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WATER INNOVATIONS
DUAL-POWERED WATER BIHAR STUDENTS DEVELOP
PURIFICATION DEVICE mAGNETIC ARSENIC REmOVAL
DEVELOPED FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVICE FOR SAFE DRINKING
AGRICULTURE WATER
A University of Canterbury team, led by Professor Alex A team of bihar-based students, through Navmarg
yip, is developing an advanced water treatment device Research and Innovation Pvt. Ltd., has created an
to promote sustainable agriculture and hydroponics, innovative Magnetic Arsenic Removal Technology
which requires ultra-clean water free from contaminants. to provide arsenic-free drinking water in affected
The device leverages a photoelectrochemical system areas. The device operates on molecular magnetism,
that uses solar energy for daytime purifi cation and removing arsenic ions by attracting them to a magnetic
an electrical system for night or low-light operation, surface. Developed with support from Kilkari bihar
ensuring continuous water cleanliness. bal bhawan and collaborations with research labs, this
device addresses arsenic contamination with minimal
This innovation is particularly valuable for waste, making it both cost-effective and eco-friendly.
hydroponic systems in areas where water scarcity or
pollution poses challenges, as the device prevents The technology, holding fi ve national and international
bioaccumulation of pollutants. Designed to eliminate patents, is validated by India's Ministry of Jal Shakti and
micropollutants such as pesticides and endocrine public health organizations like CSIR-IICT and CSIR-
disruptors, it supports closed, recirculating water CGCRI. Following successful fi eld trials in bihar villages,
systems crucial to large-scale hydroponics. treating 2.9 million liters of water, the device will be
accessible for procurement via the GeM portal.
The technology has proven effective in lab tests
and is now being trialed in real-world hydroponic With Stellarin Ventures overseeing sales rights, the
systems. yip highlights its potential to reduce food device will be available in three models: a community
miles and carbon emissions by enabling local, urban model (approx. 1.9 lakh), a municipal model (12 lakh),
farming, including high-rise farms, which allow year- and a household version (15,000).
round crop production and reduce dependence on
traditional food supply chains. The device, affordable Source/Photo Credit: Times of India
and versatile, could also benefi t households as a
supplement to standard water fi lters.
Source/Photo Credit: Interesting Engineering, Inc.
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