Lichen
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In order to alleviate the problem of excessive heavy metal absorption by children in mining areas, we design and make a set of wearable drawing tools for them by using lichen, an organism that can absorb heavy metal ions from its surroundings. In this way children can enjoying painting in safe areas cleaned by the lichen "guardian".
Existing methods to prevent heavy metal poisoning in children are not effective or feasible enough. Therefore, I researched the behavioral habits and characteristics of children to find appropriate solutions.
Based on a survey of children and guardians in the vicinity of the mine, I recognized the need to design an approach that was both attractive and effective in reducing heavy metal pollution.
The characteristics and nature of lichens match the problems brings by mining , which inspires me to use lichens to reduce the impact of heavy metal pollution for the children live near the mine.
In order to let strokes "grow", lichen plant fragments are required as a parent material. Therefore, the lichen fragments are mixed with a non-toxic pigment of a similar-coloured toner to make a water-colour pigment lump.
Also, lichen requires adequate nutrient to form high-coverage vegetation relatively quickly. An artificially cultured lichen conditioner is needed to allow the parent material to multiply in a short time.
Dissolve the lichen pigment with the solution and paint on the paper. Lichen will grow in 10-15 days if maintaining certain humidity.(Day1-18)
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If the lichens absorb a certain amount of heavy metals, it will gradually shrink, wither, and eventually die.(Day19-23)
04 Design
We designed a set of painting tools with lichen materials. Lichen will grow out of the painting and absorb heavy metal in the surrounding.
Every product is an accessory that can be worn. Children can paint freely on anything they like, at the same time distributing lichens in the surroundings.
More video information：https://youtu.be/owpxwTg2iJY
01 Background & Research
The global mining areas are widely distributed, and mining occupies an important economic position.
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Children's physical development is immature. Compared with adults, they are exposed to the harmful environment in a different way. The same environmental pollution exposuring dose of chemicals may have a greater impact on children.
02 Idea Generation
03 Experiment