THE BLOOM BUOY NETWORK IN ROSS-ON-WYE

An exploration of extreme algae growth due to increased temperatures and agricultural run-off, this project investigates the harnessing of algae’s beneficial properties, whilst seeking legislative change. Although algae is an indispensable microorganism providing the basis of aquatic life, intense growth results in algae blooms, with dire ecologic and economic consequences. Agricultural run-off contains the nutrients essential for algae growth in abundance, escalating the frequency and severity of blooms. The River Wye has been identified to have a pollution and algae problem by concerned local communities, thus requiring immediate intervention before it is irreparably damaged. Therefore, an existing pub in Ross-on-Wye is the location of a network prototype, with eventual expansion across the UK in an effort to clean our waters. Retrofit and addition will see the hybridisation of pub and laboratory typologies, to unify the public and scientists in an hands-on experience through the collection and utilisation of algae via scientific exploration and brewing. By deploying a network of socially driven smart buoys, algae is gathered and returned to the pub, either used within the production of algae beer, or circulated around photobioreactor panels where it continues to grow amongst the pub garden landscaping.