Is there metal in the water?
The podcast episode discusses concerns about contaminants, specifically metallic pollutants, potentially present in treated drinking water, which exceed permissible limits. The host, Letícia Sarturi, a scientist with expertise in immunology and biochemistry, introduces Professor Derval dos Santos Rosa, who leads a research project focused on ecological solutions to decontaminate water. Professor Rosa shares his background in chemistry and engineering and emphasizes his long-standing commitment to environmental issues, particularly regarding plastic waste and its impact. His current research aims to address the presence of soluble metallic particles in the environment, which can cause various health problems. He describes a collaborative research project involving approximately 20 experts from various universities, including those in Brazil and abroad. The team's work encompasses understanding the phenomena related to metal contamination and developing practical filtration devices to remove harmful ions from drinking water. The discussion highlights the importance of science in tackling societal problems and emphasizes that researchers are driven by a passion for their work and commitment to finding solutions to environmental challenges.