According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, antimicrobial resistance could cause 10 million deaths annually if not properly addressed, surpassing cancer as a leading cause of death (WHO, 2019).Text
Hi, I am the Hydro Guardian!
I am a cell that has been genetically modified by the iGEM-Team Hannover to detect very small quantities of antibiotics and heavy metals in water solutions. Then I glow green or red.
This helps prevent the pollution of water, as clean water is very important for our environment, animals, and plants.
In a world where invisible forces of contamination present a challenge to our health and environment, we must recognize and address antibiotic and metal residues as silent adversaries. These persistent pollutants, remnants of medical and industrial activities, seep into our water, food, and soil, and they are undermining the very ecosystems we rely on. We can change that! We can and must tackle antibiotic resistance head-on, protect aquatic life, and ensure the safety of our resources. Their presence, often undetectable by conventional means, presents an opportunity for us to do so. We are proud to present our revolutionary sensor, a vital tool in the battle against these hidden hazards. This cutting-edge solution is designed to detect antibiotic and metal residues with unparalleled accuracy, and it will be a game-changer in safeguarding public health and preserving the delicate balance of our environment.
The future of a cleaner, safer world begins here!
Join the Hydro Guardian on his mission and click on the icons to find out more about the sources of pollutants!
Our water systems are facing an increasing number of pollutants, including antibiotics and heavy metals, creating serious threats to human health and ecosystems. These contaminants disrupt natural processes and build up over time, endangering both the environment and communities reliant on clean water. But we can beat them! By monitoring our water, we can identify contaminants early and take action to protect our water systems and communities.
There are so many ways that antibiotics end up in our waterways! They often make their way into water bodies through improper household disposal and personal care products, agricultural practices, pharmaceutical industry and medical usage and waste. Their persistence in the environment is a major contributor to the growing global crisis of antibiotic resistance, which is affecting both wildlife and human health.
Heavy metal residues are released into water systems from industrial discharges, mining operations, agricultural runoff and atmospheric deposition. These toxic substances accumulate in water sources, poisoning aquatic life and potentially leading to long-term damage to human health through the food chain.
To combat these threats, we’ve designed the Hydro Guardian. Our innovative bioengineered system is the answer to all your water contamination worries. It can detect both antibiotics and heavy metals in liquids, keeping your water safe and clean. Our Hydro Guardian uses genetically modified cells that respond to specific contaminants with a fluorescent glow, enabling early detection and proactive intervention to protect your water sources before damage becomes irreversible.
The contamination of water by antibiotics and heavy metals poses a significant threat to both human health and the environment. This huge problem hinders global efforts to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Text
Our project addresses these challenges with an innovative biosensor that can detect antibiotics and heavy metals. As described at our Implementation page, our tool could support improved water quality monitoring and management, especially in regions that lack access to advanced technologies. By making our solution affordable and accessible, we aim to protect ecosystems, public health, and natural resources.
Additionally, our project emphasizes the importance of global partnerships, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By collaborating with stakeholders across scientific, governmental, and community sectors, we aim to create sustainable solutions that can be implemented worldwide.
To find out how exactly our project contributes to the achievement of the SDGs, check out our Sustainability page!
Hello, I'm the Hydroguardian! I help to recognise heavy metals and antibiotic residues in water at an early stage so that we can identify their sources and prevent their further spread. How do I do that? Come on, I'll show you.
Here you can see how I was designed and assembled to guard the water.
Click here to check out our biological experiments!
I may not be a computer specialist, but my team will show you here why I'm so important.
Click here to check out our model!
Here you can find out how my team and I ensure that society is made aware of the importance of our project.
Click here to check out our human practices!
Lasers are not only cool in movies, they also helped me in the beginning. Wondering how? We'll show you!
Click here to check out our spectroscopic experiments!
