Development of a Multi-Layer Herbal Water Filter for Bacterial Removal - A Review

Abstract

The increasing demand for clean and safe drinking water has driven research toward cost-effective and eco-friendly filtration methods. This review explores the development and effectiveness of a multi-layer herbal water filter designed for bacterial removal. Herbal filtration technology utilizes bioactive compounds from medicinal plants to enhance microbial removal efficiency while ensuring sustainability. The study investigates various herbal materials, their antibacterial properties, and their integration into a layered filtration system. Comparative analysis with conventional filtration methods highlights the advantages of herbal filtration, including affordability, biodegradability, and minimal environmental impact. This review aims to provide insight into the potential of herbal-based filtration as an alternative to chemical-based water purification techniques.

Introduction

Access to clean and safe drinking water is vital for public health and sustainability, but traditional chemical filtration methods can cause secondary pollution. Herbal water filters, using natural antibacterial compounds from plants like neem, tulsi, and moringa, offer an eco-friendly, low-cost alternative for bacterial removal, especially beneficial in rural and resource-limited areas.

The multi-layer herbal filtration system combines physical filtration (sand, gravel, charcoal) with herbal-infused layers to effectively remove bacteria through adsorption and antimicrobial activity. Compared to conventional filters, herbal filters are more sustainable, cost-effective, and easier to maintain, though challenges remain in standardizing herbal components and scaling up production.

Waterborne diseases caused by bacterial contamination remain a major global health issue, with millions affected annually. Conventional disinfection methods like chlorination and UV treatment are effective but costly and sometimes produce harmful byproducts, underscoring the need for safer, affordable solutions.

Research shows many herbal materials possess strong antibacterial properties, but most studies focus on single extracts rather than multi-layer combinations. This project aims to develop a scalable, sustainable herbal filtration system that leverages the synergistic effects of multiple plants to improve water quality, promote health, and support global clean water initiatives.

Conclusion

The development of a multi-layer herbal water filter presents a promising approach to bacterial removal, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for water purification. Herbal extracts with antibacterial properties enhance microbial removal while reducing reliance on chemical-based treatments. Future research should focus on optimizing filter design, assessing long-term performance, and scaling up implementation to meet global water treatment needs.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Madhuri Barmase , Prof. Rohit P. Deshmukh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.