Health of River Thames turned into art at Sea Containers building

Called 'Thames Pulse', the interactive artwork has been created by Jason Bruges with media agency MEC UK together with waterways charity Thames21.

The installation will use data from samples taken daily from the Thames to create a display to reflect the river's health – whether good, average or poor compared to the previous day's data reading.

The aim is to raise public awareness about the condition of the Thames.

Water quality updates will be posted on Twitter at @ThamesPulse and the Thames Pulse webpage.

"The Thames is the lifeblood of our city, but often we don't celebrate it," said Verra Budimlija, chief strategy officer of MEC UK.

"We want to help Londoners understand more about their wonderful river's health and take action.

"By taking the complex data that exists in the river and transforming into a beautiful artistic visualisation, we can help Londoners reconnect with The Thames and be excited by it."

Jason Bruges said: "The data we take from the Thames tells a vital story of the life in the river, and Sea Containers is the perfect site-specific canvas on which to illustrate that story.

"We are delighted to be working with such innovative partners on this project, and to have the opportunity to create an installation so relevant to the river and those who interact with it."

Debbie Leach, chief executive of Thames21, said: "There are many misunderstandings and conflicting messages about the health of the River Thames.

"Our Thames River Watch project gives ordinary Londoners the opportunity to investigate these issues for themselves. We are delighted to be working with MEC UK on the Thames Pulse.

"We are unlocking the mystery of how clean the Thames is and the challenges it faces on a daily basis. We'd love more Londoners to join us."