Biocoagulation of Direct Red-31 and Direct Yellow-12 Azo Dyes from Synthetic Wastew ater with Moringa Oleifera Seed Presscake

Batches experiments were carried out to study the removal potentials of Moringa oleifera seed presscake( MOSP),the residual solids of Moringa oleifera seed after oil extraction used as a natural coagulant for the removal of two direct azo dyes including Direct Red-31( DR-31) and Direct Yellow-12( DY-12). The results indicated that the MOSP contained active proteins which were active agents and efficient for the removal of the two dyes. Higher temperature and lower p H were favorable for dye removal. The removal rates of the two dyes increased with the increasing MOSP dosage. Inorganic salts improved the dye removal efficiencies by the salt-in effect that prompted the release of proteins from the MOSP particles. Suspended solid simulated by kaolin decreased the dye removal efficiencies because of the competition for active sites of the MOSP between the kaolin particles and the dye molecules. The most likely mechanism for the removal of the two dyes by using MOSP as coagulant was a combined effect of adsorption and neutralisation of charges and the nucleation of the MOSP particles. The results provide new insight into the MOSP utilization and development of new coagulant for dye removal.