Development and efficacy analysis of a Moringa oleifera based potable water purification kit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a water purification kit using seeds of Moringa oleifera (MO). For this purpose, aqueous extract of MO seeds was investigated for antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacterial strains viz. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It was determined that 100 mg/mL of extract of MO seeds was effective against these bacterial strains resulting in 28.75 ± 0.707 mm of inhibition zone against E. coli, 26.0 ± 0.707 mm against S. aureus, 26.75 ± 0 mm against S. typhi, 29.75 ± 0.707 mm against P. aeruginosa and 25.5 ± 0.707 mm against MRSA. MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) of 12.5 ± 0 mg/mL against E. coli and 6.25 ± 0 mg/mL against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, and MRSA was obtained. Accordingly, portable water purification kit in the form of a dip bag enclosing extremely safe and edible MO seed powder was developed as a key to drinking water problem. Water purification was performed using dip bag to treat pathogenic strains inoculated in water. The minimum time and seed quantity required for the anti-bacterial activity of seeds was optimized and was noted that a single dip bag containing 100 mg of MO seed powder was capable of eradicating 99.9% of the microbial load from 1 L of water in a time span of 5 min. Drinking water from natural water resources containing coliform bacteria was also tested using dip bag and was found to be equally effective.