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32 || AWSAR Awarded Popular Science Stories - 2019
 same laboratory highlighted the physiological responses of these microorganisms in relation to As transformation in the groundwater. In collaboration with Raja Ramana Centre for Advanced Technologies (Indore), Dr. Sar and his team used high-end x-ray-based technologies, such as x-ray absorption near- edge structure and others, to perform many studies on sediment–bacteria interaction to provide details on the role of microorganisms in deciding the fate of As-Fe-S redox processes and their impact on As mobilization. With the support from the IIT Kharagpur, currently, the lab is engaged in some more studies using advanced molecular technologies, such as whole-genome sequencing, proteomics and other ‘omics’-based techniques, on the groundwater bacteria to have a
complete picture of the mechanisms of As biotransformation by microbes and develop strategies for eliminating the As problem more biologically or in an eco-friendly manner. In due course of time, the group has also developed an As-detection system based on colour development and visual observation of groundwater after adding appropriate chemical solutions that can detect As up to less than the WHO limit of 5 μg/L As. The system has been used locally by the rural people for awareness on As-contamination monitoring in the tube wells. The laboratory has also initiated the development of biological filters based on cell-impregnatedrechargeablelateritefilters forthefiltrationofgroundwaterAsbytherural community of West Bengal, India.
   































































































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