Anjali Chadha: The Young Innovator Revolutionizing Arsenic Detection for Safer Drinking Water



Millions worldwide face the silent threat of arsenic contamination in their drinking water—a toxic hazard linked to cancer and other serious health issues. Tackling this challenge head-on is Anjali Chadha, a young bioengineer whose innovative sensor technology is transforming water safety and empowering communities globally.

Understanding the Arsenic Crisis:

Arsenic naturally contaminates groundwater in many regions, including parts of the United States, India, and Bangladesh. Despite its severe health risks, many rural and underserved populations lack affordable, reliable ways to test their water. This gap leaves millions exposed to dangerous levels of arsenic without knowing it.

Anjali Chadha’s Groundbreaking Solution:

Motivated by the discovery of arsenic contamination near her Kentucky home, Anjali designed a portable, cost-effective sensor that detects arsenic in drinking water quickly and accurately. Unlike traditional lab tests, her device uses a chemical reaction to convert arsenic into a detectable gas, which changes the color of a test strip. A digital sensor then measures this color change and uploads the data to the cloud with GPS tagging, enabling real-time monitoring.

Key Features of Anjali’s Sensor:

  •          Affordable: Production costs around $350, making it accessible for communities worldwide.
  •          Portable and User-Friendly: Designed for easy field use without specialized equipment.
  •          Automated and Accurate: Combines chemistry with digital imaging and cloud data storage.
  •          Scalable: One device can monitor water safety for entire villages or communities.

Recognition and Impact:

Anjali’s work earned her a Top 40 finalist position in the 2019 Regeneron Science Talent Search, along with a $25,000 prize. She has won multiple awards at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and has been featured in STEM documentaries and media highlighting young innovators.

Empowering the Next Generation:

Beyond her invention, Anjali founded Empowered, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to training minority high school girls in STEM and entrepreneurship. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion in science amplifies her impact beyond technology, inspiring future generations of innovators.

Why This Matters:

Anjali Chadha’s sensor offers a practical, scalable solution to a global health crisis, enabling communities to detect and respond to arsenic contamination before it causes harm. Her blend of scientific innovation and social responsibility exemplifies how young minds can drive meaningful change.

Click here to explore more Global Indian stories that inspire.

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