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Our case study explores the performance of Blusink technology in Madeira’s ocean environment, specifically at an experimental deployment site in Canical.
The project aimed to assess the settlement and growth of local coralline algae species on Blusinkies, as well as to evaluate the carbon sequestration potential of the colonised Blusinkies.
Located near the port of Canical, the site features a shallow basaltic rocky area shaped by an irregular lava flow, interspersed with sandy deposits. The experiment included six plots, each approximately 1.5 sqm in size, with three plots placed over existing rhodolith beds and three over coarse and fine sandy substrates. Within each plot, 200 Blusinkies were deployed to monitor the colonisation process and carbon capture capabilities.
Experimental deployments like this are critical for understanding how Blusink technology will perform in diverse ocean environments and for assessing how it might scale in different locations worldwide. By testing our technology in real-world conditions, we gain valuable insights into its effectiveness, durability, and adaptability.
The outcomes of this pilot project are key to improving the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of our product and demonstrating its potential for large-scale ocean-based carbon capture. Ultimately, this case study serves as a foundational step toward proving that Blusink works in the ocean and can be a reliable solution for carbon sequestration.
“ What the present results show is that, after six months of being deployed, and with some biological colonisation, Blusinkies continued to perform positively in their anticipated function of sequestering carbon and reducing seawater acidity"
In our ongoing trial deployment of Blusink technology in Madeira, we're seeing some fascinating results that are helping us understand how the Blusinkies interact with the local marine environment. After just four months of deployment, our research partners noticed visible changes in both the community of organisms living on the Rhodolith beds and those settling on the Blusinkies themselves.
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One of the most exciting observations is that the Blusinkies are not only serving as a substrate for other organisms to attach to but also providing shelter to a variety of marine species. We saw bryozoans, algae, and polychaetes settling on the Blusinkies, both on the plots located on Rhodolith beds and those placed over sandy substrates. This is a key part of the Blusink concept—creating a surface where local species can thrive and contribute to the ecosystem.
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The Blusinkies also seem to be providing much-needed shelter for small fish and invertebrates like polychaetes, crustaceans, and mollusks. Interestingly, the shelter effect was more pronounced on the plots placed over sandy substrates, especially those further from the Rhodolith beds. This suggests that the Blusinkies are playing an important role in areas that might otherwise have fewer natural structures to support marine life.
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We're still in the early stages of this trial, and the data we're collecting is crucial for understanding how Blusink technology will perform in different ocean environments. As we continue to monitor and analyse the results, we’re particularly excited about the upcoming DIC (dissolved inorganic carbon) and TA (total alkalinity) lab results, which will provide insights into the carbon sequestration seen on the project site. These results, expected in early January 2025, will be pivotal in demonstrating the potential of Blusink technology to support carbon capture and help us refine our approach as we scale up for future deployments.
