Effects of Moringa oleifera seeds on the physicochemical properties and microbiological quality of borehole water from Botswana

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the effects of Moringa oleifera seeds on the physicochemical properties and microbiological quality of borehole water collected from Thamaga village in Botswana. Borehole water samples were subjected to two different Moringa seed treatment methods: M. oleifera crushed seed powder and Moringa seed extract. Five treatment levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 g or mL extract) were used for each treatment method. Borehole water treated with Moringa seed extract had significantly lower (p < 0.05) total dissolved solids and conductivity as compared with water treated with crushed Moringa seed powder. However, borehole water treated with Moringa seed extract had significantly higher (p < 0.05) pH and total suspended solids as compared with water treated with crushed Moringa seed powder. Escherichia coli and total coliforms were completely inhibited by Moringa seed extract after 2 h of treatment at a concentration level of 40 mL extract. It was observed that Moringa seed extract at a concentration level of 40 mL was the most effective in treating borehole water compared with Moringa crushed seed powder. In conclusion, Moringa seed extract can be used as an alternative and affordable source of borehole water treatment in rural Botswana.