A multiple regression model for prediction of optimal dose of Moringa Oleifera in faecal sludge dewatering

Abstract

Abstract Moringa Oleifera (MO) is a highly effective conditioner in the dewatering of Fecal sludge (FS). However, the model for the prediction of its optimal dose has not yet been documented. This article presents the results of the developed model for the prediction of MO optimal doses. The developed model was based on assessing the FS parameters and MO stock solution. The FS samples were obtained from a mixture of a pit latrine and septic tank and were analyzed at the water quality laboratory of the University of Dar es Salaam. The multiple linear regression model was used to establish a relationship between MO optimal dose as a function of FS characteristics (pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Solids and Total Suspended Solids) and concentration of MO stock solution. The results indicated that the main contributing factors which determine the MO optimal dose were the concentration of MO stock solution, followed by pH of FS. The model results showed a good agreement between the predicted and observed MO optimal dose with a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.72 and 0.9 for calibration and validation respectively. Therefore, the model can be adapted to determine the MO optimal dose without running the Jar-test experiment.