Improving the sludge conditioning potential of moringa seed

The oil from moringa seed (Moringa oleifera) was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus. The digested domestic sludge conditioning potential of the oil-free seed (marc) was evaluated and compared with that of moringa seed and ferric chloride. The effect of the 3 conditioners on sludge dewaterability number was plotted and the relative sensitivity of the conditioners determined. Ferric chloride was the most effective conditioner, followed by the marc and then the moringa seed. Optimal conditioning dosages were 0.60, 0.80 and 1.10 per cent of total solids for ferric chloride, marc and moringa seed respectively. The potential of the marc is discussed together with the need to examine the mechanism of coagulation of the marc.