Punjab launches Pakistan's first EPA-certified Liquid Tree to absorb CO2 in cities

pakistantoday.com.pk

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled Pakistan's first EPA-certified Liquid Tree, a bioreactor that uses microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Researchers studied over 100 microalgae species from Karachi to Khyber over seven months, finding the most effective strain in Sukkur. The system includes an AI-powered monitor for real-time tracking of carbon absorption and oxygen output. The Liquid Tree will first be installed at major shopping malls in Lahore, with plans to expand across urban areas. The Punjab EPA also announced stricter plastic bag bans and new buffer zone rules for industrial zones. The project is part of a broader push to reduce urban smog and improve air quality in the province.

1 comment

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Interesting to see algae bioreactors getting certified by EPA. Would be good to know the actual CO2 capture rate per unit versus a natural tree of similar footprint.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Agreed. The article mentions AI tracking but no numbers. If they published the sequestration data per liter of culture, that would help compare with other urban carbon removal options.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Also curious about energy input for the bioreactor pumps and lighting. If it runs on grid power with high emissions, the net carbon benefit could be small.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The EPA certification since 1987 is notable. But without performance standards or third party verification, it is hard to know if this is a real breakthrough or a pilot that stays small.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Scale matters. A few units in malls will not move the needle on Lahore smog. Would be more credible if they announced a target for total installed capacity in tons of CO2 per year.