Heavy metal contamination in drinking water is a severe issue in places around the world, with high heavy metal concentrations causing a variety of health complications including neurological deficits and kidney issues. Traditional filtration methods can often be limited in efficiency, cost, and scalability. To address these challenges, a bioengineered filtration system has been developed using genetically modified bacteria to enhance the removal of heavy metals through biosorption, bioaccumulation, and bioprecipitation processes.

The system consists of three filtration chambers, each with a different bacterial strain—Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas putida—selected for its ability to target and remove specific heavy metals. Engineered plasmids containing genes for metal-detoxifying enzymes, metallothioneins, and efflux pumps were introduced into these bacteria, improving their capacity for heavy metal filtration. The bacteria are also immobilized within a biochar medium to ensure stability and sustained filtration efficiency.

In the future, the plan is to measure heavy metal concentrations using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using these methods, parameters such as flow rate, contact time, and bacterial activity can be optimized for maximum efficiency. Today, the scalable biofiltration system presents a cost-effective and sustainable solution for counteracting heavy metal contamination, improving access to safe drinking water around the world.