Bihar Brothers Create Magnetic Filtration for Arsenic-Safe Water

In 2026, WaterAid India uncovered alarmingly high arsenic levels in Bihar’s Simri block, reaching 704.4 ppb – more than 70 times the safe guideline of 10 ppb. Faced with this invisible threat, brothers Arpit and Abhijeet embarked on a school project to address the pervasive issue of contaminated drinking water, which has no taste or smell but can lead to severe health problems like skin lesions and cancers from long-term exposure.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by its widespread impact. Research has identified arsenic levels exceeding 50 µg/L in 7,164 out of 66,623 water samples across 50 blocks in 11 Bihar districts. An estimated 10 million rural residents are currently at risk. For families like Durga Yadav's in Bhikchu Ka Dera, where her husband died of stomach cancer and her brother-in-law passed away this year, hand pumps remain the only available water source despite known contamination.

The brothers' innovation, developed at Bihar Bal Bhawan Kilkari, employs magnetic filtration technology to target arsenic at the molecular level. This method utilizes magnetic separation, bypassing the need for conventional consumables or chemicals. After extensive testing, the technology moved beyond the classroom, with field pilots in Bhojpur and Buxar successfully reducing arsenic levels to below 2 ppb, a result validated by CSIR.

Through their startup, Navmarg Research & Innovation, Arpit and Abhijeet have now deployed their systems across 13 sites, delivering 3.19 million litres of arsenic-safe water. This work, for the brothers, extends beyond mere invention, providing a tangible alternative to communities where safe drinking water is a critical necessity rather than just a promise.

Why it matters: This innovation provides a practical, chemical-free solution to a widespread public health crisis.

Editor's note: Excellent summary of the brothers' innovation and the context of the water crisis in Bihar.