In a statement issued by A.S. Shankarapandian, General Secretary of Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI), he stated as follows:
Air pollution is increasing in urban areas due to vehicles, industries, dust and various other causes, creating major impacts on people. This leads to various health problems including lung and heart diseases and cancer. In Tamil Nadu, the environment has been severely affected by air pollution in various urban areas including Chennai and Madurai. Microalgae Liquid Tree technology can be used to prevent such impacts.
The LIQUID3 project developed under the leadership of Dr. Ivan Spasojevic, a scientist at the University of Belgrade in Serbia, is known as the microalgae Liquid Tree. It can be described as an urban photobioreactor in which microalgae are grown in a glass tank. Using sunlight or artificial light, the microalgae carry out photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. It filters pollutants such as particulate matter, heavy metals and carbon. It also produces biomass, which can be used as fertiliser.
These microalgae systems, developed to reduce urban air pollution and absorb carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, have the capacity to function like real trees. One unit performs an equivalent function to one mature tree or 200 square metres of lawn. They grow 50 times faster than trees and have the ability to absorb CO2 with greater efficiency. They perform their function in all climatic conditions.
If installed on city streets as modern art installations, they can be visually attractive while also benefiting the environment. They are easy to install in small spaces and can therefore be placed even where trees cannot be planted. They can be installed at road junctions, industrial areas, parks, beaches, lakes and other locations in major cities. In India, they have been installed in areas including Noida, Bhopal and Kochi. Installing them in major Tamil Nadu cities including Chennai, Coimbatore and Tiruppur would help reduce air pollution caused by vehicles, industries and other sources.
Trees provide many benefits including biodiversity, shade and soil protection. Microalgae Liquid Trees are not a substitute for them. However, in today’s situation of increasing urban air pollution, using such modern scientific technologies would be a good solution for strengthening environmental protection in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the Tamil Nadu Government should take appropriate steps to implement such projects to protect public welfare and ensure environmental protection.
Head Office,
Samuga Pothunala Iyakkam (TNSPI).
