IIT Delhi-iGEM

A major part of our project was the interaction and collaboration with fellow iGEM teams. These collaborations represented an opportunity to enrich and elevate our project to the next level. In this page we elaborate on the way we utilized both in-person and digital mediums to facilitate communication.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015. They provide a comprehensive blueprint to address the world's most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges by the year 2030. These goals encompass a wide range of critical issues, including poverty alleviation, environmental protection, gender equality, and access to quality education. The SDGs represent a universal call to action, urging governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to work collaboratively to create a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all. These goals serve as a global roadmap, guiding efforts to combat poverty, reduce inequality, and ensure the responsible stewardship of our planet's resources.

SDGs That Our Project Is Helping to Achieve

Our project, titled Biosurf, explores bioremediation of heavy metal ions from waste water using biosurfactants. It is dedicated to addressing one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges, the contamination of water sources with heavy metal ions. Our project harnesses bioremediation techniques, utilizing biosurfactants developed by genetically engineering E. coli to efficiently remove harmful heavy metals from wastewater. In doing so, Biosurf actively contributes to several key SDGs, aligning with the global endeavor to build a sustainable and inclusive future.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Why it Matters:
Access to clean and safe drinking water is not only a fundamental human right but also a crucial component of human well-being. It is essential for hydration, sanitation, and overall public health. However, millions of people worldwide still lack access to clean water sources and proper sanitation facilities, leading to preventable illnesses and loss of life.

Biosurf Contribution: Our project directly addresses SDG 6 by developing an eco-friendly and efficient method to treat wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. By removing these toxic substances, we work towards cleaner and safer water sources, enhancing access to safe drinking water worldwide. Biosurf plays a vital role in advancing SDG 6 by focusing on the treatment of wastewater contaminated with heavy metals, a significant threat to water quality and public health. Through our innovative approach utilizing biosurfactants for bioremediation, we effectively remove heavy metal ions from wastewater. This process not only improves water quality but also enhances the availability of clean and safe drinking water sources. Few specific ways in which Biosurf contributes to SDG 6 include:

Preventing Waterborne Diseases: In regions where access to clean water is limited, the risk of waterborne diseases is higher. By removing heavy metals and contaminants from wastewater, Biosurf actively mitigates this risk, contributing to the prevention of waterborne diseases and related health issues.

Community Empowerment: Biosurf's sustainable and cost-effective bioremediation approach can be implemented in various communities, providing them with a tool to improve their own water quality and sanitation. This empowers communities to take control of their well-being and access to clean water.

Environmental Impact: Our project not only benefits human health but also helps preserve ecosystems. By reducing heavy metal pollution in water bodies, we protect aquatic life and the broader environment, aligning with the goal of sustainable water management

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Why it Matters: SDG 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. It encompasses various aspects of health, including access to clean water and sanitation, which directly affect public health. Ensuring good health is not only a basic human right but also a fundamental building block for thriving communities and prosperous societies.

Biosurf Contribution: Our project directly supports SDG 3 by addressing water quality, which is essential for maintaining good health. By removing heavy metal contaminants from wastewater, we contribute to providing clean and safe water sources, thus improving public health. Biosurf plays a pivotal role in advancing SDG 3 by focusing on the treatment of wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. These contaminants, when present in water sources, pose a significant risk to public health. Through our bioremediation approach utilizing biosurfactants, we effectively eliminate heavy metal ions from wastewater. This process not only enhances water quality but also ensures the availability of clean and safe drinking water sources. Few specific ways in which Biosurf contributes to SDG 3 include:

Disease Prevention: Contaminated water sources can lead to waterborne diseases, impacting the health and well-being of communities, particularly in vulnerable regions. Biosurf's approach directly addresses this issue by removing heavy metal contaminants, contributing to disease prevention.

Enhancing Sanitation: Access to clean water is closely linked to sanitation and hygiene, critical components of public health. By improving water quality, Biosurf indirectly supports better sanitation practices and overall well-being.

Community Resilience: Empowering communities with access to clean water contributes to their resilience against health challenges. Biosurf's sustainable bioremediation approach can be implemented in communities, enhancing their ability to safeguard public health locally.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

Why it Matters: SDG 14 focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Pollution from heavy metals can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. Preserving life below water is not only critical for marine biodiversity but also for the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on healthy oceans for food and resources.

Biosurf Contribution: Biosurf contributes to SDG 14 by reducing the discharge of heavy metals into water bodies. By mitigating water pollution, we support the preservation of marine life and the health of underwater ecosystems. The health of our oceans and marine ecosystems is vital for sustaining life on Earth. Biosurf plays a vital role in advancing SDG 14 by actively addressing the issue of heavy metal contamination in water bodies. Through our bioremediation approach using biosurfactants, we effectively remove heavy metal ions from wastewater before they reach the oceans and seas. This process not only improves water quality but also contributes to the preservation of marine life and the health of underwater ecosystems. Few specific ways in which Biosurf contributes to SDG 14 include:

Preserving Biodiversity: Heavy metals can accumulate in aquatic organisms and disrupt marine food chains. Biosurf's approach helps preserve marine biodiversity by reducing heavy metal contamination in water bodies.

Sustainable Fishing: Healthy oceans are essential for sustainable fisheries. Biosurf's contribution to reducing water pollution supports the livelihoods of fishing communities dependent on marine resources.

Climate Resilience: Marine ecosystems play a critical role in climate regulation. By protecting life below water, Biosurf indirectly contributes to climate resilience and the mitigation of climate change's adverse effects on coastal regions.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Why it Matters: SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and mountains. Land ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and combating climate change. Oil spills on land can have devastating effects on these ecosystems, causing long-term damage and harming local communities.

Biosurf Contribution: Biosurf's commitment to sustainable development extends to the preservation of life on land. Our project addresses oil spills on land by harnessing bioremediation techniques and biosurfactants to efficiently clean up contaminated soil. This not only helps restore affected ecosystems but also supports the well-being of communities living in these areas. Specific ways in which Biosurf contributes to SDG 15 include:

Ecosystem Restoration: Oil spills can have severe ecological consequences, including soil contamination and harm to vegetation. Biosurf's bioremediation approach aids in the restoration of land ecosystems by effectively breaking down and removing oil contaminants.

Community Resilience: Communities in regions affected by oil spills often face economic and environmental challenges. Biosurf's sustainable bioremediation solutions empower these communities to mitigate the impacts of oil spills and protect their local environments.

Climate Mitigation: Healthy land ecosystems play a role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation. By supporting the restoration of land affected by oil spills, Biosurf indirectly contributes to climate mitigation efforts.

SDG 4: Quality Education

Why it Matters: SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Quality education is fundamental to personal development, economic prosperity, and sustainable societies. Access to education can empower individuals, reduce inequalities, and foster innovation.

Biosurf Contribution: Beyond its environmental and health impact, our team actively promotes quality education as part of its mission. We believe that education is a powerful tool for creating awareness and driving change. Here's how our team contributes to SDG 4:

Inclusivity: our team recognizes the importance of inclusive education. We have made efforts to engage with diverse groups, including individuals with disabilities. Our team has visited the National Authority for the Blind to understand their unique needs and explore opportunities for participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Bio-Themed Quiz:To stimulate interest in biology and environmental science, our team has organized a bio-themed quiz competition. This initiative encourages students and the public to engage with scientific knowledge, fostering a culture of curiosity and learning.

School Visits: our team has organized visits to various schools, engaging with students to raise awareness about environmental issues, bioremediation, and the importance of science in addressing real-world challenges. These interactions help inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards

Science Communication Workshops: Our team has conducted workshops on science communication, equipping participants with the skills to effectively convey scientific concepts and the importance of environmental sustainability. These workshops promote science literacy and the ability to communicate complex ideas to a broader audience.

By actively engaging with educational institutions, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a passion for science and sustainability, our team contributes to SDG 4 by advancing quality education, nurturing future leaders, and promoting a culture of lifelong learning. Education is a vital component of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and our team is dedicated to playing its part in this important endeavor.

Collaboration towards SDGs

Why it Matters: SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of global collaboration and partnerships to achieve all the SDGs. It recognizes that addressing complex challenges requires cooperation among governments, businesses, and civil society. Effective partnerships can leverage expertise, resources, and knowledge to drive meaningful progress.

Biosurf Contribution: Collaborations are central to Biosurf's approach. We actively seek partnerships with experts, institutions, and organizations to further our mission of clean water and sustainable development. By collaborating, we strengthen our impact and contribute to the spirit of SDG 17. Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) requires a united and collaborative effort. SDG 17 underscores the significance of partnerships in addressing global challenges, as no single entity or organization can achieve these goals in isolation. Biosurf recognizes the power of collaboration and actively engages with diverse partners to amplify its impact. We collaborate with experts, research institutions, environmental organizations, and stakeholders to foster cooperation and innovation in the field of wastewater treatment and environmental protection. Our commitment to collaboration aligns with the principles of SDG 17, as we work collectively with partners to address the complex challenge of heavy metal pollution and its impact on water quality, public health, and the environment.

Additional Sustainable Practices in Biosurf

Sustainable Microbial Culture Media: Biosurf is committed to sustainability not only in its goals but also in its methods. One way we promote sustainability is by developing microbial culture media made from waste materials instead of traditional Luria-Bertani (LB) broth. This eco-friendly approach reduces the environmental impact of our research and aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by minimizing resource consumption.

Biosurfactant Production from Renewable Sources : Another sustainable aspect of Biosurf is our focus on biosurfactants produced from renewable sources. By avoiding synthetic surfactants derived from petrochemicals, we reduce our project's carbon footprint and promote responsible production.
Sustainable Lab Practices: Sustainable Laboratory Practices were implemented in our laboratory, as well as shared with other institute laboratories, emphasizing responsible chemical use, efficient equipment operation, and conscientious waste management. Measures include covering unused beakers, organizing freezers for reduced energy consumption, opting for reusable materials, and sourcing from eco-conscious suppliers. Additionally, stickers were placed for easy adherence to these practices, promoting a greener lab environment.

Three Pillars of Sustainable Development

Our project embodies the three pillars of sustainable development:

Environmental Sustainability: Biosurf aims to protect and restore the environment by removing heavy metal contaminants from wastewater, thereby reducing harm to ecosystems and preserving natural resources.

Social Equity:Access to clean water is a basic human right. Our project promotes social equity by contributing to clean water availability, improving public health, and ensuring access to safe drinking water for all.

Economic Prosperity: By offering bioremediation solutions, Biosurf has the potential to create economic opportunities, promote green industries, and stimulate economic growth in regions affected by water pollution.

Science Communication Workshops: Our team has conducted workshops on science communication, equipping participants with the skills to effectively convey scientific concepts and the importance of environmental sustainability. These workshops promote science literacy and the ability to communicate complex ideas to a broader audience.

Sustainable Laboratory Practices: A Guide for the Scientific Community

Greetings, fellow scientists!

As we navigate the exciting realms of biotechnology, it's crucial to remember our responsibility towards the planet. Our laboratory practices, while aimed at bettering the world, should also be sustainable. Here's an enhanced guide to infuse sustainability into our daily laboratory routines:

Our project embodies the three pillars of sustainable development:

Conclusion

The Biosurf iGEM project is committed to making a significant impact on the world by aligning with and contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Through our innovative approach to bioremediation of heavy metal ions from wastewater using biosurfactants, we actively work towards a cleaner, more sustainable, and inclusive future for all. Our commitment to collaboration and the three pillars of sustainable development underscores our dedication to addressing global challenges at the intersection of science, technology, and sustainability. Together, we can build a better world.

Sustainable Laboratory Practices: A Guide for the Scientific Community

Chemical Management with a Conscience:

Secure Your Solutions: Ever noticed how quickly volatile compounds evaporate? Let's ensure our beakers are sealed, especially when not in immediate use. This small step reduces chemical waste and minimizes air pollution.
Choose Safer Substitutes: As stewards of science, it's in our hands to opt for less hazardous alternatives. Consider using SYBR Safe instead of ethidium bromide.
Proper Disposal: As we protect the integrity of our experiments, let's also protect our environment. Always ensure chemicals are disposed of correctly.

Resource Conservation:

Supplier Selection: Aligning with suppliers who prioritize sustainability is a powerful statement of our values
Embrace Glass: Our predecessors often used glass over plastic. Reusable glassware not only reduces waste but is also a nod to traditional practices.
Cherish Every Drop: Water is precious. Ensuring taps are fully closed and water baths are covered conserves water and ensures optimal function.

Equipment Care and Efficiency:

Streamlined Freezers: An organized freezer is a time-saver and energy-saver. Let's keep an inventory and minimize the time the door remains open.
Safety First with Cabinets: After ensuring all samples are secure, let's turn off safety cabinets. It conserves energy and extends the life of the equipment.
Oven Efficiency: Opening lab ovens frequently impacts energy consumption and experimental consistency. Let's be judicious with our oven usage.

Collaborative Sustainability:

Friendly Reminders: Placing gentle reminders around the lab can make a huge difference. It's a community effort to turn off equipment when not in use.
A Ritual of Responsibility: Cultivate an end-of-day routine to ensure equipment is off, samples are secure, and our lab remains an eco-friendly space.
Knowledge Sharing: Organize regular chats about sustainability. Share insights, and always remain open to learning from one another.