In a major breakthrough, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have created a nanosensor that can instantly detect dangerous water pollutants known to cause cancer and other serious diseases. The sensor, developed using milk protein and thymine, is designed to identify mercury contamination and harmful antibiotic residues within just 10 seconds.
Water pollution is becoming a critical issue worldwide due to rapid urbanisation, industrial waste, and excessive use of pharmaceuticals. These pollutants often find their way into rivers, lakes, and even drinking water, posing a serious threat to ecosystems and human health.
The IIT-Guwahati team explained that antibiotics like tetracyclines—commonly used to treat pneumonia and other respiratory infections—can enter the environment if disposed of carelessly. Their presence in water can contribute to antibiotic resistance and long-term health risks. Similarly, mercury, particularly in its organic form, is extremely toxic and linked to cancer, neurological damage, and cardiovascular diseases.
To address this, the researchers created a nanosensor using carbon dots—tiny particles that glow brightly under ultraviolet (UV) light. When pollutants such as mercury or tetracyclines are present, the glow of these carbon dots fades, serving as a quick and visible warning signal of contamination.
The team has tested the nanosensor in various real-world samples, including tap water, river water, milk, urine, and serum, showing its versatility and potential applications. However, the research is still in its laboratory stage, and the technology will need further testing and validation before it can be widely used.
If successfully developed, this innovation could provide a low-cost, rapid, and easy-to-use method for detecting pollutants in water and other fluids, significantly improving public health monitoring and safety.
