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Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have introduced AroTrack, an economical and portable device to accurately detect harmful pollutants in water.
AroTrack
Developed by IIT Bombay, AroTrack, an affordable, portable device to detect harmful water pollutants like phenol, benzene, and xylenols.
The device costs less than ₹5,000 and provides accurate detection of pollutants in water, even at low concentrations (10-200 parts per billion).
AroTrack uses engineered proteins (MopR) from bacteria that are sensitive to specific aromatic pollutants.
The proteins trigger a colour change when pollutants are detected, which is then measured by the device.
It’s compact, battery-operated, and designed to be easily used by both technical and non-technical users in field settings like rural or low-income areas.
The device works accurately even in high temperatures (up to 50°C) and gives results in under 30 minutes.
It is comparable to modern spectrophotometers used for pollutant detection.
Researchers aim to extend its capability to detect more complex pollutants. Further field trials are needed before it becomes fully market-ready.
AroTrack was made using 3D printing, basic electronics, and open-source components to keep costs low while maintaining functionality.
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