1055 Table 3 - Comparing Chitosan and Moringa Oleifera characteristics Feature Chitosan Moringa Oleifera Origin & source Extracted from the shells of crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, lobsters), or from certain fungi. A versatile tree (often called the 'Miracle Tree'); leaves, seeds, pods, and flowers are used. Production process Requires a multi-step chemical process (deacetylation of chitin) for extraction and purification, making it an industrial derivative. Cultivation and simple processing (drying and grinding) of plant parts render it a direct agricultural product. Global abundance Dependent on the fishing/aquaculture industry (crustacean waste). High supply in regions with extensive seafood processing (e.g., AsiaPacific—China, Japan, South Korea) dominates production. Widespread in tropical/subtropical regions (e.g., India (origin), Africa, South America, Southeast Asia). It is a highly renewable resource due to the tree's rapid growth. Typical price structure (General) Higher price due to complex chemical processing and required purity/grade (Industrial, Food, Pharmaceutical). Generally, lower prices in their standard forms (leaf powder, seeds) are due to agricultural abundance and simple processing. Price variation by grade Significant variation. Industrial grade (lowest cost, large volume). At the laboratory and pharmaceutical levels, it is expensive, reaching more than 200 euros per 100g. Lower variation. Prices are primarily influenced by organic certification, packaging, and whether the product is a raw material (e.g., leaves) or an extract or oil (which is more expensive). Regional price trend Cheapest where crustacean waste is plentiful, and processing facilities are concentrated (e.g., in the Asia-Pacific region). More expensive in nonproducing regions (e.g., Europe, North America) due to import and regulatory costs. Cheapest where it is cultivated (India, parts of Africa/South America). Price increases significantly in non-native markets due to import/transport costs. Primary forms in the market Powder, flakes, solutions. Leaf powder, made in powder or capsules, seeds, oil, or fresh leaves. 5. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study establishes (MOS) as a superior and sustainable alternative to unmodified Chitosan for removing naturally occurring radionuclides, particularly uranium, from water sources. The experimental results demonstrated that MOS significantly outperformed raw Chitosan, achieving removal efficiencies of up to ~86% compared with Chitosan's maximum of ~35%, while avoiding the viscosity and filtration issues associated with Chitosan. These findings validate the potential of MOS as a "green
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