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PURIFICATION OF WATER USING MORINGA OLEIFERA SEEDS

National centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Ilorin. Nigeria.

James, D., Mohammed, M. and Adekeye, S. A.

ABSTRACT
Water borne diseases are one of the main problems in developing countries. In
many communities of the developing countries water clarification methods like
flocculation, coagulation and sedimentation are often inappropriate because of high
cost and low availability of chemical coagulants. Therefore this study was
undertaken to evaluate the suitability and efficacy of natural coagulant from Moringa
oleifera seeds in treating surface water. The water samples were collected from Rivers
Landzun and Mussa at three different points each. The surface water was sampled by
collection from each point in the river with one litre white plastic bottles. Cation

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concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while
turbidity, PH and colour were determined using turbidity meter, PH meter and colour
comparative disc respectively. PH of the water before and after treatment was not
influenced by the moringa oleifera, while turbidity of the water was reduced after
treatment. Furthermore the colour level was significantly affected by the treatment
values ranges between 5-10 hazen for both rivers. There was an increase in potassium
and magnesium values after treatment while a decrease was noticed in sodium
concentration. The coliform bacteria count reduced drastically after treatment to 5
counts at Point C of river Landzun. The results suggest that in application of plant
coagulant such as moringa oleifera is highly recommended for domestic water
purification in developing countries such as Nigeria, where people are used to
drinking contaminated turbid water especially in rainy season.

Keywords: Water, Purification, Coagulant, Moringa, Seeds

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Water being universal solvent and free gift of nature contains various impurities in
different proportion by mass which may make it unsuitable and unfit for drinking
and consumption, as a result of this, it is important and paramount to carry out water
treatment about one million people lack safe drinking water and more than six million
people (of which two million are children) die from diarrhoea every year (Postnote,
2002). The situation persists and it will continue to cause substantial loss of human
lives unless it is seriously dealt with at all levels.

According to Gate (2000), water borne disease are one of the main problems in
developing countries about 1 — 6 million people are compelled to use contaminated
water, however, in many communities of these countries water clarification methods
like flocculation, coagulation and sedimentation are often inappropriate because of
high cost and low availability of chemical coagulants. In order to alleviate the

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prevailing difficulties, approaches should focus on sustainable water treatment
systems that are low cost, robust and require minimal maintenance and operator
skills. Locally available materials can be exploited towards achieving substantial
safe portable water supply.

Moringa Oleifera Lam also known as horse radish tree or drumstick is a medium tree
which could be about 10m high. It belongs to the Moringacae family, the Moringacae
is a single genius family with fourteen (14) known species of which Moringa Oleifera
(M. Ptrygosperma Gaertn) is most widely known species and is planted in the whole
tropical belt (Jahn, 1988). The tree is indigenous to northern India and Pakistan
(Verdcourt, 1985). It is commonly known as the horse — radish tree, arising from the use
of root by Europeans in India as a substitute for horse — radish is Cochlearia
Armoracia (Synonym Armoracia Rasticana) like C. Armoracia, the roots of Moringa
are pungent and were commonly used as a condiment or when garnished it has been
shown to contain 0.0105% alkaloids, especially Moringinine and a bactericide, spiro
chine both of which can proof fatal following ingestion (Oliver-Bever 1986).

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1.2 Description and properties of Moringa Oleifera

Moringa Oleifera is one of the fast growing tree crops in Agricultural production. It
is known to be adapted to an arid sandy condition and thrives very well in subtropical
and tropical climates. The crop is short slender, deciduous, perennial tree to about 10m
tall with dropping branches that are brittle together with the stermithe bark is corky and
the leaves are Feathery. The species is characterize by its long, drum stick (about 30
— 60cm long and 2 — 3 cm wide) shape pods that contain seeds that are enclosed in
a brown triangular softened coats and wings which split length side into three parts
when dry. The roots are thick and deeply launched in the soil.

Previous studies by Palada and Chang (2003), on the crop revealed that virtually every
part of the tree is beneficial where people have a dependable on tree crops and animals

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for their livelihood. Moringa can be grown in a nursery before it is transplanted. It can
be cultivated through the dry tropical and the moist zones. It could grow under an
annual precipitation of 4.8 to 40.3dm, annual temperature of 18.7 to 2.8.5°C and Pn
of 4.5 to 8, its excellent performance on sandy soil makes it to be drought resistant. It
also tolerates bacteria, fungi, literate and sand; this makes flowering and fruiting to be
freely and continuously produced. The plant is propagated by planting limb cuttings 1
— 2cm long and it starts bearing pods 6 — 8 months after planting meanwhile constant
and regular bearing of seeds commercial after the second year and bears the pod for
several years.

1.3 Benefits of Moringa Oleifer

The benefits of Moringa Oleifera are almost too numerous to mention, however, it is
believed to be the most important and useful in extreme situations like drought
conditions in arid regions or areas in the wet tropical experiencing rapid rates of
deforestation. Moringa is known to have solved many problems in some African

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countries which include Kinzania, Nicaragua, Malawi, Niger and Senegal, hence the
problems solved include provision of food during the dry season, provision of
forage for animals, provide substitute for firewood, improved nutrition and purifying
drinking water to name a few. (Folkard & Sutherland, 1996).

Water treatment describes those processes used to make water more acceptable for a
desired end — use. These can include use as drinking water, industrial processes
medical and many other uses. The goal of all water treatment process is to remove
existing contaminants in the water, reduce the concentration of such contaminants so
the water becomes fit for is desired end — use. One such use is returning water that has
been used back into the natural environment without adverse ecological impact: the
processes involved in treating water for drinking purpose may be solids separation
using physical processes such as settling and filtration and chemical processes such
as disinfection and coagulation,. Biological processes also employed in the

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treatment of waste water and these processes may include for example; aerated
lagoons, activated sludge or slow sand.

Water purification is the removal of contaminants from untreated water to produce

drinking water that is pure enough for the most critical of its intended uses, usually for
human consumption. Substance that are removal during the process of drinking water
treatment include suspended solids, bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi, minerals such as
iron, manganese and sulphur, and other chemical pollutants such as fertilizers.
Measures taken to ensure water quality not only relate to the treatment of eh water,
but its conveyance and distribution after treatment as well. It is therefore common
practice to have residual disinfectants in the treat water in order to kill any
bacteriological contamination during distribution (Wikipedia, 2011).

1.4 Objectives

1.Determination of some physical, chemical and biological properties of the treated

water.

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2.Evaluation of the suitability and efficiency of natural coagulant from

MoringaOleifera seeds in treating surface water.
3. Quality evaluation of the treated, water

1.5 Scope and Limitation

1.5.1 Scope of Study
The research work concentrate on the evaluation of surface water treated by coagulation
using Moringa Oleifera seeds, and expected to cover the following areas; water
sampling, determination of some physical, chemical and biological properties of the
treated water and lastly the quality evaluation of the treated water. The samples are
collected from two different rivers (Rivers Landzun and Mussa) in Bida, Niger State.

1.5.2 Limitation
Water from varying sources will need different amount or quality of Moringa

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powder because the impurities present will not be the same, secondly Moringa
Oleifera is not an effective coagulant for low turbidity (< 50 NTU) therefore, water
with greater turbidity have to be taken as sample and lastly Moringa paste for treating
water have to be prepared freshly each time water is to be purified that is, the paste
cannot be stored.

1.6 Justification
The practice of using Moringa seed for water purification has not been given much
attention in Nigeria. However, the flocculating value of the plant has recently
attracted the attention of non-governmental organizations and research centres in
some developing countries. Further research into its efficiency in water purification is
desirable so that it may be employed in providing easy and safer means of portable
water for rural population, since modern technology for portable water is limited,
very expensive and unavailable in those areas. This study will also allow for easy
transfer of laboratory experience to village needs.

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2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Water is a chemical substance with the chemical formula H20, it is the most
abundant compound on Earth's surface, covering about 70 percent of the planet in
nature, and it exists in liquid, solid and gaseous states. It is in dynamic equilibrium
between the liquid and gas states at standard temperature and pressure at room
temperature, it is a tasteless and odorless liquid with a hint of blue. Many substances
dissolve in water and it is commonly referred to as the universal solvent, because of
this, water in nature and in use is rarely pure and some of its properties may vary
slightly from those of the pure substances. However, there are also many compounds
that are essentially, if not completely insoluble in water, water is the only
common substances found naturally in all three (3) common states of matter and it is
essential for all life on earth (UNO, 2005). Water usually makes up 55 percent to 78
percent of the human body (Jeffrey, 2011).

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2.1 Sources of water
There are two basic sources of water the surface water and sub-surface water, surface
water includes streams, river, lake, ponds and oceans while sub surface are borehole
water, infiltration, well, infiltration galleries, well and tube wells.

2.2 Importance of water

The major importance of water is enormous but few of them will be highlighted water
is used for domestic purposes mainly for daily activities. It is used for agricultural
processing of crops as well as for irrigation purposes, it is also used for cleansing of
harvested products for consumption purposes, it is used for industrial purposes mainly
as raw materials in producing water is crucial to the health, it makes up an average
percent of the body weight, every system in the body depends on water lack of
portable drinking water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occur when there is
no enough water in the body system to carry on normal function (Wikipedia, 2012).

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2.3 Effect of water pollution

Water pollution is a major global problem which requires on going evaluation and
revision of water resources policy at all levels (international down to individual
aquifers and wells). Pink (2006) and West (2006) discovered that water pollution is
one of the worldwide causes of deaths and diseases and it accounts for the deaths of
more than 14,000 people daily. An estimated 700 million Indians have no access to a
proper toilet and 1,000 Indian children die of diarrhea sickness every day some 90%
of China's cities suffer from some degree of water pollution and nearly 500million
people lack access to safe drinking water (New York Times, 2006). In addition to the
acute problems of water pollution in developing countries, developed countries
continue to struggle with pollution problems as well. In the most recent report of water
quality in the United States, 45 percent of assessed streams miles, 47 percent of
assessed lake acres and 32 percent of assessed bay and estuarine square miles were
classified as polluted (EPA, 2007).

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Water is typically referred to as polluted when it is impaired by anthropogenic
contaminants and either does not support a human use, such as drinking water and/ or
undergoes a marked shift in its ability to support its consistent biotic communities
such as fish. Natural phenomena such as volcanoes, algae blooms, storms and
earthquakes also cause major changes in water quality and the ecological status of
water (Wikipedia, 2011).

2.3 Water treatment

A safe and convenient water supply is of paramount importance to human health and
the well-being of any society. There exist numerous high technology systems to
purify water. But for a huge proportion of population in the developing world that
lives in the rural areas, such systems would be in appropriates or too expensive. These
rural populations of developing countries adopt some techniques with low level of
mechanization to suit their own situation. The special features involved in such

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traditional treatment methods are worth considering for dissemination, before general
technological solutions based on wider experience are proposed for these communities.

The traditional water treatment techniques can be found either serving a small rural
community as a whole or individual household. Water purification is the process of
removing undesirable chemical, biological contaminants, suspended solids and gases
from contaminated water (Wikipedia, 2012). The goal is to produce water fit for a
specific purpose most water is purified for human consumption (drinking water), but
water purification may also be designed for a variety of other purposes including
meeting the requirements of medical, pharmacology, chemical and industrial
applications. In general the methods used includes physical processes such as
filtration and sedimentation, biological processes such as slow sand filters or
activated sludge, chemical processes such as flocculation and chlorination and the use
of electromagnetic radiation such as ultra-toilet light (Wikipedia, 2012). The

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purification process of water may reduce the concentration of particulate matter
including suspended particles, parasites, bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi and a range of
dissolved and particulate materials derived from the surface that water may have made
contact with after rain. According to WHO (2007), 1.1 billion people lack access to an
improved drinking water supply, 88% of the 4bil lion annual cases of diarrhea diseases
are attributed to unsafe water and in adequate sanitation and hygiene and 1.8million
people die from diarrhea diseases each year . The world health Organization (WHO)
estimates that 94% of these diarrhea cases are preventabte through modifications to the
environment, including access to safe water. Simple techniques for treating water at
homes, such as chlorination, filters and disinfection and storing it in safe containers
can save a huge number of lives each year, reducing deaths from water borne
disease.

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Methods of water treatment

The following methods of water treatment are detailed by EPA (1999);

Flocculation/Sedimentation: refers to water treatment processes that combine or

coagulate small particles into larger particles settle out of the water as sediment.
Alum and iron salts or synthetic organic polymers are generally used to promote
coagulation settling or sedimentation occurs naturally as flocculation particles settle out
of the water.

Filtration: Many water treatment facilities uses filtration to remove all particles
form the water. Those particles include clays and silts, natural organic matter,
precipitate from other treatment processes in the facility, iron and manganese and
microorganisms, filtration clarifies water and enhances the effectiveness of disinfection.

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Ion exchanges: Ion exchanges processes are used to remove inorganic contaminants if
they cannot be removed adequately by filtration or sedimentation. Ion exchange can be
used to treat hard water. It can also be used to remove arsenic, chromium, excess
fluoride, nitrate, radium and uranium.

Adsorption: Organic contaminants, unwanted coloring and taste colour causing

compounds can stick to the surface of granular or powder activated carbon and are
thus removed from the drinking water.

Disinfection (Chlorination/ Ozonation): Chlorination is the process of adding

the element of chlorine to water as a method of water purification to make it fit for
human consumption as drinking water. Water which has been treated with chlorine is
effective in preventing the spread of water borne diseases; the use of chlorine has
greatly reduced the prevalence of water borne diseases as it is effective against
almost all bacteria and viruses. The most common objection to it is the flavour

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though there have been some suggestions that it is unreliable in killing Giardia Cysts
in the commonly used concentrations (Wikipedia, 2012).

Natural materials have been used in water treatment since ancient times, but lack of
knowledge on the exact nature and mechanism by which they work has impacted their
wide spread application and they have been unable to compete with the commonly
chemicals. In recent years there has been a resurface of interest to use natural
materials due to cost of synthetic organic polymers and inorganic chemicals by using
natural coagulate. Considerable savings in chemicals and sludge handling cost
may be achieved. Al-Sanawi & Shocrata (1996) reported that 50-90% of alum
requirement could be saved when okra was used as a primary coagulant or coagulant
aid natural coagulant produce readily biodegradable and less voluminous sludge. Water
borne diseases is a persistent health problem throughout the world. The use of natural
materials to clarify water has been practiced for centuries. Extracts of seeds from the

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M. Oleifera tree have been found to be one of the most effective clarifiers
(Ghebremichael, 2004).

Studies to test its effectiveness for treating water have been conducted since the early
1970's these early investigations established its effectiveness as a coagulant for
treatment of water with high levels of turbidity (Sarpong and Richardson, 2010).
Toxiological assessments indicates that use of M. Oleifera as a primary coagulant
does not pose a human health threats surface run off taken for house hold use caries
silt particles solid, bacteria and other microorganism (some of which are pathogenic). It
is therefore necessary to remove all these impurities before this water is used for
drinking purpose.

Generally, coagulants are used for physical and chemical purification of turbidly raw
waters. At high turbidity the water can no longer be adequately treated using filters,
coagulants have to be applied to transform water constituents into forms that can be
separated out physically studies by Schwarz (2000), showed that Moringa seed powder

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can be used as a quick sample method for cleaning dirty river water. This simple
method of filtering not only diminishes water pollution but also harmful bacteria.
The moringa powder joins with the solid in the water and sinks to the bottom, this treat
90-99% of bacteria in water. The seed kernels of Moringa Oleifera contain significant
quantities of low molecular-weight, water soluble protein which carry a positive
change. When the crushed seeds are added to raw water, the proteins produce
positive charges acting like magnets and attracting the predominantly negative charged
particles (such as clay, silt, bacteria and other toxic particles in water).

Further research by Folkarid & Sutherland, (2001) indicates that Moringa Oleifera
seeds coagulate 80.0% to 99.5% turbidity (surrogate for suspended particles) and
color(surrogate for natural organicmaterials). Efficiently leading to aesthetically
clear supernatural as a safer indicator this was concurrently accompanied by a
90.00% to 99.9% bacteria load reduction (Feacal coliforms) with bacteria concentrated

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in the sedirnented sludge.

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Fabrication Considerations
The following factors were considered in the construction of the mini water treatment
plant; ease of operation, safety in handling and operation, availability of the
materials and the reliability of the material based on the strength and durability of the
equipment.

3.1.1 Materials Selection

The materials used for the construction were 12.5mm diametal galvanized pipes,
18.75mm elbow joints, stop cork and 9 litre and 13 litre plastic tank is which will serve
as the reservoir. The materials were selected based on their resistance to corrosion,
durability, availability, availability and cost of the materials.

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3.1.2 Constructional Features and Operation of the Mini Water

Treatment Plant.
It is simple water treatment plant developed to clarify and purify water for drinking
purpose. The system was set as shown in Plate 1. An outlet from the base of the
flocculation unit leads into the sedimentation unit through an elbow joint with a
value fitted to control the flow of water. The filtration unit comprises of different sizes
of gravel, river bed sand and activated charcoal to filter the water.The PVC pipe
connecting the filtration unit and the storage tank is fitted with a piece of muslin cloth to
prevent sand particles from morning into the storage tank. A value was also fitted
to control flow of water at the discharge point.

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Plate 1. Mini Water Treatment Plant

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3.1.3 The Components Part of the Mini Water Treatment Plant.

1. Frame: it is a structural system that supports other components. It is made of

galvanized pipe of 125mm diameter. The system has an overall length of 1050mm
2. Stand: An angle iron of 10mm diameter was used to construct the tank to support
the plastic tanks.
3. Plastic tanks: two types of cylindrical plastic tanks were used. 9 litres plastics
tank were used for sedimentation, filtration and final storage tank; while the 13 litres
was used as the flocculation unit.
4. Elbow joint: This is made of PVC pipes and was used in connecting 18.75mm
diameter flow pipes.
5. Valve: It is made of plastic, located at the base of the final storage tank to serve as
the control of flow of water.

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3.1.4 Construction of Mini Water Treatment Plant.
The frame was made with galvanized pipe welded to the stand. The plastic tanks
were drilled at different points using electrode and smoothing to the required size with a
circular file to construct the tank outlet. The flow pipe was then connected to each tank
using a socket and an elbow joint. The frame was supported by galvanized pipe using
screws, while each tank was supported with two short pipes. A piece of cloth was used
as a sieve in filtration tank to prevent the flow of soil particles from the filtration tank
to the storage tank.

3.2. Water Sampling

Water samples were obtained in clean transparent one liter plastic bottles with
caps. The samples were collected from two rivers at three different points namely
point A, B and C in Bida local government area. Sampling was done by collecting
from surface water plastic were rinsed with the water which it present, the bottles were
securely cooked, labeled and transferred to the laboratory.

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3.3. Preparation of Coagulant Solution

The Moringa oleifera seeds were obtained from government Reserved Area (GRA)
Bida, Niger state. The seeds kernel were removed from the pods shelled, crushed and
sieve through 0.8mm sieve mesh (Plate 2). The seed powder was then mixed with a
small amount of clean water to form a paste the paste was then diluted
with clean water and shake for two minutes to activate the coagulant properties
insoluble materials were filtered out using 0.8mm mesh sieve.

3.4. Treatment of Raw Water

10 liters of raw water was measured into the flocculation unit and the milky white
solution obtained in 3.3 above was added and stirred quickly for 60 seconds,
thereafter the water was slowly and regularly stirred for 5 minutes using a stirrer
(Plate 3). The stirred water was allowed to flow into the sedimentation unit

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immediately where it was allowed to remain and settled for one hour. Thereafter, the
control valve was opened to aid the flow of water to the filtration unit where it dropped
in drip into the final storage tank for collection.

Plate 2. Crushed Moringa seeds for preparation of coagulant

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3.5 Water Analysis

The surface water samples were analyzed at the Science Laboratory Technology
Department, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State. The cations were determined
using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS), model (210 VGP) colour and
turbidity was determined using turbidity meter and comparator colour disc
respectively.

3.5.1 Determination of pH
A pH meter (model 30020) was used in the determination of water pH. The
instrument was initialized for fifteen minutes; the electrode was rinsed with distilled
water after which it was inserted into the water sample and the readings obtained were
recorded.

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3.5.2. Determination of Turbidity
The turbidity meter was powered and then standardized. The meter was set to 0.02
which is the standard for the turbidity test, the standard solution was removed and the
samples to be tested was inserted into the same space where the standard solution was
taken off and the reading were taken for different samples tested.

3.5.3. Determination of Colour

Two test tubes were rinsed with the water sample. Thereafter, 10m1 of the sample to be
tested was measured using a measuring cylinder into one test tube and lOrn1 of distilled
water was also measured into the other test tube, both test tubes were covered the test
tube containing distilled water was inserted at the left side of a comparator while the
other test tube containing the samples was placed at the right side. The colour disc was
inserted into the comparator and rotated under the influence of sunlight until the two
colours of the samples matched.

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3.5.4. Determination of Total Viable Colifrom Bacteria Count

The test involved the use of Nutrient Agar (NA). 28g of nutrient Agar (NA) was
measured into 500 ml of distilled water and stored properly. The solution was heated
for one hour for the nutrient to dissolve which formed a clean solution and a yellow
colour was noticed. From each samples lml was taken into sterile water to make 1:10
dilution. 0.1m1 of this solution was then transferred into disposable petril dish
containing the nutrient Agar solution prepared earlier. The entire peril dish was
incubated at 37° C for 24 hours. After incubation period, the number of colony
forming unit (CFU) in each inorcualated plate were counted and recorded.

3.5.5 Determination of Cations

The cations were determined using an atomic Absorption spectrophotometer

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(AAS). The machine was switched oil and allowed to boot for 20 minutes. The
specific hitach hollow cathode lamp was then selected accordingly since each metal
has a characteristic wavelength that will be absorbed. 20ml.of water sample was placed
in a separate corvette and the atomizers were positioned inside them in turn, Regulated air
and acetylene gas were passed into the chamber and ignited. The corresponding hitach
hollow cathode of the metal under investigation was set in place with its
corresponding wavelength indicated on the instrument. The sample under test was
atomized and introduced into a non luminous acetylene flame, burning under
carefully controlled condition, the flame became coloured. The degree of colour
being proportional to the amount of the particular element present the sample was
recorded. Finally, from the calibration curve of each sample under investigation their
concentrations were reread and recorded.

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4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Surface Water pH
The pH obtained from samples analyzed in the six points showed range of values
between 6.5 to 7.0 Ph levels (table 1). These pH values indicate slightly acidic level
of the water. The WHO guidelines for drinking water (1993) do not give any
guidelines on pH however the standard organization of Nigeria SON, (2007)
recommended pH to be 7.0 — 8.0. Therefore the pH of water sampled is favourable for
drinking. It is important to note here that based on analysis Moringa Oleifera seeds
does not increase or reduce the pH of water (Table 1).

4.2 Turbidity
The turbidity of samples before treatment shows the range 0.97 — 22.4 NTU while after
treating with m-oleifera is between 0.48 to 3.46 NTU (tables 1 and 2). WHO guideline

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on water turbidity is not available. Hence, from the result obtained, it can be observed
that moringa Oleifera seed clarify and decolorizes water with high turbidity.

4.3 Colour
The colour obtained from water sample analyzed before and after treatment for both
streams showed the range of values between 15-60 hazen and 5-10 hazen respectively
(Tables 1 and 2). World Health Organization is silent about the colour (Tables 3 and 4).
However, values obtained after treatments are within the maximum permissible level
recommend by SON (Tables 3 and 4).

4.4 Iron
Tables1 and2 present the result of iron concentration in the untreated water of river
Landzun and Mussa, with point B recording the highest value; while the River
Mussa shows the 0.05 — 0.07 ppm concentration but after treatment with Moringa
oleifera seeds the range was between 0- 0.05ppm. These values are within the SON
standards of permissive levels (Tables 3 and 4)

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4.4.1 Copper
There is no trace of copper element in River Landzu before treatment but the upper
stream of River Mussa shows that it has 1.80ppm concentration before treatment and
0.5 ppm after treatment, (Tables 1 and 2). The values indicated that concentration of
copper before treatment is within the permissive level recommended by WHO
(Table 5). This showed that the surface sampled water is free of copper hazard.

4.4.3 Lead
River Muss shows no trace of lead element before and after treatment but river landzun
showed a trace of 0.1 and 0.13ppm concentration in the untreated sample of upper and
middle stream. However, the treated samples showed no sign of the element but the
recommended value is 0.01ppm.

4.4.4 Potassium

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From the result of the analyzed samples for potassium, it showed that there is high
content of potassium in the water before purification but after treatment the potassium
level increase through there is no guideline given by WHO for the level of
concentration of potassium in water. The value before treatment is between the range of
6.5 ppm while the treated sample is between the range of 4.52 to 10.32 ppm
concentration (Tables 3 and 4)

4.4.5 Chromium
Health based guideline by the World Health Organization for chromium is
0.05ppm,(Tables 3 and 4) but river Landzun does not show any trace of the element
whereas the upper and middle streams of river Mussa gave 0.1 and 0.11ppm(tablesland
2) respectively before treatment and after treatment it reduced to zero.

4.4.7 Calcium
Calcium is responsible for strong bone in the body. The values obtained from the
analysis of untreated samples shows range of values between 0.1-0.4 ppm (Table 1) in

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River Landzun while that of River Mussa showed a constant value of 0.1 ppm (Table
2)But after treatment the values obtained is between 0.125 to 0.38 ppm concentration.
World Health Organization is silent about the required concentration.

4.4.8 Magnesium
The magnesium level found in the untreated sample of River Landzun was higher
than River Mussa. The values range between 4.2 — 7.5 ppm and 1.1 -2.5 ppm
respectively (Tables 1 and 2). After treatment, it was discovered that the magnesium
levels increased to 4.0- 11.26 ppm (Table 3) and 4.06 — 16.34 ppm (Table 4)
concentration for Rivers Landzun and Mussa.

4.5 Total Viable Coliform Bacteria Count

Viable coliform Bacteria count analyzed in the surface water revealed that the coliform

IEEESEM
bacteria is numerous in both rivers but after treating with moringa the bacteria reduced
tremendously to an average of 5 count and 48 count for river Landzun and Mussa
respectively.

Table 1: Physical and Chemical Properties of Untreated Water from River Landzu.
Parameter Point A Point B Point C SON WHO
(2007) (1993)
pH 6.8 6.5 7.0 6.5-8.5 -
Turbidity 14.89 10.32 0.97 5 -
(NTU)
Colour (Hazen) 15 20 15 15 -
Na+ (ppm) 0.98 1.75 2.12 200 200
Ca2+ (ppm) 0.1 0.2 0.4 - -
K+ (ppm) 4.75 3.5 3.6 - -
Mg2+ (ppm) 4.2 6.0 7.5 0.20 -
Fe3+ (ppm) 0.06 0.05 0.07 0.30 -
Cu (ppm) 1.80 0 0 1.0 2.0
Pb (ppm) 0 0 0 0.01 0.01
Cr (ppm) 0 0 0 0.05 0.05

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Table 2: Physical and Chemical Properties of Untreated Water from River Mussa

Parameter Point A Point B Point C SON WHO

(2007) (1993)
pH 6.7 6.6 6.5 6.5-8.5 -
Turbidity 6.44 8.61 22.4 5 -
(NTU)
Colour (Hazen) 30 40 60 15 -
Na+ (ppm) 0.22 0.59 0.45 200 200
Ca2+ (ppm) 0.1 0.1 0.1 - -
K+ (ppm) 0.23 1.1 2.5 - -
Mg2+ (ppm) 0.51 1.20 0.5 0.20 -
Fe3+ (ppm) 0 0 0 0.30 -
Cu (ppm) 0 0 0 1.0 2.0
Pb (ppm) 0.1 1.13 0 0.01 0.01
Cr (ppm) 0.1 0.11 0 0.05 0.05

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Table 3: Physical and Chemical Properties of Treated Water from River Landzun
Parameter Point A Point B Point C SON WHO
(2007) (1993)
pH 6.8 6.5 7.0 6.5-8.5 -
Turbidity 1.99 0.48 1.74 5 -
(NTU)
Colour (Hazen) 5 5 5 15 -
Na+ (ppm) 1.92 0.63 0.93 200 200
Ca2+ (ppm) 0.37 0.35 0.20 - -
K+ (ppm) 8.33 8.65 9.42 - -
Mg2+ (ppm) 4.0 7.83 11.26 0.20 -
Fe3+ (ppm) 0 0 0.05 0.30 -
Cu (ppm) 0.5 0 0 1.0 2.0
Pb (ppm) 0 0 0 0.01 0.01
Cr (ppm) 0 0 0 0.05 0.05

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Table 4: Physical and Chemical Properties of Treated Water from River Mussa
Parameter Point A Point B Point C SON WHO
(2007) (1993)
pH 6.7 6.6 6.5 6.5-8.5 -
Turbidity 1.92 1.74 3.40 5 -
(NTU)
Colour (Hazen) 5 10 10 15 -
Na+ (ppm) 0.65 0.48 0.98 200 200
Ca2+ (ppm) 0.375 0.130 0.125 - -
K+ (ppm) 10.32 4.52 7.0 - -
Mg2+ (ppm) 16.34 11.41 4.06 0.20 -
Fe3+ (ppm) 0 0 0 0.30 -
Cu (ppm) 0 0 0 1.0 2.0
Pb (ppm) 0 0.42 0 0.01 0.01
Cr (ppm) 0 0 0 0.05 0.05

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

IEEESEM
5.1 Conclusions
Results showed that the colour levels of the surface water before
treatment make generally high which does not conform with
the recommended standard of World Health Organization
that water should the colourless; though there is no
guidelines for the turbidity but it is expected that water
for consumptive use must be free from cloudiness and
other suspended materials. The PH value recommended
by standard health Organization is between 7.0 - 8.0 only.
The down stream of river Landzun was within the
permissive level but others are slightly acidic which can still
be used for drinking. The study further showed that Moringa
Oleifera does not influence the P H of the water treated
some of the chemical parameter analysed that is
chromium, lead, copper) before treated are above the
permissible levels recommended by WHO but after
treatment there is reduction in the values which fall
within the permissible guidelines recommended by WHO.
However, values of some element (mgg Pita & Calcini)
increased after treatment could of be attributed to the fact
that moringa Oleifera is rich in these elements.

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The total bacteria count before treating the water is too

high for consumption. This is could be a result of human
and animal faeces passed in the stream. The values
dropped significantly after treatment. M oringa Oleifera
coagulant protein was not only an active coagulant, also,
showed antimicrobial effects on a number of grain
positive and geam negative bacteria some of which are
antibiotic resistant.

5.2 Recommendations
Application of plant flocculants such as Moringa
Oleifera is highly recommended for domestic water
purification in developing countries such as Nigeria,

IEEESEM
where people are used to drink contaminated turbid water
especially in rainy season. The effects on clay suspension and micro organisms suggest
moringa Oleifera may be used for simultaneous coagulation and disinfection in water
treatment system.

However, moringa does not guarantee that the raw water ends up completely (100%)
free of pathogenic germs. It is clean and drinkable but not completely purified.
Consequently this method might reduce water born diseases in developing countries
considerably.

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Folkard, G.K and Sutherland, J.P., (1996), Trees for life, Department of Engineering
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Schwarz. D. (2000). Water Clarification Using Moringa Oleifera. Technical

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