Abstract -Lead pollution in the aquatic environment poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. Lead levels in Kendari Bay waters ranged from <0.0004 to 0.0206 mg/L(Gamser et al., 2023),also In the bottom sediments of Banjir Kanal Timur River Semarang, lead concentrations varied from 14.3 ppm to 31.35 ppm so that study highlighted the impact of industrial activities on heavy metal pollution in waters (Nugraha Putra et al, 2022) with some locations exceeding the threshold of seawater quality standards according to Kepmen LH No. 51 Year 2004 which is 0,008 mg/L. Most conventional remediation methods have drawbacks, including high cost and large energy consumption. This study reports the potential use of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as an environmentally friendly and low-cost natural absorbent to reduce Pb(II) ions in aquatic medium. Moringa oleifera, known for its diversity and significant nutritional value, is attracting attention for various applications, especially in heavy metal adsorption. Previous studies have proven its ability to absorb metals in sewage; this study aims to further assess its effectiveness in reducing lead from contaminated water sources. We describe in detail the influence of critical experimental parameters, such as contact time, initial concentration of lead, and absorbent dosage. In addition, morphological and chemical characteristics were also examined to relate these two parameters to the lead absorption performance using Moringa oleifera leaf extract. The data obtained from this study indicate the effectiveness of the absorption ability of lead content in the solution with moringa leaf extract powder was close to 90% so Moringa oleifera leaf extract has high potential in reducing lead ions from aquatic environment. Therefore, this extract can be an effective eco-friendly and low-cost solution in removing lead from aquatic environments. With its high adsorption capacity, good kinetics, and ease of preparation, Moringa oleifera is highly feasible for practical application. Future research needs to focus on developing this process on a large scale and its application to other heavy metal contaminants.
Keywords : Moringa oleifera, Lead (Pb) absorption, Aquatic environment, Heavy metal removalI. INTRODUCTION Contamination of Pb in aquatic ecosystems has increased over the years, especially in developing countries where industrial wastes, poor disposal of used batteries, and flaking of lead-based paints have grossly polluted the environment. This heavy metal is renowned for its persistence in ecological systems and for its potential to bioaccumulate in biological organisms, with serious health risks to human populations and wildlife. Exposure to lead within human populations, most especially in urban and rural areas near industrial sites, has been associated with neurodevelopmental defects, lower IQ among children, cardiovascular illnesses, and chronic kidney diseases within adults. Besides that, lead exposure may increase the chances of miscarriage in pregnant women and developmental defects in infants. Aquatic ecosystems are highly sensitive to lead poisoning due to the great utilization of this metal in mining, smelting, and battery production. When discharged into bodies of water, lead settles attached to sediments and bioaccumulates in the tissues of aquatic organisms, thus disorganizing food chains and reducing biodiversity. The economic impacts are just as significant, with medical expenditures and ecosystem restoration placing an overwhelming burden on communities affected by the contamination. Traditional approaches to removing lead from aqueous solutions include chemical precipitation, ion exchange, and membrane filtration, all of which are often extremely costly and resource-intensive. Additionally, such methods can themselves result in secondary waste products, which complicate handling and disposal processes. In response, a number of researchers have sought out natural, low-cost solutions that might readily apply under resource-poor conditions. One such method was investigated by using Moringa aoleifera leaves, deriving from a plant common throughout tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Moringa oleifera, synonymous with the "miracle tree" because of its host of medicinal, nutritional, and ecological benefits, has lately been brought into the spotlight as a potential agent in absorption. Moringa leaves contain a cocktail of various bioactive compounds, such as proteins and polysaccharides, which have been studied and proved effective in their ability to absorb heavy metals, such as lead. Moreover, the leaves of the Moringa plant are plentiful, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, rendering them a compelling choice for populations that have restricted access to sophisticated water purification technologies. By looking at the efficiency of absorption using Moringa leaf powder and optimizing some parameters that would improve the efficiency of lead removal, this research is bound to render a practical and effective solution. The specific question the study would want to answer is: To what extent can Moringa leaves absorb lead from contaminated water? his study offers a natural, eco-friendly solution using Moringa oleifera leaves as an absorbent to reduce lead levels, aligning with several SDGs. It supports SDGs 6 by providing a low-cost water purification method for communities lacking advanced technologies, and SDGs 3 by reducing lead exposure, which can cause serious health issues. Moreover, it contributes to attaining SDGs 12 by ensuring sustainable utilization of renewable resources and helps meet SDG 14 by conserving aquatic life from the adverse impact of lead pollution. The results of this study will further enhance the emerging literature which is related to natural absorbents as feasible alternatives for the purification of water, particularly in areas where industrial activities continue to pose threats to water quality and thus human health.
II. METHOD AND EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS The leaves of Moringa oleifera, used for the research, were sourced locally; air-dried for the longest time and then ground into a fine powder using a mechanical grinder. Lead nitrate (PbNO₃) was used as the source of lead in the preparation of aqueous solutions. All solutions prepared during the xperimental procedure and the washings were done with deionized water. Preparation of Lead Solution A stock solution of lead was prepared by dissolving Pb(NO₃)₂ in 100 mL deionized water to achieve a concentration of 40 mg/L Pb²⁺.There are five samples of lead absorption testing. For testing five types of treatment with variations in the amount of moringa leaf powder 0 grams, 1.5 grams, 2 grams, 2.5 grams and 3 grams of moringa leaf powder. Absorbent Preparation Moringa oleifera leaf powder was sieved toa uniform particle size and used directly as absorbent without modification. Before use, the moringa leaves was washed extensively with deionized water to remove all soluble impurities. The dried powder was kept in airtight containers for subsequent experimental use. Absorption Experiments Absorption experiments were carried out to investigate the absorption of Pb²⁺ by Moringa oleifera leaf powder. In each experiment, 100 mL of the Pb²⁺ solution of a known concentration was mixed with a predetermined amount of Moringa leaf powder (1,5 g, 2,0 g, 2,5 g, 3,0 g) in a 250 mL beaker glass. Lead Level Measurement The range of lead parameter values on the reagent strip ranges from 0 ppb lead to 50 ppb lead. red colour indicates the maximum amount, which is 50 ppb and yellow colour indicates the minimum amount, which is 0 ppb. Measurement of lead levels was carried out with reagent strips. the strip was dipped in the test sample for 2 seconds and then allowed to stand horizontally for 30 seconds. after that, the colour change on the strip was observed and documented. Analysing the Lead concentration After the four different mass variables of leaf extract were put into the lead solution and with different immersion time variables (4 Hours, 8 Hours, 24 Hours, 48 Hours), then check the changes in lead concentration using 16 in 1 Reagent strips that can test lead, as follows Analytical Methods This study uses mixed research methodology, namely quantitative and qualitative research. qualitative methods are used to observe how much lead is absorbed. quantitative methodology is used to evaluate the effectiveness of moringa leaves in absorbing lead content in solution.
III. RESULT AND DISCUSSIONThe data obtained from this study indicate that The results showed that the effectiveness of the absorption ability of lead content in the solution with moringa leaf extract powder was close to 90% so Moringa oleifera leaf extract has high potential in reducing lead ions from solution. Therefore, this extract can be an effective eco-friendly and low-cost solution in removing lead from aquatic environments. With its high absorption capacity, good kinetics, and ease of preparation, Moringa oleifera is highly feasible for practical application The results of this study showed the absorption of lead content in water samples since the first 4 hours in each variation of the percentage of moringa leaf use as much as almost 90% . at the time after 4 hours of treatment, namely 8 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours, the percentage of content remained at close to 90%. determination of the amount of lead content in water samples using reagent strips measuring lead levels. Mechanism of Lead Absorption by Moringa Leaf Moringa leaves are rich in phytochemicals, which include flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids. Such compounds have the capability of complexation with heavy metal ions such as lead. Flavonoids-quercetin in particular-serve as chelators, possibly complexing the heavy metal and enabling its removal from solution. (Maulina, 2023) Other properties and uses of moringa leaves, according to Ariyatun (2018), include acting as a coagulant and flocculant in water purification. Compounds in moringa increase the heavy metal particles to the top when added into a solution containing Lead, hence making removal from the solution easier. The results of the experiment demonstrated that with the addition extract of moringa leaf powder in the solution of lead, clarity improves in water due to the successful absorption and precipitation of the lead. It was found that adding moringa leaf powder over a period of time reduces the lead levels in water. (Ariyatun, 2023) The batch absorption experiments showed that Moringa oleifera leaf powder is a promising absorbent for the removal of Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous solution. Increase in contact time and absorbent dosage increases the removal efficiency. An absorbent dosage of 0.5 g Moringa leaf powder recorded an absorption efficiency close to 90% within 48 h at an initial Pb²⁺ concentration of 50 mg/L. It reflects that natural absorbent has a highly appreciable potential for heavy metal removal, especially under optimized conditions. Effects of contact time The absorption rate was, therefore, rapid in the first few hours and then proceeded slowly because by then the system had attained the equilibrium state. Since most of the removal took place within the initial 6 hours, this implies that maximum absorption happened afterward, that is, after 48 hours. Such a trend would most probably reflect the fact that active sites on the surface of Moringa powder are readily accessible and fairly reactive, although when saturation of these sites occurs, the rate of absorption decreases. Environmental and Pragmatic Implications Moringa olievera grows widely in tropical and subtropical regions, and its application as an absorbent could be suitable and low cost compared to the mainstream technologies for water treatment in areas with low incomes or in rural areas where access to advanced methods is restricted. This makes the basis for further study regarding the potential of Moringa in real applications and its treatment of industrial waste water and restoration of environments that are contaminated with pollutants.
IV. CONCLUTION Leaf extract is an effective, inexpensive and environmentally friendly technique to address Pb pollution from contaminated water sources. Moringa oleifera can be considered feasible for traditional water purification methods because of its high absorption capacity and fast kinetics, which are normally expensive and require a great amount of energy. This study does not only present a natural solution for one of the world's problems related to the environment but also underlines a wide area of application for bio-based technologies in mitigating heavy metal pollution. This will, therefore, be of great relevance in regions where industrial activities have continued to threaten water quality and access to advanced treatment facilities is poor. Through tapping into the natural properties of Moringa oleifera, this study promises a feasible avenue for the use of low cost by communities to purify water and improve both environmental and public health outcomes. Besides, the possibility of application in continuous flow systems means scalability and applicability of this solution for real situations, enabling application at an industrial scale in wastewater treatment processes. As the world continues toward greener and more sustainable technologies, natural absorbents like Moringa oleifera represent one of the valuable tools to be used in answering the heavy metal contamination issue with environmentally responsible and social impacts. Consequently, the research is strategic in leveraging natural resources for the purpose of water purification and highly relevant and feasible to one of the most significant environmental crises of our time. Further work will be applied to more uses of the developed approach and, as a consequence, also extend the use into the reduction of other toxic heavy metals, further augmenting the value as a versatile and essential component in global water management endeavors.
V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to Mr. Fachri Ulil Albab, S.Pd., Gr. at SMA Trensains Tebuireng for his support and guidance throughout the research process. We also acknowledge the contributions of all the researchers and scholars whose work has informed and inspired this study. Special thanks are due to our colleagues and mentors, whose insights and constructive feedback have greatly enriched this work. Lastly, we are grateful to our families and friends for their unwavering encouragement and understanding throughout the Research process. This achievement would not have been possible without the collective effort and support of everyone involved. VI. REFERENCES Ariyatun et al., “Analisis EfektivitasBiji Dan Daun Kelor (Moringa Oleifera)Untuk Penjernihan Air,” Walisongo Journal of Chemistry 1, no. 2 (December 9, 2018):60,https://doi.org/10.21580/wjc.v2i2.3103. Bhatnagar, A., & Sillanpää, M.(2010). Utilization of agro-industrial and municipal waste materials as potential adsorbents for water treatment—A review. Chemical Engineering Journal, 157(2-3),277-296. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2010.01.007 Barakat, M. A. (2011). New Trends in Removing Heavy Metals from Industrial Wastewater. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 4(4), 361-377. DOI:10.1016/j.arabjc.2010.07.019 Fu, F., & Wang, Q. (2011). Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Wastewaters: A Review. Journal of Environmental Management, 92(3), 407-418.DOI:10.1016/j.j envman.2010.11.011 Gamser,Yasnani, and Nurmaladewi.“ANALISIS KANDUNGAN LOGAM BERAT TIMBAL (Pb) DI PERAIRAN TELUKKENDARI.” Jurnal Kesehatan Lingkungan Universitas Halu Oleo 4, no. 2 (August 22,2023). Jones, M., & Smith, L. (2019). The role of natural tannins in aquatic systems. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 17(2),343-352. Lanphear, B. P. et al. (2005). Low-Level Environmental Lead Exposureand Children's Intellectual Function: An International Pooled Analysis. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(7),894-899. DOI: 10.1289/ehp.7688 Makkar, H. P. S., & Becker, K. (2009). Nutritional value and antinutritional components of whole and ethanol extracted Moringa oleifera leaves. Animal Feed Science and Technology,113(1-4),467-481.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2003.09.004 Maulina, S. (2023, September 19).Manfaat Daun Kelor sebagai Antioksidan Untuk Memperbaiki Kondisi Anemia KarenaKeracunan Timbal. Universitas Airlangga Official Website.https://unair.ac.id/manfaat-daun-kelor-sebagai-antioksidan-untuk-memperbaikikondisi-anemia-karena-keracunan-timbal Miller, R. (2021). Tacklingeutrophication: Emerging trends in natural
Fahmi A. Darojat* , M. Ali Rayhan** , Zildjan Dewantara*** , Izzi Uqba A. M,**** * SMA Trensains Tebuireng, Jombang, Indonesia (fahmi.achmad275@sma.belajar.id) **SMA Trensains Tebuireng, Jombang, Indonesia (muhammad.ali80243@sma.belajar.id) ***SMA Trensains Tebuireng, Jombang, Indonesia (Zildjian.dewantara17@sma.belajar.id) ****SMA Trensains Tebuireng, Jombang, Indonesia (izzi.uqba5@sma.belajar.id)