Ecocide is a military tactic aimed at destroying ecosystems to destabilize regions. A long-term consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils. Using curcumin-based fertilizer, UV light, and drone imaging, this project maps toxic hotspots for remediation. It offers farmers a low-cost tool to assess soil safety and advocates for the recognition of ecosystem destruction not as collateral damage, but as a crime.
CHORNOZEM / Yaroslava Shylyk, Olivia Menezes, Kirill Kohl - Photo: Yaroslava Shylyk, Kirill Kohl, Olivia Menezes
Exhibit
CHORNOZEM
Yaroslava Shylyk (UA), Olivia Menezes (US), Kirill Kohl (DE)
CHORNOZEM / Yaroslava Shylyk; Olivia Menezes; Kirill Kohl - Photo: Yaroslava Shylyk; Kirill Kohl; Olivia Menezes
CHORNOZEM / Yaroslava Shylyk; Olivia Menezes; Kirill Kohl - Photo: Yaroslava Shylyk; Kirill Kohl; Olivia Menezes
CHORNOZEM / Yaroslava Shylyk; Olivia Menezes; Kirill Kohl - Photo: Yaroslava Shylyk; Kirill Kohl; Olivia Menezes
Credits
Mentors: Prof. Dr. Karmen Franinović, Dr. Joëlle Bitton, Luke Franzke, Duy Bui | Advisors: Volodymyr Shylyk, Dr. Shem Johnson, Daniel Moshel