Researchers simplify process to purify water using seed extracts

Researchers have streamlined and simplified a process that uses extracts from seeds of Moringa oleifa trees to purify water, reducing levels of harmful bacteria by 90% to 99%. The hardy trees that are drought resistant are cultivated widely throughout many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

The protocol, which is outlined in a Current Protocols in Microbiology review, is low-cost and efficient, making it especially useful for people living in extreme poverty in developing countries who are presently drinking highly turbid and contaminated . Of these, some 2 million are reckoned to die from waterborne diseases every year, with the majority of deaths occurring in young children.

"The use of these techniques will not be a panacea against waterborne disease; however, increasing the use of the Moringa tree would bring benefits in the shape of nutrition and income, as well as purer water," said author Michael Lea.

More information: Lea, M. 2014. Bioremediation of Turbid Surface Water Using Seed Extract from the Moringa oleifera Lam. (Drumstick) Tree. Current Protocols in Microbiology. 33:G:1G.2:1G.2.G.2.8

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Citation: Researchers simplify process to purify water using seed extracts (2014, July 21) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2014-07-purify-seed.html
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'World's Most Useful Tree' Provides Low-Cost Water Purification Method for Developing World

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