Pakistan's liquid tree: algae bioreactor gets EPA certification to absorb CO2 in Punjab

tribune.com.pk

by news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 points

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the launch of Pakistan's first EPA-certified liquid tree, a bioreactor that uses microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide. Researchers tested over 100 algae species from across the country over seven months. The most effective strain came from Sukkur and was cultivated with Government College University Faisalabad. The system includes an AI calculator that reports real-time CO2 absorption and oxygen release data. The liquid tree will first be installed at major shopping malls in Punjab, both indoors and outdoors. The chief minister described it as a game changer for reducing smog and emissions in urban areas. The technology uses algae in water to remove CO2 from the air, similar to natural trees but in a compact, artificial form. Expansion plans are underway after successful trials.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

An algae bioreactor with AI monitoring. The real question is how much CO2 per unit area it actually pulls compared to planting trees. The article doesn't give numbers.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Right. They mention testing 100 species over 7 months but no sequestration rate. If it's small scale, it might be more PR than climate fix. Would like to see the EPA certification criteria.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Deploying at malls is a start but the energy cost of running the bioreactor and AI system matters. If it uses grid power in a coal heavy region, net benefit could be thin.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Also worth asking if this counts toward any carbon credit or offset scheme. EPA certification since 1987 is a long gap. What standard did they use? Without that, it's hard to compare to other removal methods.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Algae based systems can work but maintenance is a factor. Who cleans the bioreactor, replaces water, handles algae die off? If it's not cheap and simple, it might not scale beyond malls.