ADSORPTION

causes and consequences

Chlordecone spraying in Martinique occurred from 1972 to 1993, resulting in an ecological disaster. The attempt to prevent financial losses for banana exporters by eradicating banana weevils led to the contamination of Martinique’s soil, water, flora, and fauna for the next 700 years.

natural solutions

‘Adsorption’ raises awareness against pollution on Martinique for the oblivious French mainland. The museum installation educates viewers on the multifaceted scandal and its possible solution, using natural carbon, called biochar, to sequester chlordecone through adsorption.

challenges of the proposed installation

Twelve charcoal totems represent a chlordecone-caused issue and corresponding activated carbon resource, each highlighted location carrying a fragment of Martinique’s cultural history. The map on which they are placed displays contamination levels and are accompanied by catalogs for visitors to explore the story in depth.