Metal ions removal from wastewaters using Moringa oleifera seeds

Department of Engineering Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, 1756 Sofia, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: nikoleta.stanikina@gmail.com

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination and its consequences for human health and the environment have gained interest in developing economical, easy-to-use and environmentally friendly methods in wastewater treatment. One such aspect is the utilization of natural materials collected from plants in coagulation- flocculation process. This study outlines the potentialities of metal ions removal from wastewater through the use of Moringa oleifera seeds. Water samples were taken from the entrance and exit of a sewage treatment plant and the quality of water was examined before and after the treatment using aqueous extracts from powdered seeds with different dosages between 1 and 6 g/1. The determination of Chloride and Fluoride was performed by an automatic Mettler Toledo titrator with an electrode 141 SC and Fluoride selective electrode, ICP-OES determined the concentration of 12 heavy metals, all calibrated before use. The removal efficiency of the extracted bio flocculants was influenced by the type and initial concentration of water pollutants as well the dosage used. The highest percentage of removal was 98% for Fe, 95% for Cu and 72% for Zn, whereas this effect was less notable for residual Cl ions even at high dosage and have no influence of fluoride concentration.