Our project, ECOS, is a biological sensor designed to detect aromatic hydrocarbons found in soil. Due to human error, oil leakage is bound to occur, and because agriculture and the oilfield are closely intertwined, contamination is a cause for concern. ECOS, alginate beads containing modified E. coli, detects crude oil in a sample of soil or water. Detection of oil spills is a major issue because if oil contamination goes unchecked, the carcinogens found in oil can damage the crops and health of animals in the area.

Testing can be done safely and accurately, allowing us to take action quickly and minimize health hazards in communities worldwide. Our alginate beads are a simple design that the average person can use by easily mixing in a soil or water sample with our beads, and within hours the results are apparent – if the beads fluoresce, there is xylene and therefore crude oil contamination. The current system for oil detection takes weeks before a sample is tested and returned. By this point, the result is invalid.

This project is in its third year in running; however our new perspective – using alginate beads – is unparalleled to the previous advancement of this project. Our current team consists of eight students and one teacher/leader, but the help we have received from our village of Consort extends to encompass the entirety of our community.