phytoremediation of waste water found in the hostel using moringa oleifera and jatropha curcas seeds

Description

CHAPTER ONE

• INTRODUCTION

1.1:                                               Background of the Study

Phytoremediation is a branch of Bioremediation that uses of plants to partially or substantially remediate selected contaminants in contaminated soils, sludge, sediment, ground water, surface water and waste water. It utilizes a variety of plant biological processes and the physical characteristics of plants to aid remediation. (Pardeep Singh, et al., 2020)

Phytoremediation has also been called green remediation, botano-remediation, agro-remediation and vegetative remediation. Phytoremediation is a continuum of processes, with the different processes occurring to differing degrees for different conditions, media, contaminants, and plants. Phytoremediation encompasses a number of different methods that can lead to contaminant degradation, removal (through accumulation or dissipation), or immobilization. (A. Jatau, 2015). Many researchers have used different plant species like Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes, Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.), (Fonkou, et al 2002), Bulrush (Typha), Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon Zizaniodes), (Roongtanakiat, et al, 2017), and Common Reed (Phragmites Australis) for the treatment of water. They have used these species for different types of contaminated water, effluents etc.

Phytoremediation also requires a commitment of resources and time, but has the potential to provide a lower cost, environmentally acceptable alternative to conventional remedial technologies at appropriate sites.

Water is a resource that is essential for life and is required by every living organism. This resource is however becoming very limited in its pure state due to the many anthropogenic means of contamination which arise from different industrial advancements made over the years.

 

Water pollution is the contamination of water sources by substances which make the water unusable for drinking, cooking, cleaning, swimming, and other activities. Pollutants include chemicals, trash, bacteria, and parasites. All forms of pollution eventually make their way to water. Air pollution settles onto lakes and oceans. Land pollution can seep into an underground stream, then to a river and finally to the ocean. Thus, waste dumped in a vacant lot can eventually pollute a water supply. Water pollution can be caused by Urban redevelopment, Improper sewage disposal, Fertilizer run-off, Oil spills, Chemical waste dumping, Radioactive waste discharge etc. Water pollution is a serious problem for the entire world and human health impacts (Briggs 2003).

1.1.1                                           Description and Uses of the plants

Moringa Oleifera

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a fast growing, drought resistant tree of the family Moringaceae, Genus Moringa, Species M. oleifera. Common names include Moringa, drumstick tree, horseradish tree and ben oil tree. (Olson, M. E. 2010). M. Oleifera is well known for its pharmaceutical properties, the powdered seed of Moringa contain water-soluble, positively charged proteins that act as an effective coagulant that has been used for various aspects of water treatments such as Turbidity, Alkalinity, and Total dissolved solids and hardness and also its removal of toxic metals from water bodies. (Manaf Al matar et, al. 2017). MO seeds exhibited high efficiency in the reduction and prevention of bacterial growth in waste water. (Tan Chu Shan et, al. 2017)

Jatropha Curcas

Jatropha Curcas belongs to the Family; Euphorbiaceae, Subfamily; Crotonoideae, Tribe; Jatropheae, Genus; Jatropha. The name is derived from the Greek words “iatros”, meaning “physician”, and (trophe), meaning “nutrition”, hence the common name is Physic nut or Nettlespurge. It contains approximately 170 species of succulent plants, shrubs and trees, some are deciduous, like Jatropha Curcas. (Greensboro plant database North Carolina 2015).

Jatropha Curcas has been shown to be an effective bio-coagulant in turbidity removal for water and waste water. (Zurina Z. Abidin et, al. 2019).  It is a multipurpose tree, an alternative source for biodiesel production, food, feed, fertilizers and traditional medicine. In recent years, the increasing prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria and the emergence of strains reduced susceptibility to antibiotics have led to the research for natural active ingredients to control pests and minimize infections and side effects caused by synthetic substances. (Oliveira J., Leite P., 2009).

Natural plant extracts have been used for waste water purification for many countries. Most of these extracts are derived from the seeds, leaves, pieces of bark or sap, roots and fruit extracts of trees and plants (Anwar and Rashid 2007), for example; Strychons Potatorum was being used as a clarifier between fourteenth and fifteenth century BC. (Shulz and Okun, 1984), reported seeds of Nirmali tree (Strychnos Potatum) were used to clarify turbid water 4,000 years ago in India (Sanghi et, al. 2006).

1.2:                                         Statement of the Research Problem

Water sources are becoming increasingly polluted because of failure to impose regulations on huge industries and most individuals’ casual approach to disposing of their waste water. The need to recycle our waste water is becoming critical as water shortages spread throughout the world – and not just the developing parts. Apart from water scarcity, waste water present in our surroundings serve as a biohazard because it contains bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses that can cause intestinal, lung and other infections.

1.3:                                           Justification of the Study

The use of Chlorine, Lime, Hydrogen Peroxide is effective at sanitizing drinking water and remove harmful substances and bacteria but can be difficult to handle without expertise and experience, the chlorination of water used for showering, laundering and swimming can dry out the skin and hair, and may cause eye irritation and also fade fabrics.

On one hand, several disadvantages such as high cost and pH alteration have been exhibited by using chemical coagulants. On the other hand, M. oleifera coagulant is biodegradable, non-toxic, non-corrosive and easy to use (Meneghel et, al. 2013). Many studies have concluded that seeds of MO and Jatropha Curcas do not yield any toxic effect when they were used for waste water treatment (Bina et, al. 2010; Vikashni et, al. 2012).

However, waste water contains a composition of large particles of solid and biological waste, thereby blocking certain water ways.

Natural coagulants during the process of phytoremediation, produce a much lower sludge volume, do not have negative side effects rather affects human health positively, the natural alkalinity is not consumed during treatment process, they are biodegradable, safe to human health, since they are locally grown, are very affordable.

1.4:                                                 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Aim:

The purpose of this project is to provide practical and discussion of the processes associated with the use of phytoremediation as a cleanup or containment technique for remediation of waste water.

 

Objectives:

1. To determine bacteria in waste water.
2. To determine remedial properties of plants
3. To determine the concentration of M. oleifera and J. curcas that gives the best purification.
4. Comparative analysis of species for waste water treatment.
5. Removal of biohazard from immediate surroundings.

1.5:                                         Research Hypothesis:

1. There is no difference in the pathogens found in the waste water.
2. oleifera and J. curcas do not purify water.
3. There is no significant difference in the purifying properties of M. oleifera and J. curcas.
4. There is no significant difference in the degree of purification while using different concentrations of M. oleifera and J. curcas.