Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 27, Issue 2, 2021; Page No.(836-840)

UTILITY OF FOLDSCOPE IN MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH: A STUDY IN GROUNDWATER SAMPLES IN LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT OF ASSAM, INDIA

Mridul Buragohain, Nilakhi Kakoti and Indibor Buragohain

Abstract

The foldscope is an origami portable and affordable microscope that can be used as a high-end frugal technology for teaching science. Our local environment is fulfilling with various microorganisms which affect our community. It is impossible to identify them at the spot without sampling in laboratory. However, this can be done in spot with the help of a foldscope. The aim of this study was to isolate bacteria from arsenic contaminated sites of Lakhimpur districts, Assam. The study estimated that arsenic concentration in water samples of the study area were found higher by (0.26±0.04 mg/l) than the permissible limit as prescribed by WHO. Total 10th morphologically completely different arsenic resistant bacteria isolated from water samples bacterial cultures were observed by performing staining at various time intervals. The slide was placed in the foldscope interfaced with a mobile phone. After staining the cells were observed under foldscope and recorded the images.