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USING SAND AND MORINGA OLEIFERA PROTEIN FOR A SUSTAINABLE WATER FILTER
Impact/Purpose:
The objective of this research is to create a continuous-flow water purification device that couples the filtration capabilities of sand with the antimicrobial and flocculating properties of the cationic protein found in a Moringa oleifera seed. This point-of-use filter will be designed to treat 20 liters of water per day, and will only require the use of ordinary sand, Moringa seeds, and concrete (or plastic if readily available). This will ensure that the filter is fully sustainable in developing communities throughout equatorial regions. The filter will be designed to reduce the presence of organic material in the filter’s effluent to permit water storage without bacterial re-growth. The team will work closely with Engineers Without Borders at Miami University to incorporate Moringa-functionalized sand filters in a small developing community in the Chaguarpamba, Ecuador canton.
Description:
This design will have a significant impact on people throughout developing equatorial regions by reducing their exposure to water borne pathogens. Reducing water-borne illnesses will improve people’s health to allow them to build prosperity within their communities. The implementation of Moringa-functionalized sand filters will promote a sustainable planet since the Moringa seeds are renewable, degrade naturally, and are non-toxic.