Water Filtration System Using Nanoparticle Enhanced M. oleifera and Coconut Carbon

Overview

UNESCO published at the UN 2023 Water Conference that 46% of the world lacks access to safely managed water sanitation, emphasizing a global need for clean water. Pesticide usage and improper disposal of animal waste easily pollute water wells and other natural water reservoirs, leading to the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms. Recent examples - such as the Ohio Train Derailment of 2023, which led to the release of a multitude of environmental toxins - drastically impact the environment for decades to come. This study continues previous work to improve the efficacy and broaden the applications of our novel water filtration system. By combining the Moringa Seed and CSAC Filtration System with magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO), we enhance the moringa seed’s natural antibiotic effect and accelerate the filtration process. Furthermore, this study evaluates the filter’s efficacy in filtering wastewater from varying polluted sources. Greywater, for example, is a common type of wastewater produced from households that includes types of soapwater, dishwater, and laundry water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, wastewater treatment facilities process approximately 34 billion gallons of greywater every day and despite still containing levels of nitrogen and phosphate, filtered greywater is released into local water sources. Initial testing assessed various concentrations of magnesium oxide (15.4, 31.1, and 62.0 mmol) to determine the optimal concentration of MgO nanoparticles for water purification. Results demonstrated that 31.1 mmol MgO demonstrated 100% elimination of heavy metals in simulated polluted water. In secondary stages of testing, the 31.1 mmol MgO of nanoparticles were added to the Moringa Seed and CSAC filter and the total efficacy of the enhanced-filtration system was tested using bacteria-contaminated water sampled from the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Results demonstrated 100% elimination of heavy metals and no observable bacterial growth in the water over a 5-day incubation period. Final stages of testing evaluated the efficacy of our nanoparticle-enhanced water filtration system in purifying greywater. Results demonstrated complete elimination in all detectable heavy metals and no observable bacterial growth in the water over a 5-day incubation period.This novel nano-particle enhanced Moringa oleifera and Coconut Shell-Activated Carbon proved to be a cheap and efficient filtration system applicable for global use for various types of contaminated water sources.