Iron Nails and Citizen Scientists: How Researchers are Fighting Back Against Arsenic Contamination

An estimated 220 million people worldwide are affected by arsenic exposure. So how can communities be empowered to create and implement solutions themselves? In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Jagannath Biswakarma, Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol, about the global threat of arsenic contamination in groundwater and food. The conversation unpacks why arsenic exposure is so dangerous, how it spreads through soil, crops, and water, and what communities can do to fight back. From simple iron-nail filters that anyone can build, to advanced monitoring systems and international policy shifts, they highlight solutions that save lives today while pointing toward a safer future. They also explore the surprising potential of arsenic recovery to fuel a circular economy, transforming pollutants into valuable resources for industries such as semiconductors. Jagannath also shares how citizen scientists, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stronger communication between researchers and policymakers can turn a toxic crisis into an opportunity for innovation and justice. LINKS Jagannath Biswakarma on LinkedIn METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn Balancing The Future Podcast Website Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn SOURCES Arsenic in drinking water: An analysis of global drinking water regulations and recommendations for updates to protect public health – PubMed Arsenic reduction to <1 µg/L in Dutch drinking water – ScienceDirect Algal Logistics – U.S. Department of Energy Pollution and Circular Economy – EU Environment Program Three ways pollution can be turned into something useful – World Economic Forum Lead toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation – PubMed Cadmium toxicity in plants: Impacts and remediation strategies - ScienceDirect The ocean – the world’s greatest ally against climate change – United Nations  ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE:  Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.

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