Meghan Hodges
With air pollution causing the deaths of around seven million people annually, according to the World Health Organization, the need to find innovative solutions to tackle this issue is more crucial than ever. One promising development in this field is the emergence of BiomiTech's BioUrban technology, which harnesses the power of algae microorganisms to convert pollutant gases and particles into oxygen. By utilising biomimicry, these microalgae 'trees' can purify the air in various indoor and outdoor settings, from road intersections to hospitals. The waste microalgae produced during this process can even be used as a raw material for energy generation, creating a circular bio-economy. With successful trials in London, a city that exceeds the WHO's air quality limits, the future of pollution-to-oxygen conversion technology looks promising.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technology | BiomiTech air purification technology |
| How it works | Uses biomimicry, harnessing the natural capacity of algae micro-organisms to thrive in polluted environments |
| Pollutants captured | CO2, CO, NO2, VOCs, PM 10 and 2.5 |
| By-products | Raw material for biogas and biofuels |
| Performance monitoring | Fitted with air quality sensors monitored via a web platform |
| Applications | Outdoor and indoor situations, such as road intersections, underground stations, airports, schools, hospitals, etc. |
| Current challenges | Technological and economic hurdles, energy challenges, and market competitiveness |
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What You'll Learn
Using microalgae air filtration systems
Microalgae are a diverse group of unicellular prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms that are widespread in nature. They are excellent sources of various bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and are used in functional foods and health supplements.
Microalgae can be used to create innovative air filtration systems to combat pollution and convert it into oxygen. This process involves utilising the photosynthetic properties of microalgae, which can drive the synthesis of organic molecules from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water, releasing oxygen as a by-product.
The Building-Integrated Microalgae Photobioreactor is one such system that has been proposed as a solution to mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect. This system integrates microalgae with microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which are attractive for resource recovery from wastewater and energy production. MFCs can produce electricity from biomass "waste" and, when combined with the ability of algae to fix carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, can create a sustainable approach to waste management and oxygen generation.
Microalgae-based systems can also be used in pollution control, space life support, and medicine. For example, microalgae have been explored for use in bioartificial lungs and implanted bioartificial pancreases. Additionally, microalgae can be cultivated in closed-system environments, such as space missions, to regenerate oxygen and manage waste.
Furthermore, microalgae can be grown in mixotrophic cultures, where autotrophic oxygen production is balanced by heterotrophic oxygen consumption, eliminating the need for gas exchange. This process has been shown to double microalgae productivity and biomass concentration while being close to carbon neutral.
Overall, microalgae air filtration systems show promise in converting pollution into oxygen and have potential applications in various fields, including pollution control, energy production, and medicine.
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Capturing carbon dioxide with direct air capture technology
Direct air capture (DAC) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) directly from the air, reducing the atmospheric concentration of CO2. DAC is a promising approach within the larger carbon emissions removal portfolio and is expected to contribute significantly to carbon dioxide removal, with the potential of removing up to 310 gigatons of CO2 by 2100.
DAC technologies extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere at any location, unlike carbon capture, which is generally carried out at the point of emissions, such as a steel or cement plant. The captured CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations or used for a variety of applications, including synthetic fuels and construction materials.
There are two main types of DAC technologies: liquid solvents and solid sorbents. These systems use chemical reactions to pull carbon dioxide out of the air. When air moves over these chemicals, they selectively react with and trap CO2, allowing other air components to pass through. Once carbon dioxide is captured from the atmosphere, heat is typically applied to release it from the solvent or sorbent, regenerating it for another capture cycle.
Other systems in development use electrochemical processes, which could reduce energy needs and costs. The energy required to separate CO2 from ambient air contributes to DAC's higher energy needs and costs relative to other applications. However, combining DAC with existing ventilation systems can help optimize the process and reduce energy consumption.
While DAC is still in the large-scale prototype phase and not yet ready for full commercial deployment, there is ample opportunity to improve performance and reduce costs through learning from early iterations of the technology. Costs for DAC are expected to decrease over the next 5-10 years as the technology advances and is more widely adopted.
Notable progress in DAC technology development is being made in several countries, including the United States, Norway, and members of the European Union.
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Creating biofuels from microalgae biomass
Microalgae have been identified as a potential feedstock for biofuel generation due to their rich energy content, rapid growth rate, inexpensive culture approaches, notable capacity for CO2 fixation, and O2 addition to the environment.
Microalgae biomass can be used as a raw material to create biofuels that are compatible with a wide variety of fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation gasoline. This process can help create a circular bio-economy by using the algae biomass that feeds on pollution created by modern urban activities.
The high lipid content found in algal biomass is promising as a biofuel feedstock. Advantages of using algae include their high per-acre productivity and ability to grow in many different environments, including fresh, brackish, saline, and wastewater. Algae farming does not interfere with food production, as microalgae are not a common food source.
To improve the efficiency of biofuel utilization, nanotechnology has been employed through nano-additives such as nano-fibres, nano-particles, and nano-tubes. These nano-additives facilitate microalgae growth and enhance biofuel combustion, accelerating biofuel yield.
The use of biodiesel as a biofuel has gained significant interest, and microalgae are being explored as a feedstock for third- and fourth-generation biodiesel production. With their ability to metabolize various nutrients and thrive in harsh environments, microalgae are expected to play a crucial role in renewable energy production, helping to reduce environmental challenges.
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Turning polluted air into oxygenated air
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around seven million people die annually from exposure to polluted air. To address this pressing issue, innovative solutions are being developed to convert pollution into oxygenated air. One notable example is the BiomiTech air purification technology, which utilizes biomimicry to harness the natural capabilities of algae microorganisms.
BiomiTech's BioUrban units are designed to capture common pollutant gases and particles such as CO2, CO, NO2, VOCs, and PM 10 and 2.5. By leveraging the ability of algae to thrive in polluted environments, these units facilitate the transformation of harmful emissions into oxygen. The process is enhanced by the algae's ability to grow and photosynthesize carbon dioxide into oxygen, with the increased pollution levels promoting their growth.
The BioUrban range is versatile and can be employed in both outdoor and indoor settings. These units are particularly beneficial in urban areas with high pollution levels, such as London. They can be placed in various locations, including road intersections, underground stations, airports, shopping centers, and even school playgrounds. The microalgae 'trees' are designed to be space-efficient, with a single BioUrban 2.0 algae tree occupying only 1.8 m2 of space while possessing the same air purification capacity as 400 eucalyptus trees.
Additionally, the waste microalgae produced during the purification process can be utilized as a valuable resource. They can serve as raw material for generating biogas and biofuels, contributing to the creation of a circular bio-economy. This waste-to-energy approach not only improves air quality but also provides sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources.
While the BiomiTech technology offers a promising solution, it is important to acknowledge the ongoing technological challenges associated with carbon capture and utilization. Researchers are working to overcome energy-related hurdles and develop cost-effective solutions that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, initiatives like the Global Biomitech Project showcase the potential for innovative partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration to address the pressing issue of urban air pollution and its conversion into oxygenated air.
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Using biomimicry to harness algae's natural capacity to thrive in polluted environments
The concept of biomimicry involves drawing inspiration from nature to develop innovative solutions to human problems. One notable application of biomimicry is the use of algae to address the issue of air pollution. Algae are microorganisms with a remarkable capacity to thrive in polluted environments, and this unique ability can be harnessed to convert pollution into oxygen.
BiomiTech, a Mexican company specializing in microalgae air filtration systems, has developed the BioUrban range of products that utilize biomimicry to combat air pollution. These innovative units, designed in the shape of trees, capture various pollutant gases and particles, including CO2, CO, NO2, VOCs, and PM 10 and 2.5. As the algae feed on these pollutants, they grow and photosynthesize carbon dioxide into oxygen, effectively turning a problem into a solution. The more pollution there is, the more algae grow and produce oxygen.
The BioUrban microalgae 'trees' are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly effective in purifying the air. A single BioUrban 2.0 outdoor microalgae 'tree' has the same air purification capacity as 400 eucalyptus trees while occupying significantly less space, making it ideal for urban areas. These units are equipped with air quality sensors and are monitored via a web platform, allowing the company to track their performance and demonstrate the amount of pollution captured and converted into oxygen.
The waste microalgae generated during the purification process are not discarded but instead used as a valuable resource. This biomass can be utilized to produce biogas and third-generation biofuels, creating a circular bio-economy. Additionally, the BioUrban range is versatile and can be deployed in both outdoor and indoor settings, such as road intersections, underground stations, airports, schools, hospitals, and more.
The application of biomimicry to harness algae's natural capacity offers a promising solution to the pressing issue of air pollution. By emulating nature's ingenuity, we can address environmental challenges and create sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
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Frequently asked questions
BiomiTech's BioUrban units use biomimicry, harnessing the natural capacity of algae microorganisms to grow in polluted environments. The units capture pollutant gases and particles (CO2, CO, NO2, VOCs, PM 10 and 2.5) and transform these emissions into oxygen. The more pollution there is, the more the algae grow and photosynthesize carbon dioxide into oxygen.
The waste microalgae can be used as a raw material to produce biogas and biofuels, creating a circular bio-economy.
The BioUrban range can be used in outdoor and indoor situations, such as at underground stations, airports, shopping centers, schools, lecture halls, parks, road junctions, service stations, bus stops, and hospitals.
