About
BIOCHAR
Can it filter pollutant our of our waterways?
YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED
Residents for Resilience doesn’t only present the problems...we are all about finding the Solutions!
MAKE A SPLASH !
Support Waterway Remediation Research
🌿 Residents for Resilience (R4R)
Urgent Research Funding Opportunity
Biochar & Heavy Metal Absorption in Seawater
Dear Friends of R4R,
I wanted to share an exciting and time-sensitive opportunity we are currently supporting through Residents for Resilience (R4R). We have been working with a local University , and Biotech Applied Research (BAR) who have been performing research on the effectiveness of engineered biochar in removing heavy metals from seawater—something that has not yet been widely tested in real-world coastal environments like South Florida.
The initial phase of this work is in the Process of Completion, with over 300 samples prepared and being tested under controlled conditions. The next step is to run ICP-MS analysis to quantify the results—data that could help inform scalable, nature-based solutions for improving water quality in our canals, stormwater systems, and coastal ecosystems, but we can't complete this study without your support.
As you know, restoring the health of our waterways is one of R4R’s core priorities, and this type of research has the potential to play a meaningful role in advancing real solutions. At this stage, the team is seeking $5,000 to complete the final phase of testing. The timeline is important, as the samples need to be processed by mid-June to ensure accuracy.
It’s a relatively small investment with the potential for significant impact, and I wanted to share it with you in case it aligns with your interests or network. If you’d like to learn more, I’d be happy to connect you directly with the research team or share additional details.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and for being part of this important work. Together, we can support science that leads to real solutions—and take meaningful steps toward making our waterways clean, safe, and swimmable once again.
Warmly,
Suzee Bailey
Founder/CEO Residents for Resilience
BIOCHAR -- Yes...It’s like the carbon filter in your fridge!
Biochar: A Natural Solution for Cleaner Waterways
Biochar is a pure carbon, charcoal-like substance made from organic material. Its history dates back over 2,000 years when native Amazonians used it to enrich nutrient-poor soils, boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing soil fertility.
In recent years, biochar has gained attention for its diverse applications beyond traditional soil amendment. It is now being recognized for its potential in soil restoration, carbon sequestration, and, most excitingly, water quality management.
How Biochar Improves Water Quality
Biochar improves water quality by removing nutrients and pollutants from water bodies. It can be placed in flotation balls, cages, or bags/socks, which are then tethered along shorelines and docks. Strategically placing biochar in critical locations within water bodies, especially where bacteria levels are high, can have a significant positive impact.
Proposed Educational Research Pilot Project
We have proposed an educational research pilot project for the Himmarshee Canal, which involves placing approximately 900 biochar socks/sleeves into the canal. These will be tethered to docks and canal banks to study their effectiveness in filtering pollutants from the canal,
which frequently tests high for bacteria.
If you support our efforts, please contact our City Leaders and request funding for this important research. This project could pave the way for broader remediation efforts across
Florida's waterways.
Get Involved in Waterway Remediation Efforts
We will soon offer you the opportunity to join us in our waterway remediation efforts by signing up to place either a biochar sock or an oyster rope off your dock.
Stay tuned for more details!
ADVOCATING FOR OUR PRICELESS WATERWAYS!
Exploring Biochar Technology for
Waterway Restoration in Fort Lauderdale
I am excited to share a recent development that holds significant promise for the health and sustainability of our Fort Lauderdale waterways. This past month, Tricia Halliday and I had the pleasure of meeting with Zack Farr, Chief Operations Officer of Biotech Applied Research, along with his team of Biochar experts. Together, we explored areas along the Fort Lauderdale waterways that could benefit from the innovative use of Biochar Sleeves.
What is Biochar?
Biochar Sleeves and Biochar Buoys function similarly to the carbon filter in your refrigerator. Due to its intrinsic properties, biochar has been widely used as an adsorbent to remove a wide range of pollutants from waterways, such as:
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Organic pollutants
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Microplastics
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Heavy metals
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Pharmaceuticals
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Nutrients from water and wastewater
Excitingly, recent tests have shown positive results for its use in controlling harmful algal blooms. Read More
Proposal for Partnership
R4R is requesting that our city consider partnering with Biotech Applied Research on a cost-share Pilot Project for the Himmarshee Canal, an area that frequently tests high for bacteria levels. This important project could provide the much-needed data to ease the permitting process for waterfront homeowners and businesses. who would like to join our alternative based waterway remediation efforts.
Imagine a future where every dock along our canals hosts a few of these biochar sleeves, oyster ropes or living reef wall panels, collectively working to filter and cleanse our waterways. Such a partnership would not only showcase our commitment to innovative long term environmental solutions but also set a precedent for sustainable waterway management in our community.
We look forward to discussing this potential partnership with our City, local businesses and our residents, to further explore the benefits of our proposed long term Nature Based Solution pilot projects, collaborating together to help restore the health of our priceless waterways!
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