Characterization of Physico-Chemical Properties of Nano-Sized Moringa oleifera Seed Powder and Its Application as Natural Coagulant in Water Purification Process

Abstract

Several studies stated that the seed powder of Moringa oleifera is proven effective as natural coagulant in water purification process. Through milling process using HEM, the present study developed two size of Moringa oleifera filtered seed powder, i.e. 100 mesh (MoM) and nano particle (MoN), where the measurement of which was carried out using PSA. The two size seed powder was then characterized based on physical and chemical properties to application as biocoagulant in water purification process. Characterization indicated that the size of MoM and MoN was around 2300 nm and 300 nm, respectively. The major MoM compound content was 44.65% total protein, 27.05% fat, 10.86% water content, and 3.79% ash content; while for MoN was 44.41% total protein, 26.98% fat, 9.38% water content, and 3.53% ash content. Molecul weight measurement was carried out using SDS-page and the seed powder weight ranged was around 13-28 kda and 52-63 Kda. Dissolved protein content for MoM and MoN was 0.062% and 0.290%, respectively. The optimum dosage for MoN to decrease the turbidity of ground water sample and waste water was 30 ppm and 40 ppm, respectively; while for MoM was 80 ppm and 100 ppm, respectively. MoN is more effective than MoM.

Keywords: nano particle, natural coagulant, Moringa oleifera, water purification.