Research Article
Fluoride Removal Efficiency of Calcium-spiked and Non-spiked Moringa Oleifera Seed Powder
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
91-99
Received:
1 September 2025
Accepted:
15 September 2025
Published:
18 October 2025
Abstract: Fluoride contamination in drinking water remains a widespread public health concern, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where groundwater is the primary source of potable water. Chronic exposure to elevated fluoride levels—commonly above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 1.5 mg/L—can result in dental and skeletal fluorosis, affecting millions of people globally. Affordable and effective defluoridation technologies are urgently needed, especially in low-income rural settings. In this study, the fluoride removal efficiency of calcium-spiked and non-spiked Moringa oleifera seed powder was investigated through controlled laboratory batch adsorption experiments. Biosorbents were prepared by treating ground seed powder with 1% calcium chloride solution and characterised based on their performance across five fluoride concentrations (1-20 ppm). Key parameters such as removal efficiency, residual fluoride levels, and adsorption capacity (qe) were evaluated under consistent operating conditions (pH 7, 2 g/50 mL dose, mesh 40, 120 minutes). Results indicated that calcium-spiked Moringa oleifera powder significantly outperformed its non-spiked counterpart. At 1 ppm, the spiked adsorbent achieved 94.35 ± 1.15% removal efficiency, compared to 81.45 ± 1.35% for the non-spiked. At the highest tested concentration (20 ppm), the spiked biosorbent still removed 72.31 ± 1.80% of fluoride, while the non-spiked removed only 54.21 ± 1.95%. Linear regression models showed strong inverse correlations between fluoride concentration and removal efficiency (R2 > 0.99, p < 0.001). The spiked adsorbent also resulted in significantly lower residual fluoride concentrations, with final values closer to the WHO guideline. One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in adsorption capacity and efficiency between treatments (p < 0.001). These findings highlight the effectiveness of calcium modification in enhancing biosorption performance and suggest that calcium-spiked Moringa oleifera seed powder is a promising, low-cost, and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating fluoride contamination in drinking water.
Abstract: Fluoride contamination in drinking water remains a widespread public health concern, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where groundwater is the primary source of potable water. Chronic exposure to elevated fluoride levels—commonly above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit of 1.5 mg/L—can result in dental and skeletal fl...
Show More
Research Article
Enhanced Solubility of Herbicide Diuron in Aqueous Solution by Micellisation
Souleymane Sambou
,
Ibrahima Sarr,
Nehou Diouf,
Coumba Faye,
Abdou Khadre Cisse,
Boubacar Sidibe,
Aly Cisse,
Keba Diongue,
El Hadji Tombe Bodian*,
Diene Diegane Thiare,
Atanasse Coly
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
100-109
Received:
17 October 2025
Accepted:
6 November 2025
Published:
17 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajpc.20251404.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Surfactants are substances widely used in agricultural sprays to improve the solubility and mobility of pesticides across crops. This study investigates the micellar properties of two ionic surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TMATFB) with respect to their ability to solubilize the herbicide diuron in aqueous solution. Conductometric measurements were performed in aqueous media over a temperature range of 298 to 331 K to analyze the micellization behavior and evaluate the efficiency of solubilization. From the conductivity data the critical micelle concentration (CMC), and degree of ionization were obtained at various temperatures. Concentration and temperature effect on the CMC have been studied and the different thermodynamic parameters were evaluated. The critical micellar concentration (CMC) values of surfactants decreased with increasing temperature, indicating enhanced micelle formation under thermal influence. Additionally, the solubility of diuron varied significantly across different surfactant micelles concentration, suggesting that specific interactions occur between the surfactant head groups and the pesticide. The standard Gibbs free energy (∆G°) for the diuron–surfactant mixtures was attained to be negative throughout the study suggesting spontaneous micellization process. The enthalpy (∆H°) and entropy (∆S°) were also evaluated, offering additional insight into the thermodynamic driving forces involved. The obtained thermodynamic parameters showed that |TΔS°| is greater than |ΔH°|, suggesting that the micellization process is controlled by entropy.
Abstract: Surfactants are substances widely used in agricultural sprays to improve the solubility and mobility of pesticides across crops. This study investigates the micellar properties of two ionic surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TMATFB) with respect to their ability to solubilize the herbicide diuron in ...
Show More
