Seeds of Moringa oleifera can be used to treat water in an emergency or disaster situation. Studies since the early 1970’s have found the seeds to be highly effective in removing suspended particles from water with medium to high levels of turbidity (moringa seeds are less effective at treating water with a low level of turbidity).
Moringa oleifera seeds treat water on two levels.
First, moringa works as a coagulant. It contains positively charged, water-soluble proteins, which bind with negatively charged particles (silt, clay, bacteria, some toxins, etc). The resulting clumps or “flocs” settle to the bottom (flocculate) or are removed by filtration.
Second, moringa also seems to work as an antimicrobial agent, though this aspect continues to be researched. Certain proteins in the seed seem to act as growth inhibitors on microorganisms. Treatments with moringa solutions have been found to remove 90-99.9% of the impurities in water.
In general, one moringa seed kernel will treat one liter of water (see Table 1 for dosage rates). Powdered seed kernels may be used for water treatment, but so can the solid residue (presscake) left over after oil extraction. Moringa seeds, seed kernels or dried presscake can be stored for long periods, but moringa solutions for treating water (see step 6, below) should be prepared fresh each time.
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May 17, 2008 at 10:25 am
Moringa for Emergency Water Treatment
Seeds of Moringa oleifera can be used to treat water in an emergency or disaster situation. Studies since the early 1970’s have found the seeds to be highly effective in removing suspended particles from water with medium to high levels of turbidity (moringa seeds are less effective at treating water with a low level of turbidity).
Moringa oleifera seeds treat water on two levels.
First, moringa works as a coagulant. It contains positively charged, water-soluble proteins, which bind with negatively charged particles (silt, clay, bacteria, some toxins, etc). The resulting clumps or “flocs” settle to the bottom (flocculate) or are removed by filtration.
Second, moringa also seems to work as an antimicrobial agent, though this aspect continues to be researched. Certain proteins in the seed seem to act as growth inhibitors on microorganisms. Treatments with moringa solutions have been found to remove 90-99.9% of the impurities in water.
In general, one moringa seed kernel will treat one liter of water (see Table 1 for dosage rates). Powdered seed kernels may be used for water treatment, but so can the solid residue (presscake) left over after oil extraction. Moringa seeds, seed kernels or dried presscake can be stored for long periods, but moringa solutions for treating water (see step 6, below) should be prepared fresh each time.