Effect of Moringa olifera seeds powder and Alum treatment on heavy metals levels and pesticides pollution in Ismailia channel water

The objective of this study is to make a comparison between the effect of Moringa olifera seeds powder (M.O) and alum treatments on the level of some heavy metals and pesticides detected in collected water samples from Ismailia channel. Ten water samples were collected nearby and at distance of 500 m from the drainage of fertilizers factory at Ismailia channel (5 samples from each site). They were analyzed for heavy metals by atomic absorption and screened for pesticides by LC/MS/MS.
Moringa olifera seeds powder treatment showed a marked reduction in the concentration levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and cobalt (Co) meanwhile lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels were undetectable at both distances. Alum treatment showed a significant decrease in concentration levels of Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, and Zn but non-significant reduction in Co levels in water samples near the drainage . Also, at distance of 500m far from the drainage a marked reduction of Pb and Cd levels was observed while Fe and Mn were undetectable. However, Zn and Co showed non-significant variations.
Pesticides screening showed presence of deltamethrin, nicotine, diazinon and phoxim, in raw water samples. Alum treatment resulted in partial removal of these pesticides with nearly complete clearance by M.olifera.
 In conclusion, M.O showed powerful effect more than alum on treatment of waste water by removal of the most common pollutants (heavy metals and pesticides) from water.