A Nautilus Leak! Dr. Donald Mavinic on Wastewater Recovery and the Phosphorous Cycle

This new episode in our "Nautilus Leaks" series was created in partnership with the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC.

Off the coast of Sarasota, FL, action-figure Jules calls in Professor Aronnax for an incoming “Leak” from his friend Don. Dr. Donald Mavinic is a UBC Professor, and a Manning Award-winning expert in wastewater management. Don talks about the amazing work his team is doing at recovering phosphorous from wastewater, and re-using it as a slow-release fertilizer. Ned, a notorious water waster, wanders in from the bathroom, asking “Isn’t phosphorous a good thing?” Don explains that phosphorous never disappears, and its natural cycle has been disrupted by over-abundant use of fertilizers, and poor wastewater management. But Don signs off on a hopeful note, with a shout out to a young generation of “New Atlanteans” who are paying attention to the problems, and taking action to find solutions.

Don't miss Jules, Aronnax, Ned and Captain Nemo in the next theatrical run of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, at the Asolo Rep Theatre, in Sarasota, Florida, from June 8-July 2 2017. Click here for tickets and more info.