4 Sources and Disposal of Materials
4.1 Why is sources and disposal of materials an ethical concern?
Once an experiment has been designed, the next stage of the process is determining what materials will be required based on the methodology. Quite reasonably, often the first concerns we might address as scientists are determining the appropriate materials including the exact formulation of reagents and solutions, the costs associated with them, and which brands are the most reliable ( Haase, 2023 ). However, some often overlooked considerations are issues such as where did the materials come from and how were they produced ( Hancock et al., 2018 )? Was any harm done during production ( Resnik & Portier, 2023 )? These are ethical concerns that need to be investigated. For example, it is important to know where casts of skeletal structures come from. Casts of animal skulls are frequently displayed in classrooms, but we often fail to question their origins. It may not occur to us to wonder if the original skeleton was from a naturally deceased individual or if it was killed for the purpose. Additionally, when considering reagents and chemicals, we should determine if they are produced in a way that is safe and environmentally conscious ( Hancock et al., 2018 ). Moreover, reliability is extremely important. Not only to ensure that the cell line, chemical or other material you are using is pure and untainted, but replicating a study becomes almost impossible when materials cannot be depended upon to react in the same manner each time.
Not only are the sources of materials an ethical concern but the disposal of said materials is too. Throughout an experiment, scientists use and dispose of materials, often without thought. While it is true that many items can be sterilized, science can be extremely wasteful as many of the items used in an experiment are single use (Haase, 2023; Shi & Sarangi, 2021). But what happens to the materials we discard? Where do they go after they’re thrown in the garbage? (Shi & Sarangi, 2021) Could their disposal be harmful in some way (Mehlich, 2017; Resnik & Portier, 2023)? These are all ethical questions that we should consider when initially determining our selection of materials. Moreover, we should be responsible for the materials we choose to use, including the effects these materials can have after they have ceased to be useful. For example, it may be safe to pour a certain chemical down the drain, but it could have environmental impacts and so an ethical scientist will instead dispose of it in a biohazard chemical container (Georgia Tech, n.d.).
4.2 Example: long-term effects of disposal
Between 1960 and 1978, Dartmouth College located in New Hampshire (United States) used an empty lot near one of their facilities to dump biohazardous materials utilized in experiments. Although there were some human cadavers, most of the remains were those of small animals such as mice which were predominantly used in “tracer” experiments. These experiments tracked the progression of radioactive compounds through organisms. At the time of the experiments, it was legal for the college to dispose of these remains in unlined pits. In 2011, the college chose to clean up the site, removing 40 tons of carcasses and dirt. Testing surrounding soil led to the discovery that hazardous chemicals were leaching into the groundwater. In particular, the levels of 1,4 dixane, a suspected carcinogen, exceeded the state standard by a factor of 50. This chemical has been linked to eye, nose and throat irritation and can cause damage to the liver and kidneys over time (Dartmouth College, n.d.). Unfortunately, nearby residents were only informed about this issue in September of 2015. One family’s groundwater well was contaminated upon testing which could explain the family’s (including their pets) chronic health issues. Dartmouth College has since been supplying residents with bottled water for drinking and cooking (CBS, 2016). This situation should be viewed as a warning about the long-term impacts science can produce when waste disposal occurs.
4.3 Practice Questions
- Cell line contamination
You have a new lab mate in the cell biology lab that you work in. They brought some kidney cell cultures with them from their old lab so that they could continue their experiment with the same cell line. They offer to share their cell culture with you so that you don’t have to buy them.
2. Using biological samples
You are studying a new species of fungi which was discovered during field work by your supervisor. The fungus is from a different region in the world and requires special dispensation to be allowed into the country. Based on i ts ecology, you and your supervisor are hopeful that it could be used to digest non-biodegradable waste.
You have reached the end of the study and now must clean up your experimental materials. After correctly disposing of your instruments and reagents, you are left with the fungi to dispose of. You are unsure of the correct disposal method as some biological plant matter can be composted. Your supervisor decides that as it is a fungus that has proven to be a good decomposer, it can go in the compost.
3. Ethidium bromide
The genetics lab that you work in uses Ethidium bromide ( EthBr ) to stain DNA. It has been used in labs since the 1970s and was commonly disposed of by diluting it with water before pouring it down the drain. Although it is very effective as a stain, it is carcinogenic.
4. Using cell lines and live bacteria
You are running an experiment to determine if it is possible to use the Tuberculosis bacteria ( Mycobacterium tuberculosis ) to target cancer cells. You have selected the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line to use in vitro and will need to use various chemicals and reagents during the experiment. Due to the nature of your experiment, the Tuberculosis bacteria are alive and active.
