University of Richmond

Bloom2Bloom

FINALIST PROJECT

Alice Wu, Connor Beasley, Jasmine Johnson, Julia Gulledge, Natalie Small

Bloom2Bloom is a sustainable system that connects marine and agricultural ecosystems by addressing harmful algal blooms (HABs). It harvests excess cyanobacteria from blooms, reducing their ecological and health impacts, and repurposes them as a carbon source for alginate beads inoculated with fungi. These beads act as a slow-release, eco-friendly fertilizer alternative, helping reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. By targeting excess nitrogen and phosphorus runoff, Bloom2Bloom aims to prevent algal blooms at their source while supporting healthier land and water systems.