India’s first carbon-absorbing 'Algae Tree' launched in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Swami Vivekananda Park in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has become the first city in India to introduce an "Algae Tree".

It is an advanced carbon-absorbing system designed to absorb as much carbon dioxide as 25 large trees while simultaneously releasing oxygen into the environment.

The "Algae Tree", developed by Mushroom World Group, works through a microalgae-based mechanism.

This mechanism absorbs carbon dioxide from the surrounding environment and converts it into oxygen. The company stated that the project took about two years to complete and involved the efforts of more than 50 researchers, engineers and experts.

The company manufacturing this product claims that it can reduce PM2.5 levels by 45–55% within a radius of 15 meters and one unit can absorb about 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide every year.

It uses a 'photo-bioreactor system', which has been designed to function in urban areas- areas where planting traditional trees is challenging.

Solar panels have also been installed on top of this structure, enabling it to operate partly on renewable energy.

India’s first microalgae-based "PureAir Tower": New Delhi

New Delhi has taken an important step towards tackling its severe air pollution. Under this, India’s first microalgae-based "PureAir Tower" or "Liquid Tree" has been installed on the busy Aerocity highway corridor.

It is a new biotechnology-based effort aimed at reducing heavy vehicular emissions by cleaning the air with the help of living microorganisms.

This tower functions as a 'photobioreactor', filled with 600 to 1000 liters of water and microalgae. These algae perform photosynthesis, absorbing polluted air and carbon dioxide and releasing pure oxygen.

This system has been designed to capture CO2, particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) at road level, where humans are most exposed to these pollutants.

According to the developers, this technology is 10–50 times more efficient in photosynthesis compared to traditional trees. One unit has a carbon absorption capacity equal to 15–25 large trees while occupying very little space.

Algae

It is a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms mostly found in water. These range from tiny phytoplankton to large seaweeds (such as 200-foot-long kelp).

They are not plants, but protists, which produce more than 50% of Earth’s atmospheric oxygen. Algae can be unicellular or multicellular; they contain chlorophyll and often thrive in moist environments.

They are highly efficient in converting solar energy into organic compounds. They do not have true roots, stems or leaves. Major groups include green, red and blue-green algae.

They are essential for aquatic ecosystems, provide food and are used in industries for products such as food thickeners and nowadays, biofuel (50 times more productive than traditional crops).