Keywords
Moringa oleifera, fungal inactivation, Chick-Watson kinetics, drinking water treatment
Document Type
Research Article
Abstract
Fungal contamination in drinking water distribution systems poses emerging health and operational risks due to biofilm formation and resistance to conventional disinfectants. This study evaluates the antifungal disinfection performance of Moringa oleifera seed extract against Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Aspergillus niger in aqueous systems. Jar test experiments were conducted under controlled conditions (pH 7, 26-27o C), and fungal inactivation kinetics were analysed using the Chick-Watson model. At Ct values ranging from 2 to 10 mg.min L–1, the maximum inactivation achieved was 2.9-log₁₀ for Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and 0.9-log₁₀ for Aspergillus niger, indicating species-dependent susceptibility. The delayed inactivation behaviour suggests an initial lag phase, particularly for Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) observations revealed structural disruption of fungal cell walls, including surface shrinkage and membrane damage following exposure to the extract. These findings demonstrate that Moringa oleifera seed extract exhibits antifungal potential in drinking water applications, with varying efficiency depending on fungal morphology and structural resistance. Further optimisation and field-scale validation are recommended to assess its practical implementation.
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Recommended Citation
Zakaria, Siti Nur Syazana; Yahya, Noor Yahida; Che Ku Yahya, Che Ku Mohammad Faizal; and Abdul Halim, Noor Amirah
(2026)
"Kinetic Study on the Inactivation of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Aspergillus niger in Drinking Water Using Moringa oleifera Seed Extract,"
Platform: A Journal of Engineering (PAJE): Vol. 10:
Iss.
1, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61762/pajevol10iss1art002
Available at:
https://journal.utp.edu.my/paje/vol10/iss1/2
Publication Date
31-3-2026
First Page
8
Last Page
19
