Assessment of Mpanda groundwater contamination and the effectiveness of the baobab seeds-derived biochar for iron removal from groundwater
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Date
2024-08
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NM-AIST
Abstract
Groundwater in Mpanda District, Tanzania, faces excessive iron content, causing a reddish brown colouration due to oxidized iron species. The present study evaluated Mpanda
groundwater contamination and the effectiveness of baobab seeds-derived biochar for iron
removal from groundwater. First, the physicochemical quality of groundwater was
investigated. Nineteen boreholes were randomly selected for assessment, with samples
collected in rainy and dry seasons. The study revealed significant variations in groundwater
quality both between seasons and among boreholes. Temperature, total dissolved solids,
electrical conductivity, lead, iron and manganese exceeding World Health Organization and
Tanzania Bureau of Standards limits in some boreholes; necessitating water treatment for
human use. Second, the effectiveness of baobab seeds-derived biochar for iron removal from
groundwater was assessed. Baobab seeds, were sun-dried, oven dried at 105 ºC, carbonized at
700 ºC, and ground into fine powder. The influence of pH, time, temperature and dose of
biochar on the iron removal from groundwater was assessed. Six 1000 mL beakers were filled
with groundwater and adsorbent doses of 0.6 g/L, 1.2 g/L, 1.8 g/L, 2.4 g/L, and 3.0 g/L were
added into five beakers with the sixth serving as a control. The highest removal efficiency of
iron was observed within 5.0-8.0 pH range. Over time, the removal efficiency increased to 87%
at 120 minutes and 3.0 g dose, with an initial iron concentration of 5.88 mg/L and residual
concentration of 0.76 mg/L. Baobab seeds-derived biochar showed promising efficiency in
removing iron ions and is recommended for sustainable iron removal from groundwater.
Sustainable Development Goals
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Master’s Degree in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES