New Florida Poly research targets root cause of Florida’s algae crisis

Skip to content Dr. Yudi Wu (center), assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Florida Polytechnic University, with undergraduate research assistants Atticus Blake (left), and Sidney McConnell. New Florida Poly research targets root cause of Florida’s algae crisis April 27, 2026 Harmful algae blooms in Florida’s rivers, lakes and springs pose a serious threat to public health, drinking water, tourism and the state’s economy. Now, a Florida Polytechnic University researcher is advancing a promising new approach to address the problem. Dr. Yudi Wu, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, has received a $300,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop and test an innovative process to improve water conditions and reduce algae growth at the City of Lakeland’s Se7en Wetlands park. The underlying cause of the blooms is eutrophication, a condition in which water becomes overloaded with nutrients. At Se7en Wetlands, excess nitrogen and phosphorus act as catalysts for rapid algae growth, disrupting ecosystems and degrading water quality. Wu is leading a two-year project in collaboration with Florida A&M University and Se7en Wetlands to remove these unwanted nutrients. The solution centers on a biochar-based system. Wu’s team will deploy floating columns made of biochar, a sustainable charcoal-like material engineered to absorb and safely release the nitrogen and phosphorus. This method is designed to prevent their buildup and help restore ecological balance. “Eutrophication has been troublesome in Florida for a very long time, and the government has put a lot of effort into solving the problem, with FDEP trying different innovative methods,” Wu said. “We are honored to join the many people working on this issue, especially because Se7en Wetlands and so many others face this problem.” Se7en Wetlands was built at the site of a former phosphate mine. It filters millions of gallons of treated wastewater each day while providing a habitat for a variety of Florida wildlife. Wu said the wetlands’ history means there is more phosphorus than nitrogen to remove. The new process involves three- to five-foot columns attached to the bottom of a floating device. Each is filled with limestone and a biochar composite material that absorbs phosphate and allows the formation and release of nitrogen gas, reducing their levels in the water. Extensive water quality analysis will follow. Wu said one of the most meaningful aspects of the project is the opportunity it provides students to gain hands-on experience tackling a real-world challenge with direct community impact. “When they look back, I want them to see that this was helpful in boosting their career or professional development,” she said. “I feel proud to see them grow from these research projects and become professionals in this field.” Two undergraduate students currently work with Wu, including Atticus Blake, a freshman majoring in civil engineering. “The wetlands are such an interesting ecosystem to work with, so I was really interested in doing research in that field,” said Blake, who worked in a university science department during gap years between high school and enrollment at Florida Poly. “I understand it’s unusual to be in this position as a freshman, so I’m excited to be part of Dr. Wu’s work throughout my undergrad years. I want to build a strong bond and understanding of her research and related areas.” Contact: Lydia Guzmán Director of Communications 863-874-8557 Search Academics Explore Academics Programs Undergraduate Graduate All Programs Resources Student Resources Faculty Academic Calendars Course Catalog Support Career Services Student Success Admissions Explore Admissions Undergraduate Admissions Tuition Financial Aid International Transfer Graduate Admissions Tuition Financial Aid International Helpful Links Admissions Team Paying for College Financial Aid Resources Parents & Families Veterans & Military Student Life Explore Student Life Campus Housing & Dining Health & Wellness Campus Store Central Florida Opportunities Athletics & Recreation Clubs & Organizations Student Employment Event Calendar Services Parking & Transportation Safety & Security Disability Services IT & Help Desk Research Explore Research Research Research Initiatives Industry Partners Institutes Curriculum Internship Experience Capstone Design Labs Alumni Explore Alumni Get Connected Alumni Alumni Impact Foundation Athletics Explore Athletics About Explore Florida Poly Learn More About Florida Poly Our Campus Our Location Facts & Rankings Accreditation FAQs Who We Are University Leadership Board of Trustees History Faculty & Staff Departments Resources Public Policy Events Careers Give to Florida Poly News Event Calendar Contact MyFloridaPoly Request Info Visit Campus Contact Giving Session Details This session will demonstrate that practical risk management is for everyone, regardless of a formal program. Attendees will learn actionable and simple strategies that are easy to implement, enabling them to start immediately by focusing on their top risks to build greater operational resilience and ensure the sustained success of their auxiliary enterprises. Presenter Profile Michelle Powell serves as the pioneering Risk Manager at Florida Polytechnic University, the state’s sole 100% STEM-dedicated institution. Having been with the university for nearly 11 years, Michelle transitioned from a leadership role in Admissions in October 2023 to establish and evolve the risk management function from the ground up. In this solo capacity, Michelle builds robust frameworks for our dynamic, young university, overseeing our insurance portfolio, consulting on third-party and event risks, and developing critical campus-wide training programs. Michelle has obtained the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) Enterprise Risk Management certificate and the Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designations. Her distinct background in mathematics and engineering, combined with extensive higher education leadership, brings an analytical and strategic approach enhancing the institution’s resilience.