Proposed Implementation

Our system consists of a three-phase bioreactor system that will break down the synthetic organic chemical explosive called RDX, in the process generating nitrite and formaldehyde as byproducts. The first component we designed is a stirred batch bioreactor focused on the degradation of RDX. The initial mixture will contain our transformed Escherichia coli with our constructed genetic circuit and respective nutrients for optimal growth. This concoction will be homogeneously stirred until the desired product is obtained. To provide support to the bacteria, the bioreactor will be configured to offer the parameters required for E. coli to thrive. The contents in our system will then pass through a series of phases that will decompose the byproducts formed during our previous phase, eliminating possible harmful contaminants in the treated water of the Anones Lagoon. Our system will be installed in the lagoon as well as our proposed greenhouse.

As the project aims for an attainable solution, it is important to consider how sustainable it is going to be. Since the project depends on scheduling and costs, system sustainability must be a crucial factor to account for when developing a solution for a particular problem. Importing the plants mentioned above will entail legal procurement, monetary actions and a considerable amount of time. Therefore, some questions have to be raised and addressed: How will plants be tested? How can we ensure they will be prepared under the optimal environment conditions? How often will these be imported? By taking into account the previously mentioned problems, and evaluating the benefits and risks of different solutions, the implementation of a greenhouse best suits the needs of the project. By general definition, a greenhouse is a glass building used to grow plants in adequate conditions while preserving adjacent ecosystems. This particular element of the system will be placed in the surroundings of the Anones Lagoon, once plants are imported to Vieques, Puerto Rico, it is imperative to temper and adjust the habitat to the desired conditions for process execution. While simultaneously reducing the probability of potential damages caused by local wildlife. Furthermore, legal processes and importation costs will be hugely reduced by being able to grow and test these plants in the local area.

Engineering goes beyond design and innovation as it involves analysis of human and social practices. As a fundamental aspect of human society, it is a driving force on how groups of people interact with each other on political, economical and material-cultural levels. The greenhouse implementation can be a great opportunity to defray the social-economic deficit caused by RDX contamination. An integral part of having such a beneficial and successful project for the community is for Vieques people to feel part of it. Therefore, the maintenance incurrent work can also be reduced by giving community leaders the freedom of managing the greenhouse themselves, delegating responsibilities across the community while promoting workforce development and economic growth.