How extracts from seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree can be used for water purification has been described by a new study by scientists.

The study was carried out by researchers from Uppsala University, Sweden, in co-operation with The University of Botswana.

The common first stage in purification of water is Flocculation of particulate impurities.

This often uses addition of either aluminium or iron salts.  Aluminium, particularly, has undesirable health implications.

In Africa an  alternative procedure, in which natural extract from seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree is used.

How very small amounts of the protein from these seeds can bind strongly to surfaces and thus would cause contaminant particles to aggregate is describes by the new research.

A co-operation with the University of Botswana where there is a long interest in exploiting natural products has led to a research project that provides important insight in to the way that protein molecules from the Moringa oleifera seeds interact, binding stongly both to each other and surfaces so as to cause aggregation in to large lumps that are readily removed from the water.

Adrian Rennie, Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University said," It is nice to see how the basic interactions of molecules can play a role in solving practical problems. Understanding of the process may lead to further development in water purification with materials that are locally available and environmentally friendly." (With Input from Agencies)