Published
2023-12-19
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Moringa seeds (Moringa olifera) and cassava starch (Manihot esculenta) for water clarification

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/21456453.6334
Section
Área Agrícola

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Ivan Dario Mercado Martinez Universidad del Atlantico
Katerine Riaños Donado Corp. Autónoma Regional del Atlántico-C.R.A, Barranquilla.
María Carolina Meza Leones Harinera de la Costa, Soledad, Atlántico.

Context: The use of natural coagulants for water clarification is being globally researched due to their low cost, high biodegradability, and ability to replace highly toxic synthetic coagulants.

Knowledge gap: The water of the Ciénaga Grande (Great Swamp in English) in Atlantico Department, Colombia, is used for cleaning, consumption, and food preparation by the inhabitants of the area. However, it does not comply with water quality for human consumption, as defined by the Resolution 2115 of 2007 regarding the turbidity parameter. For this reason, it is important to analyze the synergy generated by using the coagulant combination of moringa seeds and cassava starch in the search to improve its conditions. It is important to note that there are few reports in the literature on the simultaneous use of these coagulants.

Purpose: This research aims to evaluate the clarification of the water from Ciénaga Grande using mixtures of natural coagulants composed of moringa seeds and cassava starch to reduce its turbidity.

Methodology: The combinations of coagulants, moringa seeds, and cassava starch, were mixed with a ratio of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40, respectively. The turbidity and pH of Ciénaga Grande water were evaluated. In addition, clarification was simulated in accordance with the regulation NTC 3903 of 2010 with each treatment. It began with agitation at 120rpm for 1 min., then an agitation at 30rpm was carried out for 20 min., and, finally, it was left to sediment for 15 min. Then, a sample was extracted from each jar, and the final turbidity was measured. A factorial design was carried out for each coagulant combination, with six dose levels (mg/L) and one response variable, the final water turbidity (nephelometric turbidity unit, NTU). The analysis of variance ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test were carried out using 95% reliability.

Results and conclusions: The treatment with the highest turbidity removal (NTU) was treatment 4, which has a 60:40 ratio of moringa seeds and cassava starch. Additionally, the turbidity parameter decreased by 80.4%. The doses used in treatments 1, 2, and 3 influenced the final turbidity of the water. It was concluded that high initial turbidity increases the coagulating activity of the natural mixture, causing a higher removal of such a parameter.