Use of the Moringa oleifera Seeds Fixed-bed Model and Pernambuco Semi-arid Desalinator Reject
A. J. Gomes Filho
Development of Environmental Processes, Catholic University of Pernambuco, 50.050-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
H. J. B. Lima Filho
Catholic University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
S. C. de Paiva
Catholic University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
A. S. Messias *
Catholic University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The objective of this research was to use a prototype of fixed-bed columns packed with crushed seeds of Moringa oleifera to detect the best adsorption of chemical elements present in the desalinator reject. The column was adapted to the prototype container containing 200 liters of reject.The extract was collected every five minutes until 60 minutes, resulting in 12 samples where pH, EC, Na, K, Ca, Mg and Cl were determined. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the F test, with a 95% confidence interval. It was found through laboratory tests that Moringa seeds were effective in the adsorption of sodium, calcium, magnesium and chloride with five minutes of contact of desalination reject with Moringa oleifera crushed seeds with husks.
Keywords: Moringa, fixed-bed column, saline water, adsorption, desalination.