Effect of Soaking of Phyllanthus Emblica Wood in Drinking-Water for Purification

Background: Drinking-water is purified by various methods like UV irradiation, heat treatment, adding disinfectants like chlorine etc. Aims of purification include reducing turbidity and elements, increasing taste and removing microbes. There is no single method available which can fulfill entire expectation. Siddha literatures claim that the purification could be achieved by soaking certain herbals. Objective: The present study was done to evaluate the water purifying property of Phyllanthus emblica wood. Materials and method: 1.5 L of water was taken in two different containers. Control container water was kept as such. Phyllanthus emblica wood pieces (75 g) were soaked in test container. After 48 hrs, two groups of water were filtered and investigated for physical properties, elements and level of microorganisms. Result: The color, odor, turbidity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, calcium, iron, chloride and nitrate level were increased in the test container. pH, total hardness, sulphate and magnesium levels were decreased in the test container. Level of Escherichia coli, total coliforms and faecal coliforms were reduced in the test container. Conclusion: Soaking Phyllanthus emblica wood improves the purity of water. This beneficial property of Phyllanthus emblica may be used in the purification of drinking water.