Studies on the use of neem products for removal of ammonia from brackishwater

Laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the ammonia removal from brackishwater (Salinity 16 +/- 1 ppt) using natural plant products such as seed powder and seed oil from neem (Azadirachta indica) and commercially available neem products-neemazal and neemgold. The experimental results showed that ammonia removal was effective with 90 mg/l of neem oil, whereas, neem seed powder at 90 mg/l registered an increase in ammonia levels throughout the course of the experiment. Neem oil, neemazal, and neemgold at 90 mg/l were effective in decreasing the total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) level of 0.40-0.45 mg/l in 96 h. The effect of initial ammonia concentrations on the ammonia removal using neem oil revealed that percentage ammonia removal decreased with an increase in initial ammonia concentration.