Six weeks ago, we embarked on an exciting experiment with our partners at RETI Center to test the durability and biodegradability of various rope materials when submerged in ocean water. We used a bamboo pole, another material we needed to test for durability, as the base and attached several types of ropes and twines, including:
– Bamboo
– Marijuana hemp rope
– Manilla hemp rope
– Jute rope
– Bio-rope
– Mushroom-based mesh
– Two kinds of hemp twine
About Fiora Mara
At Fiora Mara, we are dedicated to developing innovative solutions for seaweed farming technology aimed at decarbonization. Our goal with this test is to make progress towards creating a 100% biodegradable seaweed farm that can be deployed in the open ocean and successfully grow seaweed to maturity. To achieve this, we continuously experiment with various materials to identify the most effective and sustainable options. Our current test at RETI Center in Brooklyn, New York, is a significant step toward realizing this vision.
Week 2: Early Observations
After the first two weeks, we observed that one of the hemp twines had broken, but all other materials remained securely attached to the bamboo pole. All of our ropes began to accumulate small amounts of algae and plants, making them a suitable home. This initial phase demonstrated the resilience of most materials under early exposure to ocean conditions.
Week 4: Growing Biodiversity and Twine Degradation
By the fourth week, one hemp twine had completely degraded and fallen off, while the other hemp twine was damaged but still holding on to the bamboo. The twines do not need to last forever, just long enough for our plantlets to grab onto the ropes. All of the ropes had accumulated various marine organisms, adding weight to the bamboo and creating a layer of algae over them. The ropes themselves remained quite strong; both in the knots used to attach them and when we pulled on them, there was no material loss. The mushroom mesh, however, had started to lose its structure, appearing more like a blob than a mesh, and its appearance was quite malleable. Interestingly, the bamboo itself hosted several plants, algae, and algae, yet remained afloat.
Week 6: Continued Durability
At the six-week mark, both hemp twines had fully fallen off. Despite the increasing weight from the marine life on the ropes, nearly all of them remained securely fastened to the bamboo, which continued to float and support a growing ecosystem of algae and other organisms. The organism growth is encouraging, showcasing that each rope will support the growth of seaweed on it when the time comes. The one exception was the Bio-rope, which had significantly less growth on it and yet remained exceedingly strong. This indicates that it may not be the best material to use in the long term. The mushroom mesh had almost entirely biodegraded, with only a single string still visible on the bamboo.
Ongoing Research and Future Prospects
This experiment is a crucial part of our ongoing efforts at Fiora Mara to develop a fully biodegradable seaweed farm. The insights gained so far will guide our future research and development, bringing us closer to our goal of creating sustainable and efficient carbon sequestration solutions. We are excited about the potential of these materials and will continue our testing to refine our approach further.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make the world a better place for all living things.
