research

1. Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract
as a Coagulant for Water Treatment:
A Study on Turbidity Reduction
Researchers:
Anne Kristinne V. Uriarte
Clarence Buisa

2. Introduction
Many people around the world lack access to
safe and clean water . One of the main
challenges in providing clean water is the
presence of turbidity, which can affect water
quality and pose a risk to human
health. Conventional coagulants such as
aluminum and iron salts have some
environmental and health concerns,

3. Introduction
leading researchers to investigate natural
alternatives such as Moringa oleifera. This
plant has shown positive results in reducing
turbidity levels in water, and this study aims to
evaluate its efficacy as a coagulant for water
treatment. The findings of this study could
contribute to the development of sustainable
and low-cost water treatment methods.

4. Q1. Which concentration of Malunggay leaf extract is most effective
for reducing turbidity levels in water?
1.) Pure Extract
2.) 50% Extract and 50% water
Q2. How does the coagulation effectiveness of Moringa O.leaf extract
compare to commonly used synthetic chemicals in water treatment
processes?
Statement of the Problem

5. Hypothesis
Ho1: There is no significant impact on turbidity reduction
between water treated with different concentrations of
Malunggay leaf extract.
Ho2: There is significant difference in turbidity reduction
between water treated with Moringa oleifera leaf extract and
water treated with commonly used synthetic chemicals.

6. Scope and Delimitations
This research aims to investigate the potential of using Moringa oleifera
leaf extract as a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical
coagulants in water treatment, specifically in reducing turbidity levels.
However, it will be limited to home experimentation, only investigating the
extract's effectiveness in reducing turbidity and not addressing other
aspects of water treatment or investigating other coagulants. Only the
extract from the malunggay leaf, mineral water, and the dirt water from
local rivers/lakes in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur will be utilized for the
experiment.

7. Scope and Significance of the Study
This research aims to investigate the potential of using Moringa oleifera
leaf extract as a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical
coagulants in water treatment, specifically in reducing turbidity levels.
However, it will be limited to home experimentation, only investigating the
extract's effectiveness in reducing turbidity and not addressing other
aspects of water treatment or investigating other coagulants. Only the
extract from the malunggay leaf, mineral water, and the dirt water from
local rivers/lakes in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur will be utilized for the
experiment.

8. Significance of the Study
The use of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a natural coagulant
for water treatment can have significant environmental and
economic benefits, reducing the dependence on synthetic
chemicals and providing an accessible and affordable solution
for water treatment in developing countries. The study can
contribute to the development of sustainable and cost-
effective water treatment

9. Significance of the Study
methods by exploring the optimal dosage and concentration
of Moringa oleifera leaf extract needed for effective turbidity
reduction and understanding its coagulation mechanisms.
Overall, the research can have positive impacts on the
environment and human health.

10. Methods
A.) Identification of the problem/variables
The objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness
of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a coagulant for water
treatment in reducing turbidity levels. This study will utilize
experimental research design. The experimental group will be
treated with synthetic chemical coagulants and Moringa
oleifera leaf extract at varying concentrations.

11. Methods
B.) Collection of Raw Materials
Highly turbid water was collected and stored in two 1.5-liter bottles.
Malunggay leaves were harvested from Gamuton, while the synthetic
chemical coagulant, aluminum sulfate, was purchased online.
C.) Filtration/ Concentration Process
The Moringa oleifera leaves are washed thoroughly to remove dirt and
debris, then placed in a mortar and ground with a pestle until they

12. Methods
become a fine paste. Water is added to extract the juice, and the mixture
is strained through a cheesecloth to remove solids. The resulting pure
extract is portioned into two concentrations: pure extract and 50% extract
and 50% water. Aluminum sulfate is dissolved in water using a stirring rod.
D.) Application Process
Three cylinders of dirt water were used. Two were treated with different
concentrations and the third was treated with a synthetic chemical. Pure
substance, a mixture of extract and water, and synthetic chemical were
added to each cylinder respectively. The water was stirred with a rod after
application.

13. E.) Data Gathering and Collection Process
After the concentrations are applied to the cylinders with dirt water, it
will be given 4 hours to coagulate the dirt from the water. The
researchers provided a rubric that can assist the participants in
assessing the degree of turbidity of the treated contaminated water in
every cylinder.
F.) Data Analysis
The means of the different groups will be compared through Analysis
of Variance (ANOVA). The tabulated data will be used to identify any
significant differences between the concentrations and the positive
control.

14. G. Conclusion
A conclusion was made to deduce the
effectiveness of Moringa oleifera as
alternative coagulant for water treatment.

18. Summary of Findings
The study found that using a higher concentration of
extract was more effective in coagulating and reducing
water turbidity than a 50% extract and 50% water
concentration. The pure concentration formed larger and
denser flocs, resulting in a greater reduction in turbidity.
This suggests that using a higher extract concentration
could be a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly
alternative to synthetic chemical coagulants. Additionally,
the extract was found to be just as effective as commercial
synthetic coagulants.

19. Conclusion
Based on the results drawn from the analysis, it was
concluded that Moringa oleifera could be an effective
alternative coagulant for water treatment. The analysis
evaluated the concentration of Moringa oleifera extract,
water turbidity, and coagulation effectiveness. The
plant's availability, low cost, and sustainability make it
a promising natural alternative to synthetic chemical
coagulants. The study's findings suggest that Moringa
oleifera could be a viable option for water treatment.

20. Recommendation
Further research is recommended to evaluate the efficacy of
Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a coagulant for water
treatment, with a focus on reducing turbidity. The research
should investigate the optimal extract dosage, compare it with
other coagulants, assess the impact of water quality
parameters, and evaluate its long-term effects. The goal is to
develop sustainable and cost-effective solutions for water
treatment, especially in developing countries where water
treatment is a significant challenge. The findings of such
studies could improve access to safe drinking water.