Best Integrated Human Practices

Note: All experiments, data, and results for these modelling methods can be found throughout the website.

Our project fits with many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including goals 3, 6, and 14. Sustainable Development Goal 3 (good health and well-being around the world) and Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) are addressed from our project. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are chemical compounds in waterways around the US. Because of their inability to break down, they’re not only causing harm to humans, but the environment and animals as well. Studies show potential links to cancer, liver damage, and a compromised immune system. Studies also show potential links to skin cancer, especially melanoma, discussing how PFAS can link to the development and worsening of it. In addition, studies show over 97% of Americans have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. There is an urgency to find solutions for detecting and degrading these chemicals. Our team aims to utilize a novel bacterial insert in E. coli in order to detect these compounds. With the adverse ehalt effects they can have, our project can help and detect PFAS in different waterways and help officials mitigate the effects in surrounding communities. By allowing officials to detect and combat PFAS in waterways, increased amounts of people will have access to clean water, allowing for less health effects in communities.

Not only does PFAS impact humans but marine life as well. Sustainable Development Goal 14 is about the protection of life below water. PFAS has been linked to a range of harmful effects on marine organisms, including bioaccumulation, reproductive and developmental issues, and disruptions to the endocrine system. These compounds can accumulate in the tissues of marine species, potentially leading to biomagnification up the food chain and posing a threat to the biodiversity of the ecosystem. With our project, officials can take action against PFAS and save marine ecosystems around the world from these adverse effects.

We hope that with our project of detecting PFAS in waterways, we will be able to positively impact the health of animals and humans around the world and allow officials to take proper action to address these issues, allowing for sustainable development around the world.