Chemical composition of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) root powder solution and effects of Moringa root powder on E. coli growth in contaminated water

Abstract

There are many methods available to treat contaminated drinking water; however, economic, cultural, and social factors often impair implementation of these methods, particularly in developing countries. Moringa root powder seems to offer a promising alternative to treating contaminated water. Roots were extracted from randomly selected, seven month old plants, grown in a greenhouse. The roots were washed, bark peeled, oven-dried and ground into powder. Solubility of Moringa root powder was examined by mixing the dried powder in nine different Moringa concentrations (12.5, 27.5, 250, 1250, 2500, 4200, 8300, 12,500, and 16,000 mg/L). Four treatments (0, 250, 450, and 600 mg/L) of Moringa concentrations were used to determine their effectiveness at reducing Escherichia coli in water from a mixed livestock farm pond. Each treatment was added to two (50 and 37 MPN/100 mL) concentrations of E. coli contaminated water. Potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium were the most abundant macronutrients in Moringa root powder solutions. Low levels of zinc, iron and copper were also detected. At the highest concentration (600 mg/L), and higher initial E. coli concentration (50 MPN/100 mL), Moringa root powder reduced E. coli colonies in contaminated water by 87% (p < .05). Moringa root powder showed strong antimicrobial activity against E. coli and the efficacy of this method should be investigated to determine whether further reduction in bacteria can be achieved, since roots can be harvested sooner than seeds and are available throughout the year.