Project Details
[Return to Previous Page]Lixilab: Tackling water contamination with biodesign and community engagement
Company: Lixilab
Major(s):
Primary: BME
Secondary: EGEE
Optional: ESC, ME
Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES
Intellectual Property: YES
LixiLab is a biodesign initiative that combines knowledge of design thinking process and environmental remediation aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world applications, focusing on tackling heavy metal water contamination. Heavy metal pollution in soil and water, primarily caused by industrial activities and waste, threatens ecosystems and food security, particularly for vulnerable populations. According to the FAO, this contamination reduces crop yields and food safety, as consuming vegetables and animals irrigated or fed with contaminated water is the main route of exposure causing consumer diseases. Therefore, developing water treatment methods that are efficient and sustainable (socially, environmentally, and economically) is a priority for ensuring the quantity, quality, and safety of the food supply. Lixilab seeks to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals by applying biotechnology to produce cleaner water, thus growing healthier crops in a toxic-free environment, contributing to Clean Water and Sanitation, Zero Hunger and Life on Land SDGs. Similarly, the project could be scaled and adapted to other regions and industries facing heavy metal pollution. The team must test the effectiveness and production methods of different given biofilters (biochar, alginate and dead bacterium) and its possible combinations to identify the optimal biofilter formulation and manufacturing process for commercial implementation. Upon project completion, the team will deliver essential technical documentation to validate and operationalize the chosen solution. Key deliverables include comprehensive feasibility studies and detailed engineering analyses that validate the biofilter's performance through heavy metal water tests conducted after the filtration process. And manufacturing process plans outlining the most optimal and scalable route for producing and implementing the selected biotechnology.
