A very relieving and revolutionary news is coming from the world of science and technology for the urban areas of the country which are struggling with environmental pollution and poisonous air. Till now, what we used to ignore as mere dirt or useless algae in ponds and lakes, the same algae is now going to become the biggest weapon to clean the poisonous air of metropolitan cities. Environmental scientists and technical experts have together developed a unique ‘algae technology’, through which natural algae of lakes will be used to rapidly absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release large amounts of pure oxygen. Extensive preparations have been started to install special bio-reactors and purifiers based on this technology at about 40 major places considered to be pollution hotspots in different cities across the country. This unique initiative will not only prove helpful in dealing with the crisis of urban pollution, but is also going to prove to be a historic milestone in the direction of environmental protection.
How this unique algae technology works, how the algae of lakes becomes the protector of the environment
According to scientists, the ability to photosynthesize in algae is many times faster than that of normal trees and plants. This technology takes full advantage of this natural feature, in which natural or cultivated algae are extracted from the lakes and reservoirs of cities and filled in specially designed vertical bio-reactors. When polluted and toxic air is passed through these cylindrical towers, these microscopic plants present in the water absorb carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other harmful particles dissolved in the air and release abundant amounts of pure oxygen in return. Compared to a normal tree, this technology has the ability to purify the air many times faster by keeping it in a small space. Moreover, the bio-mass or residue that is left during this process can also be successfully used to make biofuel, organic fertilizers and other eco-friendly products, making this technology a great example of a completely circular economy.
Preparation to expand this project in 40 major cities of the country, a big step towards pollution control.
Under this ambitious project, which is being started in collaboration with the Central Pollution Control Board and various environmental organizations, 40 major cities and selected areas of the country have been selected where the Air Quality Index (AQI) often remains at dangerous levels. The work of installing these algae-based purifier towers on the banks of lakes and near heavy traffic intersections is progressing rapidly with the help of local municipal corporations and administrative bodies. Environmentalists believe that if this technology is completely successful in its initial tests and results, then in the coming time it can be implemented on a large scale in other metros and industrial areas of the country. This amazing synergy of nature and modern science will not only improve the climate of the city, but our lakes and water sources will also remain naturally clean and vibrant, on which the eyes of environment lovers across the country are now fixed.