Team:UMaryland

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UMaryland iGEM 2021


Abstract

Our neighboring Chesapeake Bay is frequently subjected to harmful algal blooms caused in part by excess phosphorus pollution. This type of pollution threatens aquatic habitats, biodiversity, and even the livelihoods of humans. However, current phosphorus remediation techniques do not prioritize reclamation and reuse of phosphorus, a nonrenewable resource. By genetically engineering E. coli to contain key phosphorus metabolic genes from the phosphorus-accumulating organism, microlunatus phosphovorus, UMaryland iGEM set out to develop PhosphoREUSE, a phosphorus recycling system that can uptake, store, and release phosphorus. To facilitate easy use of our sequestration units, our genetic constructs are housed in a bioreactor system that is user-friendly and affordable. In order to ensure the efficacy of our design and its usefulness to our community, our team engaged with experts in the area and stakeholders who may want to utilize our system to detect and decrease unhealthy levels of polyphosphates in bodies of water.



Problem


Harmful Algae Blooms

Increased phosphorus pollution leads to harmful algal blooms that block sunlight and lead to “dead zones” of decreased oxygen levels1.

Dead Zones

can lead to increase in pH levels of water, lower biodiversity, and increase growth of parasites. The Chesapeake Bay itself has lost 98% of its oysters and 80% of grasses1.

50%

of phosphorus entering the Chesapeake Bay comes from agricultural runoff1.

Phosphorus Sustainability

Though the Earth still has reliable phosphorus rock reserves, the “quality and accessibility” of phosphorus reserves are decreasing while the “costs to mine, refine, store, and transport them” increases2,3.




Solution

Phosphorus Detection Methods

Report on commercially available phosphorus detectors used by the agricultural sector currently and a schematic for a potential phosphorus-detecting biosensor.

Phosphorus Sequestration Units

Our phosphorus sequestration units are developed by genetically engineering E. coli with key phosphorus metabolic genes controlling phosphorus uptake, storage, and release.

Bioreactor

Designs, models, and a prototype of a user-friendly, cost-effective bioreactor that will facilitate the use of our phosphorus sequestration units.

References

  1. Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Nitrogen & Phosphorus. Retrieved from https://www.cbf.org/issues/agriculture/nitrogen-phosphorus.html
  2. Cho, R. (2019, March 22). Phosphorus: Essential to Life-Are We Running Out? Retrieved from https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2013/04/01/phosphorus-essential-to-life-are-we-running-out/
  3. Appel, A. (2007, August 04). Florida Counties Try to Contain Phosphate Mines. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/04/us/04phosphates.html