Low-cost water purifying system uses malunggay seeds

MANILA, Philippines - The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the Department of Science and Technology has developed a low-cost water purifying system (WPS) that uses malunggay seeds.

The WPS is composed of ITDI-developed technologies such as ceramic filters and granulated activated carbon.

It costs about P15,000, including labor and materials like plastic containers, sand, activated carbon, and ceramic filters, the agency said.

“It can purify tap and deep well water that’s safe for drinking. It can also dispense 10 liters of potable water per hour. It is ideal for rural communities currently without access to safe drinking water,” it added.

The ITDI said the purification process starts with settling or coagulation.

“If raw water contains considerable amounts of contaminants like silt, soil, bacteria, and other sediments, raw water is pre-treated with alum or powdered mature malunggay seeds,” it said.

The seed kernels of malunggay, according to the ITDI, contain significant amounts of water-soluble protein that carries a positive charge. When added to turbid water, it can attract negatively charged particles like contaminants, resulting in collection of particles that are easily removed through settling.

After pre-treatment, the ITDI said the water is filtered through activated carbon layer and layers of different sizes of pumice, stone, and sand. After filtration, the water is chlorinated to eliminate microorganism. 

The final step involves the use of locally developed ceramic filter with 1.0-micron pore size.

The WPS was initially tested in Barangay Tabon-Tabon, Daraga, Albay.

The ITDI said test results showed that the system could reduce, if not eliminate, coliform in water from jetmatic pumps.

“The water is crystal clear with no rusty odor, which meets Philippine National Standards for drinking water,” it said.

The ITDI said the system can bring down the incidence of water-borne diseases in the country, particularly in rural communities.

In 2000, the Department of Health reported 770,000 cases of water-borne illnesses nationwide. Water-borne diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the country.

In a previous interview, Dr. Isidro Sia, a professor of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the University of the Philippines-Manila, said malunggay seeds have been found to be one of the most effective water purifiers, based on international studies.

He said the technology is being used in Kenya, Indonesia and Uganda.

According to research, malunggay or moringa seeds treat water on two levels, acting both as a coagulant and an antimicrobial agent.

He said the process of treating the water with malunggay seeds would take at least one to two hours.

Malunggay is also being promoted as animal feedstock.

According to reports, the plant has seven times the vitamin C in oranges, four times the calcium in milk, four times the vitamin A in carrots, three times the potassium in bananas, and two times the protein in milk.

Its oil can also be used for cooking as well as in making cosmetics and lubricants.