An 18-year-old student from Colorado Springs has developed a floating device that uses wind-driven waves, hydrogen peroxide and biochar made from an invasive weed to fight toxic algal blooms in freshwater lakes.
Natalie Muro’s prototype reduced targeted cyanobacteria by up to 99% and captured as much as 96% of floating organic material in tests. Her work earned her a place as a national finalist in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search.
