Algae tanks improve air quality in Belgrade
Serbia recently installed several mysterious water tanks in its capital, Belgrade. It contains an algae mixture that is supposed to improve the air quality. The Serbian government also refers to the tanks as liquid trees.
Global gentrification has changed the climate in many major cities. Because more and more people own a car or commute with one in the metropolises of the world. But this also changes the air quality in the city centers in the long term. As a result, the particulate matter measuring stations in Munich sound the alarm on a regular basis.
But this is not only the case in Germany. In other countries, too, the disappearance of green spaces to absorb CO2 is becoming a problem. A special solution has therefore been devised in the Serbian capital of Belgrade. In the course of of the project “Liquid 3” there are now algae tanks at various locations in the city.
Belgrade: Liquid trees made from algae are said to improve air quality
These tanks can also be called liquid trees, because they have roughly the same task. Pumps suck the ambient air into the water tank through a valve. A biological process then takes place. The algae convert the CO2 into fresh oxygen, among other things. This then escapes back into the environment.
Thanks to an installed photovoltaic system, the pumps work completely emission-free. Compared to classic trees, the microalgae also have a decisive advantage: they can sometimes absorb significantly more CO2 and should thus improve air quality in the long term.
City planners are always trying new ideas
It remains to be seen whether the project will be successful in the long term. In many places, city planners have already tried to establish new ideas for better air quality. In 2017, project managers planted around a 100 meter long wall with moss. Because the grass has great potential for absorbing pollutants.
It will probably take a while before the first results come in from Belgrade. At least the residents can rest at the algae pools until then. Because the tanks also have comfortable seating for the residents.
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