Living filter : biohybrid air purifier

Most people spend up to 90% of their time each day indoors.

Indoor air pollution is A PREVENTABLE PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS BILLIONS.

It Is not always possible or beneficial to open a window for ventilation.

When people occupy a closed airspace, exhaled CO2 often builds up to unhealthy levels.

Could it be possible to “grow fresh air” indoors?

Oxygen produced by microscopic marine algae species 3.5 billion years ago created an atmosphere which allowed for land based life to evolve. Today, algae collectively produce half of the oxygen that we breathe. Chlorella vulgaris is a specific microscopic aquatic algae species which is capable of photosynthesis at rates far greater than any other organism known. When the algae grows, it absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and releases oxygen (O2) at orders of magnitude greater than terrestrial plans and trees. Besides being used as a nutritional supplement and to produce bio-fuel, Chlorella vulgaris is also used to absorb CO2 emissions in flue gas, a byproduct of industrial processes such as electricity generation. Recently, A device designed to cultivate C. vulgaris to produce breathable air for astronauts has been integrated into the air recycling system aboard the International Space Station.

Building upon this research, I have created a device which is adapted to the home or office space. It incorporates a microalgae photobioreactor and mechanical ventilation system with HEPA and activated charcoal filtration to improve air quality for occupants.