: Professors DIY Filter Clears Toxic Metals From 100 Litres of Water For Just Rs 1 #IndiaNEWS #Assam Arsenic, a naturally occurring material, has wide use in industries, such as glass, textiles, tanning

Professors DIY Filter Clears Toxic Metals From 100 Litres of Water For Just Rs 1 #IndiaNEWS #Assam
Arsenic, a naturally occurring material, has wide use in industries, such as glass, textiles, tanning and others. However, the element found in the earth’s crust has devastating effects on the human body.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that the presence of the element beyond permissible limits can lead to diabetes, skin diseases, heart ailments and even cancer. These are the same issues that residents living in the North-East state of Assam have been facing over the years.
Out of the 33 districts in Assam, 24 have reported contamination by arsenic in their groundwater sources.
Dr Robin Dutta, a professor at the Department of Chemical Sciences at Tezpur University in Assam, has witnessed the life-threatening effects of arsenic first-hand. “I have lost many friends and family members to cancer, and it took time for me to realise the reason behind their health ailments,??? he tells The Better India.
Since 1975, he has witnessed about 30 people lose their lives to cancer in his village in Majuli. The pain and suffering of the people pushed Dr Robin to create a low-cost solution that is currently benefiting thousands.
Purifying water at 1 paisa/litre
Dr Robin Dutta with school students, explaining functioning of Arsiron Niligon.
Being a student of science, he conducted various tests to detect fluoride in water. “The worrying issue of fluoride and its ill-effects on the health of the residents was well-known. But it was by accident that I learned the gravity of the arsenic issue,??? he says.
He adds, “I was trying to find a low-cost method for removal of fluoride when it was noticed by some during a research that the vast groundwater areas of Assam were contaminated with arsenic — a more serious issue. ???
Dr Robin says that the issue came to light in the early 2000s, and he decided to find a solution for the same.
“The permissible limit for arsenic in water recommended by the WHO is 0. 01 mg/litre. However, the amount was much higher, which resulted in health problems,??? he adds.
Dr Robin started using his scientific knowledge to work on a low-cost solution. “The locals of the region still cannot afford expensive water filters that remove heavy contaminations to make drinking water safe. Hence, an alternative was required,??? he says.
Over 10 years, Dr Robin developed a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) water filter — Arsiron Nilogon, that costs Rs 350 and makes water potable. The recurring cost of the water filter is 1 paisa per litre, which is now widely used by families across the state and has also reached other parts of India, the USA and Yemen.
Speaking about his research, Robin says that he identified three chemicals that could be easily accessed and were inexpensive — baking soda, potassium permanganate and ferric chloride.