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Petal to the Metal - Using Chlorella Algae To Remove Heavy Metals From Mining Runoff

CWSF · 2026 Environment & Climate Change Bronze Medal

Anne Bowman · Intermediate Division · Grades 9–10

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Overview

Increasing amounts of heavy metals are entering our watershed, harming the environment by killing plants and animals, impacting human health, and destroying water quality. Heavy metals are released in different ways, but are most commonly byproducts of mining. Current treatment of these metals involves storing mining runoff in large tailing ponds, but they can leak, flood, or are sometimes drained illegally. To find a sustainable solution for this problem, I used chlorella algae and the process of biosorption to remove these heavy metals. I explored the use of chlorella algae in filtration systems so they can be removed before they reach tailing ponds, or as a solution for treating contaminated water currently stored in tailing ponds, creating a more sustainable solution for our environment.

Awards (2)

  • Bronze Medal
  • Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

  • CWSF 2026 Environment & Climate Change

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