Implementation
Implementation
Generation
Concerns
Feasibility analysis
Field Study
Technical Road Map
Future Plans
What Remains to be Solved
References
Generation

The global problem of microplastic pollution has become a significant challenge for marine and coastal ecosystems, with mangroves playing a crucial role as a natural barrier between land and sea. Research shows that mangroves not only effectively block plastic debris but also gradually accumulate it in their soil and sediments. Therefore, the microplastic content in mangrove soils is significantly higher than in other coastlines or marine sediments [1]. Microplastics not only cause direct harm to plants and animals but also indirectly affect microbial communities in sediments, altering nutrient transformation processes within these sediments [needs citation]. According to studies, the long-term presence of microplastics leads to a decrease in bacterial community diversity and has profound impacts on key ecological functions, such as nitrogen cycling [2].

To address these issues, our project has selected bioremediation as the core solution. Traditional physical and chemical methods are ineffective at removing microplastics, as they are costly and can cause secondary pollution, which harms ecosystems. Biodegradation, on the other hand, significantly lowers both costs and the likelihood of environmental pollution[3]. By leveraging synthetic biology, we can design and optimize microorganisms to more efficiently degrade microplastics and manage the CO₂ produced during degradation, minimizing the impact on ecosystems.

Concerns
Safety

We chose Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the chassis organism to degrade polyethylene (PE) microplastics, as it naturally exists in mangrove soils and has demonstrated potential in plastic degradation. However, since Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, we designed it to reduce its external impact through the "adsorb-ingest-digest" mechanism. Additionally, we implemented a suicide switch based on the mangrove soil environment.

For more details: [bnuzh-china/safety]

Assimilation and Mineralization module
Sustainability

Additionally, we found that a large amount of carbon dioxide is produced during degradation. Therefore, we introduced Rhodopseudomonas palustris, which can convert the CO₂ produced during degradation into stable carbon compounds, thereby achieving carbon sequestration in ecosystems. We designed a pathway for electron and CO₂ transfer between the two bacteria.

For more details: [bnuzh-china/design]

Feasibility analysis
Stakeholder Interaction

We have conducted a detailed analysis of the stakeholders involved in our project and examined how they interact with our work. Through these relationships, we identified our target users and groups that may have mutual impacts, aiming to continuously optimize our project to meet their expectations.

After conducting an initial classification of stakeholders, we analyzed them using the modified Mendelow Matrix, based on their influence on the project's progress and optimization, as well as their interest in our project. Below is a detailed classification of the stakeholders, based on their combination of High/Low influence and interest.

High Influence / High Interest
Key Action: Collaborate Closely
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Tech & Academic

• Interest: Academic and technical experts have a strong interest in innovative environmental technologies, particularly in the development and optimization of microplastic degradation solutions.

• Influence: Their crucial role in research and innovation makes them highly influential in the project's success.

Related Corporations

• Interest: These corporations are interested in environmental technology and sustainability, supporting innovative solutions to pollution issues.

• Influence: They hold significant influence in the adoption and commercialization of new technologies.

High Influence / Low Interest
Key Action: Keep Satisfied
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Plastic Industry

• Interest: The plastic industry focuses on increasing production and profit margins, so its direct interest in microplastic degradation technology is relatively low.

• Influence: The plastic industry is largely the source of microplastic pollution, making it a key contributor to the problem we are addressing in the mangroves.

Environmental Authorities

• Interest: Environmental authorities handle a wide range of issues and may have a low interest in microplastic pollution unless it becomes a larger-scale problem.

• Influence: They play a significant regulatory role in project compliance and its ultimate implementation, deciding the project's success.

Low Influence / High Interest
Key Action: Keep Engaged
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Local Communities

• Interest: Local communities are highly aware of mangrove conservation and have a strong interest in addressing ecological issues.

• Influence: Despite their interest, they have limited influence on policy or corporate decisions, often relying on support from NGOs or government to enhance their impact.

Environmentalists

• Interest: Environmentalists are deeply concerned with reducing plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems.

• Influence: While they can raise public awareness, their direct influence is often limited unless supported by larger movements or government backing.

Low Influence / Low Interest
Key Action: Monitor and Educate
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Public

• Interest: The general public may have limited understanding or concern about mangroves and microplastic issues, especially if they are not directly affected.

• Influence: The public's influence on policy or industrial change is usually minimal unless mobilized through campaigns or events.


Responsibility Indicator

Additionally, we introduced a new Triple Bottom Line for iGEM, analyzing the key goals our project needs to achieve and outlining the steps to accomplish them.

People
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These impacts influence their daily lives, safety concerns, scientific advancement, and long-term well-being.

Positive Impacts

• Community Engagement: The project educates local communities about environmental issues and offers volunteer opportunities for mangrove protection, increasing their sense of involvement.

• Education and Awareness: Through outreach and educational activities, the project raises public awareness of microplastic pollution and synthetic biology, enhancing scientific literacy.

• Project Adjustment: By gathering feedback from different groups and stakeholders, the project continuously adapts and refines its technology and practices to better address real-world issues. This ensures that the voices of all stakeholders are heard in the process of advancing synthetic biology, encouraging wider acceptance and application of the technology.

Negative Impacts

• Public Concerns: Some individuals or communities may have reservations about synthetic biology due to a lack of understanding, which could lead to resistance to the project.

• Limited Resources: Educational and outreach activities may not reach all target communities, resulting in incomplete awareness or misunderstandings about the project.

• Safety Concerns: There may be risks related to privacy, personal safety, or other security issues during the project's execution.

Planet
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These environmental impacts affect ecosystem stability, biodiversity dynamics, and the global capacity to respond to climate challenges.

Positive Impacts

• Sustainable Remediation Technology: The project's core lies in developing and applying sustainable bioremediation technology. Compared to other degradation methods, this technology is green, adaptable to various environmental conditions, and has broad application potential.

• Plastic Pollution Reduction: The project aims to significantly reduce microplastic pollution in mangroves, helping to restore this crucial ecosystem.

• Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves serve as vital carbon sinks. By protecting and restoring them, the project helps lower atmospheric CO₂ levels and mitigates climate change.

• Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting mangroves also supports species dependent on these ecosystems, preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

Negative Impacts

• Biosafety: The use of *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, an opportunistic pathogen, poses potential risks to environmental and human health without proper safety measures.

• Ecological Risks: Introducing engineered organisms into the environment could disrupt local ecosystems or negatively affect non-target species if not carefully managed.

• Uncertain Long-term Effects: The long-term ecological impacts of synthetic biology solutions in natural environments are unclear, requiring ongoing research and monitoring.

Progress in iGEM
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These developments influence scientific progress, collaborative efforts, and the trajectory of synthetic biology within and beyond iGEM.

Positive Impacts

• Scientific Innovation: The project introduces new biodegradation technologies, driving technological innovation in the field of synthetic biology for mangrove pollution control.

• Team Collaboration: The project fosters collaboration with other iGEM teams and research institutions, enhancing interdisciplinary and cross-regional cooperation and promoting knowledge sharing and technological advancement.

• Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves serve as vital carbon sinks. By protecting and restoring them, the project helps lower atmospheric CO₂ levels and mitigates climate change.

• Knowledge Expansion: The project proposes new part designs, offering innovative solutions for other iGEM teams and contributing to the widespread application of synthetic biology globally.

Negative Impacts

• High R&D Costs: The project requires significant financial resources during the research and development phase, including equipment purchases, which could slow progress if funds are insufficient.

• Market and Application Uncertainty: Although the technology is innovative, its commercial viability and market acceptance remain uncertain and need further evaluation.

Through the analysis of Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, and Progress in iGEM), the project ensures a balanced impact across social, environmental, and technological innovation, driving sustainable and responsible development for the future.

For more details: [bnuzh-china/human-practices]

Field Study

In the early stages of the project, we conducted field research on microplastic pollution in mangrove ecosystems. This phase aimed to gather data through soil sampling and historical analysis of mangroves to assess the current state of pollution and provide a foundation for the design of subsequent experiments.

Soil Sampling

Led by Dr.Xu Zhou, we collected soil samples from the Qi'ao Island mangrove area. Dr.Zhou analyzed the microplastic pollution at different depths and locations. These data will be used to evaluate the distribution patterns of microplastics in sediments and provide preliminary parameters for degradation experiments in the lab.

Mangroves History

By collecting and analyzing long-term ecological data from mangrove reserves, we gained a better understanding of the evolution of mangrove ecosystems and how they accumulate external pollutants. The unique capacity of mangroves to trap pollutants makes them "hotspots" for microplastic pollution, which we accounted for in our project design.

Technical Road Map

We have designed and validated specific experiments at different stages of the project and have explored additional avenues to support our experimental work.

Future Plans
Further Examination Experiments

In the later stages of the project, we plan to design safe and feasible sampling protocols and simulate real-world environments to verify the microplastic degradation capabilities of engineered bacteria in mangrove soils in the lab. We will also explore whether these bacteria affect indigenous microorganisms or the life activities of mangrove plants.

Long-term Safety Measures

We also plan to develop more sustainable safety mechanisms in the mid-to-long term phases of the project.

  • Enhanced Self-destruction Mechanisms: We aim to further optimize the existing suicide mechanism, enabling it to trigger not only when bacteria escape but also under specific conditions, such as temperature changes or nutrient depletion, to ensure that the bacteria remain safely controlled in dynamic environments.
  • Environmental Monitoring: During real-world applications, we will implement strict environmental monitoring. By continuously tracking microbial dispersion and ecological impact, we can quickly identify potential risks and take appropriate mitigation actions. This will include regular sample analysis and advanced monitoring systems to ensure that engineered bacteria do not negatively impact the mangrove ecosystem.
Development Analysis

In the next phase of application, we will conduct a thorough technical feasibility analysis to evaluate the degradation efficiency and carbon fixation capabilities of the engineered bacteria under various environmental conditions [needs citation]. Specifically, for complex ecosystems such as mangroves, we will simulate different environmental factors, such as sediment type, microbial community structure, and nutrient changes, to ensure that our technology can be effectively applied in dynamic natural environments [needs citation].

At the same time, regarding the CO₂ produced during degradation, we will continue optimizing the carbon fixation efficiency of Rhodopseudomonas palustris and explore how its products (e.g., cellulose) can be converted into commercially valuable by-products [4]. We also plan to investigate the interaction between CO₂ and plants like Thalassia hemprichii [5] and Avicennia marina [6].

Cooperation with NGOs/Reserves

To ensure broad application of our technology, we plan to establish further in-depth collaboration with mangrove reserves and relevant environmental NGOs. Through partnerships with these organizations, we will validate the technology in real-world environments and ensure that the degradation efficiency and ecological impact of the engineered bacteria are scientifically evaluated. We will also leverage the resources and networks of these organizations to promote the project's technological adoption.

Moreover, these partners will help with public outreach to raise awareness of microplastic pollution in mangroves and its remediation, thereby increasing public support for our project.

What Remains to be Solved
Safety Design Challenges

Biological Safety Evaluation: We lack long-term environmental safety data, especially regarding the impact on surrounding ecosystems, and need to develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Hardware Improvements

Sensitivity and Cost Optimization: The current prototype of the microplastic detection equipment is costly to produce and lacks sufficient sensitivity. We need to collaborate with relevant companies to customize more cost-effective and reliable hardware for long-term use.

Commercial Feasibility Analysis
  • Ecosystem Function Calculation: To ensure the long-term ecological sustainability of our technology, we need to further calculate its impact on ecosystem functions, especially the effect of microplastic degradation on key processes like carbon and nitrogen cycling. By using data modeling and long-term field monitoring, we can evaluate the performance of the engineered bacteria in mangrove and other ecosystems, ensuring that they do not negatively affect indigenous microbial communities. We also need to consider how the bioremediation process can enhance ecosystem services, such as improving carbon sequestration capacity and nutrient cycling efficiency. These evaluations are crucial for understanding the ecological benefits of the project.
  • Market Potential Evaluation: We have yet to fully analyze the commercialization potential of by-products (such as cellulose). We need to build economic models to assess the market value of the project and explore partnerships with industries to develop viable applications for the by-products.
Reference
  • 1. Deng, H., He, J., Feng, D., Zhao, Y., Sun, W., Yu, H., & Ge, C. (2021). Microplastics pollution in mangrove ecosystems: a critical review of current knowledge and future directions. Science of the Total Environment, 753, 142041.
  • 2. Huang, W., & Xia, X. (2024). Element cycling with micro (nano) plastics. Science, 385(6712), 933-935.
  • 3. Johnson, B. Plastic-eating bacteria boost growing business of bioremediation. Nature biotechnology.
  • 4. Das, H., & Singh, S. K. (2004). Useful byproducts from cellulosic wastes of agriculture and food industry—a critical appraisal. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 44(2), 77-89.
  • 5. Ow, Y. X., Collier, C. J., & Uthicke, S. (2015). Responses of three tropical seagrass species to CO 2 enrichment. Marine Biology, 162, 1005-1017.
  • 6. Jacotot, A., Marchand, C., Gensous, S., & Allenbach, M. (2018). Effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and increased tidal flooding on leaf gas-exchange parameters of two common mangrove species: Avicennia marina and Rhizophora stylosa. Photosynthesis Research, 138(2), 249-260.
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