Afrikanische Pflanzen zur Verbesserung von Trinkwasser (Reprint 1979)

Abstract

Methods to improve water quality by aid of plants are known in the East since 4000 years. Attempts to keep off evil spirits from drinking water the use of plant amulets might have promoted the discovery of clarifying plants. In the Sudan and neighbouring countries plants are used as natural water coagulants and for the treatment of waters with bad smell and taste. Traditional technologies practised by the settled population and the nomads are described. The majority of empirically discovered plants which aid to settle the mud belongs to the Leguminales, mainly to Papilionaceae and to the Capparidales: Capparidaceae and Moringaceae. Several plants inducing desodoration belong to the Poaceae. The most potent Sudanese plant material for the clarification of
turbid waters are the seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam. (horseradish tree or drumstick tree). Results of the laboratory investigation are discussed. Plants preferred for water purification are often also appreciated by the natives in any other context. They may be known as foods and as drugs in folk medicine. Examples are given for the cure of gastro-intestinal disorders, diseases of the cavity of the mouth, wounds and skin rushes. Some of these medical plants contain antimicrobial or antifungal substances. Health risks due to traditional water treatment with plants can arise if high concentrations of organic ballast-substances facilitate bacterial growth in the water or if the natives use poisonous plants e.g. the roots of certain Maerua sp. which are taken in several countries. Scientifically revised methods of water clarification with coagulants of plant origin are promising for the improvement of the physicochemical and bacteriological water quality with aid of indigenous raw-materials of low cost.