Liquid trees to combat pollution

The concept of liquid trees has been gaining popularity in recent years as an innovative solution to address the challenges faced by urban greenery. Traditional urban greenery, such as trees, require a significant amount of water, nutrients, and maintenance. On the other hand, liquid trees are designed to provide the same benefits as traditional trees but require less maintenance and resources.

Widespread pollution has significantly lowered the quality of life — especially in urban areas where greenery is limited and often, non-existent. To counter this problem, Serbia has come up with an innovative solution — liquid trees.

While technology replacing actual trees is a not a very good choice, the history behind these liquid trees support their existence.

Installed in Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, the trees look fit to be in a science-fiction film. But in reality, these are devices that help improve and control air quality.

Technically termed bioreactors, these are tanks containing six hundred litres of water and microalgae. It works by using microalgae to bind carbon dioxide and produce pure oxygen through photosynthesis. Because of the microalgae, the tanks emit an eerie green colour.

These trees are solar-powered and capable of replacing one 10-year-old adult tree, or a full 200 square meter of lawn. Additionally, compared to trees, these bioreactors can be built and installed far more quickly, and start processing polluted air immediately.

The bioreactors installed in Serbia double up as benches and even offer power outlets for charging mobile phones.

Serbia, especially Belgrade, has one of the worst cases of air pollution in the world. Belgrade is home to large coal plants that further contribute to the city’s severe air pollution. PM 2.5 pollution. This  refers to the presence of tiny dirt particles in the air. Among other sources, these dirt particles come from power plants, motor vehicles, and agricultural burning. They're considered dangerous because they can penetrate deep into people's lungs because of their small size.

As a solution, Dr Ivan Spasojevic, Ph.D. in Biophysical science, developed the liquid tree, also dubbed LIQUID3. The first urban photo-bioreactor was actually installed in Belgrade in September 2021. The team behind the project has shown how the tank can survive in winter and even documented the tank’s maintenance process on social media.

Advantages of liquid trees: 

1. Reduced Water Usage: One of the most significant advantages of liquid trees is that they require less water than traditional trees. The soil used in the tubes is designed to retain moisture for extended periods, reducing the need for regular watering.

2. Improved Air Quality: Liquid trees are effective in removing pollutants from the air. The plants used in the tubes are specifically selected for their ability to absorb harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

3. Lower Maintenance Requirements: Liquid trees require less maintenance than traditional trees. Since they are grown in a controlled environment, they are less susceptible to pests and diseases. Additionally, they do not require pruning or other maintenance activities.

4. Space Efficiency: Liquid trees are an excellent option for areas with limited space. They can be installed in tight spaces, such as urban alleys or parking lots, without taking up too much space.

5. Much of the uproar towards the devices is misguided. The bioreactors aren’t intended to replace urban trees with scary-looking machines. Instead, they’re designed to slot into spaces where growing a tree is impractical. Plus, the microalgae bioreactors offer efficiencies that trees and grasses simply can’t match. Microalgae can be capable of removing CO₂ at a rate 10 to 50 times faster than even mature trees, to boot. Once grown, the microalgae can be harvested and used as a potent fertilizer, as well.

Is this project Okay ? Only time will tell. Don't they say something is better than nothing?