Anthropogenic activities such as mining sites, industrial sites, waste treatment plants, fertilisers and pesticides create enormous amounts of heavy metal pollution, which has an important ecological impact on biodiversity, causing detrimental health effects in both humans and animals (Azhar et al., 2022; Kapahi & Sachdeva, 2019). Heavy-metals can enter drinking water and the agro-ecosystem, and accumulate through the food-chain; in humans, arsenic poisoning can lead to multi-organ damage, cancer, and neurological disorders (Satyapal et al., 2018). Hazard management of this waste is extremely costly with $1.5 million USD worth of damages caused by heavy metal pollution annually in ASEAN countries (Ding, 2019).
Current remediation techniques are inadequate in effectiveness and largely limited in scope. Physical remediation techniques are commonly used methods and aim to confine polluted areas, but these are highly expensive and are often invasive in the environment putting ecosystems at risk. Chemical remediation techniques are not much better; these methods are much too expensive, the reagents and byproducts are often toxic, and the method requires reapplication every few years, limiting its effectiveness (Satyapal et al., 2018).
To develop a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method, we propose a synthetic biology solution consisting of a modular bioaccumulation platform for heavy-metal bioremediation. In our project, we engineer heavy-metal binding proteins (MBPs) localised to encapsulin-nanocompartments delivered by bacteriophages into bacteria to capture and sequester toxic arsenic compounds. Our vision is to have engineered phages that we may intentionally release into the environment, causing bacteria to produce the necessary bioremediation tools and clean up any heavy metal waste, not just arsenic. This strategy will be cost-effective, non-toxic and non-invasive.
Our encapsulin and metal binding based bioremediation system aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Primarily, it contributes to Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by providing an innovative solution to remediate contaminated water sources, thereby ensuring access to clean and safe water. Additionally, it supports Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and Goal 15 (Life on Land) by promoting the restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity. The technology's sustainability and environmentally-friendly approach align with Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing pollution and promoting responsible resource management. The application of synthetic biology in bioremediation demonstrates technological innovation, which aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and the partnerships formed between academia, industry, and government to implement this technology reflect the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the SDGs (SDG 17). Overall, this system plays a pivotal role in addressing multiple SDGs and advancing global sustainability.
We are eagerly preparing for our presentation at the esteemed Critical Minerals Conference hosted by ANU. This upcoming event promises us a valuable chance to explore the practical applications of our project and assess its real-world feasibility. Beyond this, as we consider the potential continuation of our project, this conference opens a significant avenue for engagement with our prospective end users, creating a promising opportunity for collaboration and further development. Following our presentation to Bioplatforms Australia, we gained invaluable insights into how to effectively tailor our project pitch for our prospective end users, the mining companies. Additionally, Bioplatforms Australia raised our awareness about the pertinent regulations concerning phage releases. As a result, we investigated the regulations surrounding intentional phage release and consulted a representative from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) to confirm the ongoing viability of our project and its goals.