A young man has won a significant five-figure financial prize at the nation’s top science fair for his groundbreaking research into a mysterious outbreak of tumors affecting sea turtles in his native Hawaii.
This notable achievement highlights not only his dedication but also the urgent environmental issues affecting marine life.
Maddux Springer, a resident of Oahu, spent much of his free time during the pandemic engaging in free diving among the reefs of Kāneʻohe Bay. Amid the serene coral formations, he noticed a disturbing pattern: nearly every green sea turtle he encountered was afflicted with cauliflower-like tumors.
Whether the turtles were young or old, the entire population seemed to be infected and gradually dying, prompting Springer to initiate a research project that would span two and a half years.
Springer’s initial foray into understanding the tumors took only a few minutes of online research. He quickly identified that the tumors on green sea turtles were likely symptoms of fibropapillomatosis (FB), a condition caused by a herpes-type virus known to affect 97% of all sea turtles. This discovery set the stage for his investigation into the causes and potential solutions for this widespread affliction.
However, Springer’s research faced significant hurdles. Wildlife authorities did not permit him to perform biopsies on the tumors, a restriction that forced him to seek alternative methods for data collection. Despite this obstacle, Springer remained undeterred and began gathering photographic evidence, which primarily confirmed what he already knew: nearly every green sea turtle in Kāneʻohe Bay was suffering from FB. Yet, these photographs also provided critical insights into a potential cause of the disease.
Sea turtles play a vital role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by consuming algae that can otherwise overwhelm and suffocate the corals. These turtles are not selective in their feeding habits and will eat various species of algae.
Springer’s research indicated that FB tumors require an external trigger for their formation. Previous studies had shown that these tumors often contain high levels of the amino acid arginine, prompting Springer to investigate how and why the turtles were ingesting such large quantities of this compound.
Springer’s underwater trial cameras revealed that the turtles were predominantly consuming an invasive species of algae. Establishing a probable cause, Springer’s breakthrough came when he discovered that this particular algae species absorbs eleven times more arginine than native algae species. He linked this finding to coastal pollution, specifically from cesspools – uncontained septic pits located beneath Hawaiian homes – which posed a significant threat to marine life around the islands.
To strengthen his hypothesis, Springer embarked on over 400 hours of free diving, collecting hundreds of algae samples from various locations across the bay. He meticulously dried, crushed, and analyzed these samples using a mass spectrometer, a device that identifies the elemental composition of substances based on the light spectrum they emit. His analysis confirmed that the invasive algae were rich in nitrogen, a key indicator of contamination from raw sewage.
Springer concluded that cesspools were leaching wastewater through the porous Hawaiian soil into the bay, thereby introducing significant amounts of arginine into the marine environment. This arginine was absorbed by the invasive algae and subsequently consumed by the turtles, leading to the formation of the tumors.
“If we continue to go at this rate, and if we continue to just release raw wastewater into the bay, the environmental devastation is going to be unparalleled,” Springer warned.
Springer’s relentless research culminated in him being awarded the prestigious $10,000 Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication, which he presented at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the most esteemed science fair in the country.
“It was an incredible feeling, just having my research validated. It’s been a very long time since I have felt like some change can be made from my research,” Springer told Business Insider.
The grand prize at the Regeneron fair was awarded to Grace Sun, who won $75,000 for her significant advancements in biomedical implant technology. However, Springer’s achievement underscores the importance of environmental research and its potential to drive meaningful change.
Springer’s work not only sheds light on the specific issue of sea turtle tumors but also raises broader environmental concerns regarding coastal pollution and its impact on marine ecosystems. His research suggests that addressing the problem of cesspool pollution could significantly improve the health of marine life and prevent further environmental degradation.
As Springer continues his studies and efforts to advocate for cleaner coastal environments, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated research can have on both local and global scales. His success at the national science fair highlights the potential for young scientists to contribute to critical environmental solutions and inspire future generations to take action in preserving our natural world.
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