Disinfection of waterborne coliform bacteria using Luffa cylindrica fruit and seed extracts

Abstract

This study examined the potential of extracts of the plant Luffa cylindrica to act as disinfectants of drinking water. Aqueous extracts of the seeds and fruit of L. cylindrica were tested against total and faecal coliform bacteria in surface water by varying the extract doses and contact times. Inactivation of both faecal coliforms and total coliforms was highly variable and dose‐dependent. The maximum coliform inactivation achieved in any trial was 86%. Fruit extracts were more successful at inactivating total coliforms than faecal coliforms. Seed extracts achieved higher coliform inactivation levels than fruit extracts generally. Overall, the antimicrobial potential of seeds and fruit from L. cylindrica was demonstrated; however the disinfection performance was less than would be required for these extracts to be considered reliable disinfectants for drinking water treatment.

Keywords:

• disinfection
• coliform
• essential oil

Acknowledgements

The link between the UK and Nepal partners on this research was made possible by the ‘Development of Partnerships in Higher Education’ (DelPHE) Programme of the British Council and the Department for International Development.