AN ALTERNATIVE CONCEPT OF URBAN GREENING: URBAN PHOTOBIOREACTOR LIQUID3

Abstract

Limited space, high commercial value of the land, and air and soil pollution that is detrimental to plants prevent traditional greening using trees and lawns in urban environments with high population density and intensive traffic. Urban photo-bioreactor LIQUID3 represents an alternative concept of greening that was developed for such urban environments. LIQUID3 exploits high efficiency of microalgae in CO2 fixation and O2 and biomass production, as well as water column filtration that removes PM particles from the polluted air. A multidisciplinary approach was applied to integrate biotechnological application with urban functions – bench, USB solar charger, and nightlight, and contemporary design, which represent the basis of its functionality and viability in the urban space. Alternative concepts of greening like LIQUID3 enable smart use of city space, promote environmental awareness, and support even distribution of greenery throughout the city, which is related to economic prosperity, social justice and sustainability. The innovative idea of urban photo-bioreactor LIQUID3 has been developed from the concept to the prototype at the University of Belgrade – Institute for Multidisciplinary Research with the support of UNDP Serbia, Global Environmental Facility and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia. The prototype was installed in the centre of Belgrade in September 2021