Influence of Storage Time of Moringa oleifera Seed on the Coagulant Activity Efficiency for Raw Water Treatment

Objective: To verify storage and storage time influence of Moringa oleifera seeds in coagulant activity when used for natural raw watertreatment. Methods/Analysis: Two types of coagulant extracts with high turbidity levels (105, 202, and 410 NTU) were applied to raw water samples taken from Sinú River in Colombia. Coagulant “A” was prepared with Moringa oleifera seeds stored and preserved for 6 months and, coagulant “B”, prepared with seeds stored for 4.5 years. Three different doses of each coagulant were used (15, 30 and 60 mgL^-1) according to a 3²experimental design. Findings: Although coagulant extracts’physical appearance was different, coagulant activity between the extractsshowed no statistically significant differences. A 30 mg L^-1optimum dosein raw water allowed for the attaintment of turbidity removals greater than 95%, regardless of coagulant type. As a result, the greater the raw water turbidity, the greater efficiencies achieved with extracts of Moringa oleifera seeds. Application: Based on results obtained,it is possible to assertthat seeds stored in dry containers and at room temperature can be used as a coagulant in a time period less than or equal to 4.5 years.