Efficacy of Crude Extract from Moringa oleifera Leaves as an Alternative Bactericide for Escherichia coli in Wastewater
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2026.082Keywords:
Alternative bactericide, Colonial morphology, Crude extract, Escherichia coli, Wastewater treatmentAbstract
This study examined the antibacterial effect of crude extract from Moringa oleifera leaves against Escherichia coli in wastewater from the Imus River. To address limited evidence on the use of macerated moringa extract for river water disinfection, three extract concentrations (5 mL, 15 mL, and 30 mL) were tested under a fixed wastewater volume and 10-minute contact time. Fresh moringa leaves were air-dried, milled, and macerated in 95% ethanol for 48 hours, then concentrated to obtain a crude extract. E. coli in wastewater samples was confirmed through colonial morphology on Eosin Methylene Blue agar and Gram staining. Samples were treated in three trials per concentration, with untreated controls. After 24 hours of incubation, colony-forming units were counted and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results showed a dose-dependent reduction in E. coli counts, with mean colony counts of 543.33 in the control, 383.33 at 5 mL, 159.33 at 15 mL, and 63.33 at 30 mL. ANOVA revealed a significant difference among groups (F = 18.07, p < .001). These findings indicate that crude Moringa oleifera leaf extract significantly reduced E. coli in wastewater and may serve as a low-cost natural bactericide for preliminary disinfection. Further studies should improve extraction methods and compare their efficacy with standard disinfectants.
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