Guwahati: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have developed an affordable portable device that can detect cancer-causing heavy metals, toxic chemicals and harmful bacteria in water within minutes, offering a significant boost to water quality monitoring across India.
Named ‘E-Eye’, the device functions as an electronic eye, allowing users to carry out on-site testing of drinking water without relying on costly laboratory analysis. It can identify contaminants such as arsenic, lead, iron, chromium, fluoride and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.
Priced at approximately Rs 3,500, the device can analyse each water sample for nearly Rs 2, making it one of the most cost-effective water testing technologies currently available. Researchers expect the manufacturing cost to decrease further with large-scale production.
The innovation could strengthen the implementation of the Centre’s Jal Jeevan Mission, which seeks to provide safe drinking water to every rural household while addressing persistent challenges in water quality surveillance.
Unlike conventional laboratory equipment, including UV-Visible and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers, the E-Eye has been designed specifically for field use. It uses an optical sensing system to analyse water samples, measure contaminant levels and wirelessly transmit the results to monitoring or treatment facilities for real-time assessment.
The research, published in the IEEE Sensors Journal, was led by Prof. Tapas K. Mandal of IIT Guwahati’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Prof. Harshal B. Nemade of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, along with researchers from collaborating institutions.
According to Prof. Mandal, the device integrates optical sensing technology with digital electronics to provide accurate quantitative measurements of multiple contaminants in a single test.
During laboratory validation, the research team tested the E-Eye on more than 2,700 samples, with its performance closely matching the results produced by sophisticated laboratory instruments.
Beyond drinking water, the device can also detect contaminants in soil, milk, vegetables, tea, herbal products, food items, industrial effluents and other environmental samples, expanding its potential applications across agriculture, food safety, environmental monitoring and public health.
Prof. Nemade said the technology could assist government agencies in monitoring drinking water supplies, help industries track heavy metal discharge and support food manufacturers in maintaining product safety standards.
The project received funding from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). To commercialise the innovation, the research team has established a startup, ENVIONIX Labs Pvt. Ltd., and is working with industry partners on technology transfer.
Researchers are now developing the next version of the device with solar-powered operation and cloud connectivity, enabling independent use in remote locations while supporting real-time data sharing.
With its low cost, portability, wireless capabilities and ability to detect multiple contaminants simultaneously, the E-Eye has the potential to improve water quality monitoring and help reduce the risk of water contamination and water-borne diseases, particularly in rural and underserved areas.