Oliver Spurr

• MArch Architecture
• Testing waste kombucha as an organic fertiliser

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a solid formed when water, sugar, tea and a starter culture are mixed together and left to ferment. The cellulose is being investigated by the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) as a building material. The major waste product from this process is a liquid called 'kombucha', like the Kombucha that’s soared in popularity in recent years. The research explored a potential use of the HBBE waste kombucha as a fertiliser, based on the notion that it could potentially enrich the bacterial colony of the soil, in turn providing nutrients to a plant. This has the potential to create a circular material economy for BC through its waste stream. The experiment was developed around growing wheatgrass and with the method used, seemed to conclusively prove that the kombucha was not viable as a fertiliser for growing wheatgrass. The experiment provided some fascinating observations and findings, generating new potential research avenues.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr Ben Bridgens