Presentation: The Mor-sand Filter In The Niger Delta

The Mor-sand Filter in the Niger Delta

Kelly Miller University at Buffalo Engineers for a Sustainable World-UB

Outline • Nigeria Water Overview • Low-tech Treatment Technologies – Moringa oleifera – Biosand Filter – Mor-sand Filter

• ESW-UB’s role

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Federal Republic of Nigeria Overview • Population: 131,859,731 (July 2006) – Estimated 60% pop. living below poverty line

• Area: more than twice the size of CA – 9 of 36 states in Niger Delta

• Oil and related products are 95% of exports • $32.45 billion (2005 est.) in external debt – Receive $250 million from IMF (1998)

Niger Delta Concerns • Oil wealth not distributed • Widespread environmental degradation – The pollution of rivers and creeks1 – Serious public health problems [1] “Human Rights & Oil in Nigeria.” 1 August 2004. Amnesty International.

Water and Sanitation Situation • Access to safe water – <1/4 of rural communities – 60% of urban communities

• Sanitation concerns – No central sewage – Open defecation – Many users per latrine

• Health indicators are low

Rural Africa Water Development Project • Nigerian social enterprise • Will lead marketing and manufacturing of Mor-sand filters

Design Constraints • • • • • •

(Lack of) Infrastructure Existing practices Technological capacity Materials Impact on economy Sustainability

Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera Paste • Preparation – Naturally dried seeds – Extract oil – Grind presscake – Mix with clean water

• Coagulation – Dosed into dirty water – Stir, settle, decant

Bio-sand Filter • Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technologies (CAWST) pioneered it • Slow-sand filtration without backwashing • Needs ripening period for biological layer to form – Impatient user may have poor quality water

Mor-sand Filter

Mor-sand Filter • No proprietary chemicals • Household water treatment • Combines: – Properties of powdered Moringa oleifera seed – Slow sand filteration process

• Use upon installation • Reduces turbidity, solids, bacteria, hardness, metals

Filter Construction

Completed Filter in Action

Positive Impact • Significant reduction in intestinal illnesses • Water disputes reduced • Capacity Building • Value-added to local natural resources • New markets

Plans to Upscale • Plan for 7 states in the Niger Delta – Imo, Abia, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, and Bayelsa states

• Train 10 young people as filter technicians • Social marketing to emphasize importance • Combine with hygiene education

ESW-UB’s Roles and Goals • Support RAWDP – Research and design – Fundraising

• Engage students – Understand global issues – Grasp sustainability – Experience Africa 1st hand

Thanks! • Questions?

• Contact: – Kelly Miller, [email protected] – Joachim Ezeji, [email protected]