Effect of Charcoal Filters Integrated with Moringa oleifera Seed Extracts on Microbial Population in Water from Unprotected Sources of Kapseret Division, Kenya

Abstract

This study was carried out in Kapseret Division of Uasin Gishu County. Random sampling was used to identify 5 different rivers in the study area from which water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods. A water extract from the seeds of M. oleifera was applied to the treatment sequence of coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation, followed by charcoal filtration. Each of the collected water samples were analyzed at the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company. Data analysis was computed using SPSS. Analysis of variance test was conducted to assess whether statistically significant (p< 0.05) variations existed among the treatments given to assess their effectiveness in water treatment. In this study, the integration of M. oleifera seed suspension with charcoal filter showed a lot of potential in terms of water treatment with respect to bacteriological quality. Total coliforms were significantly reduced by 92.36% while fecal coliforms were significantly reduced by 99.23% with a p-value of 0.003 in a combined treatment of Moringa oleifera and charcoal filter. The integrated treatment also reduced BOD of river water by 50.66%. The M. oleifera integrated charcoal filter system if carefully studied and implemented could clarify all types of turbid and wastewater. It is also expected that a 100% disinfection rate, faster flow rates and shorter residence time with little clogging and backwashing of filter may be the potentials of this hybrid system.