In a recent study, seeds from the ‘miracle’ moringa tree were found to match or outperform their chemical counterpart in filtering out aged PVC microplastics – one of the most harmful plastic types for human health. The findings could pave the way for a greener alternative for treatment plants.

Tiny plastic particles released from car tyres, paint, textiles and degraded plastic packaging have been building up in global water systems for decades, creating a silent but growing health risk.

In 2024, the EU ramped up monitoring protocols for microplastics in drinking water. But last year, researchers warned that tiny particles, which are more likely to pass through the intestine into the blood and organs, could be slipping through the net.

The use of moringa for purification is as old as it is innovative: it is thought to have been used by Ancient Egyptians to remove bacteria and reduce turbidity of water.

With its fast growth, drought resistance, and low water requirements, the perennial crop not only requires minimal inputs – it acts as a carbon sink, thrives in arid, degraded soils, and supports biodiversity.