Boston, MA – October 15, 2005 – Dr. John Duggan, a professor in the Applied Mathematics and Sciences department, is a leader in the effort against contaminated drinking water in Bangladesh.

The Wentworth professor, along with colleagues from the University of Bordeaux, the University of Toronto and Better Life Labs, a Vermont-based non-profit organization, is working to eliminate the problem. Together they are trying to create a low-cost method of removing arsenic from waters in Bangladesh, which has suffered from drinking water contaminated with the metal.

Neither tap nor bottled water is available to most inhabitants of this country, which is roughly the size of Wisconsin. Drinking water is provided by tube wells that are contaminated by naturally occurring minerals in the region. This natural contamination similarly affects parts of China, Ghana, and the Bengali region of India.

This problem is responsible for widespread infant mortality, tumor growth, an increase in metal-born diseases and physical deformities.

Corrupt government and past mishandling of the problem have also affected Bangladesh.

Past efforts by western world researchers have failed because of poor leadership and misguided motives. “In the past, a lack of commitment and poor understanding of the culture, along with a drive for profit, have hindered the effort," Duggan explained. “But," he continued, “International groups such as ours are committed to solve the problem."

To bridge the gap between cultures, the group has developed relationships with affected communities.

“We will personally go to places where we have grown relationships with the community to field test," said Duggan. “There are members of the group who are from Bangladesh who understand the culture of the area."

In addition to developing treatment systems, the group is also studying the science behind the problem. They are forming an understanding of arsenic sorption chemistry by conducting field tests using advanced equipment.

Researchers at the University of Bordeaux are using a high-powered photon beam technology to detect arsenic in samples at the atomic level. While this method is available to developed countries, it is too expensive for a population that lives on less than a dollar a day.

“What is needed is a sustainable and cost-effective way for the country to detect and treat arsenic," Duggan said. “Bangladeshis must be able to build their own systems with their own resources. The project must be virtually cost-free to the user."

The group is determined to succeed and is taking proper steps to ensure no mishap will inhibit its progress.

“We will not publish until we are sure the methods can be successful," said Duggan. “If our work is released before testing, it could be misused. This group is very committed to validating its work to insure a safe and effective outcome. Unfortunately, we do so at the expense of time."