Project 2025

POSEIDON

Phytoprotein-Optimized System for Environmental Ion DetoxificatiON

Metal contamination is a growing environmental crisis, silently threatening our water sources, ecosystems, and human health. Toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium—released from industries, mining, and agricultural runoff—accumulate in rivers, lakes, and groundwater, making water unsafe for drinking and harming biodiversity. The health impacts are severe, leading to neurological disorders, organ damage, and even cancer.

Our vision & Project

Metal contamination in water bodies is an emerging environmental challenge, threatening the environment and biological settlement. Conventional remediation methods are often expensive, energy-intensive, and generate secondary pollutants. 

Our research explores a novel, nature-based solution by utilising natural resources such as plant proteins to develop a biopolymer-based filtration system for metal removal. By harnessing certain biological systems' natural ability to sequester toxic metals and integrating it into a sustainable filtration material, this study pioneers a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. The approach aligns with green chemistry and circular economy principles! Repurposing biological materials to create an innovative and sustainable solution to counter water contamination by metals. 

The socio-environmental impact of this research is profound. The study offers a viable solution for communities facing water contamination, particularly in coastal and industrial regions, by providing an affordable, biodegradable filtration material. Unlike synthetic materials, this biopolymer-based system minimizes ecological footprint while ensuring long-term effectiveness. 

Furthermore, this is among the first studies to explore plant proteins for metal sequestration in water purification, setting a precedent for future research on plant-derived filtration technologies. The outcomes of this study could revolutionize water treatment, enhancing water security and quality for vulnerable populations while contributing to global efforts toward sustainable environmental management.