<br/>Sand functionalized with proteins extracted from moringa oleifera protein (f-sand) has been shown to remove turbidity and kill bacteria in raw water samples, and has been implemented as a drinking water treatment for use at a small scale in developing communities. The mechanism involves the cationic moringa protein sorbing negatively charged bacteria in the f-sand. F-sand’s interaction with anionic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), however, is not known. This study aimed to determine this relationship using perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) as a model contaminant. To create f-sand, a cationic protein was extracted from moringa oleifera seeds, and was sorped to the surface of silica oxide beads, reversing the surface charge of the beads. Through measuring the zeta potential, fluoroscopy via a confocal laser microscope, and quantifying the sand’s turbidity removal capacity through kaolin adsorption, it was proven that the f-sand was created successfully and working largely the same as previous studies. Once effective f-sand was able to be created consistently, its interaction with PFOS was then examined through batch experiments.

Evaluating moringa olifera protein functionalized sand particles for the removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate from water

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.