Feasibility of improving water quality using terminalia arjuna medicinal plant and its' economic benefits

Abstract

Feasibility of Improving Water Quality using Terminalia arjunaMedicinal Plant and its’ Economic Benefits One of the main issues faced by the isolated rural poor communities is the unavailability of safe drinking water1, resulting in the worsening of health conditions (eg. chronic kidney disease) and related social issues. With the pollution of natural water bodies, the government has to spend enormous amount of revenue for water treatment to produce safe drinking water to the nation. Approximate cost of chemical consumption for a conventional water treatment plant is US$4to5 per 1m3 per year2and presently, NWSDB produces 590million m3 of water annually3 in Sri Lanka. An opinion survey was carried-out regarding water purifying natural plants in Sri Lanka among traditional medical practitioners, through a questionnaire. The survery results show that Terminalia arjuna (Kumbuk[S]), Strychnos potatorum (Ingini[S]), Vetiveria zizanioides (Sevendara[S]), Nelumbo (Nelum[S]), Madhuca longifolia (Mee[S]), Aponogeton (Kekatiya[S]) plants are among the commonly used plants for water purification in Sri Lanka. Literature reviewed and data collected from traditional doctors and villages revealed that many traditional methods are used for water purifications with freely available natural resources. However, most of these methods lack scientific evidence and are not combined with new technological findings to improve the effectiveness of application for water purification and value addition for economic benefits. The following is a study attempting to scientifically reveal the possibility of water purification by Medicinal Plants/Terminalia arjuna plants. This study included a detailed investigation of the water purification ability of Terminalia arjuna plants. A sample reservoirs with a significant plant coverage in the North Central province of Sri Lanka, was selected. The selected reservoirs act as drinking water sources of the villagers in the area. Water samples collected from the reservoirs were tested for a chosen pollutant concentration (Cadmium4)in the laboratory. Test results were analysed to develop a relationship between water quality and coverage of Terminalia arjuna plant. A trend of reducing cadmium concentration with the increase in Terminalia arjuna plant coverage in the surroundings, was observed.