The Liquid Tree: An Innovative and Complementary Solution to Air Pollution

Air pollution is a global problem, and many cities are facing the challenge of reducing air pollution. Trees are a well-known method to combat air pollution, but there is often little space to plant trees in densely populated urban areas. Thankfully, Serbian scientists have introduced a revolutionary solution to combat air pollution in urban areas, The Liquid Tree. 

What is a Liquid Tree?

Liquid Tree, nicknamed LIQUID 3 is a Modern urban photobioreactor, which mimics plants in their ability to do so and transform carbon dioxide into oxygen. It is the first of its kind in Serbia and a significant breakthrough in the ongoing battle against air pollution. The Liquid Tree sits prominently on Makedonska Street in front of the Municipality of Stari Grad in Belgrade, Serbia. This place is a busy urban area with the highest carbon dioxide emissions in the country.

How Does a Liquid Tree Work?

The Liquid Tree photo-bioreactor is made up of a glass tank holding approximately 600 liters of water and microalgae. It also has a solar panel that generates power for a small pump, which brings air into the tank through tiny openings, allowing the microalgae to perform photosynthesis. This process converts CO2 and water into oxygen, which is then released into the air. The Liquid Tree is more efficient than trees because trees in urban areas are suffering due to exposure to high levels of toxic gases and dust.

Broader Practical Applications of Liquid Tree:

The Liquid Tree is not only a solution to air pollution in dense urban areas, but it also serves as a bench, complete with mobile phone chargers, and features a solar panel for lighting at night. The project aims to promote and expand the use of microalgae in Serbia for various purposes, such as wastewater treatment, composting, biomass and biofuel production, and air purification.

Recognition for Innovative and Sustainable Design:

The innovative liquid tree has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for its impressive performance and sustainable design. It was awarded a position as one of the 11 best climate-smart and innovative solutions by the Climate Smart Urban Development project. This project was created by UNDP, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and sponsored by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The limitations of the Liquid Tree in comparison to traditional trees and plants:      

            

Carbon Sequestration: While traditional trees can sequester carbon, Liquid trees cannot. Carbon sequestration is the process by which carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed and stored in trees, plants, and other carbon sinks. This process helps to mitigate climate change. The Liquid Tree can only convert carbon dioxide into oxygen but cannot store it, making it less effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Biodiversity: Trees and plants are essential components of urban biodiversity. They provide habitats for birds, insects, and other animals. The Liquid Tree, on the other hand, cannot provide such habitats. It can only produce oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, making it less effective in promoting urban biodiversity.

Aesthetic Value: Trees and plants are known for their aesthetic value. They add beauty to the urban environment and create a sense of calm and well-being. The Liquid Tree cannot provide the same aesthetic value as traditional trees and plants.

Cost: The cost of installing and maintaining a Liquid Tree is higher than that of planting and maintaining traditional trees. Liquid Trees require electricity to run, regular cleaning and maintenance, and periodic replacement of microalgae. In contrast, traditional trees require minimal maintenance, and once established, they do not need to be replaced.

Energy Efficiency: Although the Liquid Tree is powered by a solar panel, it still requires energy to operate the pump that circulates air through the algae tank. Traditional trees, on the other hand, do not require any external energy source to produce oxygen.

Conclusion:

The Liquid Tree is a remarkable breakthrough in the ongoing battle against air pollution in urban areas. It is an innovative, sustainable, and effective solution that converts carbon dioxide into oxygen like plants. The Liquid Tree is efficient in combating air pollution and serves as a bench and mobile charger, providing a practical and sustainable solution to everyday urban problems. While the Liquid Tree is a promising solution to combat air pollution in urban areas, it cannot replace traditional trees and plants. Instead, it can serve as a complementary tool to traditional methods of reducing pollution, such as promoting cleaner transportation and reducing industrial emissions. Therefore, It is important to continue to promote and support the planting of trees and plants while exploring complementary solutions like the Liquid Tree to address air pollution. With the continuous efforts of scientists and environmentalists, we can hope for a greener and cleaner future.

Source:

https://worldbiomarketinsights.com/a-liquid-tree-scientists-in-serbia-make-incredible-innovation/

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/science-s-solution-to-air-pollution-the-revolutionary-liquid-tree/story