The Mor-sand Filter in the The Mor-sand Filter in the Niger DeltaNiger Delta

Kelly MillerUniversity at Buffalo

Engineers for a Sustainable World-UB

OutlineOutline

• Nigeria Water Overview

• Low-tech Treatment Technologies– Moringa oleifera– Biosand Filter– Mor-sand Filter

• ESW-UB’s role

Federal Republic of NigeriaFederal Republic of Nigeria

Federal Republic of Nigeria OverviewFederal 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 ConcernsNiger 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 SituationWater 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 ProjectRural Africa Water Development Project

• Nigerian social enterprise

• Will lead marketing and manufacturing of Mor-sand filters

Design Constraints Design Constraints

• (Lack of) Infrastructure

• Existing practices

• Technological capacity

• Materials

• Impact on economy

• Sustainability

Moringa oleiferaMoringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera Moringa oleifera PastePaste

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

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

Bio-sand FilterBio-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 FilterMor-sand Filter

Mor-sand FilterMor-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 ConstructionFilter Construction

Completed Filter in ActionCompleted Filter in Action

Positive ImpactPositive Impact

• Significant reduction in intestinal illnesses

• Water disputes reduced

• Capacity Building

• Value-added to local natural resources

• New markets

Plans to UpscalePlans 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 GoalsESW-UB’s Roles and Goals

• Support RAWDP– Research and design– Fundraising

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

Thanks!Thanks!

• Questions?

• Contact:– Kelly Miller, esw_ub@yahoo.com– Joachim Ezeji, ruralafrwadp@yahoo.com