The Moringa tree grows well in both poor and rich soils, and can check soil erosion as well as stabilizing very loose soils common. This special attribute specially enables the tree to easily contribute to mitigating local impacts of climate change especially floods.

The Moringa oleifera,a pantropical plant belonging to the family Moringaceae, which is a single genus family of shrubs and trees is the primary tree to be planted. 

The Moringa is a typical example of trees for soil and people. It makes marginal lands more sustainable.  Its leaves, pods and flowers are full of nutrients that are important to both people and animals.

Research has also shown that Moringa seeds contain between 30-42% oil and the press cake obtained as a by-product of the oil extraction process contains a very high level of protein.

Some of these proteins (approximately 1%) are active cationic polyelectrolytes having molecular weights between 7-17k Dalton. The cationic polyelectrolytes neutralize the colloids in muddy or dirty water since the majority of these colloids have a negative electrical charge.

For water treatment purposes, the seed pods are allowed to dry naturally on the tree prior to harvesting. After shelving, the seeds are crushed and sieved using traditional techniques employed in the production of maize floor. Approximately 50-150mg of ground seed will be needed to treat a litre of river water, depending on the quality of the crushed seed to form a paste.

Dosing is usually according to 1-3% solution. The crushed seed powder, when added to water yields water soluble proteins that possess a net charge. The solution therefore acts as a natural cationic polyelectrolyte during treatment with the strong ability to coagulate impurities in the water.

Environmental Benefits

One major environmental benefit of our project has been the potential it has given to the cultivation ofMoringa oleifera trees in communities hence contributing to conservation of biodiversity. So far a total of 30,000Moringa oleifera trees have been planted as homestead agro-forestry. Moringa oleifera has great potential to become one of the most economically and environmentally important tree crops for the tropics and sub-tropics. With all of its many attributes, its ability to thrive under difficult conditions and the properties which offer nutritious food, clean water, medicine and income etc.

The use of Moringa oleifera as an important component of our filter has no adverse effect on the environment. Rather the products from the tree can offset at least some of the cost of the treatment (if any).