Browsing by Author "Malunga, Juma Deresu"

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    Studies on the efficiency of selected natural, Tanzanian leguminales plant seeds in water clarification
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2003) Malunga, Juma Deresu
    The efficiencies of seven legume plant seeds namely: A rachis hypogea , Vigna ungulculata, Cajanus,cajan, Pisum sativam Voandzela subterranean, Glycine max and Phaseolus mungo were studied in the water clarification by means of conservational jar test. The experiments were conducted at 1% w/v water extract of legume seed’s powder grain size passing iron sieve of 200 µm. Particle destabilization by coagulation/flocculation with legume seeds dramatically reduced natural turbidity by 58-98% as primary coagulant and 100% as coagulant aids from raw water flow turbidity legume seeds extract were equally effective as alum (al2s04) and even superior in clarification because the dose used at optimum dosage was low compared with alum and synthetic polymer which act slowly and leave the clarified water an unacceptably high turbidity. The quality of clarified water was analyzed and compared with that of the waters clarified with alum. Measurements og pH, alkalinity, conductivity, nitrates, chloride and sulphate, as selected quality parameters showed that clarification with legume seed extract did not significantly affect the qualities of water and complied with WHO/TZS standards of drinking water. Thus the study revealed that water clarified with legume seed extract are an excellent drinking water. The study revealed that water clarified with legume seed extract are excellent drinking water. Characterization of legume seed showed high percentage moisturte (8.31-12.56%w/w), and protein (15.89-35.89% w/w) and low metal ion contents in mg/l: Ca (2.26-10.56), Mg (5.33-10.27), Na (0.20-o.99), Fe (0.42-2.31), K (49.2-149), and Al (0.06-0.15),. Investigation of principal active agent of flocculation in the seeds by Infrared spectra (IR)n showed presence of carboxylic ( -CHOOH) acid surface group that confirmed the seeds to be an anionic polyelectrolyte and thus clarify water accordance to interparticle bridging mechanisms.