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The problem

Heavy metal pollution from old industrial sites is a significant issue worldwide. In the UK some 1,500km of rivers are affected by it, and in post-industrial areas like Devon and Cornwall there are elevated levels of cadmium and zinc in streams and rivers. These metals persist in the environment and can accumulate in the food chain. Bioremediation systems, which use microorganisms to capture or convert contaminants into less toxic forms, can be complicated and expensive - and do not engage local communities in their roll-out.

The Activate award
Biochemical engineer Brenda Parker (CF 2014) has been given a grant from the Activate Fund to prototype a sustainable bioremediation system. This uses ceramic tiles inlaid with algae, a natural microorganism that can help to capture contaminants in water. Additionally, by collaborating with architects, Brenda hopes to show that these ceramic tile-based systems can be beautiful as well as functional.

In the first year, Brenda will create a set of design prototypes to test in the laboratory. She will experiment with different clay composites, techniques of glazing for the tiles, and various materials for immobilising algae. She will form a social enterprise to work with communities in areas affected by water pollution. And she will write a publication to disseminate her findings, describing design methodologies for working with bioremediation.

More information

• Dr Brenda Parker is the admissions tutor for Â鶹´«Ã½ÊÓƵÍøÕ¾ Biochemical Engineering degree programmes

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