Challenging statistics emphasize the issue. In 2021, no country in the world met the air quality standards set by the WHO. Additionally, the WHO estimates that air pollution is responsible for one out of every nine deaths annually worldwide. Utilizing green power offers a way to combat this almost invisible enemy primarily caused by fossil fuels. However, there are numerous other solutions to air pollution.
How mycelium air purification works
The use of fungi in sustainable architecture, known as mycotecture, has been highlighted in previous articles. A Brunel Design student has introduced a new sustainable application for these organisms – Myco-Hex. These are modular, hexagonal tiles that resemble honeycomb cells. The main component is mushroom mycelium, which can absorb up to 80% of carbon dioxide in the air and trap suspended hydrocarbon particles.
In addition to mycelium, Myco-Hex contains compartments with stored nutrients initially based on wood sawdust, but other raw materials like coffee grounds or organic waste compost can also be used.
Air pollution solutions are critical for respiratory and skin care, as hydrocarbon particles can lead to conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer. Furthermore, mycelium-based structures offer fireproofing and insulating properties, which can protect building facades and purify the air.
Other air pollution solutions
Electric mobility technologies are primary solutions to air pollution, but there are additional techniques that could help alleviate it. Here are some innovative solutions:
The pollution-eating moss
Moss walls installed by a German company can absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air more efficiently than trees, without requiring soil.
A giant vacuum cleaner
A Dutch designer created a seven-meter-high vacuum cleaner inspired by Chinese pagodas, significantly improving air purity in the areas where it is installed with minimal energy consumption.
Windows that trap pollutant particles
Stanford University and Tsinghua University developed a polymer coating sprayed onto window glass that can filter out up to 90% of harmful particles to prevent them from entering buildings.
Concrete that grows like plants and cleans the air
Green concrete utilizes bacteria or synthetic chloroplasts to mineralize atmospheric carbon dioxide, providing self-repairing properties to the material.
Many solutions to air pollution mentioned in this article are inspired by nature to create more sustainable cities, a concept known as biomimicry or biomimetics.
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