Bioremediation Action: Foundation University Marks Third Year of Banica River Cleaning Project
Foundation University students launched 169 Bokashi balls into the Banica River, marking the third consecutive year of the university’s commitment to the Banica River’s ecological restoration. This strategic release follows a massive river cleanup drive conducted by the university’s NSTP students last Saturday, ensuring a comprehensive approach to restoring the river’s ecosystem.
Two weeks prior, the students formulated an Effective Microorganism (EM-1) solution to craft these mud-based bio-balls, which slowly release beneficial bacteria to break down sludge, eliminate foul odors, and oxygenate the water. Once submerged, the bokashi balls help improve water quality, benefiting aquatic life.
This project was first launched in 2024 under the guidance of Foundation University’s Security, Safety, and Environment Office Director Russelle Jamili. Foundation University pledges to drop these bio-balls every six months to maximize water treatment efficiency. This cycle will continue until the Banica River achieves complete ecological restoration. Jamili notes that Foundation University is ready to share the technology with organizations and communities who would like to adopt it.
This initiative supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By releasing Bokashi balls to oxygenate the river and eliminate foul odors, the students actively reduce pollution and improve local water quality (SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation). This bio-treatment helps restore the aquatic ecosystem, creating a healthier environment for underwater life to return and thrive (SDG 14: Life Below Water). Additionally, the project champions SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by engaging youth in local climate action, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the university's open invitation to share this eco-friendly technology with other communities looking to restore their own waterways.
True ecological restoration requires consistency, and that is exactly what Foundation University is delivering. By pairing consistent local action with an open invitation to share this technology, Foundation University is fostering the essential partnerships needed to heal vital ecosystems far beyond the banks of the Banica River.
