Algal blooms have become a serious problem closely linked to rising temperatures and environmental pollution. These green waves are both a warning signal from ecosystems and a visible symptom of climate change. As agricultural fertilisers and human sewage continue to pour in, our warming waters are experiencing a dramatic increase in algal blooms, posing a potentially toxic threat to our drinking water. ¹

In 2023, extreme marine heatwaves in the North Sea has created ideal growing conditions for algae. Unusually high tides and strong winds have been recorded in southeast England, stranding surplus seaweed along beaches. Warming oceans mean that warm water species are spreading, especially fleshy species such as kelp and seaweed. Seaweed is a type of macroalgae that grows only in seawater. When it decomposes, it releases hydrogen sulfide gas, killing fish. It can also cause eye irritation and respiratory problems for humans. ²

The project’s experimental methodology encompasses the utilization of cyanotype and wet cyanotype techniques, both enriched with a mixture of simulated pollutants. The traditional cyanotype process involves a solution infused with various pollutants, while the wet cyanotype technique employs a mixture of contaminated water sources to expose the images. This dual approach aims to authentically portray the polluted status of the seaweed’s ecosystem near the Margate coast. By simulating the existence of various polluting elements in industrial wastewater, I break through the perfect image of the traditional blue prints made by Anna Atkins in the 19th century, presenting a current depiction of seaweed affected by environmental pollution.