Engineering and Technology Journal Vol. 36, Part C, No.

2, 2018
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30684/etj.36.2C.9
3rd Scientific Conference on Environment and Sustainable Development, (3rd SCESD), Baghdad, 15-16 November 2017
Esma J. Al-Kalifawi
Department of Biology,
College of Education for Pure
Science Ibn -Al- Haitham,
University of Baghdad.
Baghdad, Iraq.
aesam365@Yahoo.com
Yasamine J. Al-Azzawi
Central Service Laboratory,
College of Education for Pure
Science Ibn -Al- Haitham,
University of Baghdad.
Baghdad, Iraq.
Received on: 07/06/2017
Accepted on: 15/11/2017
Published online: 07/10/2018
Purification of the Diyala River Water
Using Seeds Extract of Gusen Al-Ban
Tree (Moringa oleifera Lamarck)
Cultivated In Dura Area, Baghdad
Abstract- In this study, water samples were taken from three sites along Diyala
River. The third site of old Diyala Barrage was more polluted than the first sites
of Baʼqubah and the second site in Khan Bani Saad. For this reason, the water
taken from this site was treated with the seeds extract of Gusen Al-Ban Tree
(Moringa oleifera Lamarck) and study the changes in water quality before and
after treatment. The preparation of dried seed powder of Gusen Al-Ban Tree of
the six concentrations were activated with 100ml of distilled water and that was
treated with raw water in 20% of the dilution. After treatment with raw water by
Jar test, samples were analyzed for all the parameters such as pH, turbidity,
TSS, and bacterial examination. The results of the present study showed that
Gusen Al-Ban seed has more coagulant activity specific at concentration 10 and
15 percentage, in this concentration the turbidity values and total suspended
solid were zero. The results of the present study demonstrated that Gusen Al-
Ban seeds extract was efficient against bacteria found in raw water. The
concentration (1%, 2%, 3% and 5%) of Gusen Al-Ban seeds extract reduced the
number of bacteria in raw water to about (93.75%, 95.5%, 99.37% and
99.68%) respectively. Whereas the concentration (10% and 15%) of Gusen Al-
Ban seeds, extract reduced the number of bacteria to 100%. It was concluded
from the current study that the Gusen Al-Ban seed is environmentally friendly,
non-toxic and a natural coagulant, which is effective against the causes of
water-borne diseases.

Keywords- Gusen Al-Ban Tree, seeds extract, water treatment, natural

coagulant, Diyala River.
How to cite this article: E. J. Al-Kalifawi and Y. J. Al-Azzawi, “Purification of the Diyala River Water Using
Seeds Extract of Gusen Al-Ban Tree (Moringa oleifera Lamarck) Cultivated in Dura Area, Baghdad,” Engineering
and Technology Journal, Vol. 36, Part C, No. 2, pp. 147-152, 2018.

1. Introduction the raw water. One of the problems with treatment

Water supply is a basic need required for living
creatures and human being specifically. In this
world the amount of resources available to living
creatures are limited. About 75% of the present
world population lives in the developing countries
of the world. About 1.2 billion people still lack
safe drinking water and more than 6 million
children die from diarrhea in developing countries
every year [1]. However, it is untenable and
unbelievable under all situations that waterborne
diseases still kill on the average 25,000 people
every day in developing countries while millions
suffer the debilitating effects of these diseases [2].
Safe drinking water is essential to the health and
welfare of a community, and water from all
sources must have some form of purification
before consumption. Various methods are used to
make water safe and attractive to the consumer.
The method employed depends on the character of
of surface water is the large seasonal variation in
turbidity [3]. Current operational procedures at
many treatments works in developing countries are
based on arbitrary guidelines, particularly in
relation to the dosage of chemicals. Besides that,
there is also the problem of inadequate number of
skilled workers and inadequate laboratory facilities
to monitor process performances required to
operate the plants [4]. Coagulation-flocculation
followed by sedimentation, filtration and
disinfection, often by chlorine, is used worldwide
in the water treatment industry before distribution
of treated water to consumers [5]. Many
coagulants are widely used in conventional water
treatment processes for potable water production.
These coagulants can be classified into inorganic
coagulant, synthetic organic polymer, and
naturally occurring coagulant. Synthetic
polyelectrolytes are used as primary coagulant as

Copyright © 2018 by UOT, IRAQ 147

Engineering and Technology Journal
well as coagulant aid to improve the strength of
particle aggregates, enhance coagulation and
deposition (filtration) [6]. Naturally, occurring
coagulants are usually presumed safe for human
health while there is a fear by using aluminum
salts that may induce Alzheimer’s disease [7].
Some studies on natural coagulants have been
carried out and various natural coagulants were
produced or extracted from microorganisms,
animals or plants [8, 9, 10]. Recently, however,
there has been a resurgence of interest in natural
coagulants for water treatment in developing
countries [5]. Moringa oleifera is one of the widest
spread plant species that grows quickly at low
altitudes in the whole tropical belt, including arid
zones. It can grow on medium. Soils having
relatively low humidity [11]. Moringa oleifera
seeds are an organic natural polymer. Jahn has
presented Moringa oleifera as a coagulant after her
studies in the Sudan [12,13] when she noticed that
Sudanese village women used it at home to clear
the turbid Nile water. Later, many researchers have
reported on the various uses of Moringa oleifera
seeds as coagulant and coagulant aid in the last 20
years. Moringa oleifera coagulant has been found
to have high coagulation activity only for high
turbidity water. The activity is low for low turbid
water [14]. Therefore, it is important to improve
the characteristics of this plant by identifying its
bioactive constituents, which has high coagulation
activity. This is one of the objectives of this study.
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of
seeds extract of Gusen Al-Ban Tree (Moringa
oleifera Lamarck) cultivated in Dura area
Baghdad, Iraq in purification of water samples of
Diyala River.
2. Materials and Methods
Collection of water sample: The water sample
used for this study was aseptically collected from
three sits (Baʼqubah, Khan Bani Saʼad and old
Diyala Barrage) along Diyala River Figure1, using
the method given by (APHA), for river water
sample collection.
Physicochemical analysis of the water sample:
Four parameters were studied which include pH,
Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS),NaCl %to each sample using Mi180
Laboratory Bench Meter, (MARTINI instruments,
Romania). We also study the Total Suspended
Solids (TSS) and the turbidity [17,18].
Determination of pH: The pH is determined by
using digital meter. The pH meter used is Mi 180
Bench Meter.
Determination of Electrical Conductivity (EC):
The Electrical Conductivity (EC) is determined by
Vol. 36, Part C. No. 2, 2018
using digital conductivity meter. The Conductivity
meter used is Mi 180 Bench Meter.
Determination of Total Dissolved Solid (TDS):
The Total Dissolved Solid is determined by using
Mi 180 Bench Meter.
Determination of NaCl: The NaCl is determined
by using Mi 180 Bench Meter.
Determination of total suspended solids (TSS):
This was determined by weighing a filter paper on
weighing beam balance; the water sample was then
filtered using the filter paper. The wet paper was
then dried in the hot air oven at 103 to 105 ºC,
after which the filter paper was removed and
reweighed. The increase in weight was read and
recorded as the total suspended solids in the water
sample.
Determination of turbidity: The turbidity of the
water sample was determined using machine
(Martini Mi 415, Romania) Figure 2. The machine
was switched on and then calibrated with primary
standard 0 FNU, 10 FNU, and 500 FNU. 5 mls of
the water sample was poured into a cuvette holder
with the vertical line on the cuvette aligning with
the horizontal mark on the instrument. The value
of the turbidity was then read on the crystal liquid
display (CLD) as soon as the ready signal was seen
on the screen.
Total bacterial count: 10-fold serial dilution of
the water sample was made before plating using
the methods given by [19]. Using a sterile syringe
9 mls each of the diluents (sterile water) was
placed into 10 different test tubes arranged in a
rack. The water sample was then shaked to mix
and 1 ml was taken using sterile 5 ml syringe and
then added into the first test tube in the rack and
shaken properly to mix. 1 ml of the water was
taken from the first test tube and delivered into the
second test tube and mixed. This process was
repeated for the 10-test tubes. 0.1 ml aliquot of
each dilution 1 to 5 test tubes was then plated on
an already solidified nutrient agar. The water
sample was spread evenly on the surface of the
agar using sterile swab stick, after which the
inoculated media was allowed to dry and then
incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. After the
incubation period, number of colony growths on
the agar were counted and recorded.
Collection and Identification of Gusen Al-Ban
Tree seeds: Seeds of Gusen Al-Ban Tree figure 3,
used in this study were collected from a single tree
cultivated in my house, Dura area Baghdad, Iraq. It
was identified and authenticated by Prof. A. Al-
Janabi, taxonomist in the Department of Biology,
College of Education for Pure Science Ibn -Al-
Haitham, University of Baghdad.
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six dose of Gusen Al-Ban Tree seeds extract was

Figure 1: The map of sample locations in Diyala
River, ------10 miles [16]
added and the beaker was placed into the JLT4
Jar-Test apparatus with 6 places figure 4. It was
programmed to 100 rpm for 20 min. Beakers
were then allowed to settle for 1 h after the Jar
test. Subsequently, a sample was taken 3 cm from
the surface in the center of each beaker for
analysis. For this collection a syringe was used.

Figure 2: The turbidity instrument

(Martini Mi 415, Romania)

Figure 4: Jar test for turbidity river water

3. Result and Discussion

The water samples taken from three sites along
Diyala River. The third site of Old Diyala
Barrage were more polluted than the first sites of
Baʼqubah and the second site in Khan Bani Saad
Figure 3: Gusen Al-Ban Tree Seeds Table1.
For this reason, the water taken from this site was
Preparation of Gusen Al-Ban Tree seed
treated with various doses of the seed powder of
powder: The Gusen Al-Ban seeds were de-
Gusen Al-Ban Tree (Moringa oleifera Lamarck)
shelled and dried at ambient temperatures (23 to
and study the changes before and after treatment.
25°C) for a period of five days before milling.
The present study was conducted to obtain
The white kernels were milled into a fine powder
preliminary information on the coagulant activity
using with the aid of ceramic mortar figure 5 and
of Gusen Al-Ban seed the result was shown in
was sieved through a small mesh to get the fine
Table 2. The seed grinded powder was tested the
powder.
coagulant activity of crude extracted. The result
Preparation of Gusen Al-Ban seed solution
was showed that Gusen Al-Ban seed has more
and water treatment: Different concentrations
coagulant activity specific at concentration 10
of Gusen Al-Ban seed solutions were made by
and 15 percentage, in this concentration the
dissolving 1 g, 1.5 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g of the
turbidity values and total suspended solid were
Gusen Al-Ban seed powder into a 100 mls of
zero. These finding res in agreement with several
distilled water each contained in a conical flask to
studies, Bina et al. has reported that the Moringa
obtain 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 %, 3%, 4% and 5%
oleifera Coagulant Protein as coagulant aid can be
concentration of the solution respectively [20].
used for drinking water treatment without the risk
The solution was shaken properly for 1 minute to
of organic or nutrient release. He has reported
extract and activate the coagulant and
that M. oleifera more active against E. coli from
antimicrobial proteins in the seed powder. Each
the turbidity. Several studies were carried out to
of the concentrations was poured into one liter of
identify the efficacy of M. oleifera spp. as natural
the raw water contained in a beaker (2-liter
coagulants especially by [21, 22, 23, 24] was
capacity).
reported that the application of this low cost
Flocculation Test: Water treatment was carried
Moringa oleifera seeds is recommended for
out according to [21], it was carried out as
ecofriendly, nontoxic, simplified water treatment.
follows: 1L of raw water from the three sites
(Baʼqubah, Khan Bani Saʼad and old Diyala
Barrage) along Diyala River, was introduced into
a beaker and the initial turbidity was measured. A

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Table1: Physiochemical and biological analysis of water collected from three sites along the Nahr Diyala
River
Parameters Baʼqubah Khan Bani Saʼad Old Diyala Barrage
pH measurement 8.3 8.5 8.8
Turbidity (NTU) 35 38 40
TSS mg/l 0.7 1.40 3.5
TDS ppm 789 899 977
EC µs/cm 1000 1030 1977
NaCl % 5.5 5.7 5.9
TBC/100ml 1300 1410 1590
*These number are mean of triplicate, TDS= Total Dissolved Solids, TSS= Total suspended solids, EC= Electrical Conductivity,
TBC=Total bacterial count.

Table 2: Physiochemical and biological analysis before and after treatment of water sample of site three with
various doses of Gusen Al-Ban seed powder
Parameters Before After treatment with diff. conc. WHO/USPH tandards
treatment 1% 2% 3% 5% 10% 15%
pH measurement 8.8 7 7 7 7 7 7 6.5-8.5
Turbidity (NTU) 40 10 8 5 3 0 0 5
TSS ppm 3.75 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0 0 Nil
TDS ppm 977 850 800 762 733 716 626 600
EC µs/cm 1977 1802 1678 1572 1412 1372 1212 750
NaCl % 5.9 4.9. 4.1 3.5 3.1 2.8 2.5 2
TBC/100ml 1590 100 52 10 5 0 0 Nil
*These number are mean of triplicate, TDS= Total Dissolved Solids, TSS= Total suspended solids, EC= Electrical
Cond59uctivity, TBC=Total bacterial count.

The results of the present study demonstrated the
Gusen Al-Ban seeds extract was efficient against
bacteria found in raw water. The concentration
(1%, 2%, 3% and 5%) of Gusen Al-Ban seeds
extract reduced the number of bacteria in raw
water to about (93.75%, 95.5%, 99.37% and
99.68%) respectively. Whereas the concentration
(10% and 15%) of Gusen Al-Ban seeds extract
reduced the number of bacteria to 100% Table 1
and Figure (5 and 6).
These finding in agreement with several studies.
According to [25], moringa seeds contain the
bactericidal substances pterygospermin, 4-(α-L-
rhamnosyloxy)-benzylisothio¬cyanate and 4-(α-L-
rhamnosyloxy)- henylacetonitrile. However, in
addition to bacterial growth inhibitors [26],
moringa seeds also contain a recombinant protein
capable of flocculating Gram -negative and Gram-
positive bacteria [27], making moringa seed
extracts an even more attractive alternative to
conventional water purifiers. Kumar and Gopal
(1999) also tested extracts of M. oleifera on river
water samples contaminated with TTC and
reported die-off rates (89.72%) compatible with
ours. The authors concluded that moringa seed
extracts can be used to purify water bodies
contami¬nated with TTC and E. coli and thereby
potentially help prevent a number of water-borne
diseases. Likewise, [29] reduced by 65% TTC
levels in water treated with moringa extracts for 24
hours and, in a similar study using samples of
surface water, [30] observed 97.5% TTC die-off
after 24 hours of treatment. [31] purified water
with powdered moringa seed extract and observed
significant reductions in MPN values. According
to the authors, since bacteria are normally
associated with solid particles, TTC die-off may
have been due to the action of flocculating agents
in the moringa extract.

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Engineering and Technology Journal
Figure 5: Effect of 2% Gusen Al-Ban seeds extract
on the number of bacteria
Figure 6: Effect of 3% Gusen Al-Ban seeds extract
on the number of bacteria
4. Conclusion
The present study carried out by using Gusen Al-
Ban seed extract as a natural coagulant to remove
the turbidity of water and inhibits the growth of
water borne pathogens thus making water more
suitable for drinking.
5. Acknowledgement
We are thanking Professor Dr. Ibrahim Al-
Salman, Professor of Ecology in the Biology
Department, College of Education, Ibn Al-
Haytham, for providing the instruments to
accomplish this research.
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