Can Moringa Seeds Make Drinking Water Safer? Study Explains

A new study suggests that Moringa oleifera—a plant widely grown in India—could play a crucial role in tackling one of the world’s most pressing water challenges: microplastic contamination. Researchers have found that extracts from its seeds can rival conventional chemical treatments, potentially transforming how drinking water is purified, especially in resource-constrained settings.

What did the study discover about moringa seeds?

Scientists at São Paulo State University found that moringa seed extract can effectively remove microplastics by causing them to clump together, making filtration easier.

The findings, published in ACS Omega, highlight how a natural, plant-based solution can match—and in some cases outperform—traditional water treatment chemicals.

How does moringa compare to chemical treatments?

The research directly compared moringa seed extract with aluminum sulfate, a commonly used coagulant in water treatment plants.

"We showed that the saline extract from the seeds performs similarly to aluminum sulfate, which is used in treatment plants to coagulate water containing microplastics. In more alkaline waters, it performed even better than the chemical product," says Gabrielle Batista.

This suggests that under certain conditions, the natural alternative may even have an edge.

Why is coagulation important in removing microplastics?

Microplastics are notoriously difficult to remove because they carry a negative electrical charge, which causes them to repel each other and remain suspended in water.

Coagulation solves this problem by neutralising these charges. Once neutralised, the particles clump together into larger masses that can be filtered out more easily. Moringa seed extract acts as a natural coagulant, similar to industrial chemicals, enabling this process.

What makes moringa a promising alternative?

Beyond effectiveness, sustainability is a major advantage.

"There's increasing regulatory scrutiny and health concerns regarding the use of aluminum- and iron-based coagulants, as they aren't biodegradable, leave residual toxicity, and pose a risk of disease. For that reason, the search for sustainable alternatives has intensified," says Adriano Goncalves dos Reis.

Moringa, being biodegradable and widely available, addresses many of these concerns while remaining cost-effective.

How was the research conducted?

The team tested the method using water contaminated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics—considered one of the most harmful types due to its mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.

They simulated real-world conditions by aging the particles with ultraviolet radiation before treating the water using coagulation and sand filtration. Advanced tools such as scanning electron microscopy and laser-based measurements confirmed that moringa and aluminum sulfate achieved similar levels of microplastic removal.

Does this method work in real-world water sources?

The researchers are now testing the technique on water from the Paraíba do Sul River, a key supply source in Brazil. Early results indicate that moringa extract remains effective even in natural water conditions, not just controlled laboratory settings.

Can moringa transform water purification globally?

While large-scale adoption may require further validation, the study points to a significant opportunity, particularly for rural areas and small communities.

"The only drawback found so far regarding aluminum sulfate was the increase in dissolved organic matter, the removal of which could make the process more expensive. However, on a small scale, such as on rural properties and in small communities, the method could be used cost-effectively and efficiently," says Reis.

With its low cost, accessibility, and environmental benefits, moringa could emerge as a practical solution in the global fight against microplastic pollution in drinking water.

(With inputs from ANI)