The Liquid Tree: A futuristic solution to urban air pollution
Can you believe that a tree can be in a liquid form? If you think that I’m delusional then just take a closer look of the newest invention of the Serbian scientists. A group of Serbian scientists came up with a solution that sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Introducing the Liquid Tree, Serbia's first urban photo-bioreactor that uses microalgae to bind carbon dioxide and produce pure oxygen through photosynthesis. That's right, folks, it's like a tree, but in liquid form!
As a pop culture reference, imagine if Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy were a liquid-filled aquarium instead of a tree. That's basically what the Liquid Tree is, a living organism that helps purify the air we breathe. But unlike Groot, the Liquid Tree doesn't have to worry about being chopped down or destroyed by pollution. In fact, it thrives in polluted urban areas where traditional trees and plants struggle to survive.
The Liquid Tree is the brainchild of Dr. Ivan Spasojevic and his team at the Institute for Multidisciplinary Research at the University of Belgrade. They used single-celled freshwater algae to create the bioreactor, which is 10 to 50 times more efficient than traditional trees at binding carbon dioxide. And in case you're wondering, no, the Liquid Tree doesn't talk or dance like Baby Groot.
The Liquid Tree is located in front of the Municipality of Stari Grad in Makedonska Street in Belgrade, a bustling urban area where pollution levels are at their highest. It's not just an air purifier, though. The Liquid Tree is also a bench, a phone charger, and has a solar panel that provides lighting at night. It's like a futuristic piece of furniture that also helps save the planet. Who says you can't have style and substance?
The Liquid Tree is just one example of how innovative ideas can help combat climate change and improve air quality. It's not the only solution, of course, but it's a step in the right direction. And who knows, maybe one day we'll all have Liquid Trees in our homes, offices, and public spaces. Until then, we'll just have to settle for watching Groot dance on our screens.
Sources:
https://inovacije.klimatskepromene.rs/en/the-first-algae-air-purifier-in-serbia/
https://www.iqair.com/serbia
https://gahp.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PollutionandHealthMetrics-final-12_18_2019.pdf
