This project, “Investigating if Avocado skin powder or Bacopa monnieri Can Alter the Amount of Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environments”, aims to investigate methods of preventing the accumulation of toxic heavy-metal contaminants. Specifically, it examines the use of nature-based phytoremediation strategies (Avocado skin powder and Bacopa monnieri) to reduce copper concentrations in model aquatic environments. The results confirmed that both Avocado skin powder and Bacopa monneiri significantly reduced copper concentrations. These findings could be implemented to reduce heavy metal water toxicity, and so, play a part in our efforts towards clean water for all.
This is how I came up with the idea for this project:
On early mornings after rain, while rowing on the Parramatta River, I noticed that runoff contaminated fresh waterways, changing their colour to a murky brown. This sparked my interest in reducing water toxicity using native coastal plants (Bacopa Monnieri) and fruit skins (Avocado skin powder).
