Banana Peels: Natural Water Purifiers

Date:23 August 2016

Country: Brazil

Application

• Water purification: Using banana peels to remove heavy metals like copper and lead from polluted water.

Description

A study by researchers from São Paulo State University in Brazil discovered that banana peels can purify water by absorbing heavy metals like copper and lead. The peel's sulfur, nitrogen, and carboxylic acids help remove toxins when dried, made into tablets, and dissolved in water. However, banana peels cannot eliminate parasites, bacteria, or viruses from water. This discovery highlights the potential of banana peels as a natural water purifier.

Pathway Description:

The process involves drying banana peels and grinding them into a fine powder. This powder is then compressed into tablets for easy use. When these tablets are added to contaminated water, the compounds in the peel, such as sulfur, nitrogen, and carboxylic acids, bind to and absorb heavy metals like copper and lead. After a period of time, the purified water is separated from the solidified contaminants.