Rhizocore Leads Innovative Project to Tackle Agricultural Pollution with Fungi Bio-Filters

Tuesday 4th February 2025, 5:00pm

Rhizocore Technologies Ltd, a leading Edinburgh-based nature-tech company, today announced the launch of a new £1m Defra grant funded project aimed at revolutionising agricultural pollution control.



Cows in a field with hills in the background - credit unknown

Addressing a Critical Challenge

Partnering with the James Hutton Institute, Harper Adams University, and Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the project will develop innovative water filters utilising locally-sourced fungi to capture and neutralise pollutants from farming activities before they reach freshwater environments.

This project is funded by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs’ (DEFRA) Farming Innovation Programme Nutrient Management Competition, and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK.



Water pollution in the UK has become an increasingly important issue over the past few years, particularly regarding the number of sewage release events during times of high rainfall. However, it is agricultural runoff which is the largest single contributor to river pollution levels, responsible for 40% of water pollution in England.

Runoff from agricultural fields carry nitrates and phosphates from fertilisers that wash off fields during rains. When these nutrients run into rivers and streams, they can cause significant environmental damage, leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems.

"This project has the potential to provide a practical, low cost solution for farm run-off that could radically improve the quality of our rivers."

Dr. Toby Parkes, CEO and Founder, Rhizocore Technologies UK

This ground-breaking project leverages the natural capabilities of native British saprotrophic fungi, which thrive in nutrient-rich environments and possess the ability to absorb and store these pollutants. By developing modular filtration units filled with these fungi, the project aims to intercept pollutants at various points on farms, effectively preventing them from entering watercourses.

The captured nutrients will be recycled as slow-release organic fertilisers, promoting sustainable agriculture and contributing to a circular economy. This innovative approach not only mitigates the environmental impact of agriculture but also enhances the overall sustainability of farming practices.

Key project outcomes include:

  • Cost-effective and Easy-to-Use Solutions: The project will deliver practical and affordable filtration units that are easy to install and maintain on farms
  • Enhanced Water Quality: By effectively capturing and neutralising pollutants, the project will significantly improve the quality of freshwater environments
  • Sustainable Agriculture: The recycling of captured nutrients as organic fertilisers will promote sustainable farming practices and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers
  • Valuable Knowledge Base: The project will generate a comprehensive database of fungal species and strains suitable for pollutant removal, providing valuable insights for future applications


Article source: Rhizocore

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