Treatment of domestic water sources using M. oleifera and J. curcas

The study evaluated the effectiveness of natural coagulants (Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas seeds) in purifying domestic water sources in Achara Uturu, Isuikwuato L. G. A, Abia State. In Uturu, domestic waters are usually sourced from boreholes, wells and Ihiiku stream. The three domestic water source samples were subjected to analysis using various standards methods. Values of the physico-chemical parameters were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season, and this indicated high seasonal influence except for total alkalinity, chloride and sulphate. The cations observed followed the sequence of Ca++ > Mg++ > K+. Similarly, the concentration of heavy metals appeared in the following order of Zn>Mn>Cu>Fe>Pb>Cd (Zn was significantly above the acceptable limits in the rainy season). The microbial counts were generally high, 6.0 - 250 cfu/ml (borehole), 8.0 - 6300 cfu/ml (well), 20 - 14000 cfu/ml (stream) during the rainy season, while the total potential pathogenic bacteria counts (TPPBC) were the least in occurrence. Treatment with Moringa oleifera and Jatropha curcas seed powder showed significant decrease in all the physico-chemical properties.