To Evaluate Efficacy of Bajra husk and Moringa leaf Powder on Water Defluoridation – A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: AIM: To evaluate and compare efficacy of naturally available adsorbents Moringa oleifera and Bajra husk in reducing the fluoride content in the high fluoridated drinking water.
Methodology: A community with high fluoride content in its water was selected and a sample was taken. The baseline fluoride level was determined using an ion selective electrode. Two naturally occurring adsorbents, powdered moringa leaf and bajra husk, were used. The husk and dried leaves were processed, sieved, and heated to 400 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes in a muffle furnace. The water sample was mixed with biochar and agitated for an hour at 500 rpm. Filter paper was used to filter the water sample and added TISAB. The fluoride content of the water sample was estimated using an ion selective electrode approach.
Results: The highest removal of fluoride is significantly done by Moringa leaf biochar (23%) as compared to bajra husk (15%). when 2 grams of this biochar were added in 200ml of water sample separately.
Conclusion: Drinking water defluoridation can be effectively achieved by using moringa leaves and bajra husk as adsorbents. On the other hand, Moring leaf powder proved to be more successful.