'The Sunflower Project: Using Sunflowers To Provide Clean Water To Those Living In Areas Polluted By Uranium Mining Via Partnership With High-School Aged Students'
Poster |
Poster: |
Mining on Naabeehó Bináhásdzo (Navajo Nation) increased ground water concentrations of uranium, arsenic, and other heavy metals. The Navajo Nation and residents of this region use groundwater for human consumption and agriculture. Currently many must transport resuited water from distant areas that are often miles away. We propose to test if uranium and other pollutants could be removed by strategic cultivation of sunflowers and similar plant species. Recent observations suggest that sunflowers, mosses, and other plants preferentially take up heavy metals, including uranium and arsenic, allowing on-site, low-cost phytoremediation of water pollution. Through partnership with local leaders and students, new relevant filtration rates, and possible plant filtration solutions will be established. |
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