Team:ASU/Implementation

Implementation

chlamydomonas in the community

Currently, there is no effective and sustainable system for the removal of toxic heavy metals from well water for a community setting. Options for filtration systems in a domestic setting include reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, distillation, ion exchange, and coagulation filtration. These solutions are mainly intended for private wells to homes and can be difficult to maintain, expensive, and often waste a lot of water in the filtration process. Typically, they can cost between $2-10 thousand dollars, and some of them depend on the gallon usage or frequency of use. A filtration system that is intended for community use is necessary. We go into more depth on designing and modeling a filter on our Proof of Concept page.

considering the end goal

We hope our design creates a platform for future research and IGEM teams to adapt and improve for research on similar bioremediation projects. Although arsenic contamination holds an important role in the design of this project, it is reasonable that this design could benefit applications for the sequestration of many different contaminants. Ultimately, though, this filter is intended for use in a rural, community setting. For us, personally, this solution has the potential to deliver clean water effectively and cheaply to well users in our state. However, this solution could be implemented in a variety of different contexts. Our conversations with algae, safety, and industry experts has suggested the applicability of our solution to wastewater treatment plants, mining companies that need a cost-effective method to manage their waste, rural areas or farm lands that do not have access to expensive infrastructure, and chemical deposit areas.