Comparative studies of the use of alum and moringa oleifera in surface water treatment

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2001-01-25
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Fifteen samples of raw water from reservoirs and dug-outs in the Tamale and Tolon-Kumbungu Districts of the Northern Region were used for laboratory based jar tests using Moringa oleifera and alum as coagulants. The results indicate that when Moringa oleifera was used as a coagulant, the reductions in colour and turbidity were comparable to those obtained when alum was used. The percentage reductions with Moringa oleifera were 61.5-98.6% for colour and 68.8-98.9% for turbidity whilst those for alum were 76.9-99.7% for colour and 78.1-99.3% for turbidity. It was also observed that the pH range for the optimum performance of Moringa olefera as a coagulant was between 4 and 7.5. This range is broader than what has been quoted in the literature for alum, i.e, 5.5-7.5. The pH and conductivity of the water were not significantly affected by Moringa olefera but alum drastically reduced pH and increased conductivity. Also, the sludge produced from alum was two times that from Moringa olefera. The study also showed a reduction of 90-99% in faecal coliform when the surface waters were treated with Moringa olefera. Filtration of settled water (after Moringa olefera treatment) through a pilot slow sand filter further reduced the remaining turbidity, colour, iron, manganese and faecal coliform by the following respective percentages: 37-80%, 33-75%, 25-80%, 25-81% and 40-86%. This study has therefore revealed that Moringa olefera is technically feasible for the treatment of surface water. It was however not possible to perform an economic analysis of the two coagulants because cost involved in the production of Moringa olefera seeds is not available.
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A Thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, 2001
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