Alexis Flores and Mary Ellen Sweeney
AP Biology
Biocontamination Lab
Site Descriptions:
Pond Sample: Many dead fish were spotted in the area either floating to the surface or spotted washing
up on shore which leads local fishermen to notice there are not as many fish to catch due to the amount
dead and/or decomposed. Also, there is an increased amount of algae growth which deters swimmers.
Old Field Sample: Dr. Janks has taken notice of the fact that cancer rates in the area are increasing
substantially and is not exactly sure what the cause may be. Although many cases have been caught
early, it has the potential to take deleterious effects.
Teacher Lot: An unexplainable decrease in fertility plagues the surrounding area from Mr. and Mrs.
Sweetheart to their neighbors.
Path #2: Similarly to the humans who have been noticing infertility, Farmer Zack’s cattle population is
not growing because his stud cow has not been impregnating the females who he has mated with.
Creek: Due to an increased death rate and fertility issues, local fishermen have had to find other places
to fish even though the creek has been restocked with both males and females.
Path #1: Trees are struggling to survive because of their withering leaves which will directly affect their
photosynthesis rates.
Treeline by Cafeteria: As found in Path #1 area, trees, shrubs and flowers are dying for unknown
reasons. It could be the bird population growing or another substance affecting their growth? If the
cause is not found then the ecosystem will go downhill.
Mrs. Salo’s Room: Cows all over are suffering early deaths. Farmers, especially ones who breed and eat
their cattle, are suffering and there is no clue into what is the cause of their deaths.
Treeline Sample #2: Most of the plants in the area are dying from an unknown cause that is a mystery to
many.
How the Spill was Located:
We located the spill by looking at the table provided showing the highest concentration to
lowest concentration affects that Toxiglutamate has on the environment surrounding it. The
concentrations of 900 ppt to 999 ppt had effects of increased cancer rates that could potentially lead to
death and also an increase of fish deaths which would affect the entire food chain. The old field sample
provided the information from Dr. Janks that cancer rates are growing in the area for an unknown
reason. Also the pond sample showing evidence that supports the fact that increasing death rates of fish
were occurring in the pond due to an unknown cause as well. On the map we created an array of “lines
of best fit” which pointed us in the direction towards
the old school. After much searching in the football
fields, old baseball field and prior school we found the
Toxiglutamate to be located at the near side of the
building. It was progressing out of the window. This
makes sense because there are other harmful wastes
in the old building such as asbestos.
Description of Spill:
The spill, as said, was moving out of the
window. It looked like green sludge and we have
determined it is a liquid. The reason for this is our way
of thinking that the liquid was evaporated into the
water cycle. Once in the water cycle, it then rained
and infected the surrounding bodies of water and also polluted the soil. This in return, hurt the
surrounding crops and infected them just as it had the fish. As we know, corn is a major source of food
for not only humans but livestock as well which explains the infertility of cows which could lead to
death. The Toxiglutamate has affected the food chain and led up to humans being infected with human
infertility and high cancer rate.
Remediation Plan:
Before commencing the remediation plan which specifically
deals with the consequences of this spill, we first need to stop
the liquid at its source. Biohazard companies will have to be
called in to relieve the school of this toxin. The most ideal
case would be to tear down the school but because of its
historic value this cannot be done. Instead we will have to
take care of the problem at its source and stop the spread of
this toxin with a thorough cleaning.
With something such as this, a great force is needed to “start
new”. Because the whole area including water, crops and livestock is contaminated, harsh action has to
be in place. To filter the groundwater a groundwater filtration solution needs to be installed. This will
suck the groundwater through small pipes and filter it through the systems such as the one shown on
the right. After it is done filtering, the water will be put back into the ground where it was. To stop the
contamination from moving back into the newly filtered water, we would use a soil treatment. To do
this you use EATOILS(TM) BT200 (TM) which is “all natural and environmentally friendly” and can
remove oils, greases, hydraulic fluids and other hydrocarbons from the soil. It includes high microbial
counts for ongoing deep cleaning and a wide temperature range. It rapidly degrades oils and greases
from soil and water. We would use a special Bacterial Blends that are used specifically for
bioremediation.
The surrounding area thrives on water simply because every organism needs it. Toxiglutamate
moved its way into the water cycle which has caused the largest of problems. Because all of the
livestock, especially cows, are now infected, major measures must be taken. The cows will spread the
disease to their offspring and if eaten their meat would be tainted and hurt the humans eating them.
The cows must be killed and the meats not used or live until they die of old age. Also, the crops would
be infected so they need to die as well. Basically every living thing in the area from corn to cows would
need to be killed. No one can eat anything and if they do the infection will stay present. Once every
living thing is dead then the area that’s infected will be
able to start new.
Finally the pond is a major problem. To solve this
we will use reverse osmosis. This membrane technology
isn’t technically a filtration system but nonetheless is an
applied pressure which utilized to overcome osmotic
pressure that is driven by chemicals. It can remove
molecules and ions from the water and is used industrially
which shows its hard work in terms of remediation.
Because most of the fish are contaminated, they will
unfortunately die which means we do not need to
transport them into an alternate source while doing this. This process will be ongoing until the original
pH and environment is restored. The estimated to for this is unknown but it will have to be monitored
just as the groundwater pump.