Low-cost system purifies water

MANILA, Philippines – The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the Department of Science and Technology has developed a low-cost water purifying system for remote communities to help bring down cases of water-borne diseases in the country.

The technology uses malunggay seeds, ceramic filters and granulated activated carbon.

“The system starts with settling or coagulation. If raw water contains considerable amounts of contaminants like silts, soil, bacteria, and other sediments, raw water is pre-treated with alum or powdered mature malunggay (Moringa oleifera) seeds,” the ITDI said.

ITDI said malunggay seeds contain significant amounts of water-soluble protein that carry a positive charge. When added to turbid water, it can attract negatively charged particles like contaminants, resulting in aggregation of particles that are easily removed by settling.

After pre-treatment, water is filtered through activated carbon layer and layers of different sizes of pumice, stone and sand.

After filtration, water is chlorinated to eliminate microorganism. The final step in the system involves the use of locally developed ceramic filter with pore size of 1.0 micron, the ITDI said.

The ITDI said the system costs about P15,000, inclusive of plastic containers, sand, activated carbon and ceramic filters.

“The system can purify tap and deep well water, making it potable and safe for drinking,” it said. “It can treat 10 liters of potable water per hour.”

In 2000, the Department of Health said 770,000 cases of water-borne illnesses were reported nationwide, making it one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

The ITDI said the water purifying system was initially tested in Barangay Tabon-Tabon in Daraga, Albay.

“Results showed that the system could reduce if not eliminate coliform in water from jetmatic pumps, thus passing Philippine National Standards (PNS) for drinking water. The resulting water is crystal clear with no rusty odor,” it said. – Helen Flores