The Dual Performance of Moringa Oleifera Seeds as Eco-Friendly Natural Coagulant and as an Antimicrobial for Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Abstract

In this review, collected information related to Moringa Oleifera seeds was evaluated, such as their properties and the main active components involved in their processes, as well as their dual efficiency as both antimicrobials and natural coagulants for treating contaminated effluents. Furthermore, discussions were completed about perspectives on progress related to this field of research to understand the bioactive properties of these seed compounds, including their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. In addition to the coagulant properties that have been quantitatively assessed, studies have examined the underlying coagulating mechanism, and seed processing techniques. In addition, the challenges associated with the use of conventional coagulants (metals or polymers) have led to numerous research efforts towards the development of natural plant-based coagulants that are eco-friendly to treat wastewater and offer a large variety of other advantages, such as their wide availability, the reduction of by-product generation, the reduction of costs, and greater biodegradability. Based on the results of different researchers, and regarding the appraisals using Moringa Oleifera seeds for wastewater treatment processes, many studies encourage their use for those operations. Due to their extensive and potent properties as an antibacterial and a coagulant, Moringa Oleifera seeds are still used today as a promising wastewater treatment method. Finally, this paper provides suggestions and comments, as well as identifies the knowledge gaps, and makes recommendations for future research development strategies, such as studying the contents of Moringa Oleifera seeds, their interactions with colloids present in wastewater, understanding their stability and behavior, assessing the performance of seed-derived flocculants according to pH values, isolating and characterizing the active compounds to determine the toxicity and optimum dose to be used as effective antimicrobials, and removing heavy metals.