Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media: IISER develops device to detect and remove arsenic from water

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in collaboration with private company has developed a new device-Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media to detect and remove arsenic content from water and make it safe and usable by households.

Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media

The device is very easy to use, very cost effective and anyone can use it to detect arsenic easily. It uses very simple and household detection sensing methodology. It is capable of sensing soluble arsenic (3) which cannot be easily detected and removed.
It can show immediate change in colour in arsenic contaminated water. It provides holistic approach in immediate detection of arsenic contamination levels from available water resources and thereafter produces arsenic-free potable water. It has high sensitivity as it can sense up to parts per billion (ppb) level compared to many currently available techniques which sense parts per million (ppm).

Arsenic Pollution

Arsenic is a natural component in the earth’s crust. It is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Intake of soluble inorganic arsenic over long period can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning (arsenicosis), diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. WHO permissible limit of arsenic in groundwater is 0.1 mg per litre. . In India, it was revised recently by Bureau of Indian Standards from 0.05 mg/l to 0.01 mg/l. In India, Arsenic pollution big problem in Bengal and neighbouring states. In Bengal, there are 83 blocks in eight districts where groundwater is arsenic contaminated. Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia districts have higher levels of arsenic concentration.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2018