Evaluation of Moringa oleifera seed as coagulation aid for treatment of fish farm effluents

Abstract

Laboratory tests were carried out to evaluate the potentials of Moringa oleifera seed powder as a coagulation aid for removal of suspended particles in fish culture effluent. The standard jar test was used to investigate the dosage and mixing intensity required to optimize the use of the coagulant in removing of suspended particles from wastewater from a commercial, adult African Catfish culture facility. The evaluation was done at coagulant dosages 0, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mg/l and at three mixing
intensities 100, 150 and 200 revolutions per minute. Appreciable differences were observed in the mean turbidity values recorded at the various dosages applied (P<0.05) while differences in turbidity values between the mixing speeds were not significant (P>0.05). At low dosages, percentage increase rather than reduction was obtained with elevated turbidity levels while at dosages above 60 mg/l, percent reduction in turbidity as high as 39% at 120 mg/l coagulant mixed at 150 rpm was obtained. Results indicate that Moringa oleifera seed powder can be effective in the treatment of fish culture wastewater as a coagulation aid to effect suspended solids removal.

Keywords: Coagulation, Moringa Wastewater, Turbidity, Fish culture