Donggala – Researchers from Tadulako University have discovered that Moringa oleifera seed powder can significantly improve the quality of surface water in former Galian C mining areas in Banawa District, Donggala Regency. The study, published in 2026 in the International Journal of Scientific Multidisciplinary Research, revealed that low doses of Moringa seed powder effectively reduced water turbidity and suspended solid content.
The research was conducted by Aldiansa, Mery Napitupulu, and Ratman from Tadulako University as part of efforts to identify environmentally friendly and affordable alternatives to synthetic water treatment chemicals.
Galian C mining areas, commonly used for extracting sand, rocks, and soil materials, often disturb natural land surfaces. During rainfall, exposed soil particles are easily carried into nearby waterways, increasing water turbidity and suspended sediment levels. Such conditions can reduce environmental quality and limit water usability for surrounding communities.
In the experiment, researchers collected surface water samples from the Banawa mining area and treated them with four different doses of Moringa seed powder: 1 gram, 3 grams, 5 grams, and 7 grams per 50 milliliters of water. After mixing and allowing the samples to settle for 30 minutes, the team measured pH, turbidity, and Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
The findings showed that the most effective treatment was the lowest dose, 1 gram per 50 milliliters of water. At this level, turbidity decreased from 9.48 NTU to 3.96 NTU, representing a reduction of approximately 58.23 percent. TSS levels also dropped dramatically from 640 mg/L to 172 mg/L, equivalent to a 73.13 percent reduction. The final pH reached 6.68, remaining close to neutral conditions.
Surprisingly, increasing the dosage did not improve performance. At doses of 5 grams and 7 grams, turbidity and TSS values became even higher than the untreated water. Researchers concluded that excessive Moringa powder introduced additional organic particles into the water, reducing overall treatment efficiency.
According to the researchers, Moringa seeds contain positively charged proteins capable of binding negatively charged suspended particles in water. This process forms larger flocs that settle more easily. However, when too much seed powder is added, residual organic material remains suspended, contributing to higher solid concentrations.
Aldiansa and colleagues from Tadulako University emphasized that dose optimization is essential when using natural coagulants. Adding more natural material does not automatically produce cleaner water and may even worsen water quality if overdosed.
The study highlights the potential of Moringa seeds as a simple and low-cost solution for small-scale water clarification systems, particularly in regions with limited access to commercial treatment chemicals. Moringa trees are widely available across Indonesia and require minimal processing before application.
However, the researchers stressed that this method should not yet be considered a complete water treatment system. The study only evaluated three parameters: pH, turbidity, and TSS. Microbiological contamination, hazardous chemicals, and dissolved organic compounds were not comprehensively analyzed. Additional filtration and water quality testing are still necessary before the treated water can be considered safe for consumption.
The findings provide valuable local scientific evidence supporting the use of plant-based coagulants for environmentally affected water sources. The study may also help local governments and communities develop affordable water treatment approaches using locally available resources.
The research team recommended future studies using narrower dosage ranges around the optimal 1 gram treatment. They also suggested testing different settling times, powder particle sizes, and comparisons with chemical coagulants such as alum or PAC to evaluate broader treatment performance under field conditions.
Aldiansa is a researcher from Tadulako University. The research also involved Mery Napitupulu and Ratman from the same institution
Research source: “Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Seed Powder as a Natural Coagulant in Improving pH, Turbidity, and Total Suspended Solids of Surface Water from the Galian C Area, Banawa District, Donggala Regency”, International Journal of Scientific Multidisciplinary Research, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijsmr.v4i5.56
Journal link: https://journalijsmr.my.id/index.php/ijsmr
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