Bio-remedial Properties of Moringa oleifera Seed Powder against Contaminated Water

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Urbanization and various human activities are adversely affecting freshwater resources. The lowering of ground water table every day and drained water contamination is an alarming threat to potable water for the Lahore city. So, there is need to improve water quality and bioremediation is found as very useful application for reclamation of polluted water. In the current study 4g seeds of Moringa oleifera were used for treatment of one liter sewerage/polluted water. The water samples were collected by completely randomized design (CRM) from six primary drains [Cantt. Drain (CNTD), Sattu Katla Drain (SKD), Lower Chotta Ravi Drain (LCRD), Upper Chotta Ravi Drain (UCRD), Shalimar Escape Channel Drain (SECD) and Shahdra Drain (SHD)] and four houses located within 500m distance around each drain. The houses were named as H1, H2, H3 and H4. Samples were examined for physicochemical parameters including turbidity, pH, Ts, Salinity (%), TSS, TDS, COD, BOD and heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd and Ca) before and after adding Moringa oleifera. Turbidity decreased by 95% after treatment with Moringa oleifera Seed Powder. After treatment with Moringa seeds, there was an increase in values of pH, NaCl (%), TS (mg/l), TSS (mg/l), BOD, Electrical conductivity and TDS (ppm) of all collected samples. Moreover COD of all samples was reduced which is a good measure for water pollution. Mean levels of trace metals were found to be reduced after treatment with MOSP at all sites which strongly advocates for the use of this product for reclamation of polluted waters.