Researchers from the University of Belgrade developed the “Liquid Tree” – Serbia’s first urban photo-bioreactor to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in densely populated areas.
What is the Liquid Tree?
This device contains 600 liters of water and microalgae that bind carbon dioxide (CO2) and produce pure oxygen through photosynthesis. Remarkably, microalgae are 10-50 times more efficient than trees at binding CO2, offering the equivalent capacity of two 10-year-old trees or 200 square meters of lawn.
Addressing Urban Pollution
While not replacing forests, the Liquid Tree fills urban pockets where planting trees is impractical. This innovative tech offers a promising solution for areas with limited green spaces, providing an efficient way to improve air quality.
Tackling Climate Change
The latest IPCC report stresses reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases by 43% before 2030 and 60% by 2035 to limit global temperature rise. Transitioning from fossil fuels and employing carbon removal through natural sequestration and technologies like the Liquid Tree are crucial.
The Potential Impact
The Liquid Tree represents a game-changer in fighting urban air pollution and climate change. By utilizing microalgae’s exceptional CO2-binding ability and oxygen production, it offers a practical solution for improving air quality in densely populated cities while supplementing greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
As the world seeks innovative climate solutions, the Liquid Tree provides a glimpse of a cleaner, greener future for urban environments by harnessing microalgae’s power to reduce emissions and improve air quality sustainably.