SILCHAR, Dec 30 - In a bid to address the concerns on water pollution and arsenic in particular because of the element of risk in groundwater contamination in the North-east and in parts of West Bengal, Dr M Ahmaruzzaman, Associate Professor, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar and his team of researchers have developed a new solution to purify toxic water which contains arsenic. �
�We have developed a low-cost material for oxidative adsorption of arsenic from groundwater. Under laboratory condition, the material is showing great results. However, the practical utilisation of the method is under developing stage. We are also working on the development of some kind of device which can be practically used for on spot removal of groundwater,� Dr Ahmaruzzaman said in a statement issued to the press.
Further, he informed that the results of their research work showed that the developed materials could reduce the arsenic and fluoride concentration in both synthetic and spiked groundwater to below 10ppb and 1.5ppm, respectively which are the maximum permissible limits according to the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines. These will help tackle the problems of arsenic, fluoride, and iron contamination present in various parts of Assam and provide safe drinking water to the rural people in various parts of the country and the development of low cost and biogenic material for enhanced water decontamination and arsenic removal holds great social and industrial significance, he added.�
Interestingly, Union Minister of Education, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has recently congratulated the efforts and shared a message on his social media page terming the development as a great job. Director of NIT Silchar, Prof Sivaji Bandyopadhyay said that the recognition by the Union Minister of Education to the research work by the Associate Professor and his team will inspire the faculty and researchers to add on to the role played by the institute as a global hub for research and innovation having a societal impact.
