"Liquid Tree" or Microalgae Photo-Bioreactor

A liquid tree is a term used for the Photo-bioreactor that supports microalgal growth. Microalgae are unicellular eukaryotes capable of photosynthetic activity such as diatoms, dinoflagellates, chlorella etc. A bioreactor is a fermentation tank where various chemicals and biological reactions occur in controlled conditions. While photo-bioreactors support micro-organisms that can photosynthesize in the presence of light. In urban environments, such fermentation tanks are filled with microalgae and water. This tank can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the environment. The light source is artificial. CO2 is captured from the surrounding air with a suction pump that flourishes algae, and algae gives a green colour in the glass tank.

In indoor environments, such glass-made photobioreactors “liquid trees” can be placed and work in reducing indoor air pollution and giving fresh air. Cities are considered as source of pollution and carbon emissions much as 75% of total CO2 emissions in the world, of which the largest percentage comes from traffic and cooling and heating systems installed in the buildings.

In the scenario of climate change, we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to decrease the rise in global temperature. The introduction of this product was not to replace forests but to create green spaces in urban environments where trees can’t be planted. Such trees cannot be a replacement for natural trees. Nature has its intrinsic value and attraction for humans, however, in our modified and controlled environments, we can use such glass-based trees. Microalgae are ten to fifty times more efficient than trees. The photo-bioreactor was developed by Dr. Ivan Spasojevic who is PhD in Biophysical Sciences.