26. The Use of Moringa Oleifera Lam. Bioflocculants from Seed and Leaf Extracts in Wastewater Treatment

The surge in human population over the past few decades has not only placed water demanding in enormous volume but also of safe, pure, and usable water. As a consequence, developing countries have drawn more attention towards reduction in water pollution, developing economical and sophisticated water treatment strategies in order to convert the non-portable water into suitable wholesome water through many sustainable practices. Wastewater is considered harmful to humans and environment due to the degree of bonded contaminants with the simple water molecule. The wastewater is often found with microbial pathogens, organic and inorganic nutrients, heavy metals, and suspended sediments and solids rendering it nonusable water. Generally, the water quality is further enhanced in water treatment plant and purification by subjecting with natural and synthetic coagulants/flocculants based on the characteristics of raw water. The usage of Moringa extracts as bioflocculants has become increasingly popular, promising, and environmentally friendly and has exhibited potential to replace alum in water treatment plants. Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is commonly known as ‘drumstick’ tree. It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant plant that apparently grows wild in the tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East regions. Different parts of the plant have been extensively screened for its effective antimicrobial activity. Many studies have claimed that Moringa seeds and leaf extracts exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties. Another important usage of Moringa tree is in the field of wastewater treatment as bioflocculant. This chapter focuses on the studies based on the clarification of turbid water with the utilization of Moringa extracts. It also discusses the potential use of Moringa oleifera in the control of pathogenic microbes and treating the wastewater and transforming it into wholesome/portable water.