Solutions of Moringa seeds for water treatment may be prepared from seed kernels or from the solid residue left over after oil extraction called presscake. Moringa seeds, seed kernels or dried presscake can be stored for long periods but Moringa solutions for treating water should be prepared fresh each time. In general, 1 seed kernel will treat 1 liter (1.056 qt) of water.
Dosage Rates:
Low turbidity NTU<50 1 seed per 4 liters (4.225 qt) water
Medium turbidity NTU 50-150 1 seed per 2 liters (2.112 qt) water
High turbidity NTU 150-250 1 seed per 1 liter (1.056 qt) water
Extreme turbidity NTU >250 2 seeds per 1 liter (1.056 qt) water
Instructions to clean water with Moringa Seeds
1. Collect mature Moringa Oleifera seed pods and remove seeds from pods.
2. Shell seeds (remove seed coat) to obtain clean seed kernels; discard discolored seeds.
3. Determine quantity of kernels needed based on amount and turbidity of water; in general 1 seed kernel will treat 1 liter (1.056 qt) of water.
4. Crush appropriate number of seed kernels (using grinder or mortar & pestle) to obtain a fine powder and sift the powder through a screen or small mesh.
5. Mix seed powder with a small amount of clean water to form a paste.
6. Mix the paste and 250 ml (1 cup) of clean water into a bottle and shake for 1 minute to activate the coagulant properties and form a solution.
7. Filter this solution through a muslin cloth or fine mesh screen (to remove insoluble materials) and into the water to be treated.
8. Stir treated water rapidly for at least 1 minute then slowly (15-20 rotations per minute) for 5-10 minutes.
9. Let the treated water sit without disturbing for at least 1-2 hours.
10. When the particles and contaminates have settled to the bottom, the clean water can be carefully poured off.
11. This clean water can then be filtered or sterilized to make it completely safe for drinking.
DANGERS
Secondary Infection: The process of shaking and stirring must be followed closely to activate the coagulant properties; if the flocculation process takes too long, there is a risk of secondary bacteria growth during flocculation.
Recontamination: The process of settling is important. The sediment at the bottom contains the impurities so care must be taken to use only the clear water off the top and not allow the sediment to re-contaminate the cleared water.
Additional contaminants: Moringa treatment does not remove 100% of water pathogens.
Using Moringa Oleifera as a replacement coagulant for proprietary coagulants meets the need for water and wastewater technology in developing countries which is simple to use, robust and cheap to both install and maintain. Water purified with Moringa seeds, is acceptable for drinking only where people are currently drinking untreated, contaminated water.