Evaluating the Purification Potential of Moringa oleifera Seed in Drinking Water

Abstract

Water pollution is one of the major threats to public health throughout the world. In Pakistan, the drinking water quality is poorly managed and monitored. Both surface and groundwater sources are contaminated with municipal wastes, industrial effluents and agrochemicals wastes. Therefore, water purification is necessary to reduce the contamination effect. For water purification, available inorganic chemicals (alum) are costly, unfriendly to environment and result in serious health problems like cancer. As an alternative natural method is required, that may safe, effective in water treatment and eco-friendly. In this study the seeds of Moringa oleifera seed powder with different concentration (50, 75, 100, 125, 150 mg) with time duration (4, 8 and 12 hrs) was applied for purification of water collected from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Moringa oleifera seed powder showed the best purification results upto 80%. Water-soluble proteins in seed that performed as a coagulant reduced the contamination of hardness 40%, turbidity 60%, chlorides to 61%, contained anti-microbial properties and removed the Total coliforms to 80%. As a result, it provided inclusive results on the proficient use of Moringa Oleifera seed in purification of drinking water and that purification technique is economical.