in Rayfield, Jos. Water samples were collected by careful immersion of the sample containers in the pond water and the containers were sealed with tight fitting corks and stoppers to avoid air bubbles. Samples were immediately transferred to a refrigerator (4°C) prior to analysis. The samples collected were analyzed for pH, Turbidity, Total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity. The quality of water in the abandoned ponds for drinking and irrigation purposes in this study was determined by Kelly’s index and sodium adsorption ratio. The physico-chemical parameters of raw water and treated water with Moringa Oleifera seed powder shows temperature of 31.7ᴼC for control and 29.8ᴼC for optimum. TDS of 13 mg/L for control while 10 mg/L for control. COD of 23.2 mg/L for control while 14.9 mg/L was recorded at optimum replacement. The Turbidity, Sodium Adsorption Ratio and Kelly’s index obtained for raw water were 17NTU, 1.07 and 0.228 respectively while the treated water with optimum coagulant dosage of 0.03 mg/L of Moringa Oleifera seed powder gave 5NTU, 4.42 and 1.89 respectively. The properties of water such as MOSP, turbidity, TDS and COD were modeled and optimized using central composite design (CCD). The optimization result showed 0.03 mg/L of MOSP, 60mins contact time, 5 NTU for turbidity, 10 mg/L for TDS and finally 14.9 mg/L for COD. At the end of the analysis, the optimum dosage and C.T (0.03 mg/L at 60 mins C.T) of MOSP as a natural coagulant in water purification was determined. This study recommends the use of 0.03 mg/L of Moringa oleifera seed powder for purification of water in abandoned mining pond.