A team of students from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the US developed a series of floating biofiltration pods made of mycelium that filter water without the use of chemicals and electricity.

The team began by growing bases for the pods using mycelium. Mycelium is the root system of mushrooms, reishi mushrooms in this case, and forms a white, polystyrene-like material that can grow in any shape. The so-called Biopods were then filled with soil and plants to create microbe-friendly mini-ecosystems. The aim was to create the perfect environment for bacteria that can decontaminate the water.

The project focused on the Providence River because it is a significant waterway in the Blackstone River corridor, an urbanized river with a long history of pollution. Because the water is brackish, the team used a mix of native saltwater and freshwater plants.

While the pods are not the most efficient way to filter water, they do build the soil along the banks of the river as they degrade, essentially forming a miniature wetland to support life in the river.

Photos: RISD