The Experiment

The experiment will run at the ZKM and then be transferred to the IBG-1 at the KIT when the exhibition ends. During this time the natural process of evolution is being utilized to adapt microorganisms to grow using a chemical, which is considered problematic to the environment. This process can be automated using the machine supplied by the company Heurisko and thus enables us to perform this experiment in the context of the exhibition and within the ZKM.

The researchers are only required to interact with the experiment every 2–3 days in order to refill the nutrients and take care of the waste. The experimental data e.g. the rate of growth of the organism, is automatically monitored and documented.

In preparation of the exhibition a number of aspects of the experiment, conceptual as well as technological, had to be clarified. Three target chemicals and six possible microorganisms were initially selected. During experiments performed at the KIT the most promising combination of chemical and microorganism was to be selected. The chemicals to be tested are considered to be difficult to degraded biologically and should also be of interest from a general publics‘ point of view.

Bisphenol A: Is a substance being used as in plastics manufacturing.

Ethinyl estradiol: Is a substance which is mainly used as a contraceptive

Glyphosate: Is a chemical mainly used as a broad-spectrum herbicide.