The Reef

What it does

The Reef removes nutrients from water bodies, caused by the excessive use of fertilizers in agriculture, by ensuring and optimizing the filtering properties of the Dreissena polymorpha mussel.

Your inspiration

Blue-green algae blooms are a global problem. They lead to oxygen depletion, the death of aquatic organisms, and severe disruptions in the ecosystem. Additionally, blue-green algae produce toxins. There are various methods to combat blue-green algae: mechanical, chemical, and biological approaches. Mechanical methods are expensive and require regular maintenance. Chemical treatments are cheaper but cause ecological damage and can lead to resistance in blue-green algae. Biological methods are often inefficient on a large scale and can have unintended ecological effects.

How it works

The Reef is an innovative, ecological filter module designed to counteract the growth of blue-green algae in water bodies. This system utilizes Dreissena polymorpha mussels, known for their ability to filter and purify water. By ensuring the optimal filtering capacity of these freshwater mussels, The Reef effectively removes excess nutrients from the water. By filtering out phosphates and other nutrients, these modules limit the growth of blue-green algae and improve overall water quality. This process not only restores the nutrient balance but also enhances the resilience of the aquatic ecosystem. The filtering properties are ensured by protecting the mussels from predation with a predator guard, preventing suffocation by maintaining water flow, and providing a secure attachment with a textured surface.

Design process

I began the process by researching existing methods to combat blue-green algae and discovered that these alternatives do not address the underlying issue of excessive nutrients. I then explored ecological solutions and identified the freshwater mussel Dreissena polymorpha as a viable option. I optimized the filtering capacities of this mussel by adding a supportive design. By implementing my design, I was able to deploy it in a polluted water body assigned by the First Alderman of Environment and Public Health. The installation was carried out by an external person to ensure human factors verification. Technical verification was conducted through periodic phosphate measurements, revealing that the phosphate level decreased from 3 mg/l to 1.8 mg/l in 28 days. This result demonstrates the effective filtering capability of the mussel. Additionally, I calculated the cost per 1000 liters, which amounted to 3.8 euros.

How it is different

The Reef encompasses an innovative approach to the problem of excessive phosphates. Instead of using expensive technical control methods, I focused on biological organisms that filter nutrients from water. My research into how my design could ensure and optimize these filtering capacities resulted in a much more innovative product than what is currently on the market. Unlike existing solutions, I do not target the blue-green algae directly but address the underlying issue: the excess phosphates in the water. By restoring the nutrient balance, The Reef prevents the growth of blue-green algae and combats it proactively. This not only leads to the restoration of the ecosystem but also makes it more resilient.

Future plans

Throughout the summer, I will be working a summer job with various interested parties who have shown interest in The Reef, using several produced units to filter phosphates from their lakes and ponds. I hope to carry this moral ambition forward into my future career, continuing to develop innovative methods to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment and ensure a healthier living environment.

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