Hyperaccumulating plants adapt to polluted environments well enough to thrive which forces them to accumulate and break down nutrients and contaminants such as heavy metals, diesel, nitrates, etc., which would otherwise harm species. Boat BioLogs are bioremediating floating gardens incorporating hyperaccumulating UK-native plants that can be made and installed by canal boat residents using affordable, accessible materials and techniques to heal and restore the canal water ecosystem.

A canal boat occupied by a single resident in the UK, on average, releases 20,800 litres of greywater annually. This call to action automatically strategizes, targets and converts this source of water pollution into a solution. Riya’s vision is for every canal boat to have its personal bioremediating floating garden to collectively improve the quality of canal waters.

Collaborating with the London boat community, the designer established a DIY strategy, aligning with their self-sufficient lifestyle, making these urban gardens adaptable and affordable. This allows boaters two options, Make-it-Yourself garden or Ready-to-Install garden. By scanning the QR code on an already installed garden, they can download the Boat BioLogs app. This app provides information on plants and instructions. The boater then installs this QR code, resulting in a ripple effect.

By identifying dead space, Riya designed Boat BioLogs to be as as compact as possible (in width), making them only slightly wider than a boat fender. Thus despite space-constraints, it promises boaters the luxury of private gardens which motivates them to install. The taller plants further provide privacy from pedestrians walking by the canals. As a natural regenerative tool, it celebrates the healing properties of nature, incentivising dialogue through a sense of environmental responsibility amongst the community.

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Parts/ Materials

Boat BioLogs uses materials that biodegradable, rust and corrosion resistant, long-lasting and UV-resistant. The few (reusable/ recyclable/ repurposed) plastic parts in the product are well-insulated from sunlight with coir (a UV-resistant material). The entire garden can be disassembled into separate parts, making it easy for recycling.