THE FACULTY OF WATER SUPPLY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, ARBA MINCH WATER TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE, SCHOOL OF GRADUATE

Abstract

Groundwater sources are generally known to be of good microbiological and chemical quality and mostly require minimal or no prior treatment for use as safe drinking water sources. Fluorine is the lightest element in the halogen group and one of the most reactive and electronegative of all chemical elements. Fluorine forms fluoride (F) ions when in solution. This study aimed to evaluate the fluoride removal efficiency of M. Stenopetala from groundwater in Misrak Silti Woreda. Adsorption was the method used to remove fluoride from groundwater. The fluoride concentration distribution of the study area ranges from 1.08 to 4.84 mg/L, with an average fluoride concentration of 3.59 mg/L. The most important process variables, including adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial fluoride concentration, and pH, could affect the adsorption of fluoride ions by Moringa Stenopetala parts. The Moringa Stenopetala parts were effective at an adsorbent dose of 40 mg/L, at a contact time of 180 minutes, at an initial fluoride concentration of 4 mg/L, and at a PH of 7. The fluoride removal efficiencies of Moringa Stenopetala leaves, seeds, and roots were investigated. The average removal efficiencies of leaves, roots, and seeds were 27.52 %, 29.96 %, and 33.10 %, respectively, with the highest removal efficiency of seeds. Thus, from the results, it can be concluded that the removal efficiency of Moringa Stenopetala seeds is an effective adsorbent for the removal of fluoride from groundwater.