Stormwater Runoff Treatment Using Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract as a Natural Coagulant

ABSTRACT

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff poses a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems due the presence of harmful pollutants. Effective treatment is important prior to discharge. This study investigated the performance of Moringa oleifera seed extract as a coagulant for the reduction of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids (TSS) in stormwater runoff. Stormwater samples were treated with Moringa oleifera seed extract solution at varied coagulant doses (0.5-10%), pH (3-10) and settling durations (20-60 minutes). The samples were analyzed before and after treatment to determine the coagulation efficiencies. There were improvements in stormwater quality, with up to 88%, 70% and 89% reduction in turbidity, COD and TSS levels achieved. Removal efficiencies increased with increase in coagulant dose and settling time. The results of the study indicate that Moringa oleifera can be used in the treatment of stormwater runoff for safe discharge into the aquatic environment.

Keywords: Stormwater runoff, Moringa oleifera, Coagulation, Turbidity, TSS, COD

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