Seventeen-Year-Old Brazilian Girls Develop Water Filter Using Moringa Seeds. The Innovation Won a National Award and Took the Students to the World’s Largest Science Fair, Representing Brazil Abroad.

Innovative Discovery Brought Important Award to Brazil and May Provide Water for Needy Families

Brazil is bringing its talents in science to light. Three students aged 16 and 17, from the Sesi school in Barreiras, Bahia, developed an innovative water filter made from moringa seeds. The project was so innovative that it received an award at the 20th edition of the Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair (Febrace) and a major invitation to participate in the Science Fair in the United States, one of the largest in the world.

The revolutionary idea consists of using tablets made from moringa seeds that can be placed directly into water to promote purification. The students came up with this idea based on the need to produce a way to filter water quickly and without high costs for the community where they live. Want to know more? Continue reading.

Learn More About the Water Filter Created by the Students with the Video Below

Moringa is Present in the Local Wisdom as a Great Water Filter and the Young Women Deepened the Tests

The tablet created by the students has a truly impressive filtration capacity. A single 1 gm tablet can filter up to 500 mL of water. Furthermore, the tablets are made in a period of 12 to 24 hours, making the entire process required for water filtration very quick. However, this idea arose from local wisdom in the Barreiras (BA) region.

“Moringa is a very common species here in the region. We heard about its health benefits and that it also served as a filter. Since there are many riverside communities here that do not have access to potable water, we sought a solution that would be accessible to this population.”

Maria Eduarda, one of the authors of the research, in an interview with Correio (2022)

The first tests were conducted during the pandemic, in one of the girls’ homes. However, as the initial analyses proved successful, the studies moved to a second laboratory phase seeking scientific and documentary validation. The students found support with Professor Enoc Lima do Rego from the State University of Bahia (Uneb).

Laboratory Tests of the Water Filter Managed to Eliminate Coliforms, Preventing Diarrhea Caused by Contaminated Water

One of the major problems encountered during water filtration is the presence of coliforms, which can cause diarrhea in those who consume contaminated water. However, the good news is that the study developed by the students resulted in a water filter that can eliminate all coliforms and make the liquid safe for consumption without causing health issues.

“Our goal is for all needy populations to have access to this type of treatment, that this study can help the lives of others around the country and, who knows, even the world.”

Maria Eduarda, one of the authors of the research, in an interview with Correio (2022)

Therefore, due to this great achievement, the work received an unprecedented first place award at the 20th edition of Febrace. Additionally, the study received recognition as a standout award from the Federation Units and an award from the Brazilian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBBq). Moreover, the good placement also secured a spot at the international science fair, the International Science Engineering Fair – Regeneron ISEF, in Atlanta, United States.

“We are very happy, we have never traveled by plane, and we will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, in a wonderful experience. We are working on the processes for forms, passports, and paperwork, but all this rush brings a very special satisfaction.”

Ana Luíza, study author, in an interview with Correio (2022).