Silver Human Practices
On this page, we have discussed the issue that the iGEM IIT Delhi’s 2023 team is trying to solve, along with its impact and a detailed description of the stakeholders we’ve worked with, who have helped us understand the issue better. Adding onto our last year’s project LEADer, this year we are working on tackling the problem of heavy metal poisoning in the Yamuna River and controlling oil spill levels in soils. We first identified the issue, and then we listed the stakeholders who might be important in this area. Through a thorough brainstorming session with the entire HP team, we identified all pertinent parties to this issue. We identified the relevant industries, academic institutions, local communities, etc. who could give us better insights into the real world scenario. We strongly identify with the statement, “Local People Solving Local Problems”. We have explained how we applied stakeholder feedback to our project in detail on the Integrated Human Practices page.
Problem Identification:
IIT-Delhi started the project by considering the possibility of finding a substance capable of removing all types of heavy metals from water, including organometallic complexes, which significantly contribute to heavy metal pollution. This aspiration arose from the successful completion of the team’s previous project “LEADer,” which tackled the issue of lead poisoning in water bodies. However, the severity of the hazardous effects of heavy metal poisoning does not stop at Lead.
The adverse effects of heavy metals on human health include but are not limited to, impaired cognition, neurological disorders, developmental issues, and various diseases affecting the kidneys, lungs, bones, and cardiovascular system. For instance, lead exposure alone was estimated by the Institute of Health Metrics (IHME) in 2019 to be responsible for 62.5% of developmental and intellectual disability, 8.2% of hypertensive heart disease, 7.2% of ischemic heart disease, and 5.65% of stroke cases globally. Furthermore, heavy metals increase the risk of cancer. These metals are categorized as priority elements in public health studies due to their systemic toxicity, causing damage to multiple organs even at lower levels. Moreover, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified them as carcinogens.
These statistics highlight the severity of the situation and underline the urgency for change.
The persistence of heavy metals in the environment for extended periods exacerbates their disastrous consequences. These metals enter water bodies through various anthropogenic channels, including mining and smelting activities, sewage and industrial waste discharge, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Natural processes like volcanic eruptions and rock weathering also contribute to their presence in aquatic ecosystems. Once in water bodies, heavy metals hinder the growth and development of aquatic life, disrupt reproductive processes, and can even be fatal. Additionally, they exhibit biomagnification throughout the food chain, spreading their toxicity to higher trophic levels.
After discussing this issue with doctors, industrial experts, and pollution-causing industries, we found out that oil spills are a major cause for soil pollution. According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), there are an estimated 1 million oil spills on land each year, releasing around 4 million tonnes of oil into the environment.
Oil spills in soil can have a variety of impacts, including:
Harm to soil health:
Oil can coat soil particles, preventing oxygen and water from reaching plant roots and soil microorganisms. This can lead to a decrease in soil fertility and plant growth. A study of the Exxon Valdez oil spill found that soil respiration rates decreased by up to 90% in the most heavily oiled areas. This suggests that the oil spill significantly impacted soil microbial activity, which is essential for soil health.
Contamination of groundwater: Oil can seep into groundwater supplies, making them unsafe to drink.
Harm to wildlife:
Oil can poison and kill wildlife, such as birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Economic losses:
Oil spills can damage crops, livestock, and other economic resources. A study of the Kalamazoo River oil spill estimated that the spill caused $1.2 billion in economic losses, including damage to crops, livestock, and tourism.
The severity of these impacts underlines the urgency for change. By addressing the grave issue of heavy metal pollution and oil spills, our project aims to restore the health and vitality of these ecosystems. We hope that our efforts will not only create a positive impact but also inspire others to join the cause and create a ripple effect towards a cleaner and safer environment for all.
Impact:
A local river present near our institute, Yamuna is severely polluted, and one of the many reasons behind the pollution is Heavy metal waste which is being dumped into the river by the industries built around it. Due to this, not only the aquatic life of the river is affected, but also the people living around the river as their livelihood depended on it, like fishermen etc and the purity of the drinking water has deteriorated.
50 years ago, the Yamuna River was a pristine source of water. It was so clean that it was not only suitable for drinking but also for cooking. Fast forward to today, due to pollution and contamination, the Yamuna's water quality has deteriorated significantly. Drinking water from the river is now unthinkable, and daily usage for households has become impractical. Hence we at iGEM IIT DELHI, found this local problem very severe and it also matched with iGEM’s motto “Local people solving local problems”.
To understand the severity of the problem better, we interacted with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), where we came to know that the major reason behind the pollution is discharge from industries, partially treated or untreated sewage, and agricultural waste. They also told us that the water of the Yamuna is not fit for agricultural purposes and the cost to purify it to make it available for drinking purposes has increased drastically. They also emphasized on the need for industries to adhere to CPCB's stringent guidelines for effective heavy metal treatment.
In our interaction with the locals living around the Yamuna river, we came to know that the decline in the water quality of the Yamuna has had direct repercussions on the fish's health. A fisherman told us about visible changes in the fish: deformities, unusual colors, and a generally unappetising appearance, which affected his overall business. The livelihood of the locals around Yamuna directly depended on it as their source of income and hence, they have faced a decrease in their income.
We conducted surveys, both at the local and international levels, to assess public awareness regarding water contamination from heavy metals and its impact on both our health and the ecosystem. Our domestic survey targeted the Indian public, primarily students aged 18-22. 6.1% of the people surveyed felt that this problem was important enough to be tackled. Only 27.7% of people had their water supply checked for any heavy metal contamination or any dissolved solids. 90.8% of people believed that there was heavy metal poisoning in their states. The Global Survey helped us understand the level of awareness of people in different countries. This information helped us to identify areas of growth for awareness in the Indian Context and to establish scope of iGEM IITD’s work in geographies other than the home location, i.e., beyond India.
Our this year’s iGEM project aims to reduce the high concentration of Heavy metals in water bodies by using Biosurfactants. We try to tackle the issue of pollution in Yamuna river due to the heavy metals. The main aim to improve the aquatic fauna and flora of the river, to help the local people that are affected by this pollution like the fishermen whose livelihood depends on it and the people who use the water for their daily use.
Identifying Stakeholders:
After having a proper understanding of the issue and the extent of its impact, we had to consider which additional individuals might be relevant to our project. As a result, we identified stakeholders across a range of industries through a thorough brainstorming session with the entire Human Practices team. The interactive stakeholder identification map, which shows the flows between the sectors and provides a complete aerial view of the stakeholders pertinent to our project, serves as an illustration of interactions between the sectors. We suggest that future iGEM teams adopt this strategy because it gives us a clear picture of all the key players in our project and their interdependencies. By using the literature and our impressions of each stakeholder during the interviews, we were able to identify each one of them as well as their values. You can learn more about each stakeholder by clicking on their name, as well as why we engaged them, why they are important to our project, and what their core values are.
By identifying stakeholders with a vested interest in addressing the issue of heavy metal contamination in water, we have formed vital connections for the development and real-world implementation of our solution. In this identification process, we considered the following criteria:
1. Expertise in Our Relevant Scientific Fields: This encompasses professionals knowledgeable in biosurfactants, environmental science, bioremediation, heavy metal chemistry, and water treatment.
2. Expertise in the Issue: We sought out individuals with expertise related to heavy metal contamination in water, such as researchers and practitioners in water quality and environmental health.
3. Influence on the Situation: We identified individuals and organizations capable of shaping policies, regulations, and industry practices related to water quality and pollution control.
4. Most Affected by the Issue: This group includes communities and regions that face substantial challenges due to heavy metal contamination in their water sources.
Keeping these criteria in mind, we've compiled the following list of key stakeholders:
1. Wastewater Treatment Facilities: These facilities represent potential end-users of our biosurfactant solution. Their willingness to incorporate our technology into their water treatment processes is pivotal for addressing heavy metal contamination. Their expertise in water treatment and insights on implementation are of utmost significance.
2. Scientific Community: This category encompasses researchers and experts specialising in biosurfactants, bioremediation, environmental chemistry, and water quality. Collaborating with scientists can enhance the scientific basis of our project and ensure its safety and efficacy.
3. Regulators and Policy Makers: Individuals responsible for formulating and enforcing water quality regulations and policies play a crucial role in combating heavy metal contamination. Engaging with regulators and policymakers is essential for navigating the legal and regulatory framework governing water treatment and pollution control.
4. Industries Affected by Heavy Metal Contamination: Industries dealing with heavy metals and water pollution are pivotal stakeholders. Understanding their practices, challenges, and needs for managing heavy metal waste is essential. Their input can guide the development of solutions tailored to industry requirements.
5. Local Communities and the General Public: Individuals affected by heavy metal contamination in their water sources are indispensable stakeholders. Their experiences and local insights can help customize our biosurfactant solution to address specific regional challenges and ensure community acceptance.
6. Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs dedicated to environmental conservation and improving water quality are valuable collaborators. Working with these groups can provide insights into local issues and garner support and advocacy for the goals of our project.
Stakeholders Management
A power interest matrix is used to manage all stakeholders properly and prioritize the most affected stakeholders. Hence, stakeholders are categorized according to their Power (their capacity to impact our project and strategy) and Interest (their concern about our project's success). Distinct action plans are then implemented for each quadrant to effectively handle these stakeholders.
High Power, Highly Interested people These stakeholders require meticulous management, as they play a pivotal role in the project's success. Any actions or advancements we undertake will be closely relayed to them, and we will actively seek and consider their input. Their significance to the project cannot be overstated, necessitating consistent and transparent communication.
Wastewater Treatment FacilitiesScientific Community
IIT Delhi
High Power, Less interested people These stakeholders can be effectively managed through regular progress updates rather than daily communication. They should be kept informed about the project's advancements and can be valuable resources if their expertise or essential equipment is required.
Regulators and Policy MakersIndustries Affected by Heavy Metal Contamination
World Health Organisation(WHO)
Low Power, Highly Interested People
These individuals are interested in our project but have limited influence. We can keep them informed through emails or newsletters and leverage their support to boost social media engagement. Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
People living on the Banks of Yamuna or directly using its Water
Low Power, Less interested people We will only get in touch with these people if we require their expertise in a specific area. Their input will be taken into account when needed.
General PublicValue-Sensitive Analysis
We are committed to engaging society in the engineering design process to effectively meet their needs. We firmly believe that for new technology to gain acceptance in society, it is essential to listen to, assess, and incorporate the perspectives and context of users and society into the design process. This approach is known as consumer-driven product design, which has a proven track record of better satisfying user needs.
This is why, while working on our project Remedix, we made it our utmost priority to proactively consider the human values of the people who are directly affected by our problem, our stakeholders, throughout the decision-making process.
During this project, we have discovered that for a project to be both beneficial and responsible for the world, it's crucial to strike a balance. This became evident during our value-sensitive analysis, where we realized that different stakeholders have diverse values, resulting in different design requirements. These requirements can sometimes conflict, and our aim is to fulfill the design requirements of all involved parties in a way that the benefits outweigh the costs.
We've learned that it's not always possible to meet the needs and interests of every stakeholder completely. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize which stakeholders, values, and design requirements are most critical, possibly using tools like a power-interest grid. The goal is to meet these needs in a manner that leaves all stakeholders satisfied. This equilibrium is a principle that the entire iGEM community should consider when involving stakeholders in their project design. We suggest that future iGEM teams focus on prioritizing design requirements and satisfying the most relevant stakeholders first, rather than attempting to address all requirements.
Project Potential and Use Case:
At the outset of this iGEM year, our primary goal was to develop a purposeful and socially responsible project capable of positively impacting both global and local communities. To achieve this, we actively engaged stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. We rigorously assessed the feasibility of our ambitions in each sector through extensive literature research, thorough analyses, and comprehensive interviews with stakeholders. By integrating these diverse methodologies, we gained a deeper understanding of our project's potential and identified the challenges it might encounter in various sectors. We strongly recommend this multi-faceted approach to future iGEM teams, as it can yield more valuable insights and guide their projects towards more tremendous success. Here, we summarize our project's potential and challenges in each sector.INDUSTRY
Potential
The production of biosurfactants for heavy metal contamination and oil spill treatment addresses critical environmental issues, creating a significant market opportunity. The biosurfactant production process shares similarities with established biotechnology practices, which can streamline development and reduce production costs. There is potential for a sustainable and profitable business model, particularly in regions prone to heavy metal pollution and oil spills.
Challenges
Initial investments in biosurfactants' research, development, and production infrastructure can be substantial. Intellectual property protection may be challenging, especially if the biosurfactant production process is publicly disclosed without proper safeguards.
ACADEMIA
Potential The research in biosurfactant production for heavy metal contamination and oil spill treatment contributes to the growing body of knowledge in environmental biotechnology.
Biosurfactants represent a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to significant environmental challenges, making them a valuable subject for academic study.
The development of novel biosurfactant strains and production methods can lead to publications and academic recognition.
Challenges Maintaining long-term stability and activity of biosurfactant-producing microorganisms within the environment is a complex challenge that requires extensive academic research.
HEALTHCARE
Potential Reducing the environmental impact of heavy metal contamination can lead to improved public health and overall well-being, making this research relevant to healthcare. Collaboration between healthcare institutions and environmental researchers could result in innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions for both pollution control and human health.
Challenges Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of biosurfactants in healthcare applications is a crucial challenge that requires rigorous testing and validation, both in the short term and the long term. Not all pollution scenarios are effectively treated with biosurfactants, and the research should address their limitations, focusing on cases where biosurfactants are the most suitable healthcare solution.
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Potential Local communities affected by heavy metal contamination or oil spills can benefit from the use of biosurfactants, as they offer a more environmentally friendly and effective approach in mitigating pollution. Raising awareness about the environmental and health benefits of biosurfactants within local communities can lead to increased support and engagement.
Challenges Public awareness and education efforts are necessary to inform local communities about the potential dangers and advantages of biosurfactants and how they can positively impact the environment and public health.
GOVERNMENT
Potential Government agencies can play a pivotal role in regulating and supporting the adoption of biosurfactants for heavy metal contamination and oil spill treatment, ensuring that these solutions meet environmental and health standards. Collaborative efforts between research institutions and government bodies can lead to the development of effective regulatory frameworks for biosurfactants, enabling safe and widespread use.
The multifaceted nature of regulatory approval is a challenge, as it encompasses licenses for lab-based research, field applications, clinical trials, market authorization, and potentially international import and export licenses, all of which require robust evidence of safety and efficacy. Gaining government reimbursement and support for the implementation of biosurfactants in pollution control may necessitate a positive cost-benefit analysis and a clear demonstration of their environmental and public health advantages.
PUBLIC ORGANIZATION
Potential Involving the affected communities and public organizations in the development and decision-making process for biosurfactant use can validate the need for environmentally friendly pollution control solutions. Rigorous ethical considerations, including potential dual-use applications, demonstrate a commitment to responsible research and development. While initial costs may be high, the eventual affordability and reimbursement of biosurfactants can promote their adoption and benefits for a wider range of countries and communities.
Challenges
Addressing misconceptions about synthetic biology and biosurfactant research is essential to prevent unfounded fears and opposition, emphasizing the importance of clear and transparent communication. The accessibility and adoption of biosurfactants may vary among countries, potentially contributing to disparities in pollution control practices, which public organizations should consider in their policy and regulatory efforts.
Conclusion
After engaging in extensive dialogues with various stakeholders across diverse sectors, as evidenced in our comprehensive human practices documentation, we have reached the consensus that our project, Biosurf, possesses substantial potential for utility. By thoroughly considering the input from our stakeholders and maintaining complete transparency about our project, we have developed a project with the capacity to bring about significant positive change in both the wastewater treatment and oil spill industries. Our regular interactions with stakeholders have not only provided valuable insights into the real-world aspects of the problem and its potential solutions but have also enlightened us on the importance of selecting an optimal solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders, including those whose issues often go unheard. Throughout this process, we have remained committed to promoting STEM and its practical applications whenever and wherever possible. As a complementary objective, we have also taken on the task of facilitating individuals to pursue STEM education. As we progressed through the project and consulted with various experts, academics, and individuals from established organizations, we encountered several new challenges related to our project. We dedicated ourselves to addressing these issues, and in doing so, we came to grasp the genuine significance of Human Practices work. This approach enabled us to gain a profound understanding of the underlying causes of the problem, its varied impacts on different segments of the population, and the practical realities of existing strategies to combat these issues. It became abundantly clear that without engaging with stakeholders, we would have been unable to attain the depth of comprehension necessary for our solution to be as successful and efficient as it is. This experience underscored the vital role of Human Practices work and highlighted that, for any problem to be effectively resolved, conducting human practices work is of paramount importance.