Efficacy of Treating Wastewater from Wastepaper Recycling Mill by Blending Moringa Oleifera with Synthetic Coagulants

Abstract

Wastepaper recycling is a growing global industry with worrying concerns in water pollution that emanate from defibering, deinking and paper making processes. This study sought to determine the efficacy of treating wastewater from wastepaper recycling mill using effective doses of individual and blended Moringa oleifera and synthetic coagulants. Wastewater samples were obtained from Maz International Paper Mill located in Kajiado County, Kenya. A randomized experimental design was applied in the study. Treatment efficiency was determined using standard jar test procedures and APHA standard methods. The data obtained was subjected to one-way analysis of variance using Stratigraphics version 16. The study revealed that alum was the most efficient individual coagulant whereas blend of deffated Moringa oleifera seeds and alum (DMos/Alum) was most efficient coagulant in treating the wastepaper recycling mill wastewater. The blend of DMos/Alum efficiently BOD, color, TDS, EC, and TSS to 28.7 mg/L, 14.4 PCU, 267.8 mg/L, 495.6 μs/cm, and 5.8 mg/L, respectively. These final DMos/Alum treated wastewater parameters were within WHO, NEMA, and USEPA permissible drinking water thresholds. Additionally, the DMos/Alum blend resulted in the highest microbial load removal of 99.2%. In conclusion, the wastewater from wastepaper recycling mill was effectively treated using the blend of DMos and alum. The study recommends that a blend of DMos and alum can be applied in treating wastewater from wastepaper recycling mills.