Natalie Muro
William J. Palmer High School
Colorado Springs, CO
Reducing Harmful Algal Blooms in Freshwater Ecosystems
Natalie Muro, 18, of Colorado Springs, developed an eco-friendly way to mitigate harmful algal blooms for her Regeneron Science Talent Search environmental science project.
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These rapid overgrowths of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, can produce toxins that sicken humans and animals and impede water treatment. For her project, Natalie designed a device that used wind-driven waves to disperse 3% hydrogen peroxide, which is safe for the environment but kills cyanobacteria. Mesh bags attached to the device contained biochar — a porous, charcoal-like material — created from a local invasive plant. The biochar collected the dead bacteria, preventing the cells from fueling future blooms.
Natalie tested the method in a reservoir closed due to a harmful algal bloom. Her findings showed that, after treatment, the reservoir water had fewer cyanobacteria. Her work points to a potential low-cost and sustainable method to treat algal blooms worldwide.
Natalie, the daughter of Sarah and Tony Muro, attends Palmer High School, where she leads the Science Olympiad team and HOSA – Future Health Professionals chapter.
Beyond the Project
Natalie is an Eagle Scout and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster with an all-girl Scouting America troop.
FUN FACTS: The Netflix show “Outer Banks” sparked Natalie’s interest in wave energy. She is on the varsity swim, flag football, soccer and tennis teams.
