10 ppb is the EPA's standard for the maximum acceptable concentration of Arsenic in drinking water. In many areas of the world, including parts of Northern Arizona, the concentration of Arsenic in water supplies greatly exceeds that.

The atomic weight of Arsenic is nearly 75 amu. It, and other heavy metals like Mercury, Cadmium, and Lead, have been found as water supply contaminants that can cause serious health concerns.

Last year, 249 teams from over 40 different countries participated in the iGEM competition. International collaboration and teamwork is a key aspect of iGEM and a concept that we plan to integrate into our own project.