This year, the RDFZ-CHINA team has focused on addressing the challenge of oil pollution, aiming to develop an innovative and controlled method, with a particular focus on degrading residual oil. In the current educational landscape, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a key topic of interest among educators and students alike. We are deeply aware of the global society’s desire for a sustainable future and strive to contribute to this vision through our efforts.

Over the past few months, our team has been guided by the SDGs, continuously reflecting on and refining our work. After extensive research and discussion, we have identified the following goals as the primary focus of our project:

1. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

2. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

3. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

4. Goal 14: Life Below Water

5. Goal 15: Life on Land

Our bioremediation technology effectively degrades oil pollutants in the environment, especially toxic aromatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which pose serious health risks. By eliminating these hazardous substances, we significantly reduce human exposure to harmful chemicals, thereby lowering the incidence and mortality rates of related diseases. This not only protects the health of communities directly affected by pollution but also creates a safer and cleaner environment for a broader population.

Additionally, our work raises public awareness about the connection between environmental health and personal well-being, encouraging community participation in environmental protection efforts. Through these initiatives, we actively contribute to the realization of Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages, helping to build a healthier and more sustainable society.

Interviews with coastal residents revealed a consensus that oil pollution is a serious environmental issue with far-reaching impacts on their lives.

Firstly, marine oil spills pose a direct threat to the quality and safety of local seafood. Residents expressed concerns that oil contamination could lead to the accumulation of harmful substances in marine organisms, jeopardizing the safety of seafood consumption. This not only undermines their trust and willingness to purchase local seafood but may also force them to alter long-established dietary habits, affecting both their daily lives and health.

Secondly, the presence of oil pollution raises concerns about the safety of their living environment. Residents may begin to question the cleanliness of the surrounding air, water, and soil, fearing potential harm to their own and their families’ health. This sense of insecurity could reduce their willingness to reside in the area long-term, with some even considering relocation.

Lastly, even after affected areas are cleaned and restored, the long-term effects of oil pollution may linger. Many residents continue to harbor doubts about the environmental damage caused by the spill and remain anxious about the possibility of future incidents. This lasting psychological burden not only affects their quality of life but could also hinder the recovery and development of their communities.

Interviews with vendors in aquatic markets and seafood shops revealed that while none of the respondents had experienced a marine oil spill firsthand or sold seafood threatened by oil contamination, they unanimously agreed that marine oil pollution poses a significant environmental risk to the aquaculture industry.

Firstly, in the event of an oil spill near coastal areas, contaminated seawater could spread to aquaculture zones via ocean currents. In such cases, oil slicks on the water surface would significantly reduce oxygen levels in the water, severely impacting the respiration of farmed seafood and threatening their survival.

Secondly, if oil pollution affects specific marine areas, consumer demand for seafood would drastically decline. Marine oil pollution not only affects the local economy but also delivers a heavy blow to surrounding ecosystems and the natural environment.

The toxic substances from oil pollution may gradually accumulate in the ecosystem, ultimately entering farmed products at the top of the food chain. If these toxins exceed safety limits, the products will fail quality inspections, leading to economic losses for aquaculture farmers.Our project, through bioremediation technologies, can effectively prevent toxic substances from accumulating in seafood, ensuring they do not enter the human food chain. This approach safeguards consumer food safety while promoting the sustainable development of the aquaculture industry.

The “Understanding China” cancer prevention initiative highlighted for us the serious health risks that oil spills pose, not only to the environment but also to human health, particularly their strong association with cancer. Our participation in this initiative aimed to raise public awareness about the link between oil pollution and health risks through a combination of environmental protection and health education.

During the event, we met a colleague from Africa who shared insights into the state of environmental protection efforts in his region. He candidly admitted that Africa lags behind China in addressing environmental issues, especially when it comes to managing oil spills. The lack of timely and effective response measures often exposes workers in the oil industry to significant health risks, including respiratory problems and an elevated risk of cancer. This situation deepened our understanding of the global significance of environmental protection and public health.

Our African colleague not only explained the environmental challenges in his region but also extended an invitation for us to collaborate in Africa on environmental protection and cancer prevention initiatives. He believed that through international cooperation and knowledge exchange, our project could help improve the region’s capacity to address oil pollution and enhance the health outcomes of local communities. This invitation further strengthened our resolve to expand globally, promoting both environmental protection and health initiatives to contribute to a healthier planet.

Our team has developed a Healthy Living Handbook aimed at raising awareness about healthier lifestyle choices. Through this handbook, we not only seek to educate the public on the potential health risks posed by oil pollution, helping people remain vigilant and avoid harmful substances, but also to promote a broader understanding of health — advocating for sustainable and healthy living practices.

Our goal through this educational effort is to emphasize that health is not just about preventing illness, but also about making environmentally conscious and responsible choices in everyday life. Whether it’s through diet, exercise, or environmental protection, we hope to inspire people to adopt healthier habits that reduce negative environmental impacts, thereby fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

At the HOSA Health Education Lecture organized by our school, RDFZ team members gained valuable insights into life sciences, biotechnology, and microbiology. This experience not only deepened our understanding of the project’s core concepts but also enhanced our overall capabilities, reinforcing our commitment to advancing health and scientific knowledge.

Through our project focused on oil pollution bioremediation, we have actively contributed to SDG 3 by addressing the health risks posed by toxic pollutants like PAHs. Our initiatives, including the Healthy Living Handbook, HOSA Health Education Lectures, and participation in the “Understanding China” Cancer Prevention Initiative, have raised public awareness about the link between environmental health and human well-being. By promoting sustainable living practices and engaging in educational outreach, we have fostered a greater understanding of how environmental protection is essential for ensuring long-term public health.

We recognize the critical importance of clean water and sanitation for human health and sustainable development. To support this goal, our project aims to remediate oil-contaminated soil and prevent oil pollutants from seeping into groundwater and surface water bodies. Once oil pollutants enter the water cycle, they not only jeopardize the safety of drinking water but also disrupt aquatic ecosystems, causing a host of environmental and health issues. Our bioremediation approach effectively removes contaminants from the soil, blocking harmful substances from entering the water cycle and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of water sources. Compared to traditional chemical cleaning methods, bioremediation offers clear advantages by reducing dependency on hazardous chemicals, preventing secondary pollution, and minimizing the risk of releasing dangerous substances into water bodies.

We are committed to advancing Target 6.3: by 2030, improving water quality, reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, cutting untreated wastewater in half, and substantially increasing global recycling and safe reuse.

Through our efforts, we aim to:

1. Improve water quality and reduce pollution,

2. Prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater, and

3. Promote resource recycling and safe reuse.

We conducted an on-site visit to the water source of Nongfu Spring, a leading mineral water brand in China. During our discussions with staff, they expressed strong support for our research, acknowledging its significance in protecting water sources. Despite strict water source protection measures, they pointed out that potential environmental risks remain. Whether during water transportation or the use of equipment for water processing, there is always the possibility of oil leaks or other pollutants.

The staff further emphasized that over time, mechanical failures or accidental leaks from transport vehicles and equipment could pose pollution risks to the water source. Our project, focused on preventing and mitigating oil pollution, offers them an effective environmental protection solution. This not only enhances the safety of the water source but also strengthens their technological capacity in environmental protection, ensuring the purity and safety of natural mineral water.

This visit reinforced our commitment to further research, aiming to contribute to the long-term protection of water sources and support companies in providing high-quality water while safeguarding the environment.

During our discussions with water purifier vendors, we learned that many current purifiers are not designed to handle oil pollution, primarily because oil spills are relatively rare, and thus the demand for such functionality has not been widely recognized. However, the vendors noted that the most effective way to address oil pollution is through source control and prevention, rather than relying on end-point water treatment technologies.

They further emphasized that although oil pollution is uncommon, it can cause severe damage to water sources when it occurs. Therefore, projects that focus on preventing and controlling oil spills at the source are critically important. The vendors expressed strong support for our project, acknowledging its forward-thinking approach and the potential to fill a gap in current water treatment systems regarding oil pollution.

This exchange reinforced our understanding of the importance and potential application of our research. We are confident that as environmental awareness continues to grow, source control of oil pollution will become a key factor in ensuring water resource safety, and our research is a vital step toward achieving this goal.

We organized a seminar at our school focused on soil oil pollution prevention, aiming to raise awareness among students about the connection between water pollution and soil oil contamination. During the seminar, we explained how oil pollutants from soil can infiltrate water sources through rainwater seepage and surface runoff. These two issues are closely linked, as oil pollutants harm soil organisms and plants, while also flowing into rivers, lakes, and groundwater systems, posing a threat to water quality and ecosystem health.

We also discussed the potential long-term health risks of oil pollution to humans, including the impact on drinking water sources and agricultural crops once pollutants enter the water cycle. Through this seminar, we sought not only to emphasize the importance of pollution prevention but also to inspire a sense of environmental responsibility among students, encouraging more people to take part in soil and water conservation efforts.

Additionally, as a highlight of the event, we distributed water purifier kits to students, allowing them to experience the water purification process firsthand. Ultimately, we hope that through continued environmental education, more people will develop a strong awareness of the need for environmental protection and help spread the principles of sustainable development within and beyond the school community.

We actively participated in several SDG-focused online seminars and oil spill awareness initiatives. These events provided valuable insights into global efforts to address environmental challenges, particularly in relation to oil spills and their impact on ecosystems and human health.

Through these seminars, we engaged with experts and stakeholders from various fields, deepening our understanding of how oil pollution affects water and land resources. The discussions emphasized the importance of early prevention and innovative solutions, such as bioremediation, to mitigate the long-term effects of oil contamination.

Our involvement in these awareness initiatives allowed us to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable development, while also raising awareness within our community about the critical need for responsible environmental stewardship. By sharing knowledge and participating in these activities, we are committed to supporting broader efforts toward achieving the SDGs, particularly in safeguarding natural resources and promoting ecological restoration.

As part of our environmental and health education efforts, we launched a tap water awareness campaign. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with untreated or contaminated tap water, particularly in areas affected by pollution such as oil spills. Our goal was to educate the public on the importance of safe drinking water practices and encourage the use of purified or clean water sources to protect public health.

We created impactful slogans and promotional materials to spread the message, such as:

• “Think Before You Drink: Ensure Your Water is Clean!”

• “Safe Water, Healthy Life: Protect What You Drink!”

• “Clean Water is a Right, Not a Risk.”

These messages emphasized the importance of water safety, the risks of consuming untreated tap water, and the need for broader environmental protection to ensure access to clean and safe water for all. Through this campaign, we sought to inspire individuals and communities to take proactive measures in securing their water sources and promoting sustainable water management practices.

Our project’s contribution to SDG 6 focused on safeguarding clean water and sanitation through innovative bioremediation methods aimed at preventing oil pollution. By addressing the risks of oil contaminants infiltrating groundwater and surface water, we have worked to protect both water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Through educational initiatives such as school seminars, partnerships with water-related industries, and participation in global SDG seminars, we have raised public awareness of the importance of water conservation and pollution prevention. Our efforts underscore the critical role of source control and sustainable water management in achieving long-term health and environmental goals.

Our project aims to achieve environmentally responsible management of oil pollutants. We utilize engineered microbial strains in conjunction with plants to accelerate the degradation of oil pollutants, converting them into harmless substances. This significantly reduces the release of oil contaminants into the environment, minimizing the risks of air, water, and soil pollution. Our green remediation method avoids the secondary pollution often associated with traditional chemical and physical cleaning processes.

During the project, we placed a strong emphasis on biosafety. We selected microbial strains with high safety ratings and designed a suicide gene system to ensure the project’s safety, minimizing any potential negative impacts on human health and the environment. By combining phytoremediation with microbial remediation, we enhanced the efficiency of oil degradation. This synergy not only reduces resource consumption and operational costs but also facilitates broader application and scalability of the project.

Through our efforts, we aim to:

1. Manage chemicals and waste in an environmentally friendly manner,

2. Reduce the release of harmful substances, and

3. Minimize negative impacts.

At the 11th National Youth Model CPPCC, the RDFZ-China team actively contributed to discussions on advancing legislation for synthetic biology and enhancing administrative measures for oil pollution management. Through insightful presentations and exchanges, we advocated for integrating synthetic biology innovations into policy frameworks, stressing the importance of legal and regulatory support to ensure both scientific progress and environmental protection. This participation reinforced our alignment with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by emphasizing the role of sound regulations in promoting sustainable technological solutions while addressing oil pollution and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.

We organized a mock hearing to explore various perspectives on oil spill remediation, representing stakeholders such as government officials, legal experts, oil company representatives, local residents, and environmental organizations. Each party presented their interests and concerns, aiming to collaboratively develop a balanced approach to managing oil spills that addresses environmental protection, public health, and economic considerations. This exercise reinforced our alignment with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in creating sustainable and effective responses to environmental challenges like oil pollution.

We conducted a mock environmental court session to examine how the legal system addresses cases where oil spills are not promptly reported, leading to severe consequences. With guidance from court staff, we simulated a trial focusing on the responsibilities and liabilities of those involved in such incidents. This exercise provided valuable insights into the judicial process and deepened our understanding of how environmental laws are applied in China, particularly regarding oil pollution and environmental negligence. The session aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by emphasizing the role of legal accountability in promoting sustainable practices and preventing environmental harm.

We organized a second-hand book exchange event to promote the concept of responsible consumption. This initiative encouraged participants to trade books they no longer use, giving these items a new life and reducing resource waste while fostering an awareness of recycling and sustainability.

By exchanging second-hand books, we aimed to help people realize that old items still hold value and can benefit others through sharing and reuse. This not only reduces the demand for new books, conserving paper and other natural resources, but also encourages a shift in consumption habits toward more environmentally friendly choices in everyday life.

Through this event, we sought to inspire participants to rethink their consumption patterns, reduce waste, and collectively contribute to building a more sustainable future, in alignment with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

We hosted and participated in multiple science lectures on synthetic biology and sustainable development, aiming to raise public awareness of this cutting-edge field and its relationship with sustainability. Through these events, we ensured that more people gained knowledge about sustainable development and ways to live harmoniously with nature.

Our activities included:

• Northeast Normal University iGEM High School Lecture (in collaboration with NENU-China and BAID-China): Focused on the role of synthetic biology in tackling environmental problems like oil pollution, engaging high school students with real-world applications.

• RDFZ Lecture on Synthetic Biology and Sustainable Development (in collaboration with BIT-China): Explored the intersection of synthetic biology and the SDGs, discussing how scientific innovation can be harnessed for sustainability.

• Joint Lecture on Synthetic Biology and Sustainability (with BIT-China, BJWZ-3-China, and The High School Affiliated to Renmin University): Highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing synthetic biology for sustainable solutions, encouraging students to consider the societal impact of their work.

• Beijing No. 11 School Synthetic Biology and Sustainability Lecture: Engaged students with hands-on activities and discussions on the practical applications of synthetic biology in sustainable development.

Through these lectures, we not only introduced the fundamental concepts of synthetic biology but also guided participants in applying this knowledge to foster more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles. Our goal is to empower individuals to recognize their role in environmental protection and inspire them to leverage scientific knowledge to achieve harmony between humanity and nature. By spreading this knowledge, we hope to help more people make informed choices and drive society towards a more sustainable future, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

We utilized social media platforms to share a wide range of content related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the aim of spreading awareness about sustainable living and coexisting harmoniously with nature. While our offline activities were primarily domestic, the global reach of our social media allowed us to transcend geographical boundaries and deliver these vital messages worldwide.

Through online dissemination, we expanded our audience and ensured that individuals from diverse regions could access knowledge and practical advice related to sustainability. Whether discussing climate change, environmental protection, resource conservation, or responsible consumption, our content was designed to help more people understand their role in global environmental protection and encourage them to take action and make more eco-friendly lifestyle choices.

We aimed to use this global platform to raise awareness of sustainability and drive environmental action on a global scale. By spreading this information broadly, we hoped to inspire individuals and communities around the world to join in the effort to protect the planet and contribute to building a healthier, more sustainable future.

Our social media presence is not only a window for sharing knowledge but also a platform for fostering global collaboration and collective progress. Through it, we strive to ensure that more people receive information about the SDGs, helping to promote sustainable development globally and fostering harmony between humans and nature, in alignment with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

We designed a series of slogans aimed at reducing food waste, conserving water, and saving energy, which were strategically placed throughout the school to encourage responsible habits. These slogans promoted awareness of sustainable practices in daily life, reinforcing the importance of mindful consumption and resource conservation.

By placing these slogans in visible areas, such as the cafeteria, restrooms, and classrooms, we aimed to inspire students and staff to make small, but impactful changes in their daily routines. This initiative aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by fostering a culture of sustainability and encouraging the responsible use of resources in our school community.

Our efforts under SDG 12 focused on promoting responsible consumption and production by addressing key environmental challenges such as oil pollution, resource conservation, and sustainable living. Through initiatives like bioremediation research, mock hearings, and environmental education, we emphasized the importance of reducing environmental impact and fostering a culture of sustainability. Additionally, our campaigns on reducing food waste, conserving water, and saving energy encouraged mindful resource use in everyday life. By combining innovation with education, we contributed to a more sustainable future and aligned our project with the goals of SDG 12.

The ocean, Earth’s largest and most complex ecosystem, sustains countless life forms and plays a vital role in regulating the global climate and supporting human life. Our project contributes to SDG 14 by effectively addressing oil pollution on land, thereby preventing contaminants from reaching the ocean. By using bioremediation techniques to restore oil-contaminated soil, we remove harmful substances and block their pathway into rivers, lakes, and ultimately the ocean through rainfall or groundwater flow. This preventative approach significantly reduces land-based pollution of marine environments.

By preventing toxic substances from entering the ocean, we protect marine ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. Additionally, our project raises public awareness of how land pollution affects marine life, fostering a greater understanding of environmental protection. Through education and outreach, we aim to inspire more people to take part in ocean conservation efforts, reinforcing our alignment with the goals of SDG 14: Life Below Water.

During a site visit to Haibo Biology, an aquarium fish and coral breeding facility, we conducted research and discussions with the management team. Through our conversations, we learned that oil spills cause severe and long-lasting damage to marine ecosystems. The manager confirmed that oil spill incidents often result in massive fish deaths, threatening marine life and devastating fragile coral ecosystems, leading to a sharp decline in biodiversity.

They expressed strong interest and support for our project, acknowledging that our work on oil pollution remediation aligns with the solutions they have been seeking. The manager believes that our bioremediation technology can effectively remove oil pollutants from the ocean, reducing harm to fish and coral and helping to restore the health and balance of marine ecosystems.

Our project aims to address oil pollution at its source, creating a clean and safe environment for marine life. Through practical actions, we are committed to contributing to ocean conservation and encouraging broader participation in marine environmental protection efforts, advancing the goal of achieving harmony between humans and the ocean in line with SDG 14: Life Below Water.

In our discussions with researchers at Xiamen University’s Dongshan Marine Station, we learned that the government is steadily enhancing marine environmental protection laws and regulations to curb oil spill incidents, alongside increasing oversight of oil transportation and extraction activities. The researchers emphasized that oil pollution has become a significant factor in marine science research due to its profound impact on marine ecosystems.

Toxic substances in oil directly harm marine organisms, affecting their survival and reproduction, while also degrading marine habitats, leading to habitat loss and altered ecosystem structures. These changes accelerate biodiversity loss and pose long-term threats to the ecological balance of marine systems.

We aim to collaborate with research institutions like Dongshan Marine Station to combine cutting-edge scientific research with practical applications, advancing marine environmental protection efforts. Our goal is to provide technical support for the nation’s marine conservation strategies, mitigating the harmful effects of oil pollution on marine life and ecosystems, while promoting the restoration and sustainable development of marine environments.

Through our efforts, we not only contribute to preserving marine biodiversity and restoring ecosystem balance but also provide healthier environments for coastal communities and related industries, promoting coordinated economic and ecological development. We are confident that only through the combination of technological innovation and policy regulation can we effectively address the challenges posed by oil pollution, safeguarding the future of marine ecosystems in line with SDG 14: Life Below Water.

In collaboration with our school’s Marine Biology Club, we organized a series of educational lectures aimed at increasing awareness of marine ecosystems and their conservation. These lectures explored various aspects of marine biology, focusing on the importance of preserving marine life and the impact of human activities on ocean ecosystems.

The lecture themes included:

1. “The Hidden World Beneath: Understanding Marine Biodiversity” – This session introduced students to the incredible diversity of life forms in the ocean and their role in maintaining ecological balance.

2. “The Impact of Oil Spills on Marine Ecosystems” – We discussed the severe consequences of oil spills, how they disrupt marine habitats, and the long-term effects on biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and remediation technologies.

3. “Coral Reefs: Guardians of the Ocean” – This lecture focused on coral reefs, their vital role in marine ecosystems, and the threats they face from pollution and climate change, highlighting the need for urgent protection.

Through these lectures, we aimed to engage students and the broader community in marine conservation efforts, encouraging everyone to recognize their role in protecting ocean life. Our initiative aligns with SDG 14: Life Below Water, as it promotes education and awareness about marine biodiversity and the urgent need for sustainable practices to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.

We engaged in discussions with Professor Zhou Chengshi from Peking University to gain insights into oceanic expeditions and the adaptability of marine ecosystems. The conversation focused on the resilience of marine life in response to environmental changes and human impacts, particularly oil pollution. Professor Zhou emphasized the importance of scientific research in understanding how marine species adapt to these challenges and how such knowledge can inform conservation efforts.

Through this dialogue, we explored the critical role of marine expeditions in gathering data on ocean health and biodiversity, helping to identify vulnerable ecosystems and species at risk. These insights are essential for developing effective strategies to protect marine habitats and promote ecological restoration.

This engagement reinforced the alignment of our project with SDG 14: Life Below Water, as it highlights the need for continuous scientific research and international collaboration in understanding and mitigating the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems. By integrating this knowledge into our efforts, we aim to contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of oceanic environments.

Our project under SDG 14 focused on safeguarding marine ecosystems by preventing oil pollution and raising public awareness about the importance of ocean conservation. Through practical bioremediation solutions, we aimed to stop oil contaminants from reaching the ocean, protecting marine biodiversity and promoting ecosystem balance. Educational initiatives, including lectures and collaborations with experts, emphasized the vital role of research and community involvement in preserving marine life. By combining scientific innovation and public outreach, we contributed to the long-term health and sustainability of the ocean, in alignment with SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Our project plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 15 by effectively restoring soil degraded by oil pollution and revitalizing its ecological functions and productivity. Oil pollution disrupts soil structure, inhibits plant growth, and kills beneficial microorganisms, leading to land degradation and ecosystem collapse. Our bioremediation methods remove toxic substances from the soil, allowing it to once again support life.

By eliminating these harmful pollutants, we create a healthy habitat for plants, microorganisms, and animals. Plants can take root and grow, restoring vegetation cover and preventing soil erosion. Soil microbial communities are revived, reestablishing nutrient cycles and organic matter decomposition processes. These changes collectively promote the recovery and maintenance of biodiversity, providing suitable living conditions for various species.

We understand the importance of plant-microbe symbiosis in ecosystem recovery. Our engineered microbes not only degrade oil pollutants but also produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant growth hormone that enhances plant growth and resilience. In return, plant roots provide nutrients and habitat for microbes, forming a mutually beneficial relationship that accelerates ecosystem self-repair, increasing stability and resilience.

Through this approach, we achieve sustainable ecosystem services and support the natural restoration capacity of ecosystems. Our project not only restores damaged ecological functions but also provides sustainable resource use for local communities, promoting both economic and social sustainability. By rehabilitating degraded soil and restoring biodiversity, we aim to advance the sustainable management and protection of terrestrial ecosystems, in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land.

We designed germinating seed cards using an innovative biodegradable seed paper. This paper is not only eco-friendly but also embedded with plant seeds during production. Under suitable conditions, the cards can be planted directly into the soil, where the paper will naturally decompose, allowing the seeds to take root and grow into new plants. This process reduces environmental impact while transforming waste into a source of life, exemplifying the beauty of recycling.

Through these unique seed cards, we aim to instill responsible consumption and production values in younger generations. We want to educate them on how everyday consumption choices not only fulfill personal needs but also profoundly impact the future of our planet. By planting these seeds, they can experience firsthand the benefits of resource recycling and how small actions can generate lasting environmental outcomes.

These cards are more than just gifts; they are symbols of responsibility. We believe that this playful yet educational approach can inspire young people to reflect on and practice sustainable development principles, empowering them to embrace environmental consciousness in their daily lives and help steer society toward a greener, healthier future. This initiative aligns with SDG 15: Life on Land by promoting biodiversity, ecological awareness, and sustainable practices.

We designed a set of bookmarks inspired by SDG 15: Life on Land, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of protecting terrestrial ecosystems. Each bookmark features visuals of thriving forests, diverse wildlife, and healthy landscapes, symbolizing the vital role that biodiversity and land preservation play in maintaining ecological balance.

These bookmarks serve as a reminder of the need for sustainable practices to protect soil health, promote reforestation, and conserve biodiversity. Through this design, we hope to encourage people, especially young readers, to reflect on their relationship with nature and the environment, inspiring them to take small, meaningful actions in their daily lives to protect the planet.

By integrating environmental messaging into these everyday items, we align with SDG 15: Life on Land, fostering a deeper understanding of land conservation and promoting the sustainable use of our planet’s resources.

From the early stages to the completion of our project, our team, along with our peers, hosted several seminars on sustainable development. These discussions allowed us to deeply reflect on the potential positive and negative impacts of our project, ensuring that we could better guide our work and maintain its effectiveness and sustainability.

Our project utilizes bioremediation technology to effectively remove toxic oil pollutants, particularly harmful aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). By eliminating these hazardous substances, we reduce human exposure to dangerous chemicals, promoting community health and well-being.

Additionally, our work restores soil health and fertility, supporting plant growth and sustainable agricultural and ecosystem development. This not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes to food security and economic growth.

By remediating oil-contaminated soil, we prevent pollutants from seeping into groundwater and surface water, ensuring clean and safe drinking water for communities—critical for both public health and sustainable development.

Furthermore, our effective land-based oil pollution treatment prevents contaminants from reaching the ocean, thereby protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity, supporting the preservation of ecological balance in both terrestrial and marine environments.

However, the use of genetically engineered bacteria may raise public concerns about biosafety, with fears that these microorganisms could pose unknown risks to human health and the environment. The large-scale introduction of engineered or non-native species could also disrupt local ecosystems, potentially affecting existing microbial and plant communities.

If engineered bacteria or their byproducts enter water systems, they could negatively impact aquatic life and water quality. Should they accidentally enter marine ecosystems, they could alter existing microbial populations, leading to unforeseen ecological consequences.

To address these concerns, we implemented several safety measures in our project:

1. Suicide System Design: We engineered a suicide mechanism in the bacteria to ensure they cannot survive outside their targeted polluted environment. Once removed from specific conditions, these bacteria self-destruct, preventing their spread into natural ecosystems.

2. Selection of High Biosafety Strains: We chose strains like Bacillus subtilis 168, known for their high biosafety, to minimize risks to human health and the environment.

3. Environmental Monitoring and Risk Assessment: We plan to incorporate environmental monitoring and risk assessments to promptly identify and address potential issues, ensuring project safety and compliance.

Our project offers a sustainable, eco-friendly solution to oil pollution remediation, reducing reliance on harmful chemical cleaning methods and lowering environmental pollution and resource consumption. Through bioremediation, harmful oil pollutants are converted into harmless substances, such as water and carbon dioxide, promoting resource reuse and minimizing waste generation.

Recognizing that bioremediation processes may require extensive microbial cultivation and maintenance, which can consume resources and incur costs, we engineered E. coli to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant growth hormone. This synergy between plant and microbial remediation enhances oil degradation efficiency, reduces resource consumption, and lowers operational costs, supporting the project’s scalability and application.

By carefully weighing the positive and negative impacts of our project, we aim to not only address the critical issue of oil pollution but also contribute to sustainable environmental management practices. This thorough consideration of impacts aligns with the SDG evaluation criterion, ensuring our project supports multiple SDGs in a balanced and responsible manner.

Throughout our project, we actively incorporated feedback from relevant SDG stakeholders to ensure our work was both impactful and aligned with sustainable development goals.

During our engagement with researchers at Xiamen University’s Dongshan Marine Station, they provided detailed feedback on the ecological impacts of oil pollution on marine ecosystems. Based on their input, we enhanced our bioremediation techniques to more effectively prevent oil pollutants from entering marine environments, contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity (SDG 14).

We also collaborated with water purification vendors who highlighted the limitations of current filtration technologies in managing oil spills. In response to their feedback, we refined our approach by focusing on upstream prevention, ensuring that oil pollution is addressed before it reaches water sources, thus supporting clean water and sanitation goals (SDG 6).

Additionally, during field visits with local seafood vendors, they expressed concerns about the safety of marine products in oil-polluted areas. Taking their feedback into account, we enhanced the safety protocols of our bioremediation system to ensure that it would not disrupt marine food chains, further supporting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12).

Our project successfully integrated bioremediation techniques to address oil pollution, while actively incorporating feedback from key SDG stakeholders. Through collaborations with researchers, industry professionals, and local communities, we refined our approach to ensure both environmental and public health benefits. By preventing oil pollutants from entering water systems and restoring soil health, we contributed to the preservation of biodiversity, clean water access, and sustainable resource management. Our efforts aligned with multiple SDGs, particularly SDGs 6, 12, 14, and 15, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future.

1. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

URL: https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3

2. Bioremediation: A Sustainable Approach to Pollution Degradation

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3884939/

3. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Their Impact on Human Health

URL: https://www.who.int/airpollution/publications/PAHs.pdf

4. HOSA: Future Health Professionals Organization

URL: https://hosa.org/

5. Healthy Living Handbook: Promoting Environmental and Personal Health

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/healthy_living.htm

6. Understanding China: Cancer Prevention Initiative

URL: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/