Abstract

Metal contamination in drinking water is a persistent global problem with severe health, environmental, and socio-economic consequences. Communities in rural districts, industrial corridors, and ecologically sensitive zones are disproportionately affected, often facing chronic exposure to mercury, aluminum, iron, and hexavalent chromium at concentrations too low for conventional technologies to treat effectively. These metals not only compromise water safety but also accumulate in soils, crops, and food chains, creating a long-term hazard for human health and biodiversity. Existing remediation methods (reverse osmosis, chemical precipitation, and activated carbon) are energy-intensive, infrastructure-dependent, and produce toxic secondary wastes. They remain out of reach for the very populations most at risk.
To address this gap, we present POSEIDON (Phytoprotein-Optimized System for Environmental Ion Detoxification), a synthetic biology–based filtration platform that harnesses the power of metal-binding peptides to selectively remove multiple toxic ions at trace levels. Through rational design and computational screening, we identified a phytochelatin synthase (PCS) and an engineered metallothionein (MT) with high affinity for targeted metals. These peptides are expressed in safe E. coli chassis, purified, and covalently immobilized onto biodegradable alginate hydrogel beads using EDC/NHS chemistry. Packed into modular cartridges, the beads provide robust, reusable adsorption units that can be operated by gravity flow or low-power pumps in both household and institutional settings.
The scientific foundation of POSEIDON is reinforced by competitive Langmuir isotherm modeling, which guides peptide ratios, bead packing densities, and flow rates to optimize performance in realistic mixed-metal environments. Breakthrough curve simulations allow service life predictions and regeneration scheduling, ensuring reliability for end-users without the need for complex monitoring equipment. In practice, this means a user-friendly device: pour water in, collect clean water out, and follow simple visual cues for cartridge regeneration or replacement.
Sustainability is built into every layer of the design. The biodegradable nature of alginate beads reduces persistent waste, and the system requires little to no energy for operation. Local production and cartridge assembly create opportunities for green entrepreneurship, with communities able to fabricate, regenerate, and maintain devices independently. The open release of design files and operational protocols lowers barriers to adoption and supports distributed manufacturing. Environmental impact is further reduced by centralized regeneration hubs that recover bound metals, creating pathways for circular resource use.
The broader impact of POSEIDON extends beyond clean water access. By enabling low-cost, decentralized remediation, the system enhances public health resilience, empowers marginalized groups who bear the brunt of unsafe water, and contributes to international sustainability targets. Its alignment with global frameworks including SDG-3⤴︎ (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG-6⤴︎ (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG-8⤴︎ (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG-9⤴︎ (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG-11⤴︎ (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG-14⤴︎ (Life Below Water), SDG-15⤴︎ (Life on Land), and SDG-17⤴︎ (Partnerships for the Goals) positions it not only as a scientific innovation but also as a socially responsible intervention.
The outcome of this project is a modular, environmentally safe, and potentially commercial water purification unit. With its combination of biological specificity, engineering practicality, and inclusive design, POSEIDON represents a forward-looking response to one of today’s most pressing challenges: delivering clean, safe, and sustainable water for all.

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The abstract introduces the scope and vision of POSEIDON. For details on implementation, see how decentralized deployment is planned for households, schools, and disaster-relief sites. For sustainability, explore how biodegradable beads, energy-free design, and local manufacturing build long-term resilience. Our humanpractices section outlines inclusive engagement with marginalized groups and gender-sensitive approaches, while experiments documents peptide validation, bead loading, and cartridge testing. Together, these sections form a complete picture of how POSEIDON integrates science, engineering, and social responsibility.