Some of the successful traditional purification methods (Biological
purification Technologies or Green Technologies) being used by rural and
tribal communities:
(a) Nelli/Amla : Branches of Phyllanthus emblica (dumped in wells for
purification of water and for removing salinity in water). Woods of
Phyllanthus emblica are capable of reducing the hardness of water and
the amount of magnesium and sulphate in drinking water. Our ancestors
used the woods of this tree in all drinking water wells, ponds and tanks
in villages invariably.
(b) Tamarai Nelumbium or Nelumbo nucifera introduced in wells, ponds
and in biowastes to cleanse all impurities in water and to remove bad
odor. Our ancestors introduced the lotus in all wells and ponds in
villages where drinking water is drawn.
(c) Cardamom is used as a natural coagulant by sprinkling the powder on
water surface.
(d) Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) one of the common trees in Tamilnadu is
a medicinal tree. Green leaves, barks, roots, flowers, seeds and the
drumstick are invariably used by local people in Tamilnadu. In
preliminary research, moringa seed powder is being assessed for its
potential to make river water potable. Research showed that filtering with
seed powder may diminish water pollution and bacterial count. The
seeds can be used to purify turbid and muddy water. Dr Samja
Alazharia, a German scientists proved the presence of an efficient
coagulant in the seeds of Moringa oleifera. The seeds of drumstick can be
used as an alternative to alum because aluminum sulphate is used as a
conventional chemical coagulant to treat water in large scale. The seeds
kernels contain water soluble proteins and when the powdered seed is
added to water, they attract clay, silt and bacteria and toxic contents in
the water. Researchers found out that the seeds can be used as an
antimicrobial flocculent. The seed kernels of Moringa oleifera contain
significant quantities of water-soluble proteins. When the crushed seeds
are added to raw water, the proteins produce a positive charge which
acts like a magnet attracting particles like clay, silt, bacteria, and other
toxic particles. The proteins bind the particles by forming flocs which can
be easily removed using filters. It is used for detoxification and as an
antibiotic.
(e) Thethankottai (Strychnos potatorum) is a wonderful seed found
abundantly in the Western Ghats mountain ranges in Tamilnadu and
still indigenous communities use the seeds as a natural coagulant to
clean impure water. Traditional Medicinal Uses: According to Ayurveda,
seeds are acrid, alexipharmic, lithotriptic and cure strangury, urinary
discharges, head diseases etc. Roots cure Leucoderma whereas fruits are
useful in eye diseases, thirst, poisoning and hallucinations. The fruits
are emetic, diaphoretic alexiteric etc. According to Unani system of
medicine, seeds are bitter, astringent to bowels, aphrodisiac, tonic,
diuretic and good for liver, kidney complaints, gonorrhea, colic etc.
(f) Cherankottai (Semecarpus anacardium) The deciduous tree is used
for medicinal purpose. The seeds are powdered and a paste is made to
be dissolved in water. We get a pure drinking water instantly. Tribal
communities still practice the method.
(g) Vettiver (Vetiveria zizanoides). This aromatic grass is grown on the
banks of river and near ponds. Roots can be used to purify water and for
a fragrance.
(h) Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Leaves are dropped in drinking water for
purification and for medication. In all Hindu temples, water mixed with
Tulsi leaves are offered to devotees every day since the herbal plant is an
excellent medicinal plant found all over India and is considered sacred.
(i) Vilamichhamver (Andropogon muricatus) Flavoring water
(j) A maxim from Sanskrit literature (2000 BC) states that the foul water
can be treated by boiling and dipping seven times a piece of hot copper
into it and then filtering the water.
(k) Bio Filters using sand, mud and natural resources. (Bio-sand water
purification methods can be used for large scale purifications of water.
(l) Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tulsi: Leaves are crushed and mixed
in water and kept in sunlight for hours. The water is used for bathing
sick patients, and people suffering from small pox.
(In ancient Sanskrit literature (1500 BC) Neem regarded as life saving and
disease preventive plant. Leaf, bark, seed and all part of Neem tree contain
useful substances that can be taken as tee, oil and prepared medicine
remedy dust allergy, fever, skin diseases, rheumatism etc (Roemmming,
1999, Nature). Professor Heinz Rembold, of famous Max-Planck Institute of
Biochemistry, Germany found any side effects of the use of Neem on human
and soils do not contain any hazardous substance as a residue after being
used as pesticides. Research conducted by, among others, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) has shown that Azadirachtin A offers
protection against more than 130 insects, while it is partly active against
more than 70 other insects. Since the potential value Neem-based pesticides
was recognised, commercial interests have been increased).
(m) Banana Peels: Banana peels can be used to purify drinking water
contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as copper and lead,
according to a study.
(n) Copper and Bronze vessels: Water is stored overnight and rural people
still use the purified water in the morning. The copper/bronze vessels are
coated before making use of the vessels.
(o) Indian Bael (Aegle Marmelos) Used in temples to offer devotees a
purified water mixed with the leaves of Indian Bael. The leaves are well
known for their insecticidal activity.
(p) Clove is also capable of removing total coliforms
(q) Nannari roots can remove calcium in water and purifies water.
(r) Barringtonia acutangula was planted near rivers, ponds, tanks to purify
water bodies.
(s) Gooseberry is capable of removing fluoride from water. The walls on the
periphery of wells in villages were constructed with the help of gooseberry
wood in the past.
(t) Leaves of Ocimum sp have a capacity to remove total coliforms and E
coli.
Barrikngtonia acutangula
Ficus glomerata
(u) Ficus glomerata (athi) : DOOMAR Trees: The tree species is found near
wells, ponds, rivers and water sources. They are capable of purifying
water. The tree not only purifies water but also enriches it with medicinal
properties. The fruits have wonderful medicinal properties.
(v) (Neer Marudhu) Terminalia arjuna: The tree species were also planted in
and around water bodies to purify water.
Terminalia arjuna
(w) (Hibisicus sabdariffa) (Pulichakeerai)
(x) Grape fruit seed extract can purify water.
Seeds, trees and herbs used in traditional/biological water purification found in
ancient literature in Tamilnadu:
Moringa oleifera
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Wonder seeds
Phyllanthus emblica
Cardamom
coriander seeds
Copper vessel
Moringa Treated water
Sources: Palm Leaf Manuscripts (Tamil)( Indigenous Documents), data available with the
traditional medical practitioners, agrarian community, indigenous tribal community and
ancient literature available in classical Tamil language.
Rural Pharmacy in India