Comparative Efficacy Of Natural Adsorbents In Water Purification: A Study Of Moringa Oleifera, Rice Husk, And Coconut Husk

Abstract

Access to safe and clean drinking water remains a critical global challenge, exacerbated by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. Traditional water treatment methods often rely on synthetic adsorbents, which, despite their effectiveness, are costly, energy-intensive, and pose potential environmental hazards. This study explores the application of natural adsorbents—Moringa oleifera seeds, rice husk, and coconut husk-derived activated carbon—as eco-friendly, economical alternatives for water purification. A comparative experimental setup was constructed using filter columns incorporating each adsorbent, and water samples from various sources (tap, river, and drinking water) were tested for key parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and turbidity, aligned with WHO standards.

The results demonstrate that Moringa oleifera exhibits superior coagulation properties, effectively reducing turbidity and removing inorganic contaminants such as lead and arsenic. Rice husk primarily enhances filtration by reducing suspended solids, while coconut husk activated carbon shows promising results in the adsorption of organic matter and chloride ions. Among the three, Moringa emerged as the most efficient adsorbent for overall water purification due to its unique coagulation and antimicrobial properties.

This research highlights the potential of natural, locally available materials in developing sustainable water purification solutions, especially for resource-limited settings. The findings support the adoption of natural adsorbents in decentralized and low-cost filtration systems to improve global water access and public health outcomes.