Moringa as an alternative to aluminium sulphate

About 67% of the Zambian population have no access to clean drinking water. As a result, many people are prone to water borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and diarrhoea, which have claimed many lives in both rural and urban areas. The techniques used to treat water involve the use of chemicals and synthetic coagulants such as aluminium sulphate that are added to raw water. The coagulants are important, although very few water treatment agencies manage to import them, due to limited financial resources. The use of Moringa oleifera can offer an alternative option to these coagulants. Moringa oleifera is environmentally friendly and is important for the production of edible vegetable oils, improvement of soil fertility, used for wood fuel and the management of watershed and catchment areas. The promotion of Moringa oleifera among the poor rural population will contribute to improving the living standards of vulnerable groups through the provision of employment and clean drinking water. This paper discusses Moringa oleifera as a potential alternative to aluminum sulphate for water treatment in rural and urban areas.