“Moringa oleifera” promises cheap water purification method

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as Moringa or Drumstick tree can be used to refine dirty water with the help of an easy homemade recipe at no cost at all, researchers say.

Although the research cautions that the treatment is not effective on bacterium or viruses, it does make the water far safer than the water without any treatment at all.

If successful, the technique could significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne disease in the developing world.

“The Moringa-seed technique, isn't completely foolproof. But it makes water much safer and more pleasant to drink, and Moringa treatment is hugely better than no treatment at all, which is the norm for far too many people.” says Michael Lea, a Canadian water-purification researcher, “Perhaps most importantly, its seeds can be used to purify drinking water at virtually no cost.”

The recipe: free download
The recipe involves pounding the tender seeds of Moringa and forming a dilute solution by the addition of water to the paste.

Dirt particles in water immediately start sinking to the bottom at a faster pace once this solution is added to contaminated water.

Finally the clean water at the surface can be separated through decantation and used for various purposes like washing, bathing, and drinking.

The tree being widespread in areas with dirty water concerns, this purification method can come handy as a solution to many water borne diseases like cholera, and jaundice.

Moringa oleifera
Belonging to the plant family Moringaceae, Moringa oleifera is a vegetable tree full of nutriments.

Widely used as fodder for cattle, it is also an active ingredient of various pulses and curry dishes.

The plant is also said to have a positive impact on rural up gradation, land care, and nutritional development worldwide.

An easy plant to grow, Moringa can be easily preserved by tinning and used for a long time period.

With yearly yield of 1.3 billion tonnes, India is the world’s largest producer of moringa with Andhra Pradesh leading the production state wise.

It is also a source of foreign exchange for our nation as it is extensively exported all over the world.