Pittsburgh Turns to Algae to Improve Air Quality

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is using an algae air purifier system to improve the air quality inside the terminal.

Facilitated by PIT’s xBridge Innovation Center, the AlgenAir Inc. system is located in the baggage claim area of the terminal. The air purifier can increase oxygen levels inside the terminal with a photosynthetic capacity of more than 5,000 plants.

We asked PIT staff to tell us more about the technology. Here are seven things you need to know about the technology and the impact it can have on an airport terminal’s environment.

What is Aerium Living Technology?

The algae system is the largest installation of AlgenAir's aerium living technology. Living technology combines algal bioremediation with energy-efficient engineering to combat indoor air pollution and enable the future of green buildings. Modern buildings have elevated indoor carbon dioxide (CO2) levels which are harmful to the respiratory health of people inside. The aerium uses the photosynthetic power of microalgae, which consumes CO2 and produces oxygen (O2) more effectively than terrestrial plants. The technology allows next-generation green buildings to retain energy efficiency without sacrificing the health of the people inside. 

Why is PIT Piloting this System?

PIT is continuously searching for opportunities to both increase its sustainability and support new technologies being developed in Pittsburgh; AlgenAir sits at the crossroads of sustainability and new technology. The aerium could potentially be an important component of PIT’s new, greener airport terminal, naturally improving indoor air quality through algae, something that has never been done before.

What Benefit Could this System Have?

Public health is always a top priority for PIT. Introducing new, cutting-edge biotechnologies like AlgenAir’s aerium gives the airport a new tool to help ensure high-quality indoor air. Working with AlgenAir allows PIT staff to test a new technology that can positively impact the travel experience for airline partners, staff, and passengers.

What Technology Could this Replace in the Terminal?

This technology represents a value add to improve the indoor air quality in the airport terminal. In future iterations, it can be integrated as a pass-through system to the HVAC air handling system. Traditional air purifiers only remove particulates (PM2.5) but cannot remove carbon dioxide (CO2) or produce O2. AlgenAir’s aerium living technology reduces CO2 while producing oxygen. HEPA filtration can also be added to the system to remove PM2.5 as well. This system will enable the airport to improve indoor air quality without sacrificing energy efficiency.

Why Test It at the Baggage Claim Area?

Landside baggage claim allows the installation to be easily accessible to the public. Travelers can relax as they wait for luggage or a ride can be calmed by watching the air bubbles flow smoothly to the top of the aerium. The location before security also provides an opportunity for visitors even without a flight to come and see the aerium installation as a standalone attraction as the main event for the airport visit. Also, the baggage claim area was selected because it was on the ground floor and had a location where we could secure the device to the wall. Visibility as well as safety were important to us so we selected a location that offered both.

How will PIT Measure the Success of the Installation?

For this proof-of-concept, PIT is collecting data on algal growth. The airport will also be collecting data on CO2 and O2 levels, and user perception from airport travelers and personnel as they interact with and experience the installation.