Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the water purifying qualities of the seed powder of M. oleifera and to present it as a cheaper alternative urban water purification agent. Different concentrations of the pulverized seeds were added to community stream water in Calabar Municipal Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, for the purpose of purifying the stream water and making is safe for human consumption. Bacteriological assay, COD and Turbidity tests were carried out before and after treatment with M. oleifera seed powder. The Moringa seed powder reduced both total and enteric bacterial count, total coliform count, COD and turbidity of the stream water, ascertaining the water purification properties of the seeds of M. oleifera. From these results, a model is being proposed for the optimization of drinking water treatment by substitution of seeds of M. oleifera as a biological flocculant and disinfectant in the water treatment process of the state water corporation not just for the economic benefit of not importing expensive flocculants/disinfectants for treating water, accruing carbon credit and job opportunities for locales, from M. oleifera plantations, but also for its biodegradable property, unlike the currently being used Aluminium sulphate/ Chlorine.

Biography

Email:

sarahrhoda@yahoo.co.uk