Research Shows Moringa Effective in Removing Microplastics from Drinking Water

Scientists at São Paulo State University in Brazil have developed a new technique using seeds of Moringa oleifera to remove microplastics from water. A saline extract derived from moringa seeds causes plastic particles suspended in water to clump together, making them easy to filter out. This method has proven more effective than aluminum sulfate. According to the researchers, the technique is sustainable, cost-effective, and safe for health. Kathmandu, 20 April.

The scientists discovered that a common plant could be employed to eliminate harmful microplastics in drinking water. Researchers at São Paulo State University found that seeds from Moringa oleifera perform water purification functions comparable to modern chemical agents. A study published in the ACS Omega journal revealed that the saline extract from moringa seeds causes plastic particles to aggregate, facilitating their removal through filtration.

Researcher Gabriel Batista explained that in certain cases, this natural moringa method even outperforms the currently used ‘aluminum sulfate’ treatment. It has shown particular effectiveness in alkaline water. Microplastics and other contaminants in water typically carry negative electrical charges, which repel each other and make filtration difficult. Natural compounds in moringa seeds help neutralize these charges, enabling small particles to bind together into larger clusters that can be filtered out easily.

During testing, the researchers successfully removed particularly harmful microplastics such as PVC from water. Current water purification chemicals based on aluminum or iron compounds are often non-biodegradable and pose health concerns. In this context, moringa represents a safe and sustainable alternative. Professor Adriano Gonçalves dos Reis, who leads the research, noted that this technique could be highly affordable and effective, especially for rural areas and small communities. Trials are currently ongoing with natural river water, showing promising preliminary results.