An Automated Non-Sewage Wastewater Treatment Facility using Moringa oleifera Seeds

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to address the problem of non-sewage wastewater treatment as a potential source of potable water. While earlier research explored chemical-based and manual filtration systems, limited attention has been given to combining automation with natural coagulants. The study designed and tested an automated non-sewage wastewater treatment system using Moringa oleifera seeds to improve the quality of rainwater to drinkable levels. Methods: A developmental-experimental research design was adopted, involving the construction and testing of an Arduino-based automated treatment unit that controlled coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration. Moringa oleifera seed extract served as the natural coagulant, while sensors ensured precision and consistency in dosing and mixing. Rainwater samples were analyzed before and after treatment for key physicochemical parameters—pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and conductivity—following the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW), World Health Organization (WHO), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. Verification was conducted at the Partido State University Water Testing Facility. Findings: Results showed that the treated water met all regulatory standards, with 0 FNU turbidity, pH 6.53, TDS 21.53 mg/L, and conductivity 32.47 µS/cm, indicating total removal of suspended particles and low ionic residues. Nutrient concentrations, including phosphate (1.21 mg/L) and nitrite (0.1 mg/L), were significantly below EPA limits, demonstrating enhanced nutrient removal compared with manual Moringa treatments. The automated system ensured stable pH levels and eliminated the variability commonly observed in manual dosing, yielding consistent and reproducible outcomes. Novelty: This study presents an eco-friendly, low-cost, and automated water treatment innovation that combines Moringa oleifera coagulants with automation technology. It achieved complete turbidity removal, improved nutrient reduction, and stable water chemistry, offering a sustainable and reproducible approach to community-level potable water production. Keywords: Non-sewage wastewater, Treatment Facility, Moringa oleifera Seeds, Arduino-based, Potable Water