Researchers have created a novel optical sensor that allows for real-time detection of very low concentrations of arsenic in water.
This technology has the potential to facilitate household testing, enabling individuals to actively monitor their water quality.
Arsenic contamination poses a significant environmental and public health threat, impacting millions globally. This issue arises when natural geological processes release arsenic from rocks and soil into groundwater, a situation worsened by mining activities, improper disposal of industrial waste, and the use of arsenic-based pesticides.
“Drinking water contaminated with arsenic can result in serious health issues, including arsenic poisoning and various cancers such as skin, lung, kidney, and bladder cancer,” stated lead researcher Sunil Khijwania from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.
“Our goal is to develop a sensitive, selective, reusable, and cost-effective sensor that meets the demand for a reliable and user-friendly tool for routine monitoring, thereby safeguarding communities from arsenic exposure.”
In a recent publication in the journal Applied Optics by the Optica Publishing Group, the researchers detail their innovative sensor that employs an optical fiber and utilizes localized surface plasmon resonance to detect arsenic levels as low as 0.09 parts per billion (ppb), which is 111 times below the World Health Organization’s maximum permissible limit of 10 ppb. The sensor demonstrated consistent performance when tested with real drinking water samples from various locations and conditions.
Although conventional spectroscopy methods for detecting arsenic are highly accurate and sensitive, they tend to require complex, bulky, expensive equipment that is time-consuming and complicated to use. To fill this critical gap, the researchers developed an optical fiber sensor that not only has a low detection limit but is also cost-effective and user-friendly enough for routine arsenic monitoring in drinking water.
