Language
Country/Area
No result found
Amazing Water Cleaning Technology: How Urban Rivers Improve Water Quality Using "River Aquaculture Systems"?
In Chicago's urban rivers, a wave of ecological recovery is quietly unfolding. With Urban Rivers, they use advanced “river farming systems” to improve the health of these waterways and breathe new life into the ecosystem. Such innovative measures not only improve water quality, but also attract global attention.
Organization Background
Urban Rivers was founded in 2014 and was originally called "Naru Project" by Josh Yellin, Zachary Damato and Nick Wesley. The organization was born out of their concerns about water pollution and ecological degradation in the Chicago River system. Over time, their work expanded, particularly to the remediation of the South Branch "Bubbly Creek", an area historically contaminated by the meatpacking industry.
Ecological Project
Urban Rivers is not only committed to improving water quality, but also works with local and state universities to conduct in-depth academic research.
They are working with academic institutions such as Northeastern Illinois University and DePaul University to monitor changes in stream health and insect populations, and are collaborating with Illinois State University geologist Dr. Eric Peterson to study water chemistry. These collaborations not only allow Urban Rivers to make recommendations for improvements on a case-by-case basis, but also help to improve the overall understanding of urban water ecology.
Applications of floating wetlands
Urban Rivers has added more than 3,000 square feet of floating habitat to Chicago’s South Branch Bubbly Creek, created using a system called “riverponic.” The system is made of polyethylene and metal frames and is paired with a plant system to enhance the biodiversity and water quality of the water.
Wild Mile: The first floating eco-park
The Wild Mile is billed as Chicago's first floating eco-park and is designed to attract a variety of wildlife, from bees to turtles.
Urban Rivers worked with design firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill on the project and successfully engaged multiple partners. The regenerative design of this park not only takes into account aesthetics, but also actively promotes ecological balance. Major funding comes from the City of Chicago’s Open Space Impact Fees program, which provides funding for public space improvements in development projects on these older streets.
Innovative technologies and future prospects
Urban Rivers also used the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to develop an automated cleaning robot, creating new technology to solve the problem of water garbage. In addition, their River Belu project has successfully propagated over 1,500 river clams and has received permission from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to study reproductive cycles. The implementation of such environmental protection projects not only improves water quality, but also paves the way for the recovery of the ecosystem.
Summer Environmental Education Program
Urban Rivers is also actively involved in environmental education. In 2023, they hosted the Environmental Justice Freedom School (EJFS), which not only raised young people’s environmental awareness, but also allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the issue of climate change. These programs provide an opportunity for future generations to explore and understand environmental challenges.
Urban Rivers’ work shows the power communities can have in making a difference in our ecosystems. Can such ecological protection and restoration initiatives become a model for other cities and further promote global ecological and environmental protection?
